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RIP Jackson “Lekkertjie” Cilliers (?-3/7/2026)

It has taken me more than a month to make this post. I knew it would be difficult, but I didn’t know it would be this difficult to greet him. My dog, the other love of my life, Jackson. The goodest boy. It really is true that they are humans’ best friends. He was a warm and loyal presence through so many losses and tough times. An enthusiastic playmate in times of celebration. An excited greeting when I came home (If I was lucky I would even get a big toothy smile). A breath and a spirit in the house when I was lonely. Just present. Communicating so clearly with a complex vocabulary of sighs and grunts. The philosophical dog who would go outside by himself at night and sit and stare at the moon with questioning eyes. The big wolf. Hunter extraordinaire. Tree climber. The sandworm who would dig under the blankets and sleep behind my knees or in the small of my back. Or lie spatchcock on the deck in the winter sun. The star! He reprised his role as ‘himself’ 4 times in ‘Walking Wolves’, written for him (and my students). And has an international acting credit as Honey, the Palace Corgi, in ‘BLING!’
…(full tribute on FB)
In the end he just got old and his little body couldn’t keep up with his spirit. I held him as he left. I don’t know if making the decision to end the life of a deeply loved family member (on their behalf) can get easier. I feel so many things, including guilt. But mostly I just feel a big gaping hole in my home and my heart. It’s so quiet without the sighs and the grunts and the nails click-clacking on the wooden floors. I dream of him many nights. Shit. We love him.
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