"Jack, the cocker spaniel, was sacked by the police. His career as a detection dog was an utter failure he was more interested in people than cannabis and made some embarrassing mistakes, including begging for treats from potential offenders rather than alerting officers about drugs. A colleague told me about a police dog that needed a home and so Jack arrived via police van at our house."
"He was lithe, glossy black and animated. He ricocheted around the house, knocking over children and pot plants. He chased rabbits and pheasants over the fields. He ate off the children's plates and collected shoes. He loved us all indiscriminately and liked to have us where he could see us. If anyone left the room, he'd sigh deeply and follow, remaining close until the pack was back together."
"About a year after Jack arrived, I found out a breast lump the GP had initially thought was nothing was actually cancer. I had surgery and when chemotherapy started, I felt too ill to see friends. The children were at school. I was lonely and, for the first time I could remember, had nothing to do. He gave me love and gave me structure' Jack. Photograph: Jan Grace"
Jack, a cocker spaniel, was dismissed from police service after failing as a detection dog because he preferred people to cannabis and begged treats from suspects. A colleague rehomed Jack and he arrived lively, glossy, and prone to ricocheting around the house, knocking over children and plants, chasing wildlife and collecting shoes. He showed constant attachment, following family members and staying close until the household reunited. After a breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, and chemotherapy, Jack provided companionship, emotional steadiness, and support, nudging the owner into activity, accepting walks, and lying by her side during illness. In remission and back at work, Jack maintained close supervision.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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