A Nineteen-Year Friendship
Some friendships are woven so deeply into the fabric of our lives that it’s hard to remember a time before they existed. For Ryan Dyer, that friendship began in 2006 when, as a 12-year-old boy, he was gifted the puppy he had always dreamed of. He named him Jack, and in that instant, a bond was forged that would span nearly two decades, a silent, steady witness to the incredible journey from boyhood to manhood.
Jack was a simple soul with simple pleasures. He wasn’t interested in the frantic chase of a stick or the squeak of a toy; his joy was more profound, found in the quiet moments that make up a life. His favorite days consisted of long, lazy naps by the pool, the warm Australian sun on his fur; gentle, tumbling play-fights with his canine sister, Charlie; and peaceful, meandering walks through the local wetlands with his boy. More than anything, he was obsessed with two things: the tantalizing prospect of food, and the human who was raising him. He was Ryan’s shadow, his confidante, a constant, furry presence through all the triumphs and troubles of growing up, from scraped knees and teenage heartbreaks to graduations and first homes.
The years passed in a happy, sun-drenched blur. Ryan grew from a teenager into a young adult, and Jack was there to celebrate every single milestone, his tail wagging, his gentle spirit a comforting anchor in a changing world. For the longest time, Ryan was Jack’s entire world—until a woman named Lib came along and joyfully expanded it, proving that a heart always has room for more love.
Lib and Jack hit it off instantly. There was no jealousy, only an immediate and unbreakable connection, as if Jack recognized in her the same kind soul he had found in Ryan. The duo became a perfect trio, a tight-knit little pack. “When [Lib] and I moved in together in 2019, she became a massive part in Jack’s life, too,” Ryan recalled. Jack’s life, already full, became even richer. He would sleep on their bed, nestled in the warm, safe space between them. He’d get a special puppuccino while they had their morning coffees, and most importantly, he was appointed to the very serious position of chief food taster, sampling every meal that came out of their kitchen before they did.
A Promise to a Senior Soul
Even as the silver began to grace his muzzle and his steps became a little slower, Jack’s life became more adventurous than ever. Ryan and Lib made a silent promise to their senior pup: they would not let his world shrink as he aged. Instead, they would expand it, filling his golden years with new experiences and including him in every single part of their lives.
Their social life was built around their beloved dog, a testament to his place at the very center of their family. “Whether this was camping, interstate trips, beach days, to wineries and breweries, into the city, to any family gathering and everything in between. If it wasn’t dog-friendly, then we wouldn’t do it,” Ryan said. Their choices were guided by a simple question: “Can Jack come too?”
Instead of going to traditional movie theaters, they became regulars at the local drive-in. There, the three of them could cuddle up together in the car, sharing snacks under the stars, Jack’s happy sighs punctuating the film’s dialogue. They were creating a tapestry of memories, weaving their old friend into every new chapter.
In March of 2024, when Ryan decided to propose to Lib, it was only natural that Jack, their most steadfast companion, would be there to help. And when they began planning their wedding, there was never a question in their minds: their beloved old dog had to be a central part of their special day. But as the date drew closer, it became clear that Jack’s role in their wedding would be far more poignant and bittersweet than they had ever imagined.
A Wedding and a Goodbye
In the months leading up to the wedding, Jack’s age, which had been a quiet companion for so long, finally began to catch up with him in a more serious way. His mobility declined, and the once-active pup now needed a mobility cart to enjoy his beloved walks. Two weeks before the big day, they celebrated his 19th birthday, a quiet and loving affair with a feast of all his favorite foods and gentle cuddles. But then, a series of debilitating seizures made it painfully clear that their time with him was coming to an end.
With unimaginable heartbreak, they had to make the most difficult decision any pet parent can make. They scheduled his final, peaceful goodbye for the Monday immediately following their nuptials. “Planning his goodbye was honestly the toughest thing we’ve had to do,” Ryan said. Their wedding, a day meant to be about a beautiful new beginning, would now also have to serve as a final, beautiful farewell to their oldest friend. “We were very fortunate that he pushed on to make it to our big day to celebrate with us,” Ryan added, his voice full of gratitude for his dog’s incredible strength.
Fueled by a deep and unconditional love, they were determined to make his last big day his best one. They rearranged their plans to ensure he could be a part of every single moment, a guest of honor at the most important day of their lives.
One Last Dance
On the day of the wedding, Jack was a vision of gentle dignity. During the ceremony, he was given a place of honor right next to the groomsmen, resting comfortably in his cart as he watched his two favorite people say their heartfelt vows. He was there, a silent, loving witness to their union, just as he had been for their entire relationship.
After the ceremony, as the celebration began, they created a special space for him at the reception. “We set up a bed and snack bar, so people could give him a treat, a pat and say any of their own goodbyes,” Ryan said. Guests, many of whom had known Jack since he was a gangly puppy, came up to him one by one, offering a gentle scratch behind the ears and a quiet, final farewell.
As the night came to a close, with the final song of the evening beginning to play, Ryan gently lifted his old friend from his bed. It was a moment of pure, unscripted love. “I picked him up so the three of us could dance together,” he recalled. And in that moment, as they held him on the dance floor, surrounded by the warmth of their family and friends, Jack, the quiet old dog, let out a soft, adorable howl—a perfect, joyful sound that made everyone laugh through their tears.
The Dyers’ wedding was unforgettable, a beautiful and emotional celebration of love in all its forms. They spent the next few days at home, showering Jack with every ounce of affection they had, before tearfully saying their final goodbye on Monday.
A month has passed since his passing, and the silence he left behind is still deeply felt. But when they look at their wedding photos, their hearts are comforted. There, in every picture, is Jack, a happy, peaceful smile on his face, surrounded by everyone he loved. They gave him the best last day a dog could ever ask for, a final, beautiful memory in a lifetime full of them. “We love it so much, as he’s got the happiest smile on him,” Ryan said.
