Tennessee Williams said "Time doesn't take away from friendship, nor does separation." In some ways it still feels like in was only a few months have gone by since we said our farewells to Jayke.
We, and everyone that visits our offices, are greeted everyday with Jayke's portrait in our office. The picture shows his strength of character and his special personality that made Jayke what he was...one of a kind.
Our lives are marked by milestones...events that occur that etch the passage of time forever. December 11, 2007 is such a date. That is the date that we said our farewells to Jayke. It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years.
Jayke loved his hugs and he always acknowledged them with a gentle lick of thanks. So today, we celebrate the remarkable life of one very special Golden named Jayke with Jayke’s Big Hug Day.
We know that it takes the greatest amount of courage to say goodbye, but it’s also the greatest commitment of love to know when its time. So, please take the time today to give that special someone in your life a hug.
Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I'll miss you
Until we meet again!
~Author Unknown
Today is a dull, dreary, rainy day here. We haven’t seen much sunshine in the last few weeks. And today marks one month since the sunshine of our lives, Jayke, crossed The Bridge. After a month, I think we’re doing ok. There are some days that we still catch ourselves doing something for Jayke that was part of the routine of living with our special “Bud/Old Coot”, but we both have taken some time to grieve and to celebrate his most remarkable life.
Jayke is very much still with us. We miss his larger than life personality and gentle kisses of thanks, and we have also come to appreciate the tremendous support from his friends on Dogster. Some of the rosettes and special gifts left in Jayke’s honour have "timed out", but that doesn't diminish the thoughts of kindness or words of support that have been received over the last month. You should know that we prepared a book of memories of Jayke that includes over 15 years of photos, emails, paw mails, cards, letters and notices of donations made to various charitable groups that we received in Jayke’s memory. The word document of tributes from Dogster is over 40 pages alone! (Its now over 50 pages!)
We have come to realize that Jayke may be that once in a lifetime, very special and unique relationship we enjoy with our three or four legged family members. We know that we will find another Golden companion and look forward to raising another puppy or two when the time is right.
We are so grateful that we lived and shared our life with Jayke. We received a note from one of Jayke’s PWD pals, Gizmo, that we wanted to share.
“There is so much value in Jayke's story, because it really shows about true family love and doing whatever it takes to integrate someone special into your family. So many other families would have resorted to euthanasia (like with Gizz), and you saw so much deeper potential than that. The lessons there are huge. If only most people were so lucky to experience love like that in their lifetime. Thank you for all the love and joy and family experiences you brought to Jayke.”…..Thanks Gizz & mom
So to Jayke, our love forever and lots of big hugs. We miss you dearly. In our hearts we know that one day we will once again be in each others company.
Dogster Obsessions: The Starter Kit for Dogs by Wildebeest
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