Saturday, February 4, 2017

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!

24 comments:

  1. Jake does look a dear patient bloke. I'm not sure what you mean by the prednisone affecting his appearance, he doesn't look overweight to me, and when I was on the blasted stuff I blew up like a balloon! Now I'm off to check out Selma Maison!

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    1. Hi Virginia! A side effect of the continual use of the prednisone is causing "muscle-wasting," and it is starting to really show on Jake's face.

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  2. Jake, never give up hope. You'll get to see that mansion finished in all its glory.

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  3. Selma Mansion and Jake, handsome together, and getting all the TLC that they each need and so deserve. Jake, what a happy smile,and to know that after one year, you are standing, walking, and going for a drive to visit the very same mansion that is also looking wonderful.Kim, your heart must be overflowing with happiness for them both, an old neglected home being restored so wonderfully, and a beautiful boy.

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  4. That's wonderful for both of them. Love seeing old things given a new lease on life!

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  5. The look of pure contentment on the face of every dog you've rescued never ceases to amaze me. They know they're safe at last. In spite of the side effects of prednisone, Jake hasn't forgotten how to smile ! He reminds me so much of our much missed Duke, who was part Retriever - though we have no idea what his other parts were. Seeing him run and climb we thought there was some mountain goat in there !
    Lovely to see the house restored to it's former glory.

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  6. there is nothing i can add to these wonderful comments!
    they have said everything that's in my own heart.
    and OH! ... that smiling face!
    and I think the mansion is smiling too.
    and I KNOW I AM ... because of you. and beloved jake...
    who just deserved a chance. xoxoxo♥

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  7. Happy Jake Selma is with you . . .
    Love that Happy Face . . .
    Oh my . . . Selma Mansion is getting more than a "new dress!"
    What a beauty . . .

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  8. I've been following the mansions progress on Facebook since you first mentioned it. What a transformation the building has made. Jake sure was lucky to have found such a caring home to spend his remaining time with.

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  9. Jake looks so happy to be with you. What an amazing mansion too :-) Nose licks and love from Moth xx

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  10. Amazing the difference a year can make in the life of a wonderful dog and a beautiful building!

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  11. He got quite a reprieve when you came along! He does look happier! Yay for Jake!
    Selma is coming right along, isn't it?

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  12. Hello< I am so happy for Jake. It is great to hear good news about Jake and the pretty mansion. I hope they will have a maid to help clean that big place. HUGS to Jake. Happy Sunday, enjoy your day and new week ahead!

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  13. Jake,, we keep rooting for you!
    love
    tweedles

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  14. Here's to many more sunny days ahead.

    Abby Lab

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  15. Oh bless him, even with his health issues, he looks so happy.

    Nice to see the pictures of that large house too, nice it is being saved.

    Hugs

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  16. Hurray for Jake! What a sweet happy face. How interesting about the Selma mansion; so nice to to see a fine old home saved. The renovation must be costing a fortune.

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  17. It was a very good year for both! Wow. I remember you posting pictures of the Selma mansion. It is gorgeous and they sure have made some improvements. As for Jake...you made all the difference. Thank you!

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  18. Such a warm and moving story. So wonderful that Jake had a good year. Here's to another!

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  19. It makes me so happy that the beautiful old building is getting the care it deserves. If Jake thinks about chasing cats, he must be doing well.

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  20. How beautiful they both are! I remember that post well from last year. So happy for Jake. What good care has been given to him certainly is giving him many days of grace that he almost lost if it had not been for you.
    Thank you,
    Gus' Mom

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  21. So happy for them both Kim, see what good loving can do, makes my heart happy. Lovely mansion, don't see them around these parts, looks like Graceland almost.Hugs Francine.

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  22. Yay for Jake!!!! He's so lucky to be with you, helping him along for this wonderful year. And I'm so glad that Selma is getting TLC too! Wonderful news all around!

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  23. Jake is looking good while on Prednisone! I looked like a Macy's Day Parade Balloon when I was on it!! That mansion sure is something. I am glad to hear Jake is doing better! It's so sad when people drop them off at the shelter....I don't know how they can do that....sigh. So very thankful for angels like you who take care of these beautiful souls.

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