Sibor James Brookes (JB)

Jaime and Sibor James Brookes (JB)

Sibor James Brooks (JB), born January 13, 1993, was the part of my soul I was born without. My mom gave JB to me in March 1993, as my 20th birthday present. I was still 19, and I had JB until I was almost 35. JB had that Husky attitude, spirit, and vanity. But like a true Husky, he was very caring, loyal and sensitive. He was very tough too. If he did not like you, you would certainly know it. I've never bonded with a living, breathing soul as I did with JB. My family said JB's character and mine mirrored each other. In November 2005, JB became ill. I was out of state, and my sister Gina was watching the house and animals. JB wasn't acting his usual self, so my sister became concerned. JB got annoyed at my sister for the attention she was giving him. But finally, my sister took JB to the vet. JB was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes, and he was not expected to live. I was devastated, so I said goodbye to him that night. He was allowed to come home from the vet so I could spend his last days with him. Unbelievably, JB lived for another two years. With a special diet, moderate exercise, and two insulin shots per day, he was able to live a regular life. My sister saved JB's life. In October 2007, JB became ill again, but it wasn't his diabetes. I eventually took him to the vet. JB's blood sugar was 33, and the vet could not understand how JB was still alive, or even conscious. But JB was strong, mentally and physically. The vet told me that JB was in excellent condition, but he just got old. JB's liver was failing. Upon learning that JB would never improve, I knew what had to be done. The next day, I spent time with JB, and finally I told him he I would be ok without him. He heard me. I chose to put JB to sleep because nobody, not even God, was worthy of taking him. JB passed away on November 1, 2007. I cried beyond belief, and when it was time to leave the vet's office, I came face to face with an elderly man in a wheelchair. He was crying, along with all the employees and people in the lobby. The elderly man removed his hat, which indicated he was a World War II veteran, and then he saluted me, showing his respect towards my loss. This meant so much, because in that moment, I believed it was JB speaking through the elderly man, saying goodbye, thanking me, and telling me he loved me. That elderly man, whoever he was, gave me a memory I will cherish forever. On November 1, 2007, a part of me died. I miss my JB so much, but I continue to live, for me, and for Siberia Kila Jade and Sibor Koda Blue, my other Siberian Huskies.