Jax ;) my ride and die buddy

The day I met Jax was sunny and still a little chilly. I remember visiting some folks and there was a puppy that had been hanging around their house. I instinctively went into recuse mode. Little did I know this choice would be the reason this particular puppy would change my view on companionship and help me change my lifestyle.

Meeting for the first time:

Jax was just a puppy, had really bad mange already eating up his little body. I didn’t care tho, when I saw him I had to have him. His face so cute and adorable like most puppies are! I jokingly told this puppy to sit and he did, I laughed saying he’s a smart dog, but boy would I learn how smart my boy would be.

Unfortunately my life crumbled into chaos shortly after taking Jax in. My self destructive behavior had left me in rehab at the age of 29, relearning to write, read, control my emotions and anxiety, along with my bodies uncontrollable movement. While in rehab all I wanted to do was take my puppy home and be a better caregiver. My puppy, Jax, had become my reason, my purpose to be more responsible with my life. I felt like he needed me and the reality was I needed him.

Staying confident for him:

Returning to life after rehabilitation was not easy; I still had trimmers, panic attacks and nightmares. These went on daily for the next three months. Jax would ride with me to work, helping me walk around and monitor a warehouse for several hours. Jax was also the first dog to stay inside the house with me. I didn’t go anywhere without him. He was helping me deal with the anxiety of still recovering. While driving I would look at my dog in the seat next to me; depending on me to be confident and functional. Jax worked, rode, ate, slept and did everything I did for the first two years of his life. He is wonderful at helping me feel safer. Jax was the reason I was keeping it together. Helping in times of anxiety while driving and keeping me company at work for hours and days in a row. The word companion is definitely a great way to describe my dog Jax. We care for each other still to this day. Even as he gets closer to his seventh birthday, going on a joy ride is his favorite pass time. We don’t go every where together like we used too but when we go on a ride for old times sake, I smile looking over in the seat next to me. He’s confident and content.

I slowly recovered physically and mentally with counseling. Jax helped me be comfortable enough to enjoy life again. Jax is my ride and die buddy for sure, always ready to be right beside me. Together we face life changes and challenges, he helps me feel safe and I give him affection.

The bond we have is like so many others. Your pets became best friends and family. My husband and I now have three dogs. My companions are very much my children. Last year was really difficult due to the fact we were informed I would not be able to conceive or use IVF. During all the struggles of mental health, hormones plummeting, emotionally and physically having ups and downs. I find myself just wanting time with my companions. Jax and I will head towards a destination with the wind in our hair and a smile in our hearts. That’s how we roll!