Peacefully sleeping on the clouds above...

In loving memory of our Jake who we love so much and who will forever leave paw prints on our hearts. Jake will be greatly missed, always cherished and remembered forever. More than just a great dog, a great being and a best friend...to the end. Whenever.... The sun rises The rain falls from the sky Day turns into night Summer turns into Autumn Another years passes by The hands on the clock tick That's when we'll think of you....

Not just tail wagging, but entire body wagging...that was your specialty! You use to shake in anticipation as you waited for us to come home. Always there, beside us, your shadow followed without fail... You are and forever will be, one amazing dog who overcame such challenging obstacles as but a pup. Such pride, strength, beauty and faithfulness. Jake, you will live on in everything we do and say. Your a part of each of us and not a minute will go by that we don't think of you.

I hope you can feel all of the love that we each had for you. You were there before we got married, and before we even had the boys. When times were tough you could always lift us up. You've taught us so many life lessons: 1). The best things in life are free 2). Greet your loved ones at the door 3). Never hold a grudge 4). Always be ready to play 5). Be able to laugh at yourself 6). Take joy in the company of others 7). Live every day as if it were the last

Sad eyes...

We will always remember how you came to be with our family.... Back on October 26th, 1993 Dad was driving on his way to work. As he was getting onto Highway 610, he glanced over and saw something black laying in the median. As he got closer, up popped those big brown eyes of yours. He drove past at first, but just couldn't get those sad eyes out of his head (and his heart). Your tail was wagging, though you were in pain. Someone had just left you there to fend for yourself, all alone in this world. No collar, no microchip and no tags, just a 5 month old pup with no family of your own. Dad immediately called me on the phone (we weren't married yet), and asked if I could come over and pick you up and get you to the vet right away.  That tail just kept wagging and you were so adorable. You attempted to walk on 3 legs, but wouldn't use your back right one. The first vet, told me we should think about putting you down to end your suffering; so I knew they were quacks! I mean, anyone could clearly see how much life you had left to live and how eager you were to find a permanent home; so we walked right out of there to find a second opinion. I am so glad we did! The next vet we went to said those magic words I had been longing to hear "It would be a complete shame to put down such a beautiful, young man". After some x-rays were done it was determined that you had a broken hip. Well, it didn't take much "negotiating" about what to do next...we knew what we would do, without question of course. Fix that hip and welcome you to our family. Now, a name...we loved the song from Pirates Of The Mississippi "Feed Jake", and so it was. You had your surgery on November 1st, 1993 and from that day on (no lie) you were jumping after frisbees and snowballs for years to come. This was clearly the best wedding gift we could have ever given to ourselves!

Jake's Brother Mitzkins

Your "Brother" Mitzkins, really misses you Jake...He's been looking all over for you. If there is any way you could send down a sign you're doing good, we'd all appreciate it. Do you remember how Mitzkins use to "tap" you on the head with his paws? The way he would roll on his back and outstretch right in your space...just to drive you crazy, but oh did he love being with you.

Jake's Brother Bootsie

Oh, how Bootsie misses you. Do you remember your last night with us? We were making it an extra special one, and as we all laid on the floor with you, Bootsie kept "Head-butting" you and rubbing all over you...he loves you so much and misses you too.

Jake...waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge

We'll see you soon... I hope they have the swimming pool all ready for you since you use to just jump right in. I also hope they've got a big, juicy steak for you too; you deserve the biggest one!

Christmas 1995 - Jake @ 2-1/2 years old

This was a picture of Jake taken at Petco in December 1995. He just looks so young in this picture...so full of life, the way he always was up to the end. As things got tough for him, we still couldn't see his actual age show through. I think it was because we love him so much and wish that time could stand still and that the years just wouldn't change. One day you are looking in the face of a pup, and in the blink of an eye he has become a senior. All of those years just flash through your mind. Thanks Jake, thanks for the wonderful memories. I only hope they were as good for you as they were for us! We love you more than words can say, always.

This was taken in 1996. Just 3 years young! You use to play with this for hours! Taunting us with your came of "catch me if you can"! We didn't mind at all, how could we looking at that beautiful face of yours?

Lazing in the grass...

Here you are at 3 years old, just laying in the grass. Happy to just be with us, doing whatever it was we were doing at the moment.

Jake's Paw Print

Jake's Paw Print - taken the day of his passing...one of the prints left forever on our hearts.

Guarding Joe - 1998

You were there all along; to guard, to watch over and to protect. To be my extra set of eyes and ears with our first child. Thanks for giving me confidence and support.

Are those for me?

Christmas 2004, eyeing your presents.

Right after hip surgery - 5 months old.

Here you are, right after your surgery. We made sure you were comfortable and had plenty of bones to chew on.

8/11/07 The sky was beautiful today. Rays of sunshine fell from the sky where the clouds and sun parted....as we looked up, we had a feeling overcome us, a feeling that you were getting your wings today. Soar Jake, fly high and proud....