Chapter 48: The things I’ve learned from Jasmine
Her smile is kind and warm And with her laugh she could calm a storm You know I find peace in her eyes And oh the things I’ve learned from Jasmine And oh the things she could teach man – “Jasmine”, by...
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Chapter 49: The dogs that wandered in and out my door
And oh you’re on your way, such a beautiful day, and nothing can bring you down now And oh you’re blown away, sorrowless days, you’re livin’ in the moment And all your hopes alive, today. – “Blown...
View ArticleChapter 50: When the child becomes the parent
My father would have celebrated his 80th birthday January 23. I think of him every day, but especially on that day because it reminds me of what a childlike love he had for birthdays. Whereas most...
View ArticleChapter 51: The final chapter … for now: ‘Fibrosarcomas are nasty suckers,’...
When Jazzy was diagnosed with a malignant fibrosarcoma tumor at age four, Dr. Alain Theon, chief of oncology at UC Davis, told me that she had three to six months to live. I was in a state of shock....
View ArticleChapter 52: The pit bull genocide
gen·o·cide \ˈje-nə-ˌsīd\ Noun: The deliberate killing of a large group, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation. On July 11, 2012, a black dog named Lennox was put to death in Belfast,...
View ArticleChapter 53: What she deserves
She’s tearing at the seams Falling to her knees She’ll pray for the care that she needs … I know it’s hard right now But you’ll find your way out of this, out of this You’ll find your way out of this,...
View ArticleChapter 54: Saying goodbye to Mommy’s little girl
Arms opened wide and as you leave the other side of life No turning back the door will never crack again All that we’ve gone through How could I have known, I’d lose you It’s all about you leaving and...
View ArticleChapter 55: A morning glory in the storm
With every breath I take The more you slip away Learning how to let it fade is so hard Distant as a star, out there in the dark A million miles from where you are is too far I already miss you I can’t...
View ArticleChapter 56: The heavens remain
You were sick with God only knows And I stood close by which just goes to show That there was something bigger than me … Nothing will make this untrue There’s no one better than you I was singing...
View ArticleChapter 57: Coming home
Oh sweet angel of mine Gone to sail through the night In my heart you’ll always be I hope that you’ll remember me Wherever you are Goodnight, goodnight, My sweet love you’re beautiful Goodnight,...
View ArticleChapter 58: Coming home, Part 2
Still far away From where I belong But it’s always darkest Before the dawn … I’m coming home, I’m coming home Tell the world I’m coming home Let the rain wash away All the pain of yesterday … — Coming...
View ArticleSpecial Edition: Honor Jazzy’s memory by helping the many animals in need
“… I’m glad I didn’t know The way it all would end, the way it all would go Our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain But I’d of had to miss the dance.” — “The Dance,” by Tony...
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Chapter 15: Presidential Puppygate
“A lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me.” – Barack Obama on adopting a dog at his first press conference, Nov. 7, 2008 As soon as Barack Obama made the public promise to daughters Sasha and Malia of a...
View ArticleChapter 14: Best places to dine with your dog
Here are the dog-friendly places – and a few almost entirely dog-friendly streets – where Jazzy and I like to eat, along with the dishes that particularly please our picky palates (well, mine at least...
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Chapter 13: Every dog has its day
Stories of pit bull heroism abound – you just never hear them. The mainstream media loves to report bad news about pit bulls. They also like to misinform. As a journalist and proud pit bull parent, I...
View ArticleChapter 12: Gotta getta doodle!
When I adopted Jasmine Blue in September 2006, I had been on a long hiatus from dog ownership. My last canine companion, a pit bull mix named Chipper, had passed away when I was in my early 20s. When I...
View ArticleChapter 11: An incredibly sensitive dog
When Jasmine Blue’s new trainer came to the house, the first thing he did was lie on the floor next to her – a moment she seized for a bath of kisses. Some people like it, some people don’t;...
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Chapter 10: A true-blue ObamaMama Cramerican
When we bought my dad’s house on Buena Vista Avenue last June, we inherited a gourmet kitchen. The previous owner, an executive with Nike Sports, made several million dollars a year, but he was really...
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Chapter 9: A Glen of Imaal terrier in the woodpile…
“She’s pit bull and what?” the woman walking her golden retriever asked as Jasmine Blue and I passed by in Buena Vista Park. I get this question nearly every time we’re out. It’s obvious that Jasmine...
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Chapter 8: The bionic pit bull
The great thing about being a dog is that you have no idea what’s coming five minutes from now, never mind the next day. When I dropped Jasmine Blue off at Dr. Sams’ clinic in Mill Valley, my heart was...
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