I have been writing blog posts on this site since 2013, and this is by far the hardest one that I have written. Our beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Makena, passed away on January 8, 2026, after a brief illness. We took her to the animal hospital in the morning, and the doctor was more than willing to do whatever was necessary to get her back to health. But at age 18 years and 10 months, we knew that would only benefit us, not Makena. We made the difficult decision to put her down. We were with her right to the end. It was very peaceful. And we know she is happily playing with her football again in Heaven!

Even if there was a foot of snow on the ground, Makena was always ready to go!

In addition to the football, she also enjoyed playing with her rubber frisbee.

We picked up Makena from the breeder when she was just 8 weeks old, and she was a bundle of joy right from the start! She was only 2 pounds, but was full of energy and kept us on our toes.

She loved to play with toys, right from the day she found her forever home. Even if the toys were bigger than she was!

As she got older, her coloring on her face changed, but her love for toys continued!

We did take her to some agility classes, which she enjoyed.

Even though Makena was born in Illinois, she was a big Green Bay Packers fan, and proudly wore her jersey for the games!

Hanging with my gnomies!

My sister Margie and I would do a Christmas cookie bake-a-thon, and Makena always enjoyed her job as “Chief Cookie Inspector!”

She was a very happy dog, who brought a lot of joy to us and others.

Ever the explorer, there were times we weren’t sure what she had gotten into!

When we decided to throw caution to the wind in 2013 and hit the road as full time RV’ers, we were not sure how well Makena would like it. The very first night in our fifth wheel, we had a bad thunderstorm, and found Makena in a panic inside the shower!

We always made sure we had places to stay that allowed room to play football with her.

She also liked to have places where she could just chill in the sunshine!

Despite the first night on the road, Makena was an excellent traveler. Not many dogs get to say they have dipped their toes in both the Atlantic Ocean in Florida.

As well as the Pacific Ocean in California!

One of her favorite locations was just outside the Grand Tetons, where we spent many wonderful summers working. She loved her off leash time in nature.

Makena even got to take part in the 2017 Solar Eclipse in the Tetons!

No toys were safe around Makena. She loved receiving her Chewy orders, and promptly destroying whatever toy was in the box!

I think I’ll destroy this one first!

Less than five minutes later, the squeakers are coming out!

Followed by a nap for a job well done.

So many memories. So many fun times with Makena. The hardest part of having a pet is knowing you may have to say goodbye someday.

From the first photo with Makena

To the very last picture of Makena. She was a wonderful dog, and will be dearly missed.

Quote for the day:

“I have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We had to say goodbye, but you gave me the very best life. And there is no reason to cry. I am in a place where there is no pain. I run freely through the clouds. I get lots of belly rubbings and unlimited treats are allowed. I’ll always be watching over you. We’ll never be far apart. I’ll live forever in your memories, and I’ll always be in your heart.”