Goodbye Sweet Jake

We had to say goodbye to our sweet dog, Jake today. We got him from the Boulder Humane Society a little over 7 years ago and they said he was "between 2-4 years old" and was "a great dog"... we knew nothing about the breed, but he was so darn sweet and pathetically thin when we met him... we left that day because we didn't find the "lab mix" we wanted, but as soon as I walked out the door I was in tears. "What's wrong with that spotted one? Who am I to want the right breed? We're taking him!" We were totally unprepared and had no idea how energetic & mischievous a German Shorthaired Pointer could be! He most definitely gave us a run for our money for the first few months--he was super sweet with us but was obviously abused, neglected and timid around loud noises & voices. We were pretty sure he had never been inside a house before--he was probably tied outside. He spooked at the TV, jumped up on tables & counters and marked his territory throughout the whole house. He was nearly impossible to walk on leash, he practically choked himself pulling so hard and ripped his face apart when we tried a "gentle leader". Off leash, he bolted. We lost him overnight on a camping trip in the mountains and were so lucky a nice family found him on the side of the road (10 miles aw

ay!!!) and kept him overnight till we could get in touch with them the next morning. He was also aggressive with other dogs and we witnessed a handful of dramatic dog fights between him and other dogs on walks, hikes, dog training class, etc. We were booted from General Obedience class and put in the "Grumpy Growlers" class instead--what a nightmare! Muzzled dogs trying to figure out how to get along with each other. He was so destructive, especially when he was left alone, and tore up plumbing, heating, sprinkler systems, decks, furniture, bedding, flooring, couches, cabinets... you name it, he went at it with a vengeance. He barked and barked and barked when we went to work and the neighbors finally had enough and called animal control... We were sure we were not the right people for him, but were told if we turned him back in he would be put down. His one redeeming quality at the time was his sweet nature with us and kids. He was amazing... as hyper as he was he would always stop to be pet and literally purr like a cat. The years went on and Jake's aggressiveness all but disappeared, he gained weight, was healthy, happy and trusting. He was still mischievous and kept us on our toes, but he settled into our home and was loved and very well cared for. We learned

how to manage his energy and separation anxiety. Before work Tom would bike Jake for 5+ miles to wear him out. We then had to close him in our small bedroom so he didn't bark all day & destroy our house and yard. Some days, I was lucky enough to take him to work with me. He was SO loved... day one in the office he leapt up onto the office manager's desk to look down on her and say hello. She was smitten from that moment on... such a ham! He would curl up quietly in my office recliner while I worked away... when troubled kids came in he would lay at their feet and let them pat him for hours. He calmed a tantruming kid down on more than one occasion. He was my work buddy... both at Ariel and CTRC. Once we figured out that a chest harness worked wonders on walks, he also became my running buddy--finally I could set the pace instead of him running me! We trained for running races & triathlons together... he motivated me to get up and out the door. My little spotted trainer. (:

When we moved into our new house Jake was in heaven... an acre of fenced in yard to sprint around...and oodles of squirrels to chase. He quickly became a "Squirrel Killer"... he would sit in the grass, still and not moving for HOURS... slowly creeping up to the unsuspecting critter while he ate from the neighbor's bird feeder... then, when they started to creep back over the fence into our yard, Jake would be hiding in the grass and pounce. It was pretty amazing to watch, mostly misses, but every now and then he'd get one. ): I have never seen a dog stalk the way he did--it was catlike.

Jake was notorious for sneaking food... mostly bananas.

Something about bananas... he was a monkey dog!!!

When Harper was born Jake's attention was given mostly to the new baby but he never complained. He was just happy to have me home full time and would nap on the couch while we played. When Harper was 2 weeks old, we put her in her own room for the first time and I found Jake curled up in "his" recliner in her room, keeping her company. He was so sweet with her from day one... gentle, understanding and ever so tolerant.

We are beyond devastated to have lost Jake today. He was in pain, unable to use his back legs and not recovering so we knew it was time. We did everything we could and when our vet said "it's time", we reluctantly agreed. Harper said, "I miss my friend Jake." today and it broke my heart. Looking at "his" couch weighs heavy on my heart but I know, in time, we will be able to remember all of his funny quirks and laugh at all the silly things he did over the years. Rudy seems a bit lost, but I think she's secretly happy to be the sole dog of the family once again... she's a Lab, with the "it's all about ME!!!" attitude, so I think she'll be just fine.

Thanks for teaching us so much, Jake... about patience, tolerance, love and nurturing. You prepared us well for parenting and were a great first dog for Harper. We will bury you under your favorite squirrel tree and can only hope you are as fast as ever in "doggie heaven".

Love you buddy. You are missed.