Saturday, November 5, 2011

An Upside Down World for Jake

In my experience I have found that people give up their pets for the most trivial of reasons.  I have also found that they give them up because they feel they have no other choice.  Financial hardship, working two jobs, Jake alone for about 15 hours a day, and a daughter requiring medical care all contributed to the reasons why Jake's former owner felt like she couldn't keep him.  She had asked everyone she knew if they could take Jake and as a last resort, contacted our county animal shelter.  They were honest with her, and told her that because Jake is 13 years old, he probably would not be adopted and would be euthanized.  They provided her with the rescues number and she contacted them.

This brought me into the picture on Wednesday when I was asked by the rescue if we had room for him.  The owner was getting ready to go out of town, so a quick decision had to be made.  Where Jake lived was practically around the corner from my office, so using that flimsy reason to justify taking him in, I agreed and picked him up after work.  I felt very sad for the owner and we both cried as she said good-bye to him.  I didn't tell her that I was the one who would be caring for Jake, but I did promise to let her know how he was doing.

~Jake's paw~ 
As I mentioned on Thursday, Jake is not the most handsome of Goldens and his care has been neglected.  He is tall, lanky and thin.  His nails are really long and curled under, looking more like talons than nails.  Added to that, there is a problem with his feet and he walks on his wrists. He has a very thin coat and his skin is visible in places including on his tail.  There is also a large cyst over his eye.  

~The trouble maker~
Meeting our crew did not go as smoothly as it has in the past.  For some reason Todd had an issue with Jake. He meets new dogs practically each time he goes to day care, and I can only guess that the problem started because he was crated when I picked up Jake, and couldn't meet him on equal ground.  The 'hostility' from Todd continued even after he was let out of the crate, fed his dinner, and played with.  Of course all of this upset the entire household, making it chaotic and very stressful for everyone.  I finally made Todd a 'Kong' and put him to bed.

Even with Todd out of the picture, Jake continued to be a nervous wreck.  His entire 13 years of life had been turned upside down.  He paced, panted and had several accidents.  Jake had always lived as an only dog, walking on wood floors and not being allowed in the kitchen and never having to do steps.  Our house is full of area rugs, dogs and he has to walk through the kitchen to get outside and down two steps.  You can see why he was so upset and confused about what was happening to him.
~Jake~
Worn out and tired, we all went to bed.  I'm not sure where Jake slept that first night.  But the last couple of days have been better ones, and even Todd has gotten over his issue with him.  We're working on getting Jake to feel more comfortable coming into the kitchen. He's still reluctant to walk on the rugs, and learning the steps is going to take some time. But he comes to us for attention and will sit next to me and and we're seeing tail-wags more and more.  The last two nights he has slept on a blanket next to the bed--I think we're headed in the right direction.

61 comments:

  1. He may not be the most handsome but he already stole my heart. I hope he continues to feel better and keeps wagging that tail:)

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  2. Oh this makes me happy and sad. Dogs don't understand why their families are no longer around. And yet he is so lucky to have a place like yours to recover from his sadness. You're a good person, you will help his heart heal:-)

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  3. That always breaks my heart - he has earne the right to stay with them. I'm glad you have him, we know he'll be loved.

    Sam

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  4. Kim, tears came after reading this post! I can't wait to read about Jake's progress. Todd will probably end up being his new BFF!

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  5. Woof! Woof! Oh KIM ... my mom had tears reading this post. Poor Jake. We are Golden Delight that he now under your care. Golden Happy too that Jake being 13 years old have a strong Golden Spirit. As always, sending Lots of Golden LOVE to the Golden PINES Gang. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  6. Poor Jake, I can only imagine what is going on in his mind, probably akin to that of a person put in the nursing home and never seeing his people again and everything is so strange. Big hug, going out to him!

    It sounds like he knows that you are the one to be by for comfort and attention already.

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  7. oh dear heaven. tears like the others, as i write this.
    jake. jake. your heart is big and ready to love.
    and so much love you will find here in return.
    it was probably too painful to walk on the long claws, so nature accommodated with the wrists, which were never meant for that.
    oh kim.
    he's beautiful.
    and so are you.
    (and little stinker todd!)
    love,
    tammy j

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  8. I think that walking on his ankles can be helped with braces... this is where we went for braces when we had Missy... The guy that makes them is in Colorado.

    http://handicappedpets.com/www/index.php/help-pets-walk/k9-dog-orthotic-brace.html

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  9. Here is the link to the brace page.

    http://handicappedpets.com/www/index.php/help-pets-walk/k9-dog-orthotic-brace.html

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  10. Thank goodness Jake found you!!! :)

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  11. Boo Boo Bear sends his regards to Jake. Boo Boo too had to be rehomed at a ripe old age.

    Tell Jake that once everyone settles in, life gets better and better.

    Thank you for taking him in, and thank you for helping old dogs find new hope.

    Mogley, Boo Boo and Bella G. Retriever

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  12. I can't wait to see how you work your love and magic on this poor boy. Hopefully you can help with his many problems and he will learn to trust his new and far better situation. Once again, I thank you and your husband for all you do. Such compassion. Hopefully trimming his nails will help in some small way.

    Sweet Jake.

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  13. Good morning Kim,
    I am in tears after reading your post. While my Miss Molly is only 14 months, I am sure she is going thru the same sort of feelings that Jake is experiencing. We always want to make it better right away and I just need to realize that it's going to take time for them to readjust to their new life.
    After getting your email last night, Miss Molly and I had a good long snuggle--she must have felt your love. Thank you. :)

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  14. God bless that poor boy. he's in a very loving place, though. :)

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  16. My heart breaks for older dogs who are displaced. They can't understand why their world is turned upside down and it's unfair that they have to go thru this.

    I try to let my dogs experience a variety of issues so that they won't fear change. Stairs are taught early and we have various floorings for them to get accustomed to.

    I admire what you do for these dogs. It must be so upsetting at times. Give sweet Jake a hug from me and whisper that we all care about him.
    Sue

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  17. Poor baby probably walks on his wrists because no one trimmed his nails. She may have loved him, but she didn't CARE for him.

    You are a saint in my book.

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  18. Kim, So sorry to hear of Jake's problems.
    We hope he can soon feel more at ease, we know that you will be doing the best you can for him because that is just you.

    Sheila & Bob

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  19. You are truly an angel on earth! Thank God Jake found you... My heart breaks for the poor baby. What pain and anguish he must be going through.

    Thank you for being you!!!

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  20. Poor confused Jake. We're glad he came from a home where he had love...even if he didn't have the best of care.

    Everyday, you'll make a step forward.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  21. I just happened upon your blog today and I'm so grateful to have found you. I feel bad for Jake for losing his family, yet I feel so very good for him for finding you. He is blessed - and I'm sure he has already brought blessings to your life. I believe I'll hang around to see Jake's progress and what's going on with the rest of you.

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  22. Bless his beautiful heart. Poor, poor baby. We hope and pray that this transition will occur quickly and without causing him anymore stress. Y'all are such good folks. God bless you!

    AROOOOOF!
    Boondocks & The Love Shack Pack

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  23. I'm glad Jake is starting to feel like he's part of your pack. Poor him with that cyst over his eye though, is there any chance it will drain on its own and if not, will you have it removed? I hope it isn't painful.

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  24. I don't blame poor Jake one bit for being completely disoriented by his radical change. It is so tough, especially coming into a foreign land of scary stairs, area rugs and other dogs - yikes! I will echo everyone else's sentiment in proclaiming Golden Pines as Jake's heaven on earth where he will happily spend the winter of his life. God bless you all.
    Woofs and Rooooos to all from Easton
    KT too!

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  25. Jake has had a rough few years but I know he is happy to be with you and sorrounded by your love and care. Hopefully, it will all work out. I look forward to updates on this poor fella.

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  26. I'm loving those frosty plant photos Kim!
    Good to hear that Jake is settling a bit. It will take some getting used to for him and the rest of you.

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  27. Broke my heart to read this post. Poor Jake has been through a lot. I am glad he has you and the others to help him out. Love your photos of the frost and birds. Have a wonderful evening.

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  28. Handsome is as handsome does and jake looks a treasure. He is the luckiest dog finding you, we would probably be like Todd and be stand offish at first, but we usually accept new dogs after they know we're in charge ;-) We look forward to hearing about jake's progress, I'm sure he'll go from strength to strength now he's found you. xxxx

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  29. Thank you so much for the website. Soldier got up on his own this afternoon, but very wobbly. It sounds like Jake is settling in and he couldn't be in a more loving home. I'm sure that will help him overcome all the obstacles. And I'm so glad you have Todd; he will keep you young at heart and help you with all the senior issues. Samson does much the same for me.

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  30. Kim,
    My heart absolutely breaks for Jake...what a blessing he has you to take care of him. Gosh, I'd just like to strangle people...

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  31. I feel so sad when I read stories like Jake's. That poor guy has been through so much. You are saving him, and it sounds like he's already learning to accept your love. Lucky, lucky dog to have found you.

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  32. Wow, this is an amazing story. If you're intersted we'd love to use it as a guest post on our blog, www.PetBlogsUnited.com. Of course we would link it back to you.

    If you interested you can reach us at PBU at comcast dot net.

    Thanks for taking care of Jake.

    Oskar & Pam

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  33. You are very charitable towards the previous owners, much more so than I could be. It seems clear that they have allowed this dog to suffer too long because of their busy lives and family problems. I wish they might have recognized it was in the dog's best interest to be in a place where his needs could be met before he reached this neglected condition.

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  34. Brava for taking Jake into your hearts. We'll keep our paws crossed for his speedy and happy assimilation into the pack. Can his paws be helped at his age? We're sure his furs will get healthy once he's been with you and eating properly for a few weeks. Hope he doesn't have any other health problems.

    Jed & Abby

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  35. I expect he'll be one of the crew in no time!

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  36. What a blessing you are for Jake! Keeping our paws crossed that he is feeling more at home soon!

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  37. His outside appearance may not be the most handsome, but I bet his insides are a shining star.
    I can imagine in a few short weeks he will find his voice in the pack and settle in.
    I can't help but smile when I look at Todd's picture, he's a rascal alright :)
    You have a huge heart my friend.
    ~Jo

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  38. Ummm. You have had quite an undertaking and while not easy, sounds like you all are making the adjustment. I feel for all of you and understand so much. I had a dog thast was mad we got a second for a whole year. I thought they would NEVER get along but they finally became best buds. Now the one I have left (#! alpha died a year ago...) is walking on his "elbows" too...vet calls it "knuckling". So hard to see him like this. I have to carry him up and down steps. I'd do it forever if it would keep him here. So hard to see them getting frail. Good luck!!!

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  39. to ellen... the new commenter above...
    glad to see that you will be back.
    you are about to embark on one of the most heart wrenching, heart warming journeys of your blog life!
    this lady kim and her husband carl, are simply angels on this sorry earth. there are many stories here. if you have time, go through the archives...
    while others talk, they do. and they do it so well. it will change the way you look at love and life on this planet!
    glad you're joining in their (our) wonderful, warm and loyal community of commenters. we care about the dogs and them and each other... in that order!
    cheers ellen!
    tammy j

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  40. I keep thinking what if no one wanted Jake. What if no one took him? I keep wondering what he is feeling.
    Thank goodness you could take him Kim. I know you wondered the very same things.
    Its so sad, but knowing that he is at Golden Pines, I know he is being touched by love. I think each day he will feel more comfortable and safe, and will accept the love.
    And I agree, he and Todd just may end up being best friends.
    We love the photo of the geese! How gorgeous!
    We are with all of you as you all adjust,, and thank goodness for all of you
    love
    tweedles

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  41. I want to write a long post to you,but I feel as your other reader feels,I just love you for what you do & love you for visiting & making me feel a little better,love you & thank you,phyllis

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  42. If anyone can make Jake feel better Kim, it's you and Carl.

    Maybe he is walking on his ankles because of the long nails? I've heard it can cause walking problems, but I'm sure you already know this.

    Poor guy has been so neglected for so long, I'm so glad he has you and the gang to help him out.

    Glad to hear Todd is back on track too. :-)

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  43. I want to tell Jake to just hang in there - things are going to be so much better for him very, very soon. Lucky Jake, to have landed where he did!

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  44. Count me among those who feel your strength and abilities with the dogs who need you. Jake is a lucky boy and I hope he gets some good years with you. Let us know if you need some assistance with the things Jake needs. Maybe we who admire what you are doing could figure out a way to be a small part of it all.

    cheers and hugs,

    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  45. Poor poor Jake!!! That poor boy has a right to be a little up set!!
    He looks like he has had a hard life!! Bless you Kim!!
    xx Happy & Fern

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  46. So glad that Jake has gotten to become part of your happy household! Stinker Todd is a terrier, so he will win him over soon!! Blessings on your heads!
    Smooches from pooches,
    BabyRD & Hootie

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  47. You are an angel! My heart goes out to Jake! That poor guy!!! How hard it must be to adapt to everything being new at his age!! Thank the good lord you were there to help him out. We have come over from Sugar's blog to say hello...Hope all goes well with you and Jake continues to adapt well!!
    xoxo Chloe and LadyBug

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  48. Poor old Jake...thank god he found you! Hope he continues to settle in....(he looks hypothyroid)
    Keep us posted.
    xoxo

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  49. If anyone can bring him around, you can. Poor old boy, the world as he knew it for so long is no more. But, he soon will discover that he has landed in the best of all places, and you will have the joy of knowing that you are enabling him to spend the rest of his life in peace and comfort.

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  50. For anyone who does not believe in Angels, they only need to read this post and know that you my sweet Kim ~ are truly an Angel on Earth.

    Big hugs for luck!
    xo Catherine

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  51. our scottie george is a real sweetie
    but maddie our old gal who died, was a real feisty old thing who would hold a grudge...
    scotties remember who they dislike
    xx

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  52. Kim - with your generous heart and soul, Jake has found a new home. Welcome home.

    Woofs
    Nadine & golden Neeli

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  53. People do so many awful things.

    I feel that you are doing A LOT to even up karma for the human race.

    Thank you for that.

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  54. Jake has one good thing going for him.....you! God bless

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  55. I can only imagine the kind of stress Jake is going through but I feel like he will adjust in his new enviroment. How can he not in such a loving place.

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  56. Just catching up from being away ... you are so amazing! I so wish there were so many more like you!

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  57. So sad, but I am glad he has you. We took a Golden like that once, he had been raised on a small deck...he went crazy, wild, happy when we let him go on our 8 acres! He was so full of love. We recently took our big Cougar with us to a family function, come see. ;D

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  58. Poor, poor Jake. Thanks for trying to help him.

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  59. It's so stressful for dogs being uprooted and coming into foster care. I find the greyhounds, often from racing backgrounds, are amazing at their flexibility. Within a week they're 'getting the hang' of living in a house, and after a month, they're loving it. Good on you for persevering with Jake and I hope he finds a lovely home to live out his late years.

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  60. Hi there Kim,
    I was so touched to read Jake's story...poor guys. I really hope he settles in fast and that he gets to feel happier.
    You are a star for taking him in.
    sending lotsaluv
    MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!