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Attitude above all else!

One month ago....

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.

My Forever Friend - Jayke

I know that it must be different,
now that I am no longer here.
I realize how much I was loved
and how all of you did care.

I know it will be hard at first
when you look around for me.
Expecting to find me in my bed
or beside my favorite tree.

Someday you will begin to see,
although it'll take some time,
the happy times you shared with me,
the memories are yours and mine.

I'll remember you, my family,
and how much you meant to me.
So please don't grieve and don't be sad,
it was just my time to leave.

Author unknown

It’s been about 4 hours since we said our goodbyes to Jayke. We had made arrangements with Dr. Mark to come to our home so Jayke was able to be at peace and surrounded by love and the things that would make him comfortable.

It’s been a very difficult day for us. It has been made somewhat easier because of the genuine expressions of support that we have received. Know that every email, rosette, star or candle that has been lit, mean a great deal to us. We’ll answer and respond to everyone, over the next few days. For now, please accept our sincere appreciation to all.

We have learned that Jayke touched many lives of those, whom we may never meet, in a most profound way. Perhaps tonight all of Jayke’s Dogster & Catster pals could be hugged and reminded that they are loved and appreciated and that a very special Golden named Golden Corals Rambeaux’s Jayke is watching out for all.

Sweet dreams our brave, sweet boy.
With our love.