I am writing this post with the heaviest of hearts. Yesterday my friends, we had to let our dear doggie go. We spent a week trying to find out what was wrong with him and why he suddenly was unable to walk. Tuesday night we found out he had an inoperable brain tumor. By Thursday we realized that our last resort meds to try and give him a few more comfortable happy weeks with us were not working. We had to let him go as much as our hearts were begging us to hold on to him.
I’ve always known that I’ve been a moved by words and thoughts more than most. I’m sensitive and deeply emotional. When I began writing this blog it also became clear that I was a writer at heart. Writing offers an outlet for me in the most profound way. It penetrates my heart while allowing me to offer myself and others comfort, joy and hopefully some entertainment!
It is because of this deeply rooted need to write, I share with you a few of the wonderful moments we were able to share with our sweet sweet Jakey during his 13 years as our family’s best friend.
He has been with my husband and I since before we had kids.
He lived with us in our first home together. Eating his way through our kitchen floor as a puppy and digging his way out of our little yard. True story: we got a call from a guy at a Jiffy Lube 1/2 mile away that our dog had wandered into their shop. This little adventure of his had him crossing a major intersection and busy train tracks safely. We knew then, he’d last forever. Unfortunately, for a dog, forever is never long enough.
He was there the day we said “I do” on a beautiful July evening in the Sierra Nevada.
He joined us on long road trips swimming in any and every body of water we could find.
He was there when we brought our first born home from the hospital.
He was there for every Christmas for the last 13 years watching our family grow.
He would lay by me with each pregnancy as I slowed down in those final weeks.
He loved all three of our kids till the end. In the last moments of his life, the kids came home, he nuzzled up to them and wagged his tail like he hadn’t all day in one last gallant effort to show how much he loved them.
He was there for job changes, house moves, and as they say, in sickness and in health.
He met every. single. person that walked by our home with a smile. He guarded our home and watched over our babies.
His favorite place was anywhere with us. On one road trip when the kids were little, he only had a space about 12″ x 20″ in our car for the drive. Being an 80lb dog, this was not nearly what he needed, but he always obliged. Always.
If I had to pick one favorite place in all the world, it would be Lake Tahoe. The miles he has swam in that lake over his lifetime are immeasurable. Lake Tahoe is a truly special place for our family, but I will never see that lake the same again.
Thank you Jakey for an amazing 13 years. You gave us so much joy. We loved to see you run, jump, swim, chase, and fetch. We loved to scratch your belly and snuggle you like a stuffed bear.
You made us a family.
You will be sadly missed. Even though my heart does not feel it was better to have loved and lost today, I know we are a better family to have had your companionship for so long.
Sweet dreams my boy. We love you.
Oh Domonique! My heart is breaking for you and your precious family. Beautiful words. Beautiful pictures. How blessed you were to have such a loving companion.
I am dying inside and the tears are flowing. Jake was not a pet, he was truly an equal member of the family….. We will all miss him so much. Big hugs, guys!
so sorry to hear, Grant and Dom! We lost our dear Sadie a couple of years back, and she was the dog love our life! Fortunately her great niece Millie has joined us and is now keeping us comforted! Heres to a great dog who helped define your wonderful family!
Beautifully said Dom. My heart goes out to all of you. Jake was a sweet sweet boy. So glad I got to spend some time with him Thursday and see that tail wagging. XO
Domonique I am so sorry for your loss- such a beautiful tribute to him. Big hugs and lots of love to you and your family. xxoo
Domonique, I am so very for your loss. My heart goes out to you guys. What a beautiful tribute to your pup who was so loved. Thank you for taking the time to share this with all of us. Sending you all a huge hug. Xoxo
Oh Domonique… So sorry for you and your family’s loss 🙁
Take care xo
Domonique,
I’m so sorry…Jake was such a sweet dog…even when the house was a construction site he didn’t seem to care. I had no idea he was with you for so long. What a full and wonderful life he lived. My thoughts are with you all.
I know there are no words. We lost our big boys last year as well and reading this reminded me that there truly is a part of your heart that will never totally heal from the loss of a dear friend. I’m sure he is missing you too but is still watching over you and your family. Be well.
So sad to lose such a wonderful part of your family. He was such a loving faithful friend with so much personality. He will always be alive in your hearts. Thanks for the beautiful words Domonique
Heartbreaking- I offer you and your family my deepest condolences. It is always the hardest thing to say goodbye to our furry friends. You were all blessed to have him in your life. He has crossed The Rainbow Bridge- and will be waiting there for you. xoxoxo
I’m soooo sorry to hear about your darling dog. I’m a new dog owner and I’ve already fallen in love with our sweet dachshund and it has been only 3 months since we rescued him. I can already see how they become a very big part of your family. Your tribute was incredibly touching and beautiful. I’m a local reader and I really enjoy your blog. Take care and hugs to you.
Jakey was such a love, Robin’s good friend in the mountains. I truly believe that he and Robin are in heaven playing, and swimming together, waiting for us to get there. We were so lucky to have him in our lives, I am grateful for the opportunity to meet and know him, especially since he brought us all together.
Domonique, your tribute was beautiful–you are indeed a wonderful writer.
Love to you all–