On Aug. 9, 2022, at 9:20 AM, Jeter was put to rest after a battle with hip dysplasia that left him unable to walk or run like he so loved to do.
Jeter was the best boy and I’m going to forever miss his cuddles and kisses. No one cuddled like this dog. Since the day I brought him home on Aug 11, 2012, Jeter had clung to me. He never wanted to be away from me, and if I wasn’t paying him enough attention, I usually got pawed at and was treated to loud whines. While Caesar has always been my independent dog–a dog who likes to be left alone quite a bit–Jeter was the exact opposite. He cried if he couldn’t see me and laid right next to be in bed. I could always count on him for a nap, a hug, and a kiss.
When I brought Jeter home from Michigan, he was covered in fleas, had worms, and was covered in rope burns on his tiny body. On our first day, I promised him that he’d never have to go through that again. I’m glad I was his human because I made sure I kept that promise.
In March 2013, he and Caesar got in a big fight. Jeter wanted all of my attention, all of the time, and didn’t want to share with anyone else. From that day forward, Caesar and Jeter couldn’t be together. But we made it work. I was afraid if I gave him up that someone else wouldn’t be able to deal with his behavior and that he would wind up in a shelter or worse. So I kept him, and for over 9 years, we made it work. While Caesar is more independent and full of energy, Jeter was the dog I could always count on for a nap. Jeter slept with us every night. He would sleep in with me on Saturdays and didn’t care how much I squeezed his face and kissed his nose. He always wanted more.
It has taken me almost a week to post this to my blog because I just haven’t had the energy. It’s been a sad adjustment to come home and not hear his cries as I walk through the door. It’s been weird to leave all of our doors open. The other night, when I was coming home from taking Caesar on a walk, I almost texted Dakota to put Jeter away… but then I remembered I don’t need to do that anymore.
I miss waking up next to him and sleeping in on the weekend with him. He was like a big baby bear to me, and he often kept me warm on cold days.
Dogs give us so much of themselves and when they leave, it’s like a part of us is missing.
Jeter and I spent just 2 days short of 10 years together. It wasn’t long enough and it went too fast. If he had lived to be 100, it wouldn’t have been enough.
I love you my sweet boy, and I already miss you. 
