January 5, 1985 – March 22, 1997  

Her name was Jessie. She personified devotion, grace, and dignity.

Jessie had one consummate passion, which endured all the days of her life…Doreen. Jessie’s love for and loyalty to Doreen knew no bounds. The single prerequisite for Jessie’s happiness was to be within earshot of Doreen. Conversely, Jess was Doreen’s best friend, confidant and constant companion. Their mutual devotion was an unequivocal fact of their lives for more than 12 years. Jessie’s spirit will surely remain by Doreen’s side forevermore.  

Jess patiently tolerated the affections of all who courted her friendship, loved and protected her family and was an extraordinary mother. She asked little. Her principal pleasures derived simply from being in the places she loved most…her office and on the rug therein, her beloved crate, riding in her car, running the fence in the training field with her offspring, great pal Cody and other canine friends and visiting her extended family at the lake.

When one looks back on the life of a dog and recalls that he or she was loved and loving part of a family and well cared for both physical and emotionally, it is judged a good, happy, rewarding life…that little more could have been asked or expected. Jessie’s life went far beyond that, however. Jess had another love, Marko, without whose mention a retrospective of her life would be incomplete. While other dogs also sired Jessie litters, Marko was her canine soul mate. To see them together was to understand the beauty of their irrefutable bond. Together, they changed the course of the Livermon family’s life and, ultimately, the lives of dozens of other people upon whom their magnificent puppies would impact. It is impossible to estimate the extent of the joy, enrichment and fulfillment Jessie’s puppies have given to those people blessed with sharing their lives with them.

Jessie’s indomitable spirit and courage were never compromised. Even people who first came into contact with her during the last, difficult, week of her life were impressed by her grace and dignity. One said, “She has such kind eyes”. Her gentle soul and accepting nature exemplified Jessie to the end. She loved unconditionally and was much loved in return.

That bridge of love will keep Jessie forever part of our lives. I sense her presence as I write these words. I know her in the face of her daughter, Pearl, the sentinel at my feet. Looking out at the greening hillside, I see her bounding joyously with her son, Caleb, and Pearl, down to the boathouse to greet Lu, Lucas, Travis, and Don when they returned form fishing. Jessie will never be any further away from those of us who loved her than our memories.

Yesterday, Jessie knew it was time to leave us physically and join Marko. She was at home, outside in the warmth of spring sunshine. Her family was with her. She died gently, peacefully, lifelong dignity intact, where she was happiest…in Doreen’s arms.


For Jessie, with love and gratitude…Dee