Jack is the best kind of companion. He rides in wagons and tricycle baskets and runs beside her down the sidewalk, on forest trails, and along the beach. Adorning bonnets and sweaters, he patiently sits at tea parties, anxiously awaiting snacks and teacups of water. His favorite time to be near her though is right below her feet during mealtime. At night, like a real friend he hops up onto the foot of her bed and sleeps beside her.

Our family always says that Jack chose us. When we visited the animal shelter to have some quality time with the dogs, Jack faked a broken leg so that we would pick him up and carry him like a baby for his walk. At that moment, I knew there was something special about Jack. When we put him back onto the concrete floor and closed the gate, the sadness in his eyes made me feel like I couldn’t leave him there, that he belonged with us. As I was up at the front desk with two of my boys to inquire about Jack, two workers from the shelter came running in. Jack had apparently pounded on the gate with his tiny body and managed to escape in a desperate attempt to find us. We ran to the row of cages to see Jack dodging workers like a miniature football player, headed for the touchdown. After that, how could we not bring him home?

Jack has been an unexpected gift for our family. He is loyal and gentle and fiercely protective. He is my baby, my daughter’s best friend, and an important part of our family. And… as he insists, he will continue to be a part of our photo stories as well.