Years ago when my daughter was just a little girl, she was going through some tough times in her life.
Her beloved dog had gotten very sick and died, then she had surgery and was laid up for several weeks, then she found out her best friend was moving away.
It was hard to watch her go through these tough times and not be able to do anything to make it better.
But God knew exactly what she needed.
His name was Jake.
The phone rang one day, and it was my sister-in-law.
She said someone had dumped a young dog near where she worked.
She brought him home with her so he wouldn’t get hit by a car, but she wasn’t able to keep him.
Knowing my daughter was still missing her dog that died, she asked if we wanted to come see him and consider keeping him.
I don’t know what kind of dog I was expecting, but it wasn’t the dog we saw in front of us when we arrived at her house.
My daughter’s previous dog had been a purebred Sheltie that was beautiful.
But the little abandoned dog in front of us …
Well, he had a face only a mother could love. 🙂
He was a freckle-faced mutt that was just a total goofball.
I admit, I was hoping for another beautiful dog, but God had sent Jake instead.
My daughter needed a dog to love, and Jake needed a person to love him.
How could I say “no”?
So Jake came home with us and became a member of our family.
He shed white fur everywhere, chased cars down our gravel road, was constantly underfoot, and rolled in horse manure until he smelled disgusting.
But the thing about Jake …
He was truly the most loyal dog in the world.
I don’t say that lightly, because we’ve had a lot of dogs we’ve loved. But Jake deserved a trophy for loyalty.
When we’d go on walks, Jake would run in front of us, then circle back until we caught up.
When he heard the sound of our car coming down the gravel road, he ran out to greet us.
My daughter took dog obedience classes with him, and Jake took that training to heart.
You could hardly get him to leave your side.
He just wanted to be with people all the time.
He’s lived with us in three different states. He was her goofy little buddy who went camping and fishing with her, and ran alongside when she drove her miniature horse in a cart.
Jake was just Jake.
He was a loyal dog and faithful friend.
Jake passed away yesterday, and we’ll all miss that freckled-faced, shedding little goofball.
He was preceded in death by his two lifetime companions, Scribbles (seen HERE), and Shiloh (seen HERE).
Goodbye little buddy. Thank you for all your years of love and loyalty.
Vaya con Dios,
I’m so sorry for your loss Angie. You’ve all been through a lot in the last year or so, beloved people and puppies. Those sweet pictures of Jake remind me of my yellow lab Buddy. Someday I’m going to have another buddy like him.
Thinking of you and praying peace.
Thank you, Kathy. The last year has been a year full of painful losses, but I’m thankful for all those people and pets we’ve loved and lost. They all blessed our lives so much.
There is something about the dog the grows up with your child, it is a serious heartbreak when they leave us.
We lost our son’s dog a few yrs ago & even though he was all grown up & married he came home to say goodbye & help his dad bury her. What a hard loss
Wishing you comfort & peace.
That’s really true Jenny. Our memories of our own children are connected with the pets that shared their childhood with them, and losing them is so hard.
The best little friend in the world and a wonderful family member. Hugs and so very sad for your loss of sweet Jake.
Joy
(((hugs))) for you all
So sorry to hear about Jake. Your comment about dogs is so true
My daughter’s darling Cricket left us last fall, so I know how hard it can be for the whole family. I find the best medicine for us is talking about good memories. Soon we are laughing and it doesn’t hurt quite so much to think how blessed we were to have such a wonderful furry being in our lives.
Sorry for your loss. A beautiful tribute to Jake.
So very sorry. I know how much our baby furballs mean to us. Just know that he knew how much he was loved.
So very sorry for your loss.Jake seems to have been the best of best friends.
I hope you’ll have room in your hearts in time to welcome another
dog into your lives. Sometimes the best things happen we least expect
them.
I lost my Labrador, just a month ago after 15 years. I still expect to see him at the door when I come home. I was fortunate enough to rescue him from the local shelter. Yes, I will rescue another but Boise has a special place in my heart. He, too, rescued me.
I’m so sorry to hear this news, Angie…such a tough time for a family. He looks like the sweetest dog..a heartstealer….you were blessed to have each other. Sending shared tears and prayers for comfort…xoxo
What a sweet little guy you had in your family. Our fur babies give us such love. I am sorry for your loss. You could see how happy he was to be loved in all the pictures. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your daughter and family.
Kris
I am so sorry for your loss of such a loyal companion. We lost our loved”Sunny” the day after New Year. There is not a day that goes by that we don’t think of him and the pain has not lessened. Blessings to you and your family.
This looks like a very special dog and it sounds as if he held a very special place in your lives. Please accept my condolences. It is so difficult to lose a pet.
Jake would be so happy to read your post, Angie. It is a beautiful tribute to his wonderful soul, from the family that meant so much to him. Big hugs, Ardith
Awwww….loved this story thank you for sharing, I would have loved Jake too! I have two rescues and they are the best! Thank you for giving Jake the home and love he so deserved.
Love and Hugs
Kimberley Mason
What a moving story. Maybe another loyal goofball will come your way. Love your blog, read it everyday.
Dear Angie:
So sorry to hear about your pet, Jake. It is so very hard when we lose our pets because they bring such joy to our lives. We lost our beloved Bailey last year to lymphoma…It was a terrible loss and I still feel the pain. I know he is with us but we just cannot see him. Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
They are the best friends anyone can have and they leave HUGE holes in our hearts when they pass.
My heart hurts for you today!
Dear Angie: so sorry to hear about your pet Jake. I know all to well the feeling of losing a pet. We lost our beloved Bailey last year to lymphoma. Just know that Jake is with you…you just cannot see him. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
A loving tribute to Jake….every home should have a goof ball…he has left his paw prints on your heart. Enjoy your blog and thanks for sharing Jake with us.
So sorry for your loss. Dogs are not called man’s best friend for nothing. Animals are so smart and they will NEVER turn their back on you, like people do. Jake is SO cute. He will always be in your hearts. ”REST IN PEACE, JAKE”!!!!
My heart goes out to you as you grieve the loss of a very lovable member of your family. Love and a hug
Angie, my heart goes out to you and your family with the loss of Jake. Losing or faithful, loving animal friends
is so painful. They are such companions and are truly members of the family. But, how fortunate that you got to know and love Jake, for both of you.
I have had to put two dogs to sleep and it nearly killed me each time. I swore I would not get another dog; I just couldn’t go through that again. Well, I lasted a year and then I couldn’t stand not having a dog. So I got my Labradoodle, Tavi through a rescue and he is nine now. He’s getting up there for a big dog and I dread the day I will have to say goodbye to him. He’s my best buddy. Sometimes I think he is very co-dependent–and so am I!
So true Angie. Dogs are God’s little angels on this earth. My condolences to you and your family.
My dog is also getting up there in years and I’m thinking how hard it will be to say goodbye one day soon.
Jake will be a beautiful angel; his pictures are so precious. We have lost 2 childhood pets this year; their loss is always difficult, but we also share memories of them which help us smile through out sadness. I loved your stories of Jake, and the quote – they definitely should live longer based on their loving hearts.
So sorry for the loss of your family’s beloved, Jake. It breaks the heart. God Bless.
Hugs to you and your family. I wish our dogs could live longer… they are such a blessing and a good reminder of how to love one another.
Sending big hugs to you and your family Angie. I am so sorry for the loss of Jake. He was a cute little one!
I’m so sorry you’ve lost another four legged member of your family. Big hugs to your family, especially your daughter and I pray you’re comforted by the sweet memories you have.
Oh Angie! I’m so sorry for another loss for you and your family. Each and every one of those pets hold a special place in our hearts. Jake was a cutie and I know you will have many happy memories!
I’m so terribly sorry for your family’s loss Angie. There are never the right words to try and express how sad it is. I’m so, so sorry.
OHHHH am so sorrow for it accept a big hug from my side. You lost a member of family