Angelo “Jojo”

2021 - 2026

I wrote the following the day after Jojo was diagnosed with IMHA: I’m sitting on the floor and you are laying down in the space between my legs. A routine since you were a pup. When you were born they called you red boy. But you were so much more. The name Angelo we gave to you. Quickly became Jojo. You’ve always been all bark and no bite. You have comforted me through some of the worst moments of my life. It’s now my turn to comfort you and be strong. But how can I not break down in tears when my son, your little brother calls out your name. Every dog, every pup is jojo. That’s a dog! Jojo! That’s our puppy Mio. Jojo! How can I not break down as I see you struggle to stand up, struggle to eat. How can I not break down as I think about having to plan a funeral. How can I not break down. Two years a puppy, two years a good dog, and the rest was a gift.