Jake and Selma Mansion - One Year Rescued!

Can you believe that we have just passed the one year mark on February 3, 2016 when we first met Jake?

~The first day we met Jake~

Some of you may remember that at the time I'd compared Jake to nearby Selma mansion (a historic property and former plantation in Loudoun County, Virginia, that is best known as the residence of Armistead Thomson Mason, a Senator from Virginia 1816 - 1817).  I'd just read an article on the abandoned mansion and was taken by its history and story.  So much so that I'd stopped by to see it myself and taken pictures. Jake was with me that day.

~Jake February 2016~

It was so sad to see this once grand home standing alone and in ruins; a victim of vandals, and so much neglect.  I really hoped that like Jake, Selma would get the chance to be rescued too.  In March it was announced that Selma had been purchased by a local couple who plan to make it their family home.

I had no idea what the next year would bring for Jake. Jake had been taken to the shelter to be euthanized by his owner because he was unable to walk. The shelter thought he had some good days left, and asked if he could be turned over to a rescue.  Thankfully, they agreed.  Our trip to the vet that day in February was when he was given the diagnosis of spondylosis.

~February 2016 - Coming home from the vet~

Fast forward through what has been a good year for Jake!  The spondylosis is progressing, and Jake sometimes needs help getting to his feet, but cold laser therapy and acupuncture really help with that. And even though he's on the lowest possible dose, the continual use of prednisone (a steroid) is taking its toll on him physically, and is causing "muscle wasting."  Unfortunately.  But it's really needed to help keep down the inflammation along his spine. Despite that, at about 13 years old now, mealtime is still Jake's favorite part of the day, and every once in awhile he gives in to the temptation to chase one of the cats. There's no doubt, that Jake is happy.

For Selma Mansion, its well thought out restoration is well underway both inside and out.  The work is being chronicled daily on a Facebook page.  No detail appears to be too small, and it appears that no expense is being spared either - You can click here to see the Facebook photos.  

So, today, as we celebrate a year with Jake, it seemed only fitting that we take a short drive over to take pictures of Selma .......

and of course Jake too.

Here's to the next year for both Jake and Selma!