RIP, Jake

I met Jake about over two years ago. I have a thing for blondes, always have, and so when I met him, I fell for him. He had a way of holding himself, a quiet confidence, that I adored. He could do things others could not. He was gentle and regal. He is one reason I became involved. I would watch what he could do, I would hear his partner describe their relationship and I knew I wanted to do something to facilitate more such partnerships. He would watch those younger, more agile and more aggressive with disinterest, knowing that he was the king.

Over the past two years, we all watched and held our breaths as we saw Jake deteriorate. He was not as mobile as he had been. He started to labor easily. He started to gain weight as he could not run and jump and play as he had before. We knew it was a matter of time, but we had hoped for our own selfish reasons that he would stay with us as long as possible. His partner knew it was a matter of time, too, and started to leave Jake at home when traveling. Jake used to go everywhere with Mike. The two of them were an unstoppable team.

Jake died yesterday. He was 9 years old. He was a blonde labrador retriever. He was a service dog.

He will be missed.