Jack's Story

by Shelley Klug

Jack became King of the Klug castle in June 2004.  Jack was a puppy mill survivor that had been rescued by the French Bulldog Club of America Rescue League.. 

Although none of the Klug’s had ever heard of French Bulldogs until that summer, one thing led to another and we found themselves on the Kott’s front porch waiting to interview a couple of rescued Frenchies.  Although I had always been a dog lover, my husband Greg had not had a dog since his childhood and was going to be a much tougher customer!  After brief conversation, the we realized that we were not doing the interviewing; instead we were the ones being interviewed!  Finally, the we earned the right to meet the dogs and were delighted to meet first Rosie and then Lily – quite attractive and peaceful ladies.

Then Ed brought Jack in.  What is it with those macho guys?  Jack sauntered right past me and without any invitation jumped right onto Greg’s lap giving him a look that clearly said, “it’s just you and me now Dad”.  And that is the way it has been for the last two years.  Jack knows Mom is the “go to gal” for his needs like food and baths and just to make her happy he honors her with cuddling now and then.  But, it is quite well known that he is a Daddy’s boy all the way.  Jack let Dad know on the very first night that those silly old rules about furniture and beds did not apply to him  With no shame whatsoever, both Klug’s acknowledge their complete love for this goofy little clown and in turn Jack has allowed himself to be dressed up in lady bug and devil costumes for Halloween and a snazzy camouflage jacket for hunting season.  We can only guess what Jack’s life was like before he came to our house, but his Mom and Dad, bothers Grant, David, Logan and sister Lacey can’t imagine life without him in it.

Thank you Jeanne.  We love this guy.

PS.  I was reading our story and think it does not really tell how much of an impact Jack has had on our lives.  It is hard to express without sounding overly maudlin.  But we are overly maudlin.  So, I would like to add a few things.  Before Jack came into our lives our family had fallen into a routine of running around meeting obligations and then collapsing in our individual rooms at the end of the day.  We really did not spend a lot of time relaxing and laughing with each other.  Jack changed all that the minute he sauntered into our home.  None of us have ever known a dog more in touch with his family’s feelings than this guy.  If you need a laugh, Jack will barrel roll all over the backyard; if you are feeling a little down, Jack is on your lap leaving no air space between his heart and yours.  When you are in a happy mood Jack will poke you until you are provoked into a rousing game of tussle that can leave you gasping for air from the exertion.  He has given us many memorable moments of shared laughter including the embarrassing ones when guests have held their noses and asked where that nauseous smell is coming from.  We’re pretty used to his gassiness now and just light a candle but to the uninitiated it can be staggering…

We know what we love about Jack and we’re pretty sure we know what Jack loves about us.  Jack loves us in the truest sense of unconditional – that is to say he loves the guy most who has the treat in his/her hand.  Apparently his facial expressions translate very well through the car window too since no drive-through attendant can resist slipping him a treat.  Jack is also happiest when he is with the couch potato of the day.  It’s a little disconcerting that he is so happy when we are sick in bed.  We think he especially appreciates a slightly feverish body.

Thank you again for allowing Jack to become one of us – he is a blessing beyond measure. --- Shelley

The End