Today’s Disney picture is dedicated to our family’s dear dog, Jake. We adopted Jake long before we had children; he was our first baby. We got him from the Redlands Animal Shelter and at first he didn’t catch my eye. He was covered in scabs bigger than quarters from his head down to his tail. His paperwork said 6+ years. (I think they were being kind with the age.) The worker at the shelter insisted we see him and brought him to us in the small area they had set aside for interacting with the pets. He immediately jumped in my lap and went home with us that day.
Most people won’t consider adopting an older dog, but I can honestly say I would have never done it any other way. If we hadn’t taken Jake home that day, no one else probably would have. He was a mess…and not in the prime years sought after by families. We brought Jake home and discovered we had adopted the sweetest, kindest dog ever. He never…not even once…showed his teeth or growled. Not ever. He endured my boys with the gentle kindness of a saint and when I broke the news to the boys that Jake would be leaving us, Jake some how heard our cries with his deaf ears and in a moment of temporary clarity, came over and licked us all to let us know it was going to be ok. He just knew.
We had Jake for a little over 9 years. Nine really great years. Yesterday, Jake went to doggy heaven where I know that he no longer suffers from dementia and his body is free from pain. I’m sure this morning he watched us with clear eyes from high above and knew I was crying when I had to vacuum under the highchair after breakfast in his absence.
What a beautiful story – it brought tears to my eyes. While we did not adopt a dog, my precious Yorkie that we got when shew was a puppy died a few years ago (blind and having arthitis) when she was 11 years old. It is just like losing a family member so I know what you are going through. I will be praying for your family!
Bitten by the Disney Bug
Oh Lisa! That is so sweet and so sad. What a lucky boy that you came along for him…and how lucky for you that you had so many good years with Jake. Very very sorry for your family’s loss.
Ah, now I see… well, you take your time and be with your family. Again, don’t worry about us. You and your family are in my thoughts, Lisa.
What a lovely tribute. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is such a tough thing to go through….I am sure you gave this dog a wonderful life that he wouldn’t have otherwise had 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear about Jake. I will be thinking about you and your family. Thanks for giving such a great testimony about adopting older pets. They really are a blessing.
thinking of you.
Wow, we adopted a dog as well and I almost feel like we are losing her as I read this. She is such a sweetheart as well. What a hard loss. So glad you had a great friend for those nine years. Thank you for sharing a little bit of her with us.
I am so sorry for your loss. As a huge animal lover (we have three rescued basset hounds, two rescued ducks, two guinea pigs, two hamsters and one cat), I understand your grief. Jake was blessed to have found you. All the best to you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. We too lost our fur baby of 15 years recently. Sullivan went to doggie heaven last month. He was our first “chid” and we had him long before the human kids came along. Many hugs to you and your family.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. After losing my little Max last spring I was devastated as I’m sure you are now. Time and a new fur baby does help soften the pain. I hope your next visit to the animal shelter brings you another companion to ease the pain.