HI everyone,

I'm new to this site and I am really hoping that some of you who have gone through this can give me
some comforting words. I lost my German Shepherd Jake on the 10th of September to Bloat. I never
dreamed when I took him in to the animal hospital that I wouldn't be bringing him back home. He had surgery
and the doc said that it was going to be touch and go because there was damage to his liver. He called me
on Wednesday morning to tell me that my Jake had passed. I feel so guilty, if I had gotten him there sooner
maybe he would have made it, and I wasn't there with him when he died... I didn't get to say goodbye to him.
It hurts so much, he was my buddie. He went everywhere I went. He slept on the floor beside my bed. I still
look for him to come bouncing through the room with his big ole ears. Jake would have been three years old
this January, he was so young. After Jake passed I went down to the vets office immediately because I just
wanted to see him to hold him. I told the vet that one day I will see my Jake again and when I get to heaven
he will be there waiting for me at the gates. Its the only comfort I have right now.
Friends and relatives are having a really hard time identifying with my pain, they don't understand why
I cannot move on and just "get over it" How can I? I lost my best friend!
My vet was so upset over losing Jake he was crying when he called me. He was a great friend not only to me
but everyone who knew him. He was so loving, I just don't understand why, why my sweet boy had to go?

He is now resting peacefully on our land and my husband made him a beautiful white cross with his name on it.
I still can't handle going out to the grave because all I picture is my babys lifeless body being put into the ground.
I don't know how to post pictures here, but as soon as I learn how to do that I will post a picture of my sweet boy
so you all can see his beautiful face.

Thank you all for listening to me

Luv4myJaKe

Dearest Luv4myJaKe, please accept my most sincere condolences for your loss. Jake was here then appears not to be. Your heart is broken and this is one of the most gosh awful horrible difficult times in your life. Boy, I sure know that.

Please allow me to share something with you that brings me comfort. I do know that my baby is still here. Really only just a breath away. A breath away truly is not very far at all to where your most precious beloved treasured Jake is, Dear One! Here ... This song will explain.




Who can say for certain maybe you're still here. I feel you all around me. Your memory's so clear.
Deep in the stillness, I can hear you speak. You're still an inspiration. Can it be?
That you are my Forever Love. And you are watching over me from up above!

Fly me up to where you are beyond the distant star.
I wish upon tonight to see you smile! If only for a while to know you're there.
A breath away's not far to where you are!

Are you gently sleeping here inside my dream?
And isn't faith believing all power can't be seen.
As my heart holds you just one beat away, I cherish all you gave me everyday!

'Cause you are my Forever Love watching me from up above and I believe that Angels breathe and that Love will live on and never leave!

Fly me up to where you are, beyond the distant star!
I wish upon tonight to see you smile if only for a while to know you're there!
A breath away's not far to where you are!

I know you're there! A breath away's not far to where you are!


Many Comforting Hugs, Love and Angels to you and Jake!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Hi Luv4myJake, I am so deeply sorry for you loss. This is the hardest part, the emptiness. You cannot put any blame on yourself (I know for a fact) it'll eat you alive. You did everything you could and your vet to help, you must take comfort in that. I know it hurts that you was not there. I wasn't for my last one and was for this one and honestly I wish I wasn't sometimes. My last memories were not pleasant. He struggled to meow when he saw us, I scared him 'cuz I was crying so hard, his eyes so wide, looked away from me and towards the wall as if he was so disappointed I couldn't help him and then, those god awful words from the vet after the "shot" ok, he's gone now. It won't leave my mind. Your baby didn't suffer and is now at peace. This is the best place to be right now. We're all here for the same reason, and WE all do care and understand. Only you will know when your ready to move on from this. The bond we share with our furry friends will never be broken. Time will ease the pain, but post often, cry lots, let it out and don't feel bad about it. All I can offer right now is a big hug..Please tell stories and post pictures when your ready.

I am so sorry to hear that Jake has passed on. The grief and agony I know you are feeling is devastating to say the least. Especially since Jake was so young it makes it even more heartbreaking.

Each of us here has suffered the loss of a beloved furry family member whom we loved very much. It's by far the most difficult thing I have ever had to cope with in my life. Though I have had many human family members pass away, it was my sweet Goliath's death that shattered my heart to pieces and turned my world upside down. It may be hard for some of your friends and relatives to identify with the feelings you are having right now. Either they don't understand the kind of love that can be shared with an animal or they have never experienced first hand the sudden and tragic loss of one. It's normal for you to say or think "if only" I had or "I could have" or maybe "I should have." All of us here have gone through the what ifs and felt guilty in the beginning. There was nothing you could have done to prevent Jake's death.

Though Jake's body lies at rest you can be sure his loving spirit will remain alive and well. His loving spirit dwells in your heart and will stay there until the day you and he meet again. The body and soul separated when Jake passed on. Hang onto your faith in that you and he will reunite one day and live in eternal bliss never to be separated again. The bond you have with Jake can never be broken even through death. Your heart and his became one 3 years ago and are bound together with the memories of love you made together. Jake left you with much more than grief............there is a treasure chest of happy memories. This is his gift to you to cherish for the rest of your days until you and he meet again.

You have been blessed in knowing the kind of love you and Jake shared. Many people never have the privilege of experiencing such a love their entire lives. We all know here just how wonderful it is to share our lives and hearts with our furry kids and how much it hurts when we can no longer make memories with them. It takes alot of time and tears to walk this journey of healing. You are not alone because we all walk with you and are here for you every step of the way.

Hugs of comfort and love from my heart to yours,
Beth

Hi, Luv4myJaKe, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved companion, Jake. Losing a beloved furchild is never easy. The grief journey of losing a beloved companion is as painful, if not more so, as losing a family member or friend. You will never "get over" losing Jake, but hopefully there will come a time when you can think of Jake and smile, and then you will know that he hasn't left you for his sweet living Spirit is indelibly etched in your heart and memories. Luv4, bloat is a very dangerous illness, and one that always has a very guarded survival rate. Even when they come through the surgery "okay" there are the post-operative complications that are equally hazardous. Bloat has an immediate onset - - and even with faster than immediate responses the outcome is still very guarded. You did everything in your power to make sure that Jake received prompt medical attention, and your veterinarian did everything in his power to try to give Jake every possible chance to heal from this very serious illness. Right now you need to focus on doing whatever you feel is comforting to do to help you through this painful grief journey. Luv4, please know you are not alone in your grief journey. Our society in general is not knowledgeable about the grief involved in losing a beloved companion, but each of us here knows first hand the heartbreak of having to let a beloved fur and / or feathered beloved companion go home to the angels. And we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Luv4, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Welcome!
So many of us can relate to everything you said and what you are going through. Know you are not alone. Yes, our families sometime do not understand how we feel and they think its just an animal get over it and get a new one. Everyone here is so kind and understands how we feel. Just over 4 months since my loss and I never dreamed I could have made it this far. I have to say thanks to all the people here. Everyone listens when you cry, complain, gripe, or just posting messages to you furbaby. We are here for you!!!!!
The grief I felt was so different for my Sissycat. I lost her and my stepdad in June of this year and I felt guilty for grieving for her more. It is just something petlovers do I guess. Have found many people react this way.
I can say time will help to heal your pain. Coming here and posting and reading (and crying) was the best thing for me.
Hope to hear from you again soon. (pictures too when you can)

Hugs to you and your angel Jake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank You all so much for your words of comfort, I know you all identify with the pain
that I feel and I would never want anyone to go through this. It is the most horrible,
helpless feeling. I am doing okay. Taking this day by day, some days are good, some days
I cannot stop crying. I know as time goes by that pain will ease some but I will never stop
missing him. You guys ever done this? Yesterday, I called for him....don't know what I was
thinking but as soon as it came out of my mouth I realized he's not coming. Fortunetely
my husband is a very patient person and accepts my love for animals. Not many men
would be as patient as he is. I have a cat who I raised from two weeks old, I did rescue work
with the local vet in our area and was given litters of kittens when they were abandoned so
Bailey boo is one from a litter I was given. The rest I found great homes for.
Then we have a rottweiler coco who is 8 years old, and by the way loved the baby kittens...
she licked them all, I think she thought they were her babies. Then we have the muff girl
who is a bishon. But of them all, Jake was the closest to me. I got him when he was 6 weeks old.
It was love at first site, for both of us I think. He loved his mommy unconditionally and although
I love my other babies, the bond between Jake and I was different, it was as some of you said
a one of a kind love, bond.
Again thank you all for your sweet comforting words, I pray I can only be that comfort for someone
else one day.
I am going to attemt to post a picture through photobucket. Hopefully this will work

okay I think I did that wrong as I havent seen the pictures actually appear in anyones post?
Is there a different way to do it? I'm so sorry I didnt put it in there right

The picture is beautiful. What a magnificent dog...I'm so sorry you lost him.


Sharing your tears,
Dayna

Your picture posted beautifully. I am so sorry about Jake. I never heard of bloat before. (I just read Moonbeam's post to you about "bloat" and will research it to know about it).

I have had 2 German Shepherds be my best friends. I just wish I could give you a big, tight, hug and cry with you. This breed was always my very favorite..silver and black...mine were. Jake was much too young to be taken.

Yes, I have "called" for a special one but knowing they were not coming...just hoping that maybe they would.

You could use this picture as your avatar so Jake will be in every post you make.

you said: I feel so guilty, if I had gotten him there sooner maybe he would have made it, and I wasn't there with him when he died... I didn't get to say goodbye to him.

Don't feel guilty about anything. Getting there sooner would not have changed the outcome and I agree with others that you and your vet did your very best for Jake.

I can understand the extra hole it leaves not being able to say goodbye but his spirit will always be a part of you and he knows how you feel and if he could physically be here, I am sure he would lick the tears off your cheeks. That's just how wonderful these babies are.

It is the shock of expecting him to come home and that not happening..that makes it all so much worse. I am glad you have other furbabies to give a hug to.

Your last post here describes the grief cycle perfectly. We all know we must take it one day at a time. It is a special bond truly that we form with these babies. We love all of the ones that are part of our lives but sometimes there seems to be a unique connection with a certain one that is simply just....unlike any other in certain ways.

you said: Friends and relatives are having a really hard time identifying with my pain, they don't understand why I cannot move on and just "get over it" How can I? I lost my best friend!


I think your last sentence answered your first question. It hurts more to try and get comfort from ones who cannot understand how extremely painful this loss is. That is why this forum is so much help. You can write your thoughts and feelings and be surprised how many have thought or done the same thing and it is okay. It is okay to do what helps you to feel better.

There is no time limit on grief. We "move on" when WE are ready to do so..not because others think we should. Here you can say how you feel...you are not alone here. We all have the same pain and understand exactly how you are suffering.

I wish you peace and healing and we know it all takes time....a lot of time for many of us.

One Mom's saying has helped me and maybe her thought can ease some of your pain also.
She said: The pain of losing him will never ever be greater than the joy of knowing him.

Hugs to you and your new Angel, Jake.....a very special friend and a very special Angel

OMG Luv4myJake, Jake is just about the most beautiful German Shepherd I have ever, ever seen! Bless you and him from all you've said and thank you so much for sharing.
It really means the world, honest and for true.

I hope you don't mind but I did take his photo to a program, adjusted his hue, contrast, saturation, brightness, lightness and so forth. Then I also sharpened his image and framed it. He is awesome!!!



For you and Jake both:

Your Love for each other burns so Brightly and can never, ever be extinguished!

Many Comforting Hugs, Love, Peace, Faith, Hope and Angels!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Thank you so much, the picture is beautiful after you adjusted it and put in into a frame!
He was always, always smiling just like that. He was such a happy go lucky dog.
One of my most fondest memories of him is of him biting at the water coming out of the hose.
Every evening when I went out to water the garden, Jake was right there with me biting at the
water as it came out. He was so goofy, but he always made me laugh. Afterwards he was a nasty
mess.... but he had so much fun! It's those memories that keep me going.
He was so incredibly smart, one day I will share somethings with you all.
Thanks again for all your comforting words and support, it means so much right now!

I just love the picture. Who couldn't love a furbaby like that!!!!

I think alot of us have done that. Called the one we lost. I even called her a few times on purpose just so I could hear myself say it again. Now is that silly or what.

No we will never forget our precious furbabies, but the pain does lessen. I am glad your husband is understanding. My family was to a point and then thought it was silly of me to keep on.

One day at a time is all we can do. I come here at least once a week and post a note to my Sissycat. Maybe that would help for you to talk to Jake with a post just to him.

Hugs to YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You're most welcome and how very dear, adorable and funny about Jake biting at the water coming out of the hose. Awww! And I sure can see Jake smiling right now.
Perhaps something like this?



Please do share more when you're able. We'd love to hear! Awww!

Tons of Hugs, Love, Peace and Angels to You and Jake!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Jake is (not was ) a beautiful dog.When I lost Willy,my boy on sept-3-08 He was panting alot when I had to go to work.I thought he would get over it as he always had panting spells throughout his life.He is a bulldog and this can be common.But I assumed it would stop soon as it always did.I got a call from my wife when she returned home from work and told me that Willy had died.I was not there when he died.He was my 'heart' dog.I love all my bulldogs(we have had 4 and one is left). Willy was the first and Just like Jake, was so friendly and all who met him fell in love with him.All 70 blubbery pounds of him!!!!! He was 12 days shy of his 11th birthday.Let me save you some time and added grief:Don't waste your time on friends and relatives.THEY DO NOT GET IT AND THEY NEVER WILL!!!!!!!!! Please post here often(God knows I have).This forum is blessed and quite special.You might already know this but if not google:

THE RAINBOW BRIDGE----------AND BELIEVE WITH EVERY FIBER IN YOU----------AS MY FRIEND SAYS:WE ARE JUST A BREATH AWAY----LITERALLY

THINK OF JAKE IN THE PRESENT TENSE---------BECAUSE HE IS!!!!!!!!! YOUR FORUM PAL,
BUBBA.....................

The picture you posted of the Shepherd reminded me of one I had very simuliar of Jake.
I will post it here so you can see it.
My son, who will be 14 in January was also very close to Jake. The two of them played chase
out in the yard all the time, and most of the time my son got tackled by Jake but he loved
every minute of it. Jeremy like me took it hard when Jake died. I will never ever forget his
words to me. He said "Mama please tell me you are going to bring my puppy back home to
me, please tell me he is going to be okay" It hurt to see him in pain and I could do nothing
to help. When we went to the vet to see Jake after he passed my girls and I went into the room
to see Jake, but my son stood outside the door just looking at him and would not go in. I didn't
force him to go in of course because I know everyone has their own ways of dealing with the
pain. My oldest daughter, took one of the pictures I have of Jake and sat down with charcoal
and did a beautiful drawing of him for me. I now have that framed, and she wrote "Jake
forever in our hearts" I know that was therapy for her, her way of dealing with it. I think about
my boy all the time, he is always on my mind. I can't help but go over this in my mind over and
over again, what if I had done something different would it have saved him.
And I keep thinking before he passed he must have been wondering where his mommy was,
why I wasn't with him. I think that hurts more than anything.
You guys have truly been a blessing to me, it helps so much to talk about Jake and I can't thank
you enough for listening.

A beautiful picture. I see you picked it as your Avatar so Jake is with every post here.

And I see in that picture....that is definitely a true German Shepherd SMILE!

Keep posting your feelings, thoughts, stories, and more pictures.

Hugs and peace

Judy

I did research "dog bloat" on Google. I have owned dogs most of my life and had never heard of this problem.

I am so very sorry Jake had this. He is a beautiful boy who deserved a better chance at life.
What power thinks of all these illnesses these babies go through? I know life is not fair but this is doubly not fair.

You and your vet did your very best. Moonbeam was right about what a dangerous condition this is. I think dog owners should be told about this illness. Especially since I read it is 2nd only to cancer in taking these babies away.

I can only say again how sorry I am. It is truly devastating to have this happen. I know my Little Guy's problem was out of the blue, an ER emergency and it was devastating to me especially everything happening so quickly. And I read that's just how bloat happens..very fast..
This speed just makes it all even more heartbreaking and overwhelming. It's like experiencing total shock.

Our two boys are at peace now but we will feel this pain forever.

Take care...I wish you peace and healing.
And a tight.....cyber-hug

Judy

Luv4MyJake-

I am so sorry for your loss and can relate. I feel as if I was reading about my own story. I took my baby boy Doxie to the vet and he died the next day. I go over and over in my head all the different "What ifs...." I feel the pain of guilt constantly. My baby was also young. He was only four.
Try not to let your relatives get you down. Not everyone understands how special our pets are to us and we are to them. It's not something you are ever going to get over and you shouldn't have to get over it. Jake will be with you forever. I read somewhere that said we never get over them we just learn to live our lives without them and for some reason this made me feel a little better because I always want to honor my dog's memory because that is all I have now. Learning to live a different way to me means he made such an impact on my life. I had to learn a new way to sleep- I still felt him up against my legs at night-, to eat-he cleaned up the scraps my baby threw down-, walks at the park will never be the same. But time will hopefully heal.

I put all the pictures of my baby in an album and bought a beautiful box and put all his things in it. I can still smell him on his collar and his jacket. It helped a lot actually.

My heart goes out to you.

Thank you guys for all your comments!!! ****HUGS****

I too had never heard of Bloat, and I have had many dogs in my lifetime. It is horrible.
Occurs in large chested dogs. I think the German Shepherd is like 2nd on the list.
A few days after I lost Jake, I ran by my vets office to make an appointment for
one of my other babies and also to drop a thank you card off to them and when I
walked in I was in complete shock to see my babies xrays in the waiting area up on
the xray board with a write up on Bloat and the warning signs.
I absolutely lost it. I was not angry with them for putting his xrays out there but
just shocked to walk in and see them. People should be warned that have large
breed dogs. I was completely caught off guard with this and if this makes one more person
aware of the signs then maybe their baby will be saved and they won't have to go through
this. And maybe in the future they will be able to come up with an early warning sign.
It happens so fast, that by the time you know something is wrong.... its too late.

I'm glad your vet put up the warning. I have had a boxer/shepherd mix, a golden shepherd (put down age 3 due to epilepsy), my first silver & black shepherd with the mask face (lost final battle with cancer at age 10 but had beat it at age 5) and my last one (before my 3 feral kittens were born in my backyard), another silver & black orphan puppy with the mask face (spinal cord problem at age 12). I mention the mask face cause I see Jake has it also. Something so special looking into that face. Mine liked to stand up and "hug".

I really hope there is more written about this condition. If you get a chance you might ask your vet when you are there with another of your babies.....if there is research going on...what is the important symptom..how to avoid it. Is there an area on the Internet this information can best be found.

It totally amazes me that I never heard of something that we could lose our babies to..that is 2nd only to cancer in taking them away.

When I got my dogs as puppies years ago, I bought all the books I could find about taking care of them...and I never ever read about this. Seems like a crime that more warnings and information are not out there, especially in all vet hospitals and clinics.

Sorry to go on about this but it just totally upsets me to tears to hear about this condition and realize for so many, many years...I did not know about it, never heard anyone have the problem, never had it myself with my dogs.

I will never forget what happened to Jake and I will certainly tell anyone who has a big dog and remember for myself also...that this exists.

I guess the closest I ever heard was how colic is dangerous to horses and when I saw the word bloat in your post...I thought of that and could see how colic could be a danger to anyone..and then I looked up bloat and it makes me so angry I never read any warning about this condition in any list of medical things to watch for when you are raising a puppy, or an adult dog.

Bless Jake...I am glad he was part of your life and I am so very sorry you did not have him for many more years. Your vet's posting may save a life in the future. (Which means Jake may save lives in the future).

Hugs
Judy

I look forward to your pictures when you get them ready...when you are ready.

Hi again, I'll get back to the photo at the end after I'm done speaking with you.

How very difficult for you and your 14 year old son both. They played bunches, your son got tackled by Jake and I can just hear your son laughing whenever that happened. My gosh, how you must have felt when your son said that about bringing his puppy back home. HUGS!!!

I can certainly understand how you and your girls went in to see Jake after he passed but your son just kept sort of peeking. Kind of like to get one more look see at Jake and imagine him sleeping so peacefully. At least, I hope that's what your son was thinking.

I remember when it was time to euthanize Maiden doggie after we my wonderful late husband and I did all we could to keep her going. It was time. We both knew it. I am so very, very lucky to have the Vet that I do. Many times I could swear he's the reincarnation of St. Frances of Assisi as he cares and loves each and every fur kid. Also has a real connection with them. Bless him!

Anyway, both Kenny and I went into the exam room while my Vet got everything ready. Poor Kenny started to cry, said he couldn't do this and had to leave the room. Hey, Maiden was drugged, feeling no pain and happy pretty much as I do feel your Jake was before he went to sleep. Honest and for true. So, I petted Maiden while Dr. Gabor gave the shot, Maiden went to sleep, I kept petting her, hugging her and it took both Dr. Gabor and two techs to lovingly and gently pull me away from her as I laid there on the floor hugging her so tightly.

Many times it's best not for the mommy or daddy to be there when their fur kid passes on. Sure, there are those who have many reasons that they just gotta be there. However, and I have links to websites with actual case histories, lots of people regret so much that they stayed while their fur kid was being euthanized because it's their last memory and they so much would rather have their last memory of their doggie or kitty happy, being held, petted and so on. It's kind of like a "Catch 22" or more like a stuck between a rock and a hard place decision because one doesn't know how they'll feel afterwards until it's over.

That is the most loving, wonderful thing of your oldest daughter to do when she did the charcoal drawing for you and wrote what she did. Bless her heart! And yes, I am certain it was great therapy for her, too. Absolutely.

We all, or at least most of us do that, "What if I had done something that could have saved my fur kid." And, we pray that we come to realize there was nothing else that could have been done and know in no uncertain terms that we did everything and I do mean everything that could have been done. Hon, you did do everything that could have been done. Jake had far too much damage to his liver and there's nothing anyone could have done to make it better, Dear One. Honest.

As far as your thoughts of him thinking where you were and why weren't you with him, I can say from experience that he was probably "high" for lack of any better word, or sleeping very comfortably while feeling no pain nor fear. It is a fact that doggies and kitties do not fear death and don't even have a concept of what it is when it applies to themselves. True.

You see, I was a nurse for over 26 years as well as an animal care volunteer and worked in Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation for close to 30 years. I've shared several true accounts with some people in Private Message here so please feel free to ask me any questions you wish either here or in PM and I'll answer them to the best of my ability. More Hugs!!!

On to the photo you posted of Jake smiling. I did a double take. Wow! Okay, first I applied enhancement features, sharpened the image and framed it. He is sooooo Beautiful. See?



Then I looked at Jake's photo more closely. The one I posted as an example of how Jake might look while smiling was obtained when I did a google image search. But look at the image I chose and I did then decrease the size of Jake's photo that you posted. Both have the left ear (well it's his right, but is camera left) ... Just a bit cropped off at the top. I didn't do that with the image I chose. It came like that. Also look at their eyes, noses, tongues, facial position facing straight ahead and so on. Wow! The image I chose as an example looks so much like his real photo it's uncanny. Here, I'll put them side by side.



Tons of Hugs, Love, Peace and Many Angels to You and Jake!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Jake's Mom,

I am so sorry that you lost your friend at such a young age. I lost my Woody on 09/11/08 when he was hit by a car and had to be put down. Woody was only four years old. I wasn't home when it happened. My wife took Woody for a walk and he got away from her and ran into the street. He was on a leash but he was too strong for Steph. I wasn't there for my boy when he passed either. I can truly say that I know exactly how you feel. All off the advice and good wishes that you get here is from people who know how we feel because they have experienced the loss of a furry child. Come back often. Post as much as you want. It has helped me and I'm sure it will help you. God bless.


Steve K.

Was going through some pictures the other night on my photobucket account and found
some old pictures of Jake when he was a pup.
I can't even believe how fast time flys, looking at the pictures it seems like yesterday.
When you guys see the picture of Jake and my son, I think you will be able to understand
their bond.
As I read everyones story of how they lost their babies, its just absolutely heartbreaking.
I know how much that hurts and I would never wish that on anyone. Steve K, I am
so so sorry to hear about your baby. I know you had to have been in total shock when
your baby got hit by the car, how horrible that must have been for your wife and you!
I'm glad you came here to share with everyone.

I do believe just being able to talk to others who know what I'm
going through has helped me a lot. know that I will be praying
for you both as you go through this difficult time.

Dottie, thank you again for the changes you made to Jakes picture, that was just
absolutely unbelieveable to see them side by side, I immediately thought it looked
like the picture I had of Jake, but seeing them next to each other... WOW!

You're very welcome and I was so very amazed as well seeing those photos side by side.

Like you said, "Wow!"

Awww! There's Jake smiling so big along with your son. Hmmm? Your son is smiling, too. But, Jake doesn't feel persuaded that he's as Happy as he could possibly be. So, Jake wants to give this message to your 14 year old boy.

I resized the photo, enhanced, framed it, and ... Would you please have your son turn up the volume and click on the photo of them together with Jake as a puppy so he can give your son a message? Thanks! Okay, click on the photo.




Goodness Gracious! Jake sure had a lot to sing and show your son.

I hope he enjoyed and you did too, Dear One!

Tons of Comforting Hugs, Love, Angels plus Ren and Stimpy songs and Smiles from Jake!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Hi, I'm back again. This just took me a little while cuz I'm a tiny bit "visually challenged" as I put it. I thought you might like to have all
the photos at the size you posted them to be enhanced, images sharpened and framed, too. Since I'm not sure if you prefer silver or gold, I did both. Okay? I'm sorry there wasn't much I could do with the small photo but I did correct the saturation, hues, sharpen and frame that one as well in both silver and gold. There's a bunch and they're pretty large so I'll put the URL links here for you to click, bring them up and see. God Bless You Most Abundantly, Dear One!!! Here are the links to click on. Okay?

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l179/MyS...pySmall-2-1.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l179/MyS...uppySmall-2.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l179/MyS...ppyAndSon-2.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l179/MyS...ppyAndSon-3.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l179/MyS...onAgain-1-2.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l179/MyS...onAgain-1-1.jpg

Tons More Comforting Hugs, Love, Angels, Hope and Faith!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

PS. I forgot to tell you that I cropped off the bottom gray part on the one photo. I hope you don't mind. More Hugs!!!

Dottie,

Oh my gosh, they ALL look so beautitul!!! Thank YOU SO MUCH!!!!
I will be sure to share the photo with the song with my son, he had
just turned 11 when those pictures were taken and will be 14 this Jan.
Its unbelievable how much he's changed!
When I showed him the pictures on photobucket that I had come across
with Jake, he just broke down and started bawling....and I can't take that
pain from him.... I wish I could.
Again thank you so much! YOU are an angel!!!!

Those puppy pictures bring back a lot of memories for me. I have a number of them I took with my special girl, Gypsy. I just put a new topic in the Tributes Section called A Dog's Prayer for my 2 special GS girls. You might want to see it. Gypsy I got as a puppy and saw her mom and dad and picked the puppy with the biggest feet. It was the two of us when I was by myself in my 20's.
After I lost her to cancer, I got Lady and she is the one my husband knew best as she came in our home...also as a small puppy, abandoned..needing a home..and stayed 12 years.

All the animals I have had in my lifetime were very much loved and special in their own ways but for some reason, we find there are some that just add a certain spark to our lives..that is theirs alone.

It sounds like Jake was that way so very much. In time, a GS puppy might help your son...giving him a furry one to hug. He won't forget Jake but he can learn there is lots of love out there waiting for a home and for a boy who will be very special to them.

Hugs to you both...I understand how much Jake is missed.

Judy