Keno's Story

Keno tells the story, and Jo Jackson puts it into writing, of all the places he has been with his adoptive parents. Places where we vacationed and places where we lived. Jo Jackson and husband Don when traveling would always stay at hotel/motel that were pet friendly, so Keno and his little brother Nibbler could travel with Mom and Dad. Mom was so good to us and Dad taught us tricks. Dad taught Nibbler to dance to Viva Las Vegas; he is so cute.

From birth to six-years-old, I lived on a farm. We had a hunting dog, but my dad would not let us touch him. He believed dogs were dirty and not meant to be pets. Needless to say, I grew up not having a dog as a pet, and I would not touch anyone elses pets.

After I married and had a son, we got a dog. I still would not pet or touch him. We had other dogs, but I was the same with them all. Our last dog before Keno and Nibbie was a Schnauzer named Mandy. I loved her, but still could not bring myself to pick her up and hug her. I eventually did pet her, but never did pick her up and hug her. I have always regretted that, she was such a sweet dog.

After Mandy died, we decided not to get another dog. Well, that lasted about a year. We got Keno and I just seemed to change overnight. I hugged him and held him and carried him around like he was a baby. I certainly made up for all of the years I avoided pets.

I have discovered that having a pet is the best therapy you could have. Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened.

I hope you enjoy this book. I certainly enjoyed writing it for Keno.