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.”
Liv2RV 
My heart aches for you both, walked in those shoes.
What a LOVELY tribute to your fur kid!
May your wonderful memories continue to help you thru this very sad time.
Susan
Thank you so much Susan. It’s going to take awhile to get over her passing. Take care
I am so very sorry to hear this. 😞 I always loved reading the posts from Makena. I know how very hard it is to say that final goodbye. Holding y’all in my heart and sending lots of love.
Run free, sweet Makena. You will be missed. 😢💔
Love,
Lupe H
@Blessed2RV
Lupe
Thank you for your kind words. Makena was always a popular blogger! I’m glad she brought a lot of joy to so many people. Take care
So saddened to hear about this loss – but what a wonderful long life she had and her posts were always my favorite!
We never have enough time with them.
Thinking of you and Dan.
Cari
Thanks Cari – I know how much you enjoyed her posts! She did live a long life, and had many adventures. We have lot’s of great memories. Take care
We are so sorry for your loss of Makena. It’s been 2 years since we had to let our Miya go and she too was 18 1/2 years old and we still miss her everyday. We want you to know that our hearts are with you during this difficult time. Many hugs 🤗.
Iris and George Hallin
Thank you George and Iris. It’s the only fault of pets – they leave us too soon. We hope you are staying safe from the storms hitting the country. Take care
She was a good girl and you both deserved it after having one of the naughtiest dogs ever in Kirby. Losing a pet is so hard, but you get through it, somehow. You never forget them, stop loving or missing them. My advice, get another one, you’ll never regret another dog, except maybe during the puppy stage (we all forget how naughty they can be:)) Cheers to Makena – almost 19 years is a blessing.
Pudge
Thanks Pudge – certainly not ready for another dog for a while. Hmmm – don’t recall Kirby being too naughty! But I guess we only remember the good things. Lot’s of memories with Makena, Rudy and Bandit (speaking of naughty!)
I’m so sorry for your loss, thank you for sharing her with us! I loved her posts and always got a pick me up when I saw a new post in my inbox! It’s so hard to lose our fur buddies. Thanks again for sharing her with us!
Thank you – it’s comforting to know she touched so many people. Take care
Sending you hugs- Makena was one of a kind.
Thank you! Hugs are appreciated
So sorry to hear about Makena but thanks to you she lived a fantastic life. Will miss her posts. Our animals are our children and so hard when we have to say goodbye. Keep those memories to comfort you.
Thank you – yes she was our child – who definitely bossed us around. She was special and I’m glad you enjoyed her posts. Take care
Oh sweet squeaker-destroying Makena!! Such a precious Jack Russell! My heart goes out to you both! I lost Lily in 2022 (unexpected illness), but she had a great life traveling and making new friends. She left her got “mark” everywhere across the US to Europe to Maui. Molly is still hanging in there at 15 1/2…. Buster will be 3 in May…. And just I today picked up a 20-wk black standard poodle female Charlee. Now Buster will have a playmate because little old Molly just isn’t up for it. May fond Memories and Makena’s mutual love comfort you both.
Thank you. Sounds like Lily had a wonderful life, and Buster and Molly are living their best lives. You will be busy now with 3 dogs! I’m sure they will all get along and bring you many wonderful memories! Take care
I’m so very sorry to hear about your fur baby. They truly are a part of our family. I loved looking at your pictures. May you find comfort in knowing that your loved pet will always have a place in your heart.
Blessings to you and your husband during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Karen Athy, RN, retired nurse from Froedtert (NICU and Vascular Access Team)
Thank you Karen – I see you have ‘“retired” after your name! Congratulations on that! Thank you for your blessings – much appreciated. Take care and enjoy your new chapter of your life!
Oh Dan and Jonel (sp?), this is beyond heartbreaking. Makena is as much a part of the family as any child or grandchild. Thank you for sharing so many pictures. She had quite the personality! Also, I know she brought a lot of joy to Stu and Joan. God bless. Take care as best you can.
Tricia
Thank you Tricia. We know you and George have fun with Jackson while he is living his best life. And Ellie too! I’m glad you enjoyed all the photos. Take care and stay warm
I loved Makena even though I never met her! Her blogs were always my favorites and it was so great so see how much she loved and all the love that was returned to her. She comforted me when Margot passed and now Millie and I offer our comfort to you both.
Cheryl
Thank you Cheryl. Hugs to you and lots of scratches to Millie! It’s comforting to know how much Makena touched people that never even met her. We hope you both are doing well. Take care
What a beautiful tribute to the best dog ever! I’m so glad we got to live next door to Makena for a few years. She was so sweet and SO fast! Sending you guys the biggest hugs and prayers. Saying good bye to our furry family members is so hard… 🌈 🐾 🧡
Thank you Jolie! It was fun when Sadie would come over and eat Makena’s food. She did not like that! But she loved running around the house with the kids. We plan on coming to WI this summer, and hopefully we can-can get together fora visit. Take care – the kids are keeping you busy as usual!
Oh, Sis! I got choked up reading this blog post! I’m so terribly sorry for your loss!! I’ve so enjoyed McKenna’s updates and know how special she was to you both. She lived a long, happy, vagabond life. Rags and Brutus lived quality lives until right near the end, also. They are dearly missed, but I am enjoying my freedom, for the time being. Like you, I’m in no hurry to adopt another. Sending hugs and warm thoughts your way!
Love,
Linda