I've waited a couple of days to write this post because I wanted to find the right words to let you all know that we lost our boy Jake on Tuesday. I have the post already written of the events leading up to our suddenly losing him, that I will post after this. I want this post to be a tribute to a dog that I came to love very much.
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| ~Jake, the first day we met~ |
It was exactly 317 days ago that I'd met Jake. His first life was spent with someone who'd served in the military, and when there was a divorce, Jake was given to his parents. When the parents no longer had time for Jake, they felt that he'd be happier in another home. We became Jake's second foster home when it was realized that he was unable to do flights of steps. He settled in easily and nicely and got along with our crew and found his spot within the pack.
Proving an old dog actually can and does adjust to a new life, Jake spent his time with us enjoying all the smells of the country and all the other joys of being canine.
He mastered the art of the assistant chef in the kitchen and all things food related.
You couldn't help but notice that Jake was a big boy, and we tried to help him on his weight-loss journey. But it didn't help that he appointed himself the official dog-bowl-cleaner, making sure all leftover morsels did not go to waste. We tried .....
Jake didn't know any tricks like shake, speak, or roll over . . . But he did know sit . . .
And he had a smile that truly warmed my heart. His affection and trust for everyone he met was as intense as his love for finding a cool place to sleep and living life how he wanted. Something we happily let him do.
Jake is survived by a pack that misses him, and by two people who are heartbroken and wish they could have given him a few more hugs and a few more of those new treats he was really enjoying.
In lieu of flowers, as Jake's foster home, we are requesting that you spend this week giving your dogs or cats extra treats, and extra hugs - the same goes for people too. And most importantly, consider giving second chances to senior dogs like Jake. Because two-legged or four, everyone deserves to be loved to their fullest potential.
And allowed to be who they are . . . ❤❤❤
God speed Jake. Thank-you for being part of our lives and thank-you to GRREAT, the rescue that was there for him when he needed a place to go. I know in time the ache of your loss will soften. But that gratitude in my heart for having the chance to know you and love you, will not.
Jake had 317 days of pure joy and love and fun. Sending your 2 and 4 legged family love. Gail in New Kent
ReplyDeleteI think you and your husband are at the top of the love scale, if there is such a thing. How wonderful Jake came to live with you. I like that he knew to sit . . . there he was, taking it all in as he watched listened felt . . . you were his HOME.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless You Both . . .
my caring …
lynne
your words and heart felt feelings make all the ones I could say seem so weak. thank heaven for you and Carl and your brother.
ReplyDeleteand the pictures. oh my the pictures! that face. thank you Kim. God speed to your beloved Jake. xo
BigBoy=MoreToLove!
ReplyDeleteAnd all of you did it so well -
Thanks for sharing these GReat pictures and GReat memories -
We KNOW he took your message of LOVE to The Rainbow Bridge
H&K&W,
Willow and Phyll
Condolences and God's blessings, Kim.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to Jake. We can tell he really touched your heart for the brief time he was with you. He surely knew how much he was loved in your home by the four and two legged residents.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear of Jake's passing. Purrs of comfort and paws of sympathy from all of us. We sure do wish he could have had more time with you, but we are so thankful that he was truly loved during his final days.
ReplyDeleteKim, thank you for this beautiful tribute to Jake. I think it was meant to be that he become a part of your home.
ReplyDeleteI know it was a gift to him to know how it felt to be loved in the deepest way possible by you, Carl and your brother, and the pack that he loved in return.
georgie
Jake was "real"
Jake was "Real"
So sad to hear that Jake has gone to the Rainbow Bridge, but what happy memories he'll take with him, and leave behind with us all. Such a happy boy and so loved.
ReplyDelete"Let them be who they are" A motto we live by. Thank you Kim for letting Jake be who he was. My heart goes out to you and your pack. Run free Jake
ReplyDeleteOh, this is sad news. I will miss this beautiful boy; his sweet nature shines in every photo. Dear Jake, you have been so loved.
ReplyDeleteHe had a great year with you {{hug}}}
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful & poignant tribute to Jake, my dear broken-hearted friend! *gentle hugs* Thank you for being such a big part of the puzzle called Jake's Life. I think the person that holds that last puzzle piece is the most important of all. Love & hugs & prayers sent your way as you grieve... and remember. ~Andrea xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteWe're so sorry to hear about your doggie, Jake. He sure looked like a sweetie! Sending hugs.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to sweet Jake.
ReplyDeleteWith tearful sympathy.
Hugs!
Words filled with love as you tell us of Jake. He leaves a huge gap in your heart, but had all those days filled with love and care, and his smile will always be a loving memory.
ReplyDeleteWe lost our Gussie two months ago and I still tear up on a regular basis. I so identify with regretting not giving him more hugs and treats even though they were constant as in your home. Each sweet pup is so important to us. I only wish each could experience the type of home you give to all of your loves. I’m so grateful Jake’s last memories were of being loved and wanted,
ReplyDeleteGus’s Mim
Such a beautiful tribute to such a beautiful soul. The most important thing here is that Jake had a chance to know the comfort of living in a very loving home. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Run young and free once again, Jake.
ReplyDeleteI know, it feels that it is never enough . He looks so happy in the photos!
ReplyDeleteI am so terribly sorry for the loss of Jake.
ReplyDeleteRun free sweet Jake. We are so glad you spent your last year with such a wonderful pack. We send them all our condolences and may the memories of you warm their hearts. Lee and Phod and their Lady
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry to hear about Jake. But that smile of his says it all - he loved his time with you. It doesn't matter how long he got to be with you, you just made him feel wanted and loved. <<<>>>
ReplyDeleteWoos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber and Mom
Jake was fortunate to find a home with you for his golden days. We are so sorry he is gone.
ReplyDeleteWoofs,
Ollie and all teh gang at The Poupounette
So sorry, run free Jake and eat what ever you want!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely boy and yes, I will give my Faith extra treats, she will love that. Inger
ReplyDeleteFinally, after months, Blogger lets me comment ! Jake was a great fellow. It only seems like yesterday he joined you. In parts of Sweden when a character passes on they say 'Congratulations'. A strange thing to Presbyterian ears but a recognition of what a privilege it is to have shared part of your life with a trusting , loving, larger than life spirit. So to you and yours .... and Jake a hearty 'Congratulations'.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you for those days of love you gave dear Jake, I type this with tears in my eyes. He was oh so beautiful and his photos show sheer joy in his life. my condolences and sorrow for your loss of Jake
ReplyDeleteJake was such a special boy. We are very sorry for your loss. You gave him some very happy days at Golden Pines. Soft woos and gentle hugs from all of us.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber and Mom