This is a post I dreamt of doing so many times... I thought of this moment maybe a hundred times.
Today, around 10am, we received confirmation that our dogs Jacky and Charlie have they ticket plane booked on April the 12th, arriving in Barcelona on the 14th, from Johanesbourg via Doha.
It has been a long journey, lots of ups and downs, and we eventually will be reunited with our furry friends very soon.
I thought I could use this occasion to reminisce the good old days with my best friends.
How did I meet Jacky?
The year was 2012, and things we very different at the time. I wasn't married to my wife yet, and were dating while enjoying our twenties, partying a lot. People believed at the time that the world would end on the 21st of December 2012, and we were in so many destructive ways welcoming that end.
On the 31st October 2012, so nearly 2 months before the supposed end of the world, a little guy came into my life:
My girlfriend, soon to be wife, remembered what I say one night after few drinks. I always had a dream, of "having a Husky".
It was a simple thought, and like most thought, as much as persistent, we normally hide them under the rug, and move on with our lives. This time around, my thought, and my wish was granted.
It was the first time, I really realised that I could wish for something, and sometimes, obtaining it; that it was ok to have "wants" and "haves".
It was also a very touching gift from my future wife, I understood that we were in it for the long run, she bought me a freaking wolf!! Nobody was truly listening to what I had to say before that, and she did listen.
I remember that afternoon, we slept late after another one of our legendary binge, and while still lying on my bed, I felt something warm resting on my chest. I open my eyes and saw that little guy, with his piercing blue eyes and "I don't give a fuck" attitude. It was love at first sight, and became inseparable from that day.
I took Jacky everywhere with me, and he very quickly became my best friend, and the only friend I needed. We would travel long distance together, I rarely spent a day without him, he slept at my feet, and only truly listened to me, up to that day.
He is very much a mirror of my personality.
Friendly, but egotistical, smart but incredibly stupid at times. So beautiful, yet with a darkness in within himself, and you can see this deep in his eye, if you get lost long enough.
Everyone is drawn to him, and he knows it, he often plays on your emotion of the moment. He is a master manipulator, and will drive you insane if you let him.
He is a known escape artist, with an appetite for life, a risk taker that will always end up being saved last minute by a good soul.
He even saved somebody once. It was during his first year, when he was really prone to go on a run, and come back only the next day.
One morning, he did not come back, and we searched the entire neighbourhood for him. After worrying like hell for what seems like an eternity, we ended up finding him at a neighbour, Jacky spent the night there, with a lady that was living alone, depressed.
She admitted to us, that when she bumped into Jacky, she was about to do something stupid, and our dog saved her. She took it/him as a sign.
Jacky can feel people in need, and also when people are assholes. He's always been a good assholes detector for that matter.
I took care of him like I was taking care of a child. And for that matter, he prepared me how to become a good father for when our first came into this world.
He always kept a watchful eye on him, and always felt amused yet unimpressed by this tiny being in my arms. I still took him for a long walk everyday, and our bond grew even stronger throughout the years.
As mentioned earlier, there has always been that unspoken bond between us, I never felt this way about any other animal before, if I was in a good mood, his spirit was lifted, and when I was angry, he started frowning with his "Jack Nicholson's" eyes.
Our life with Jacky continued, he eventually started becoming wiser and wiser with time. From an early age, we got him used to hang out with other dogs, he never wore a collar, always kept his cool even with kids running around, (that's one thing where we differ) he always knows how to stay collected, except when it's time to play of course. We then had our girl Aimée in 2015, that also got along with Jack very well, but I think we wanted him to have a companion, a friend to play with.
Simba
This opportunity came with Simba in 2016, that unfortunately did not stay very long with us. He was a beautiful Boer bull breed, very loving and that got along so well with Jack. We did not have money at the time to buy vaccines, and he unfortunately died in our arms, of parvo virus after only few months. It was a very hard moment, that actually led us to the blockchain at the time.
Simba's death triggered something, that we are still tapping into up to today, when in doubt, and unmotivated. We swore that we will never find ourselves in a similar situation, where we cannot afford the vet and take care of our loved ones.
It was one of the most defining moment of our existence, I keep his memory alive, by talking about him once in a while. My son Neo still remembers him, but the 2 younger don't, and maybe that's a good thing, as it was a traumatic experience.
Charlie
A year after Simba's departure (that I did not fully recover from), we did not want to take the risk of having another dog without being able to take care of him.
However, we were living next to a park subject to crime, burglars sometimes climbing our walls, armed, so we needed to be able to defend ourselves as we could, or at least have a dog that could warn us in case of an invasion.
Jack was never a barker, but was impressive physically. We needed a dog with a big voice, and Charlie came accidentally into our lives, in the beginning on 2017, on Simba's death anniversary.
My wife has a friend that offered us a rescued puppy that was looking for a new home, and we went to fetch him, it was heavy rain that day, and Charlie was shivering, covered with a big blanket.
Charlie has a very bubbly personality, and is the most loving dog. Jack can sometimes, be very self cantered, and Charlie is at the complete opposite. He is patient, loving, caring, and will go to hell for you if he has to.
He got himself in many troubles from the very beginning (got a metal fence hooked into his eye socket, got hit by a car), but always got out almost intact, as if his angels were watching over him. He is also a very durable, strong and sturdy animal, a true farm boy.
It took me a long time to start loving him, I was scared of losing a dog I love once again, but eventually he won me over, with his kind heart.
The greatest thing, is the complicity him and jack have. Jacky also took the role of a big brother, and Charlie followed his brother's paws steps everywhere. In term of security, they made the perfect duo, Charlie having a deep impressive bark, as Jacky looks impressive, but does not bark, and only howl when we leave him alone for too long.
In hindsight, I am happy that they were together during that year and a half away from us, I feel that it made their stay more bearable.
As I was saying, they really complimenting each other's personalities (a little bit like my wife and I in many ways).
They also have this contagious "joie de vivre", and it's something that we profoundly missed in our lives since we left them.
We have been in France for quite a while now, having been arrived here the 02 October 2019, but we never lost hope that eventually, we will be able to get our friends back.
I hope they did not forget about us, I hope they won't get aggressive, or fearful when we see again, and make the transition as easy as possible. We will be patient with them, giving them the time that they need to adapt.
We lost so much time, I truly believe that we can catchup!
Charlie is obsessed with sticks
Which leads me to this: I would like to thank all the people, that have been touched by our story, and our project to get reunited with our babies. It's been a very long and painful year and a half, I promised them that we will meet again the day I said goodbye to them, and we finally will see them again, and they will get their retirement life that they truly deserve after guarding & protecting us throughout the years.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you (in no specific order) to @dandays @gaiaintervention @tygertyger @d-vine @bulldog-joy @one.tribe.radio @angryman and all the people that were willing to help us along the way.
Not only thank you for all chipping in, but for your moral support, it is so important for us and has been of an incredible help, I cannot emphasize enough on this.
Up until that moment where we are together, I will keep on looking at the date on the plane ticket, and only think positively.
Thank you for your continuous support, and shining your light so bright!
I also know she isn't on the blockchain, but I want to thank my mother in law, that has cooked for themevery day and hosted our babies for such a long time, while we were getting back on our feet and making sure we can secure a home for them. I will forever bin in awe to her, and forever grateful she is in our lives. "keya leboha" Mama!
You ever think maybe Jack ain't a Husky? Huskies bark dude, but Malamutes do not bark, they only howl. And they're a little larger than Huskies (like Jack's size actually).
This is the first thing I read today, glad I did, such a nice piece of info first thing in the am. I watch that time of year, too, April 10 to be more specific. That fuckin date never stops coming around, year after year, it always returns. That one and Mothers Day... I wish they would stop.
Congratulations! I'm so happy for your guys. Soon as your dogs are on the plane dude, I have no doubt they'll understand where they're going. They're gonna be elated, don't be surprised if they're a little edgy cuz they didn't expect to wait this long but they're ready for you man. Don't trip. Gonna probably be one of the happiest memories your children will never forget.
Yep this is it, his dad is defo a malamute, and his mum a husky. I am sure they gonna be edgy AF, hopefully we can chill them in the car, and give them as much treats as they want!
Delighted for you!! That's great news. I'd say you cant wait to see them now. They look like lovely dogs. Jacky's eye are amazing - the colour is so unusual.
Yep, I fell in love with his eyes the first time I saw him. Are you back for real?
You will see, at first it's a bit discouraging, but eventually you will get traction, you're a great writer.
One question, do you use "community" when you post?
Dude i only had a chance initially to have a brisk look through your post - I've taken the time now to read it all. I love your honesty - its humbling.
Sorry to hear about Simba - that sounded heartbreaking, but it sounds like it's made you all stronger and more resilient. Fair play to your mother-in-law for minding them all this time. I hope your reunion is like this one:
Ya, I'm back posting again. It can be tricky to find the time, but i love being creative and my day job does not really require much creativity. The community here seems great as well and some old friends like yourself are still here.
I post to communities since you advised me and seem to get more traction, so thanks for that. Or do you mean to use "community" as a tag?
Wow this video is a gem, thank you!!!
Yep I mean choose a community! not the word "community" hahaha.
Thanks for your lovely comment, I am still all warm and fuzzy after that video of the lion 😁
This is wonderful news, I can't imagine how hard it has been, been away from them and now only a few weeks to go till you get to have them back in your lives again. I would be lost with my Freya, a rottweiler cross. We also had her son, but he passed away last year and yes it is not something you can ever get over, you just keep loving them.
Love all the photos xxxx
I am truly sorry for your loss, not that you can really heal from it, but I hope you learnt how to live with the pain.
How old is Freya?
Well this is a heartwarming story, and sometimes things have a way of working out as they should and not as you want. Hope you and your canine friends make up for lost time. !wine
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Thanks for your beautiful comment my friend, yes I am already planning a trip in the mountains so they can explore the country, we also will do the beach!
You can't imagine how happy I am for you guys to read the news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reading your story is like reading our story, more or less of course but the main aspects we share. The bond you were talking about, the fear of losing again, the suffer and dedication one goes through, the chance that is given one day.
As I told your beautiful wife, we share more than the love for our dogs.
And don't worry, they haven't forgotten about you and they will adapt quick. You will be surprised :).
I keep my fingers crossed, all our angels in heaven keep their paws crossed as well.
I am looking forward to read about their arrival and give your wife and kids a big hug! 🤗
Thanks so much for your spirit and your heart, I hope that you are right and that they transition quickly. I am counting the days until their arrival, so much to do!
Getting all fenced up, their beds, their foods ^^
I will keep everyone updated on their arrival of course, I can't believe it's really happening!
Lol, let your kiddos take care of the beds and just worry about the fencing and maybe the food. It is not that much, all they need is their pack to be there.
And it is happening...4 weeks to go...you waited so long.
I know that the next weeks will be long but also short and soon you all will sit together and the separation is a fading memory.
It's like you live inside my head!!! That's exactly the way I see it! 4 weeks to go!
Lol. Empathy is what makes us understand :)
I'm so happy for you guys... soon to have your missing kids home again...
They're going to be overjoyed upon seeing you after all this time. No doubt they ached to see you again, as much as you did for them😎
I'll be waiting on that other happy post from you, once they have arrived.
I hope the travel goes well, apparently they're going to a pet hotel in Doha, I am imagining a hotel where everything is dog oriented haha.
You bet there's gonna be tons of posts about it ^^
😎
I can't wait to see them home with you <3
Thanks tyger, you're a good friend!
WHAT?? YAAAAYYYYY! I am so happy Ed <3
You are a beautiful family, welcome to our community.
Thanks so much for your warm welcome, I will probably post regularly about our buddies! Cheers ^^
What a day that will be when you're reunited with two of your best friends. Dogs are truly man's best buddies.
Properly taking care of a dog requires a big commitment and likewise with children. Bringing dogs into your life before starting a family sure does give you some experience with what is required to nurture life under your care.
The more you describe the conditions in which you lived prior to your big move, the more I realize just how lucky I am to have always lived in an area where I have never felt threatened by others.
Having the open space that you presently have is like a paradise for dogs.
All of our children are big dog lovers, and up to a month ago, there were four dogs among them. That was until last month when our oldest son got a dog. You're going to love this, the dog he got is a Husky. We have yet to meet him, but that should be resolved this coming weekend when all of the family will visit us this coming weekend.
Not only will the place be jumping with people, the dogs will also be here to entertain us all.
When she got to where she was going, I don't expect her to be Resting in Peace, but rather Running in Peace as her aches and pains will be left behind.
()
Great article my friend and I'm sure there is more to come once your friends land.
My friend @dandays wants me to tell you that I don't own a Husky, but a crossbreed Malamute/Husky, that was very important for him so I guess it is for me also.
These pictures are truly priceless! Riley is the one at the top? She was really beautiful, Run in Peace indeed, I found the tribute so touching.
I can imagine the beautiful mess that it's gonna be. Let me guess...Lots of food and drinks, something to smoke, and tons of maple syrup?
Knowing that I have nothing left to smoke today, I would end up smoking the syrup 🤣
@dandays is a real stickler when it comes to getting the FACTS correct. I had read his reply to your post earlier and saw that he had set you straight. At least you got his name correct.
Nothing to smoke, now that's a real problem.
Riley was the first dog in the family. When our son first purchased her, being that she was a pit bull, we were all a little concerned knowing the rep pit bulls have. After just a short time we realized that pit bulls just had a bad rep. with most dogs, it is really about how the owner of the dog trats the dog. Riley was the gentlest dog I have ever run across. the kids would lay on top of her, pull her tail, and but the heck out of her when she was eating. If she got annoyed with the kids she would just lick their faces and that would back them off for a minute.
We all felt like we lost a family member when she passed.
What a great dog.
Sorted!!
Pitbulls are the most loving buddies! Some strong ass jaw though, but so emotionals, almost human in some ways.
Thanks for the tag. I got two excellent reads out of that. Which is shocking, really, @thebigsweed rarely has anything worth consuming......
....
..
PS—I'm far from smoking syrup while I'm driving.
The one thing that I do have that is worth consuming is that liquid gold I just recently bottled.
You had better be nice to me or the syrup I send your way may end up in France.
The funny thing about shipping that syrup last year, the first thing they asked me when I went to ship the package in the mail was," Is there any kind of liquid in this package."That question took me by surprise and obviously I said NO. All I was doing was sending some syrup through the mail, but I felt like a terrorist. I can only imagine the questions I would have to answer if I were to try and ship some syrup overseas. They would probably open the package, catch me in a lie and it would be curtains for me. I would end up at Guantánamo Bay and be considered a war criminal.
France! Dude that's funny.
That reminds me, you still got my address right??
@edprivat. Sweed mentioned you here but you might not've caught the private with an E.
Yay! 🤗
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