Fourteen years ago, my mom brought Jake home after work. A man had come to her office with two Kommondor / Maremma mix puppies, announcing that if no one took them, he was going to shoot them. (Jake’s sister went home with another coworker but never came out of anesthesia when being spayed)
Sam, our 12 year old Springer/Lab mix wasn’t too thrilled about the idea, which probably had to do with the fact that Jake, at about 5 months, was already bigger than him, and was much goofier and bouncier. Sam taught Jake how to be a farm dog. How to stay off the road. How to bark at visitors. How to be a good boy. He also taught Jake that he (Sam) was the boss, and the boss’s spot was at the top of the stairs. Jake was not allowed to touch/cuddle/share that top landing. So Jake’s spot became the second step down. As he grew, he basically filled up the entire step, and his back leg hung to the third step. But he was very polite, and would make room for us to get by, only to lay back down in his designated spot. To his dying day, Jake’s spot was the second step.
Jake’s favorite thing was going for his daily walk around the property. With a spring in his step, his giant tail wagging, he was always ready to go. One thing I remember most was how he would hold your hand. As you’d walk along, he’d prance up next to you and gently take your hand in his mouth. Not pulling, just holding. It was so sweet.
Jake also loved cats. He was fascinated by the kittens, and one day we caught him carrying one up to the house in his big gentle mouth, just to lay down and snuggle with him.
He had this booming, ferocious bark that kept many visitors inside their cars. Little did they know, if they only got out, he would have cowered back to the garage. Not much of a guard dog, but an excellent deterrent.
His fur was more like wool, a crazy mix of fluff and dreadlocks. Every spring, my mom would give him a haircut. A days-long event in which he endured embarrassing stages of humiliation and hilarity. Picture starting at the top and working your way down…. yep.
While Sam hat gotten a bit crabby and snippy in his old age, Jake would never hurt a fly. Even this past summer, he let my nephews and cousins hug him, squeeze him and pull on him. (I dare you to try that with Gracie)
I’m going to miss his big, happy face greeting me at the car window when I visit my mom. I’ll miss his hugs and his human-like eyes. I’ll miss his long skinny legs that never seemed to gain 100% coordination. I’ll miss his loyalty and his friendship and his quiet, gentle soul.
I love you buddy.
What a big lovely boy! I’m very sorry for your loss, Sarah. Jake looks like a wonderful old friend.
We sure will miss Jake!!! Great pictures of him.. and your Dad!
A beautiful eulogy for a wonderful friend. Take care..
I’m so sorry for your loss…your story was so touching and I can feel how loved Jake was. Thanks for sharing a bit of his story and some great photos and my condolences as losing our four-legged friends is never easy.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Hubby and I have 5 dogs right now and it’s always a heartbreak when you lose one. My thoughts are with you.
Thank you Sarah. That was beautiful. It made me cry. I surely will miss that big ol’ guy. Love you…
so sad to see him go. We get so few days with them as it is, and the extra special ones, like Jake, even less. My heart goes out to you and your family. Many hugs, Kim
Ah Sarah…what a cool dog. I really like the pics of him in the field & with the horse.
The big dogs weave a special place into our hearts.
Such a beautiful tribute,you made me cry. I too will miss him greeting us when we arrive. I will miss him walking with us, turning around as to say “why so slow, keep up with me”. I will forever treasure him with Tinley last summer. I posted a couple pictures of them together. Thanks Sarah. Love you.
I looooove him! :) such a fluffy, cuddlie guy!! So sad to hear about him! :(
Aw what a beautiful friend, im so sorry for your loss, your little story about him brings tears to my eyes. Hugs to you guys, stay strong.
I’m so sorry for your loss…this was a sweet tribute to him. He was a cutie…:)
Hey a retired Corrections Lieutenant,Ex-Golden Glover is not suppose to cry when reading such a tribute. Very profound. I too will miss Jake as he was my neighbor & a good friend of my Jack Russel “Sparky” All 11 pounds of him. Mutt & Jeff. It was fun to see those two guys running around farm together. He acted as my watch dog as well,when someone drove into my drivway he would bark letting me know someone was coming. Thanks Sarah for sharing. Jake will be missed by Sparky & me.
Love the piece of the story about Jake’s spot always being on the second step. That is poignant. So sorry for your loss.
Oh, I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. It’s always SO hard losing a dog – correction: a member of the family! – but you have to remember all the good years they gave of themselves :)
That was beautiful…..I am so sorry for your loss.
Its always hard to say goodbye to a special friend. May memories of your cherished times together comfort you now in your time of loss.
Wow! This certainly invoked the emotion involved in the loss of our most forgiving family member, the dog you grew up with. My Ernie passed about 5 years ago and I dont think Ive been able to ever replace his friendship. I have my own dog now whom I love for a completely different set of reasons and feel is amazing, but there is just something utterly irreplacable about the beast that cares so mercilessly. He shares in your first heartbreak, your first party at the house, secrets upon secrets, siding with you in disagreements with parents, getting you caught for sneaking out, etc. Heres to big boys with big hearts!