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In Loving Memory of Jake

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In Loving Memory of Jake 
(AKA Jake Jake, Monkey, Chicken, Beanie, Bean Bean, Stinker…) 
August 29, 2009 – January 23, 2025 

Jake, my beautiful Chocolate Lab has taken his final flight across the rainbow bridge after 15½ incredible years of adventure and love. A certified service dog and world traveler, Jake was so much more than a pet; he was a partner, a protector, a soul mate, and a best friend. Mommy’s baby bear. 

Jake lived a life most dogs could only dream of – adventures that soared across the world. As a dual citizen of the U.S. and Italy, he embraced the best of both cultures, from meatloaf and bacon to gelato and prosciutto; Gulf Coast and Ohio snow to the Mediterranean and Roman ruins.

He loved frisbee, ball, running, swimming, rolling in sand, rolling in mud, rolling in dead animals, sniffing, ice cream, all the cookies, chasing squirrels, cats, birds, and cows. He loved walks, exploring, airplane adventures/flying, train rides, and his babies (stuffed animals). You couldn’t keep Jake out of a body of water—if there was water, he was in it. He would leap off any dock, any bank, any rock...often leaving mommy in a panic, Jake no! Whether a lake, a creek, the ocean, or even a muddy puddle, Jake never missed an opportunity to make a splash. 

He made friends everywhere he went – both in humans and pups. If you are reading this and you’ve met Jake, you were his best friend. And I promise you, you were! 

He loved his mommy with incredible depth. To her, he was an anchor, her rock; to him, she was his sunshine. His world. The love of his life. He lived for her. 

Daddy was Jake’s best friend and preferred playmate. Their love for each other undeniable. “Daddy’s home!” was his favorite announcement. Jake knew the sound of the car door shutting, the motorcycle pulling up, and even the helicopter flying overhead. They were often “caught” holding hands, couch cuddling, and sharing secrets. 

Jakey was also a grandma’s boy. Over the years, he chatted on the phone with her for hours. He leaped into her lap every visit he had with her. I'll never forget our RV drive across the south (from MS to AZ) when he would sneak onto her lap in the passenger seat. How does a 75 pound dog sneak onto a lap!? He did. Their bond was filled with laughter, lots of play, love, and a shared understanding that Jake was, without question, the center of attention. Her grand-doggy. 

Jake made the world and everyone he came across happy. Pure happiness. 

Jake fought a number of battles in his years but always bounced back. Unfortunately, mild dementia, severe hip dysplasia, the battle of time, and the realities of age took our baby. He left this world peacefully, in our arms. 

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Mommy's Love

Broken hearted does not even begin to describe how hurt I am. My heart is shattered. Jake has been my world for nearly 16 years. He has been my constant and I'm so scared of life without him. I miss him so much. I miss him so much. So much. Saying goodbye to my love was the hardest, worst, most earth shattering day of my life. I fell to my knees and prayed for God to take care of my baby. I begged the universe to protect his soul and keep him safe and loved until I hold him once again. I cried. I screamed. The world feels cold without him. Everything feels wrong. There is a void, an empty inside of me that I fear will never be filled. I'm clinging to the hope—the desperate, fragile hope—that one day, somehow, we will be together again. I can't believe he's gone. 

Oh Jake Jake. My baby. You were my heart, my soul, my everything. I don’t know how to do this without you. You were the best part of my life, and I am so grateful for every moment we had. Thank you for loving me, for teaching me, for being you. I will miss you every day for the rest of my life.

Thank you to everyone who loved my boy. Reading comments and messages warms my heart. It really helps and I appreciate all the support. 

One day I'll write a book - the Adventures of Jake - I think it will be a kids book but for everyone - to inspire people to explore the world, embrace curiosity, learn and try new things - with no fear. Bring with you, only the enthusiasm of a chocolate lab 💙 My Jake. 
 
If you're interested, here is Jake's Travel Log