About L.J.

“Jordan’s Little Gift to Dad”  “L.J.”  (Little Jordan) Born:  July 13, 2007, adoption Date:  September 1st, 2007  (4 weeks to the minute following Jordans passing over to Rainbow Bridge) a Yellow Labrador Retriever

LJ came into my life at a time when I was suffering from severe depression following the loss of my sweet old boy, Jordan.  In fact, the last time I was this depressed was during the days and weeks before Jordan came into my life.

LJ was an adoption gift from a very dear friend who knew how much I was suffering and her act of kindness and love is one I will never forget.  Please understand that I was not looking for a new friend when LJ FOUND ME. Had I been, I would’ve been at the shelter and rescue groups doors on a daily basis. Instead, LJ came into my life and I truly believe he was a gift from Jordan. And, while I’ve wrestled with certain ethical quandaries greatly, the alternative would be to turn this sweet little boy away and risk him ending back up in a shelter. That would be THE hypocrisy.

LJ and I look forward to many years of working to stop abuse, neglect and overpopulation through education on spay and neuter, obedience training, etc.) My life has been given new meaning and purpose.  The only thing that has kept me going up to the point when LJ and I were brought together was my commitment to my employer and to our community.  Had I not been a member of the local media community, I think I might just as well crawled into bed and just stay there.

The morning following learning of this wonderful adoption gift offer, I drove to work thinking of how my old boy would take the news.  I had a long talk with him early that morning as I drove to the News 3 Studios.  And, I simply told him:  “Old man, you’ve got to give me some help here and let me know if you want me to do this.  Just give me some kind of sign or signal.”  At that exact moment, my camera phone that was lying in the center tray facing me, flashed brightly four times exposing Jordan’s picture in the window.   I am convinced to the very bottom of my soul that my sweet old boy was telling me:  “Dad, you need a new friend.  I know I will always be your ‘baby boy’ so you don’t have to worry about hurting my feelings.  I just don’t want you to suffer anymore.  Remember, my suffering ended when you let me go on ahead and wait for you here at Rainbow Bridge.”  So, that is why I named him “Jordan’s Little Gift to Dad” and will call him LJ.  He truly was a gift from Jordan and he will be a living remembrance of my kind, sweet, loving old soul by sharing his name.

So, welcome L.J. Fredericks!  A new chapter and a new adventure have begun!