In Memory: Jet

B. +/- February 1994; D. 04/28/2012

1997 was when Jet entered our home in S.E. Escondido. A stray, he use to run around the farming, country neighborhood with his red scarf for a collar.

Jet is a black Labrador with Pit Bull Mix. He was beautiful, black with tiny white patch you see there on the right; strong, lightning fast - catch and kill a rabbit on the run; loner..or belonged to the local, rural, immigrants living on the hillside above the area's homes.  We knew these individuals were not here legally, but they helped everyone out and didn't ask for more than a chance.  Our society, absent government / union intervention, was more tolerant and remembered very well -- all the contributions these individuals offered to the world of United States Agriculture and home assistance over the years since before the 1930's.  

The loner, Jet was often at the blame for a lot of romping, chasing, gallivanting around. There were 2, long-haired, beautiful, pure-bred large dogs who were let-out to run in the neighborhood.  One day, one of those dogs did not return from the neighborhood run.  The owners put out LOST signs.  

 My big brother, Cap had passed away. Jackie, his widow, and  Dad, saw the sign.  About then, Jet appeared and not knowing anything about the LOST dog, Jackie and Dad saw Jet - a big, black dog, and gave him water and a large dog kennel.  Jet started getting 2 meals a day! 

Jackie notified the owners and they came down to the House:  "That's not the dog! He's the one who causes the problems."

Apparently, Jet would join in the chase and gallivanting with the other 2 dogs. Jet was blamed for the LOST dog.  This would be one of many mis-adventures of opinion at Jet's expense.  He was formidable. You didn't mess with him.  He could pull anyone off their feet. His skull was a virtual weapon. And if riled, hair on end; canine teeth bared,.... Jet always had plenty of space!  I gave him space.  

He loved women, babies, and children.  It was easy to see that when a puppy, Jet received a lot of Love and Care because he never changed his disposition. Dad use to adopt dogs from childhood.  It was a given that Jet would join our 4-legged family: A wonderful, Mother Cat with babies; 2 small poodles, 1 large white poodle, on 1/4 acre of land. 

Men, Jet viewed as suspect. He even had a problem with Spanish-descendant men; along with any who would attempt kick, hit, chase away, or show belligerence.  Jet kepted his distance for most, was close to Dad, and jealous of Jackie's more attention to the other dogs than him.  We moved from S.E. Escondido in 2001 to San Marcos.  Dad passed in 2002. Jet was joined by Petey, a developmentally disabled Bichon; parakeets, and fish..not counting the backyard rabbits, lizards, gophers and other ...

New neighbors included two little girls.  After a walk, Jet, Petey, and I were headed toward the house when one of the little girls came over to say 'Hi' to the dogs.  Jet wagged his tale, looked at the little girl; and as she bent down to pet him --- his head came up and the little girl got a cut on her lip.  She cried.  Jet was quiet and I took him into the house -- went over to the neighbor to check on the little girl and apologize for the accident.   "He bit her!"   I corrected, but nope "He's a dangerous dog.".  Jet kepted that reputation until I moved back to Escondido in 2011.  

Humane Society tagged Jet a couple of times for running off and scaring   some of the neighbors....but not all.   Many neighbors would get Jet's collar and bring him home --- only if I didn't get there first!  I knew Jet to be a kind, protective, loving big, tough, independent sometimes more pit bull than Lab; but more often more Lab than Pit Bull!  

As I became closer to Jet, I learned that he did know what everyone thought; that he trusted me; and that I could depend on him for even a threat of trouble.  For a few months, all the animals with me relocated to Fresno area of California.  Jet loved this area.  He romped around many areas that were open and safe for him. So Did I with some pictures on FB page!  It is beautiful country and very friendly.  I learned so much about farming; about crops and the problems of economy with government.. and the just plain hard work; as well as my Profession as RN, BSN, PHN Administrator of a Home Health Agency.

He will always be remembered by me as sensitive and intelligent. --- Wish you could have seen  Jet  as Dad became less able to manage, but still took the dogs for their walk; and when Dad was very ill and didn't make it -- that last night when he died at home.  Then, wish you could have been there as Jet with Petey, helped me after Dad had passed away.    

God gives "soul" to all animals -- especially those near and dear to each of us;...because we give the love with respect, each 'soul' within deserves.  Societal beliefs labeled Jet a trouble-maker....not Jet.  He was no more a trouble maker, than I am.  Oops! I'd better not say that!  

For society to declare sterilization for all cats and dogs, is as much an injustice as its corresponding myth that there will never be enough individuals to care for the offspring of those animals;... and deny those animals "The Soul" God has given each one of them. 

 That word "all"...is terrible!  It reigns above persons, animals, by not allowing the sacred property of conscience - both to the animals and to the persons.  It is a product of "Yes bias law" which states..society declares -- persons agree.  There is no disagreement, for to disagree would mean that there is life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for animals as well as persons; and non-conformity to society's opinions without interference.

Jet's life is an expression of "society" v. "soul" of Each-One-Person-Accountable to God, as well as the "souls" of all animals He Created... homo sapiens being the only mammal created in God's Image with the ability to achieve righteousness.