In June 2020, Jaterria Patrick’s life was suddenly changed when she had her first stroke. The 20-year-old, who had been a marching band member with dreams of joining the military, was suddenly faced with learning how to crawl and turn over again — and it was only
the first of many obstacles she would have to overcome in a short period of time.
From being intubated three times to sadly losing her mother, Jaterria struggled to cope with the layers of her new reality. Until a wide-eyed puppy named Jack came into her life.
Jack, whom Jaterria named after her mother, Jackie, knew just how to comfort her during waves of grief and pain. And with the sweet boy by her side, Jaterria’s physical and mental health started to improve.
The instantly bonded pair spent the next two years cuddling and playing together, while Jaterria worked on earning her bachelor’s degree in engineering computer technology. Then, in August of this year, Jaterria had her second stroke, which left her nearly paralyzed from the waist down.
From the moment Jaterria returned home from the hospital, Jack stayed loyally by her side. He refused to let her out of his sight for months, until Jaterria unfortunately experienced a mild heart attack that landed her back in the hospital for longer than they’d ever been apart.
“[W]e have only ever been apart for about 5 days,” Jaterria told The Dodo.
As days in the hospital turned into weeks, Jaterria’s mental health started to worsen. She was facing a difficult rehabilitation ahead, and she missed her best friend more than anything.
“I started to go into a really bad depression here, being that I was an hour away from home, [and] this is the LONGEST I’ve ever been apart from him,” Jaterria said.
Then, on the twelfth day in the hospital, Jaterria received the news she’d been long awaiting: Jack was approved to visit her. She couldn’t have been more excited. And the thrill she felt waking up that morning grew exponentially as she watched him run into the hospital’s lobby, straight into her lap.
“I was in a mix of emotions,” Jaterria said. “[S]eeing him really just lifted my spirits. I honestly cried a little because he’s my best friend.”
Jack couldn’t contain his excitement at seeing Jaterria again. He rushed to her wheelchair and threw his paws around her shoulders, embracing her with a giant smile on his face. His tail whipped in a frenzy as she covered him in kisses and pets.
You can watch that moment here:
After a few weeks at the hospital, Jaterria has finally been cleared to go home. She’s currently using a wheelchair to get around while learning to walk again, which is different from what Jack is used to. But she knows that being together will be healing for both of them, even if their quality time looks a little different now.
“We won’t be back to our normal roughhousing playing, but even playing fetch with our fetch stick and just rolling around on the floor and just being in his presence with that big smile, I’m super ready for,” Jaterria said. “[A]nd of course who doesn’t love those kisses!”
With Jack by her side, there’s nothing Jaterria can’t do. She’s even looking into having him become a service dog in the future, which would help her recovery even more. But until then, she’s just focused on improving a little more each day and soaking up all the love Jack has to give.
“I’m ready to get back to my cuddles!” Jaterria said.
