Jake 15-323

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Sponsored by:

Rachel and Josh Blanke
"In loving memory of Emma"

 

Anonymous
"In memory of beloved senior fosters, Red 14-202 and Wilson 14-026. You're in good hands now, Jake!"

 

 Happy Valentine's Day from Laura Kreun!

 Happy Valentines Day Jake!! From Teddy & Riley

 Happy Valentine's Day!! OXO - Hope you find your forever home soon! In memory of Corky

In addition to LOVE this dog has the following requirements:Date PostedFenceKid FriendlyAnother DogCat Friendly12/28/2015 OptionalYes!Not requiredYes!This is the most recent information available; however, it may change as we learn more about the dog.

 

 

Jake, RAGOM fans. RAGOM fans, Jake. He would like me to tell you a little bit about himself... So here it goes! (Warning... you will fall in love. I guarantee it!)

Jake is a 10-year-old, purebred, neutered male Golden Retriever. He was surrendered to rescue due to financial reasons and, at the time of his rescue, was living alone.

Because RAGOM is awesome, volunteers sprung into action very shortly after learning about Jake's urgent need. He was safely tucked into his foster home a couple of days later.

When I first saw this big boy, my heart sank. Jake was in horrible condition. He had to be helped from the car, and he was huge! I wasn't sure he could see; he was missing a lot of fur; he had trouble walking; he had elbow calluses as big as softballs; and he was really, really smelly! I was worried that we wouldn't be able to help restore his health, that it was too late. But he looked at me. My heart melted. His bald little tail wagged. My hope was restored. I kissed his stinky head and told him it was all going to be okay, trust me. He nudged my hand as if to say... "I believe you."

 

I spent the next few hours with him on the floor, cutting out large clumps of matted fur, combing so many fleas out of his dark red coat, trimming inches off his overgrown toenails, and cleaning his severely infected ears. He soaked it up, occasionally giving my hand gentle kisses! I know he appreciated the care. He slept soundly all through the night. Tomorrow was a new day. A new beginning.

We started out the next day at the groomer! He was bathed with one shampoo and then another and another! He was trimmed and brushed and blow-dried. When I picked him up, he smelled so good and looked even more handsome. The groomer said he didn't move a muscle as she pampered him! He sat in the tub with his eyes closed! Bliss.

 

Our much-anticipated vet visit gave us plenty of news to share:

  • weighed in at 115 lbs (25-30 lbs over ideal weight)
  • very poor skin condition: infected with yeast and staph, flaky, and missing large patches, particularly on his abdomen, rear legs, and tail
  • bilateral ear infections (with notable ear canal narrowing, likely due to chronic, untreated ear infections)
  • resolving flea infestation
  • entropion of both eyes (possible surgical correction needed)
  • possible cushings disease (lab results pending)
  • hypothyroidism (started on medication)

The great news is that his chemistry panel and CBC look good, all within normal limits. And he's now getting the veterinary care he needs. AND he's about as happy-go-lucky as they come! Yes, Jake, everything is going to be alright.

 

Jake is incredibly easy to love and a perfect houseguest. He's house-trained, knows basic commands, very dog/cat/kid-friendly! He loves to snuggle and just be wherever we are! He's a Golden through and through, and I just can't wait to watch him transform into the healthy dog that's in there somewhere! Stay tuned!

 

At a Glance #15-323

Golden Retriever Born: December 2005
Male Weight not specified

Status: Deceased

Profile

Sponsored by:

Rachel and Josh Blanke
"In loving memory of Emma"

 

Anonymous
"In memory of beloved senior fosters, Red 14-202 and Wilson 14-026. You're in good hands now, Jake!"

 

 Happy Valentine's Day from Laura Kreun!

 Happy Valentines Day Jake!! From Teddy & Riley

 Happy Valentine's Day!! OXO - Hope you find your forever home soon! In memory of Corky

In addition to LOVE this dog has the following requirements:Date PostedFenceKid FriendlyAnother DogCat Friendly12/28/2015 OptionalYes!Not requiredYes!This is the most recent information available; however, it may change as we learn more about the dog.

 

 

Jake, RAGOM fans. RAGOM fans, Jake. He would like me to tell you a little bit about himself... So here it goes! (Warning... you will fall in love. I guarantee it!)

Jake is a 10-year-old, purebred, neutered male Golden Retriever. He was surrendered to rescue due to financial reasons and, at the time of his rescue, was living alone.

Because RAGOM is awesome, volunteers sprung into action very shortly after learning about Jake's urgent need. He was safely tucked into his foster home a couple of days later.

When I first saw this big boy, my heart sank. Jake was in horrible condition. He had to be helped from the car, and he was huge! I wasn't sure he could see; he was missing a lot of fur; he had trouble walking; he had elbow calluses as big as softballs; and he was really, really smelly! I was worried that we wouldn't be able to help restore his health, that it was too late. But he looked at me. My heart melted. His bald little tail wagged. My hope was restored. I kissed his stinky head and told him it was all going to be okay, trust me. He nudged my hand as if to say... "I believe you."

 

I spent the next few hours with him on the floor, cutting out large clumps of matted fur, combing so many fleas out of his dark red coat, trimming inches off his overgrown toenails, and cleaning his severely infected ears. He soaked it up, occasionally giving my hand gentle kisses! I know he appreciated the care. He slept soundly all through the night. Tomorrow was a new day. A new beginning.

We started out the next day at the groomer! He was bathed with one shampoo and then another and another! He was trimmed and brushed and blow-dried. When I picked him up, he smelled so good and looked even more handsome. The groomer said he didn't move a muscle as she pampered him! He sat in the tub with his eyes closed! Bliss.

 

Our much-anticipated vet visit gave us plenty of news to share:

  • weighed in at 115 lbs (25-30 lbs over ideal weight)
  • very poor skin condition: infected with yeast and staph, flaky, and missing large patches, particularly on his abdomen, rear legs, and tail
  • bilateral ear infections (with notable ear canal narrowing, likely due to chronic, untreated ear infections)
  • resolving flea infestation
  • entropion of both eyes (possible surgical correction needed)
  • possible cushings disease (lab results pending)
  • hypothyroidism (started on medication)

The great news is that his chemistry panel and CBC look good, all within normal limits. And he's now getting the veterinary care he needs. AND he's about as happy-go-lucky as they come! Yes, Jake, everything is going to be alright.

 

Jake is incredibly easy to love and a perfect houseguest. He's house-trained, knows basic commands, very dog/cat/kid-friendly! He loves to snuggle and just be wherever we are! He's a Golden through and through, and I just can't wait to watch him transform into the healthy dog that's in there somewhere! Stay tuned!

 

Updates

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Jake came to us on February 14, 2016 with a heartbreaking history, and an unbreakable spirit. He has been a special gift. He has taught us through his example, or at least has tried his darnedest to teach us, how to love everyone, to live in the moment, to smile in the face of adversity, and to just keep trying. He came into our lives and stole our hearts just like that.  He also emptied our bank account, but that's ok, it wasn't his fault, and we would do it all over for him because he was worth every penny. 

We said goodbye to him today at home under the bright fall sunshine. He was surrounded by love as he left this world. Our hearts are broken. There will never be another Jake. But in our sadness, there is also joy in knowing that he is free. Somewhere, in heaven no doubt,  he is running. Fast and long and without any hitch in his giddyup. Or maybe he's still kind of slow with a little hitch- that would be ok too.  He is no doubt stopping to sniff anything remotely interesting, rolling in stinky things, and greeting anyone who comes along with a wag and a smile. Possibly falling over every once in a while, but getting right back up and carrying on.   He is goofy Jake with his Stevie Wonderhead bob, his happy dance, and his high pitched bark and low pitched chuff and growl.  He is safe and waiting for Ranger, and hopefully for us too. We've got some work to do, but he's given us such a shining example of how to be good.  What a good dog, what a gift.

There will never be anyone else like you, doodad.

We miss you Jakey and we love you with all our hearts 

Run free and be happy buddy,

Shannon and Michelle

p.s. I can't let him go without sharing what a beautiful day his final day was and including his absolute favorite person.

Christy was Jake's foster mom.  She and her wonderful family took him in right before Christmas after he was found abandoned and devastatingly neglected. He was desperately in need of an angel and he landed exactly where he needed to be. She saved his life. He knew it, and never forgot.

We adopted him a couple of months later and we loved him dearly. We are pretty sure he loved us right back, after all, Jake loved everybody. He was never really our dog though, because his heart belonged to Christy, right until the end.

She was with Jake, and with us, yesterday to help see him off on his next adventure. Forgive me for not being able to pick just one, or even a couple photos. I can't help myself.

I am stealing a phrase from a wise friend who has helped many dogs on their way when I say that yesterday was a great day for flying. Well Jake, you have your wings now, and the picture in my mind makes me smile through my tears.

 
Onward, dude. Love you forever!  

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Jake 1 year ago:

Jake today with Christy; without question his favorite person in the entire world, his amazing foster:

Merry Christmas from Jake!

Friday, December 2, 2016

I was going to wait until gotcha day, (February 14),but I can't resist sending an early update and new pics for Jake since it was around this time last year that he came in to RAGOM's care.

Jake is living the good life these days - his health issues are either under control or have resolved, and he is down to a svelte 75-ish lbs (from 115 lbs). Woo hoo! He has a thick, bushy, incredibly soft coat. He wakes up every morning on the people bed after having spent the night sprawled out on his back, legs all akimbo, cheerfully taking up at least half of the space all by himself. He greets each morning with a few yoga poses, then looks forward to a day full of breakfast, walks, nice people and dog friends, cushy truck rides, naps on the couch, dinner, treats, and more treats if possible. He loves, loves, loves to eat and still does a fantastically enthusiastic and rather complex happy dance when meal time arrives. It cracks us up every time. He also gets lots of hugs because he is so sweet and also because he is still comfortably 'squishy' and fun to hug. He loves to be hugged. We love him.

Along with his buddy Ranger, Jake goes everywhere we go, always seeking out new adventures, the smellier the better,usually close to home, but always exciting. Jake is always a willing and eager participant in adventure.

Thanks again RAGOM for all you do to rescue, provide safe, dignified,loving foster care, and find forever homes for so many dogs like ours. It is important work and it restores our faith in humanity to see there are so many good people who love these gentle beings as much as we do. Thank you!

Shannon and Michelle

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Jake has been part of our family for 6 months already.  This guy has been through a lot in that time on the way to getting healthy, but he has been unfailingly brave and strong and happy.  Always happy.

It makes me cry when I think of the situation he came from, what he looked like the first time I met him, how difficult it was for him to move, how much pain he must have been in, but even then he was happy.  He is the most gentle dog we have ever met and he melts hearts everywhere he goes.

Jake was rescued by awesome people at RAGOM, most of whom are unknown to us.  To every one of you, we are so grateful for what you did to save the life of this sweet dog. He will be safe and comfortable, and will know he is loved for the rest of his life.

To Christy, you are so special and Jakey will adore you forever! Thank you for giving him a home, loving him back from the brink, and then trusting us to be his forever family. It is the best kind of happy ending that we get to see you in person when he goes for his special doctor appointments. Never has a dog been so happy to go to the vet than Jake when he gets a pop-in from Christy at his allergy appt. Pure joy:-)

Here are some photos of Jake these days, all bright eyed and bushy tailed.  Literally. It came back, and it is fabulous.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Merry Christmas Jake from Teresa Paschke!  Merry Christmas Jake from Teresa Paschke!

Monday, January 25, 2016

Jake is doing really well in his foster home. He's such a happy and sweet boy, and it is impossible not to smile in his presence. He does the most adorable happy dance when I get home and is truly thankful for every single ounce of attention and affection he receives. He's such a wonderful dog!

The health front is a bit more complicated, but we are making progress. He is on a list of medication at this time: he takes 1 little tablet twice a day to control his thyroid level, which is now within normal limits. Yay! He is also on an antibiotic to treat his severe skin infections, which is given once a day. Along with the antibiotic for his skin, he is being bathed 2 times per week. His skin is extremely flaky-looking, with many bald patches, and fur continues to come out in clumps. This is actually a good thing! As his skin heals, the dead/infected skin is shedding (which is the reason for the flaking), and he will continue to grow new and healthy skin and hair cost as he heals. It isn't a quick process, but we are on our way. :) Jake also suffers from chronic untreated ear infections. So, we are playing catch-up in that department, too. He hasn't responded to the standard ear medications, and now is on a strong antibiotic (baytril) in liquid form and a steroid solution (dex SP) to help kill the bacteria and reduce the severe swelling in his ear canals. He tolerates all this so very well. He is such a trooper, and I do believe he knows I am only trying to help him feel better! We are still in the process of diagnostic testing to determine if he does have Cushings disease. Preliminary testing is indicative of a positive result. I will keep you posted as we learn more.

I realize the health report is a lot! However, he is so lucky to have RAGOM and his wonderful sponsors on his side and doing everything possible to get him feeling his very best.

Despite all that he is going through health-wise, Jake's tail wags constantly! He follows us from room to room, and he loves going for walks, eating snow, and snuggles on the couch. :) He is incredibly happy. He has even started initiating play with our resident dogs, and it is so darn cute.

Thank you again to his awesome sponsors and his many fans!

  

  

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Jake is so much fun to have around. He always puts a smile on my face. :) He is seriously one of the happiest dogs I have ever met. He is so thankful for every head pat, every couch snuggle, and especially the turkey I hide his pills in. :) He wags his tail all the time and it melts my heart.

We still don't know the full extent of his health issues as his testing for Cushing's disease is still pending. But with just over a week of good care, high-quality food, good grooming, and medication, I am seeing an entirely different dog than the one I first met.

We've been trying to get out for regular walks and he loves it! He doesn't move very fast... But that's ok; neither do I. :) He is excellent on a leash and even my 3-year-old can walk him! So adorable. :)

Today, we received the amazing news that Jake has earned himself two sponsors!! Wow! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Rachel and Josh Blanke and to his anonymous friend for your generous, wonderful gift. We could not do what we do for these dogs without the support from you. Thank you. :)