Jake

Jake came to me as a foster. He had just had his right rear leg amputated (from being hit by a car) and his right eye removed and sewn shut due to an older injury. I instantly fell in love with him and adopted him for my own. He was beautiful and had a wonderful personality. Having only three legs and one eye didn't slow him down much. He could run up and down the stairs as fast as any four-legged boxer. Jake loved camping, car rides, walks and just being with his family.

Jake had to be put to sleep on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2004. He suffered a brain tumor that overtook him in a matter of days. I knew it was time -- whether I was ready to let go or not. All the "life" was out of him. We took pictures, let him know how much we loved him and told him all the things we wanted him to know and remember. With his head on my arm and my hand on his heart, I held him until the end and then some.

I have pictures of him all over the house and that is where they will stay. When everything else in my world was upside down, he was always there for me. He was my security blanket. Whenever I was sick, he would lay with me on the couch (my constant companion), and this helped nurse me back to health more than anything.

I owe Jake so much, as I do all the other fosters I've taken in over the years. Jake was my encouragement to continue fostering, and still is. He was a favorite of everyone and will always be alive and healthy in our hearts. I love and miss him so very much.

Debbie Lon and family