It is with a heavy heart and an empty soul that we bring you the news of the passing of Jackson Walker “Larry Bird” Dog.

He was 80 dog years old. That’s 14 1/2 in human years. He was preceded in death by his brother Chauncey, sister Oakley and lifelong friend Gertie.

Bird is survived by his sister, Zazou Louise, his mumma Jilly and his pop-pa Gr3g.

Born in Lakeview, Michigan on August 7th, 2006, this little guy has been the backbone of the happiness and joy that his people have felt since day one. Upon meeting the young pup, Grizzly and M jumped in their own vehicle to head out that way to make sure Chauncey was also well taken care of.

Throughout his years, the Springer Spaniel named after “the best boss ever” Kristi Jackson, President 43 George Walker Bush and the legend Larry Bird would continue his ways of bringing folks joy and some water “from the bottom of the bucket”. This kid could not stay dry. Any chance of rain, snow, ice, sleet or a simple cloudy mist, he was at the back door ready to pounce on the slippery slope of muddy knolls and grassy rabbit holes.

During the late summer of 2006, Jackson told Gr3g “we’re not going to AZ. You take that Postal job.” Had it not been for that moment, poppa Gr3g and mumma Jilly would never have met.

An avid front seat rider, his best move was sliding his face out the back window to slobber all over the driver’s side on the highway and just chill while cruising through the City streets.

Adventures on the road were key to the relationship between Bird and Gr3g. Whether it was in the blue Ford pickup, one of those Sables or these last few rides in the HoopsGiRl, they’d both sing away at high volume, low key. Houghton and northern Wisconsin, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Detroit, and the Lake Michigan shore were favorites.

While his physical abilities diminished over time, little man wanted to jump off the 3rd step every time. Every time. Even earlier this week. There was no give up in him.

In lieu of flowers, handwritten notes of kindness and remembrance would be greatly appreciated. Send to BeerCityHoops, 1971 E. Beltline NE #106-140, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.

If you would like to make a monetary contribution in honor of Bird, please visit www.gr3ghoops.org or Gr3g Hoops on Facebook.

Until we run again…

Godspeed, Bird. “Daddy’s Little Man”. I love you.