Goodbye, My Handsome Boy!

Well, it's been a while since May, the last diary entry we did for you. You were able to give us eight more months of joy, and we are so thankful for that.

Today, we had the sad task of sending you to a better place, where you can run and jump all you like. Thank you for being a part of our lives; we will miss you every day.

Love, Mommy

To My Dearest Jake;

You are a special soul who has too little time for this world.

A few days ago, when you started to have trouble with your back legs, I was hopeful that you could overcome it. After the medicine the vet gave you, I was so happy to see the improvement.

The next day, when you could not use your back legs, I was heartbroken. To see you sitting with calmness and love in your eyes, but not being able to walk anywhere, was too much for me to bear, but I still had hope.

We are lucky you have such a nice doctor. The steroids he gave you seemed to be helping, but soon we could see that you were having more troubles. When we went to see him today, I was worried that we would have to come home without you; I'm glad you came home for another try.

As the hours go on I can see that your condition is slowly getting worse.

Jake, I love you so much. We knew that you would eventually have trouble when we picked you up from the SPCA; I thought I would be better prepared for the day that seems to be soon approaching. I don't want to let you go, but know that I must.

You are so loving, happy, and kind. I love your laid-back personality, your misshapen paws, and your big brown eyes. I love the softness of your fur and the eager wag of your tail. I love remembering our camping trips and discovering that you love swimming.

If someone who did not have the good fortune to have met you asked, I would tell them about the time you and your brother got out of the back yard and made it 14 km; I would tell them about the life in your eyes that grew as you shared your life with us. I would tell them about how affectionate you were, and about how everyone loved you. I would tell them about your front paws, how they were twisted, and how they never stopped you from being you. I would tell them about the first day you came home with us. I would tell them about how you would sleep on your back with all four paws splayed in the air.

You are so important to me, Jake. You're my best friend, you're my confidant, you're my special light. I am going to miss you. I am going to cry a river of tears. I am going to remember you. I am always going to love you.

Mommy

Lonley. So Lonley!

Today my brother went away for the whole day. It's cold outside so I had to stay in my room by myself forever! But mom gave me lots of treats before she left so I guess it's not all bad...

When Sporty, mommy, and daddy came home I was so happy. I haven't been without my brother all day since I came home. Good thing I'm a good sleeper!

At first I didn't recognize my brother - he smelled way different. But, soon we were just as though he never left - positively inseperable.

*Sigh* I guess being alone all day really makes you appreciate what you've got!

I Like Swimming!

Hi!

I have discovered a love for swimming, which really surprised my mommy. She says I am the weirdest dog ever.

We had lots of fun on our camping trip. We got to meet a lot of people and I went into a lake for the first time. My mommy and daddy even had a special bed for us in the camper! No wonder we asked to go to bed at night!

I, again, was the mastermind for one of our infamous runaways. I took my brother and we took off down the beach for a long time! Daddy finally caught up to us and took us home. He didn't look very happy that we had taken him for a walk!

I tried it again, but my brother was on a leash. I think my parents are on to me; I won't run away without my brother. Do you think they want me to stick around?

Thanks for all the bones; I really really like treats.

I see my brother wants to play tug with my daddy's socks. Talk to you soon!

My First Camping Trip

Woof woof, only a few days until we go on our camping trip. I have never been camping with my family before, I just know it will be fun. Should I try swimming? I probably won't go very deep, but I might get my toes wet!

I just know my brother is going to try and steal the show when we go. Little does he know that I am soooo cute and cuddly (even though I weigh 70 lbs!) that I am going to win everyone over. I hope my friend Roxy can come.

Life at my new home has been very good. I am so happy to be reunited with my brother; he is the best for cuddles and grooming. But I know mommy and daddy love me best! Oh, and my gramas and grampas, too.

One grama is getting a new puppy. Mom says she's a Pomeranian named Misty. She keeps going on and on about how cute she is. But, really, she knows that I'm the cutest - doesn't she? I'll try not to be jealous. Mommy says she'll be too small to play with at first, but maybe when she's older. Mommy also thinks Misty will rule the roost when she comes to visit. How can a dog one tenth my size be the boss? We'll see about that. If you've read my other diary entry you know that *I'm* the boss around here. You just can't always tell. (It's better that way - I can blame the cats for everything).

Well, I guess it's time for my hourly nap. Woof, talk to you soon.

Don't forget to leave a treat!

Supplemental - *Jake* and Sporty's Big Night Out

You may have read my brother's diary, Sporty and Jakes Big Night Out. First of all, it should be clear that my name should be first since I am the mastermind behind all the escaping. I might look like I'm not as smart as my brother, but I do that on purpose. ;) No one suspects that I am the leader of the household!

That night was a lot of fun, but I was glad to be home. Did you know Sporty and I slept for a whole day? And mom sure checks the gate alot now, especially after dad's been in the back yard. They sure spoiled us with warm blankets and lots of attention.

It's a good thing someone called into the SPCA to report us being in that trailer court so that mom and dad knew where to come and find us. I just want to say that if you ever see doggies out and about you should call your local radio stations and your local SPCA just in case their moms or dads are trying to find them. We are sure glad someone called for us!

So, now our yard is extra secure, but that's OK becuase that night was really tiring for all four of us. Mom and dad said they'd be very sad if they lost us so I guess we'd better stick around!