lake

We got Jake when I was just 6 years old. Me, my sister, and my dad finally got my mom to cave and let us adopt a dog. She had two rules, though: no male dogs, and no puppies. But my mom should have known better than to think that a 6 and 10 year old wouldn't see the puppies. Jake caught our eye immediately. The first thing we noticed about him were his giant polka dotted paws, like he was wearing socks. We took him out to meet him, and that was it. We all instantly fell in love with him. Jake loved us all from the moment he arrived at our summer house. He found his forever home, and we found the perfect new member to our family. Jake loved all of us equally, but there is no denying that he was a total daddy's boy. Him and my dad would spend countless hours over the next 7 years doing everything together. My dad would fly kites and Jake would chase the shadow. My dad would take him on long walks on the beach at our summer house. He would ride his bike with Jake on the leash trotting alongside him. And every time my dad would nap, Jake would be right there keeping him company. My dad died very suddenly in his sleep from an aneurism. My mom went to wake him up from his nap, and he was gone. When the police started to arrive, Jake immediately jumped up onto the bed with him, and curled up next to him with his head in my dads lap. He stayed there for hours until the coroners took him away. Jake was the best dog I could have ever EVER asked for. I knew him for more of my life than I didn't. He was there right by my side through everything; every milestone in my life. He was there when I rode a bike without training wheels for the first time. He was there when I graduated from elementary, middle, and high school. He was there when I had my first heartbreak, and as I was sobbing, he jumped into my lap and started licking my face until I smiled (he would do this every time I cried). When I got insomnia flare ups and couldn't sleep, he refused to go upstairs until I did, and even would come outside with me every time I needed a cigarette even if he was sleeping, just to make sure I was safe and protected. Protecting his family was always his priority. He was there every night I felt like I didn't want to live anymore; he would sit with me and give me kisses or nudge me hard with his nose to get my attention. I wish I could say more about him; about how loyal, loving, friendly, smart, dopey, empathetic, and all around perfect he was, but I feel like there are no words that can do him justice. Before the vet put the needle in his leg, I leaned down and hugged him tight so my head was right by his ear. And then I whispered to him. I thanked him, I told him I loved him, and I promised that this was not goodbye. It was "until we meet again." We sat there with him until he passed. I always knew that losing him was going to be one of the hardest things to go through. But I could have never imagined the amount of hurt that lies in my heart right now. I feel empty, like a piece of me and who I am is gone. But I do know this- when Jake crossed the rainbow bridge, his soul going to Somewhere (capital "S"), my dad was right there to greet him. I know Jake is with my dad now, finally reunited. And wherever he is, there are endless kite shadows to chase, there are endless peanut butter jars to lick clean, endless kisses to give to my dad. It hurts, god does it hurt, but I at least find some comfort in that. Rest in peace Jake The Wonder Dog, the best boy, my best friend. My life wouldn't have been the same if you weren't in it. And I am forever grateful for having you as my puppy.