Jake
This morning when I came out to Jake for a walk, I noticed that he seemed
to not be doing well. But, being in total denial I thought that I’d
take him and Kai for walk anyway as I thought for sure he’d snap out of it
as his walks were his absolute favorite. But, as I got a few blocks
and noticed that he wasn’t in the least enthusiastic, I knew something was
terribly wrong. I rushed him immediately to the vet and was told that
my beautiful 12 1/2 year old dog Great Pry Mix Jake was suffering from
bloat. That’s when a stomach has basically inverted itself. I guess
this can happen with larger, older and less active dogs. The vet let us know
that surgery was an option but with Jake’s health already spiraling down due
to a back injury and the fact that I had to help him up when he fell while
we went walking sometimes, I made the decision to not let him suffer any
longer and to let my best friend go. The vet also felt that Jake’s
recovery wasn’t very promising.
Though I know putting him down today was the right decision, I can’t stop
feeling that my heart is breaking. Many people wouldn’t understand how
I could love a dog so much. But, I know there are many people out there who
do. And to those who can feel my pain and have lost a pet they have
loved so much, I’m sending you a BIG hug today, as I’m sure you are doing
the same back to me. Jake was such a HUGE part of my life for so many years.
He was my Sunday afternoon and was always there when I needed a big white
fluffy pillow to lean and cry on when I was lonely. He was my family
when I didn’t have one of my own. He loved me unconditionally.
And though he wasn’t perfect, I truly feel God brought him to the pound that
day 12 years ago for me to see and fall in love with. Jake was meant to be
my dog. I don’t think there would have been anyone else who would have
put up with the number of shenanigans that he put me through. And for
many of you who have heard the crazy Jake stories you know what I’m talking
about. But, I think that’s what made Jake so special to me and
different from any other dog. He and I grew up together and he taught me
how to love more than I ever thought I could, to be responsible and to truly
take care of something even when times got tough. Jake taught me how
to be a good mother.
My brother said something today that kind of hit home for me. Jake was
there when I really needed him. And now that I’m happily married, have
a new baby and my life is going in a new and wonderful direction, that
possibly Jake knew his job helping and supporting me and being my best
friend here on earth was done. So, maybe today Jake was ready to say
goodbye. But, unfortunately I wasn’t quite ready to do the same.
But, then I guess you never are ready to say goodbye to someone you love.
I know time will heal this pain I’m feeling. And also in time thinking
of Jake will only make me smile. But, right now it just kind of hurts… A
LOT! As always, thanks for your love & support… Phew! It’s been
a tough year. I hope this email finds you and your family (including your
pets!) doing well. If you have a pet, please give it some extra lovin’
today and a big kiss for dear ol’ Jake… aka “Bud”
Hugs & Kisses!
Barbie
