The King of the Fourth Floor
Essay and Painting by Robert Beck
Upper West Siders are, in large part, dog people. I certainly am one. And as we come up on the anniversary of Jack’s passing, it’s appropriate that I give testimony to the best dog ever. I know from whence I write. I was there.
First off, Jack was a proper size, weighing in at 85 pounds in fighting trim and edging 100 at times. A real dog. Part lab, part border collie, we think. Polite, gentle, and blazingly smart, he amazed people with his athletics (his ballwork was legendary) and knew precisely when somebody needed to have a dog lean against them. Jack was also excellent at assessing a situation. If people were stiff in conversation, he would stick his head in their crotch.
Jackson Diego Aticus Blue Beck rose from a Tennessee kill shelter (there’s an oxymoron for you) to artist’s model and chief of staff, living on the Upper West Side and strolling in Central Park three times a day.
Jack inspired order and decorum wherever he went. On one of our morning walks during off-leash hours, we came across a large, well-built fellow, shirtless and shiny, engaged in a flashy public workout. Jack glanced at me with a raised eyebrow, but it’s that guy’s park, too. We see lots of things there. On our way back, the man was facing the other way, jumping rope in the middle of the path, which didn’t sit well with Jack. He walked up behind and delivered a single-bark jolt of adrenaline—his version of “excuse me”—that lifted Captain Musclebound a foot off the ground and sent the rope twirling into a bush.
I figured, “Here we go,” but the guy just looked back at Jack, waved at me, and went off to find his rope. Like I said, Jack always had a good read on a situation. Some of that he was born with, and I like to think some was good parenting.
Here’s something I’ve never seen anywhere else. When I got the nail clippers out of the drawer, Jack would go to the door. Once outside, he would hop onto a wall and hold his paw up, so I didn’t have to bend over. When I was done trimming those, he’d hold up the other foot. If I cut a little close, he’d make a noise and give me a look, but never was there any drama.
Jack was a quick learner and he was obedient, but felt arbitrary decisions could be negotiated. I want to go this way; he wants to go that way. He wouldn’t fight you, but Jack let you know he had a different opinion. It was all done with the eyes. My job was protector, not activities director, so he often got what he wanted. It was a partnership. Family. There was love in it.
There always comes a day. It’s difficult to pinpoint when discomfort outweighs enjoyment in a dog’s life, and I believe a day too soon is better than a day too late. We owed him that. And we’ve never been inclined to replace Jack. As if. There are a lot of dogs on the streets and in the parks. Every now and then, I’ll meet one’s eyes, and she’ll wander over for some quality scratching. If she rolls onto her back for belly rubs, so much the better.
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See more of Robert Beck’s work and visit his UWS studio at www.robertbeck.net. Let him know if you have a connection to an archetypical UWS place or event that would make a good West Side Canvas subject. Thank you!
Note: Before Robert Beck started West Side Canvas, his essays and paintings were featured in Weekend Column. See Robert Beck’s earlier columns here and here.
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Beautiful dog and tribute. I feel like i know Jack. He will always be part of you
Precious Jack – what a beautiful eulogy, in color and in words. He never left you, and never will.
Thank you for sharing the gift of Jack. Two beautiful portraits of a beautiful dog…
I LOVE dogs (all animals) and don’t tell that to my amazing 15 year old kitty, Colby. Jack is a wonderful dog. I loved reading this well written essay. Dogs and cats are gentle, always happy, fun, non-judgemental, loyal, almost always do not talk back and if you give them respect, you get it in return. Life is boring without them.
I’m in love with Jack now!!!!
Beautiful.
Two beautiful tributes to Jack. Such lucky owner and dog to have that mutual love and respect. Must say, feeling a bit heartbroken right now. Sounds like a once in a lifetime love.
Beautiful tribute to Jack. He sounds wonderful, and your appreciation of all of the nuanced details of his ways is also wonderful! ❤️ Thank you for sharing.
How does one survive the loss of such an animal/family member? RIP Jack. Lovely portrait too.
You praise your good ol’ dog with reverent nod,
your faithful friend, your household god.
But I confess (and here’s the rub):
mine was the true deity of the club.
For faith’s not weighed, nor proved, nor logged—
belief begins and ends in Dog.
So bark your creed, I’ll bark back mine:
each soul insists their shrine’s divine.
And if it sounds a tad absurd,
It should —religion’s not a dog’s word.
Positively lovely.
All the love dogs give us. What can we learn from them? Now that we’re all filled up on unconditional love, maybe we can spread it. If I didn’t ‘replace’ my dog, I’d use the money that I would have spent on another dog on human beings that can use a little love, attention, maybe food? I could sit on a bench with a senior and spend time with them. I could look at the grocery cart of someone struggling to stay fed and buy some fruit/veg for them. I could give one of the D.O.E. guys a cappuccino! Dogs are great teachers. Love them!
I wish I had known Jack. I love when a big dog leans on me. I understand the crotch nudge. Dogs are ever attentive to our needs. They do not deserve to be ignored. It must be confusing when the dog’s perceived betters seem to be so obtuse half the time.
Happy trails to you, Jack. Until we meet…
Oh, he really sounds like an angel! I honestly feel these darling creatures are sent to us to make our lives 100% better. It sounds as though you both had a marvelous life together, and of course we know there is a time limit. If there is a heaven you can bet Jack is telling the other dogs there that HE HAD THE BEST FAMILY! Letting them go is the most pain I’ve gone through, and I empathize with yours. It took me quite a while, but there came a time when I just had to allow another one into my life, and she’s a blessing. Be strong, and I’m so sorry you lost your best friend! He was very regal looking and beautiful. Loved your tribute & you know he’s feeling the love!❤️
A dog that does all that at the sight of the nail clippers?! Truly a wonder the likes of which I’ve never heard! His spirit shines on from the many facets you sketch. Thanks for sharing these loving portraits.
Consummately moving.
What a beautiful painting and tribute to Jack. How you must miss him! Thank you for sharing this.
All dogs are good dogs. It’s a fact.
A dog that will give a good lean is the best. Sounds like your Jack was a splendid fellow.
Remember, everyone: adopt, don’t shop!
What a beautiful memorial to a lost friend.
Nothing like the love of a dog. I’ve been blessed 4 times.
Your writing is as beautiful as your paintings, Robert. Thanks for sharing both gifts with us.
Beautiful portrait and tribute to Jack.
Many of us who have loved our pets have faced “that day,”
and known that as heartbreaking as the decision was, it was the right one.
May Jack’s memory always be a comfort and a joy.
Thank you, love that story and love Jack. I’ve known a couple of dogs like Jack, both larges mixes, both intellegent and both free thinkers. Hope to meet another before I go.
You never replace a dog; you find a worthy successor. (That said, I I did not intend to get a new dog after my pair passed, but a dog arrived, and he has been a balm to a broken heart.)
Lovely. Our Molly was a lot like Jack but a smaller version.