Everyone says they have the best dog in the world, and you know what…no one is wrong. With the heaviest of hearts, we had to say goodbye to the best dog in the world, my beloved Norman. Norman Paul Jones Gantz was literally the other half of my heart. Affectionately known as Norm, Norm Jones, J, NPJ, sweet pea, pee-wee. I was blessed to be his person for 14 of his 15years. If you ever met Norm, you would have noticed that our bond and love for one another was unworldly. The pure joy and love he would exude at the sight of me was enough to pull your heart right from its chest. It was once described to me from an outsider(after seeing it firsthand) that he would light up in such a way like someone seeing color for the first time every time he saw you. He has always been my protector. He’s been through 3 moves with us and so many walks, tennis ball throws, horse shows, adventures, and barn trips. He even ate a few TV remotes , a cell phone and an iPad in his younger days 🫣His most important role came through all of my Cancer treatments/surgeries throughout the years, he never once left my side even accompanying me to the bathroom and shower, he even spent the night by the back door when I was in the hospital. Norm was the King of the castle and he knew it (Zach and the other dogs accepted this quickly), life revolved around any/all of his needs and comforts. The only one that was allowed to sleep in bed the WHOLE night. He spent the last several days with a temporary increase in his meds, several I love yous (like he already didn’t get told 50+ x a day) , and lots of donuts, steak, venison, pizza, and ice cream. Since 2019, Norm has celebrated Donut Friday (every Friday) enjoying a glazed donut all to himself. In fact he used to go in the car with Zach every Fri before it became too difficult for him. So if it’s ever a Friday and you drive by a Dunkin , maybe get your 4 legged friend a donut and think of Norm! My mom often said you know, you’re his whole world…and honestly he was mine. I’m not ready to go through the 1000s of pics and videos of him that I’ve accumulated in our many years together, and facing the days ahead without him are crippling. I find comfort in knowing the moment he came into our lives he never knew a day without a tremendous amount of love.
My beloved Norman, it was truly an honor and privilege being your human! I will forever hold you in my heart, until we meet again my very special special boy!