Jake 12-038

Profile

Sponsored by:

Dennis and Joanne
"To help Jake on his way to better health and golden happiness"

Craig Greenwald

Sharron T.
"Paws up from Abby 08-218 and Buddy 11-371"

"In memory of another senior boy, Mic" From Kathleen Guinn

Jakey, I Love You!! From Morgan

January 29, 2012

One thing about RAGOM that makes me proud to be a volunteer is the willingness to take in the "unknown", to bring in the senior dogs and to ensure that they are treated with dignity, get proper vetting and are loved. Jake is no exception to this! RAGOM received the call from animal control that an "older" golden was found as a stray and his hold time was up. He "may" have bad hips, he "may" be hard of hearing but that he was friendly towards dogs and people.

So, two days later, welcome Jake to RAGOM! Jake is an elder gentleman, we'll get a better age guesstimate when we go to the vet this week. When he arrived, I noticed that he is incredibly skinny, his nails are so long he has trouble walking on them, he had an odor about him I cannot begin to describe, he is full of lumps and bumps and he has a wheeze.

The first order of business after his guardian transporter brought him to my house and helped introduce him to the wild resident pack (thanks Craig!) was a bath! He tolerated this and did not overly enjoy this experience, but it was definitely a necessity! I have a feeling that this will be the first bath of many because he still has some scabs, matts and dirt but we got the first layer of grime off.

While we were relaxing after the bath, his breathing became more labored. He had had the wheezing before but now he was outright gasping for air and unable to lie down or relax. So, off to the e-vet we went. They are fairly certain he has an upper airway obstruction, likely larangeal paralysis, but without a full work up they can't be certain. One thing they were confident of is that his condition didn't require an emergency work up so we'll delve into this a little more in depth when he sees Dr. Quast this week. They suggested he be given a couple benadryl for some mild sedation as being relaxed should help him breathe a little easier. Larangeal paralysis is basically when the epiglottis doesn't work properly and it's like trying to breathe out of a straw. If anyone has had a panic attack, you'll know that the harder you try and breathe and the less air you get, the more air you need, you panic and you start gasping for breath, which is what they think happened with Jake.

He weighed in at 54 pounds and he should be closer to 70 pounds, so we have some work to do!

Jake does have some spunk and he has been witnessed rolling on his back on the carpet with utter glee. He met the pack with zero issues, the cats came and checked him out and he wasn't even curious about them. He has let me manhandle him (pick up to put in the tub, pick up to get in/out of the car, pick up to lay on the couch by me) without issue. He found the toybox and decided he might like to chew on a hoof. So far he has gone to the door when he needed to potty, so that's an excellent sign in my book!

All in all, Jake's in pretty rough shape but I'm hoping with love, regular food, love, soft beds, love, a roof over his head, love, good vet care and some love he will be an excellent dog for someone wanting that senior with spunk. Please keep Jake in your thoughts and I'll keep everyone updated as we know more about this beautiful senior boy.

Jake riding shotgun

At a Glance #12-038

Golden Retriever	Born: January 2001
Male	Weight not specified

Status: Deceased

Profile

Sponsored by:

Dennis and Joanne
"To help Jake on his way to better health and golden happiness"

Craig Greenwald

Sharron T.
"Paws up from Abby 08-218 and Buddy 11-371"

"In memory of another senior boy, Mic" From Kathleen Guinn

Jakey, I Love You!! From Morgan

January 29, 2012

One thing about RAGOM that makes me proud to be a volunteer is the willingness to take in the "unknown", to bring in the senior dogs and to ensure that they are treated with dignity, get proper vetting and are loved. Jake is no exception to this! RAGOM received the call from animal control that an "older" golden was found as a stray and his hold time was up. He "may" have bad hips, he "may" be hard of hearing but that he was friendly towards dogs and people.

So, two days later, welcome Jake to RAGOM! Jake is an elder gentleman, we'll get a better age guesstimate when we go to the vet this week. When he arrived, I noticed that he is incredibly skinny, his nails are so long he has trouble walking on them, he had an odor about him I cannot begin to describe, he is full of lumps and bumps and he has a wheeze.

The first order of business after his guardian transporter brought him to my house and helped introduce him to the wild resident pack (thanks Craig!) was a bath! He tolerated this and did not overly enjoy this experience, but it was definitely a necessity! I have a feeling that this will be the first bath of many because he still has some scabs, matts and dirt but we got the first layer of grime off.

While we were relaxing after the bath, his breathing became more labored. He had had the wheezing before but now he was outright gasping for air and unable to lie down or relax. So, off to the e-vet we went. They are fairly certain he has an upper airway obstruction, likely larangeal paralysis, but without a full work up they can't be certain. One thing they were confident of is that his condition didn't require an emergency work up so we'll delve into this a little more in depth when he sees Dr. Quast this week. They suggested he be given a couple benadryl for some mild sedation as being relaxed should help him breathe a little easier. Larangeal paralysis is basically when the epiglottis doesn't work properly and it's like trying to breathe out of a straw. If anyone has had a panic attack, you'll know that the harder you try and breathe and the less air you get, the more air you need, you panic and you start gasping for breath, which is what they think happened with Jake.

He weighed in at 54 pounds and he should be closer to 70 pounds, so we have some work to do!

Jake does have some spunk and he has been witnessed rolling on his back on the carpet with utter glee. He met the pack with zero issues, the cats came and checked him out and he wasn't even curious about them. He has let me manhandle him (pick up to put in the tub, pick up to get in/out of the car, pick up to lay on the couch by me) without issue. He found the toybox and decided he might like to chew on a hoof. So far he has gone to the door when he needed to potty, so that's an excellent sign in my book!

All in all, Jake's in pretty rough shape but I'm hoping with love, regular food, love, soft beds, love, a roof over his head, love, good vet care and some love he will be an excellent dog for someone wanting that senior with spunk. Please keep Jake in your thoughts and I'll keep everyone updated as we know more about this beautiful senior boy.

Jake riding shotgun

Updates

Sunday, March 9, 2014

How in the world does one go about eulogizing a dog like Jakey? A dog that exuded happiness and brought a smile to every single person he met... A dog who's bright eyes showed to the depth of his soul... A dog that brought people together... A dog that had a happy dance unlike no other and wasn't ashamed to whip it out for food, treats, a walk, a car ride, food :)

Jakey entered my life 770 days ago and helped me through nursing school, nursing boards and helped me move to our new home in a new state to start our new life. He was able to let go when he realized I would now be OK.

Jakey entered mama Morgan's life 658 days ago and he was so blessed to have the love and adoration of such a beautiful person.

Jakey never wanted for anything once he entered our lives. His giving, loving soul was evident to the end when he died peacefully and naturally in my arms.

“The risk of love is loss, and the price of loss is grief.
But the pain of grief is only a shadow when compared
the pain of never risking love"

-Hilary Stanton Zunin

Monday, February 3, 2014

Two years ago on Wednesday, this sugar faced boy came into my life. I was starting nursing school the next day and really didn't want a foster, but who can say "no" when you hear about an old guy sitting in a shelter... 2 years later I've graduated and this old man is still kicking.

We had some bad news in April, Jake has HSA (Hemangiosarcoma) on his spleen. When we found it, it was the size of a fist. Through research and talking with the vets, this is a painless cancer which was a big relief for me to know. Given his age we chose not to have his spleen removed and not treat the cancer. We wanted him to have the best quality of life of what was left and felt a hugely invasive surgery wouldn't give him that... 9+ months later he's still with us. Every day is a blessing with this boy. He's no longer steady on his feet, he spends most of his time sleeping, he chooses when he wants to eat but he is loved absolutely unconditionally. The other pups in the house protect and watch over him.

I don't know what I'll find when I wake up everyday, as the "best case" scenario means he will die peacefully in his sleep, but when I see that he's fought through to another day I am so grateful. He fought hard as a stray with his medical issues and he's fighting everyday to give his MK and MM all the love he can.

Everyone who meets him not only falls instantly in love but say he's the happiest dog they've ever met. I'm so grateful RAGOM takes in these unwanted seniors, the joy he (and other seniors) brings everyday is immeasurable.

Millie and Jakey

Moxie and Jakey

Rebel and Jakey

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A little over a year ago I had just adopted out a young foster who had required a lot of attention and TLC and quite literally wore me down and I was ready for a foster break as I was also starting nursing school and knew my world would be very busy. However, a couple days later fate intervened, and a new dog found himself on the foster plea... Very little info was known about him except he was old, went unclaimed after being found as a stray, was skinny. We later learned that the dog control place wasn't really staffed, it was just a little shack and this old guy was getting fed about once a day. My heart cried and I signed up to foster Jake.

When Jake arrived one year ago today, his transporter saw us together and said "you're going to be a foster failure on this one". I told him no-way because I already had 3 dogs and his family would surely be out there. Craig kind of gave me a "yea right" look. Jake couldn't breathe well, he stunk so bad I gagged but his tail wagged, his eyes sparkled and we bonded in an instant.

Fate intervened again when he got to meet Morgan (aka mama morgan, aka MM) at an event and they bonded in an instant (I have a feeling she bribed him with treats, but he's not talking) and we decided to adopt him together. He has two homes and two mama's who love him to pieces, what could be better for Jake?!

I know that adopting senior dogs isn't on everyone's radar because "you'll lose them so soon" but we all know that nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to life. One friend said to me, "every day you get to spend with Jakey is like gravy" and I think that every single morning that we both wake up. I'm so grateful to have this sweet sweet boy in my life. He has a dog bed right by my bed so after I wake up, I hang my hand over the bed and wake him up. He sometimes startles awake but then sees it's me, smiles and puts his head back down, he's happy for another day, too!

We've had so many adventures this year! I found out he LOVES to swim when we got to go to a friends cabin. He's learned to LOVE going for walks because he gets to go with just mom as the other 3 pups go too far too fast for him. We're up to 2 miles now, but have taken the winter off. He gets to go for car rides as often as possible because it's his favorite thing IN THE WHOLE WORLD.

Jake is a sassy senior who gets away with just about everything. He fits into my pack so well, you'd never know he hasn't been here forever.

So, tonight Jakey gets DQ ice cream as we celebrate his "birthday"... He's unofficially officially 12-years-old today. For anyone who thinks loving and losing a senior makes it too hard to adopt, I dare you to tell that to Jakey. He may not have forever, but his forever will be full of LOVE and FOOD and CAR RIDES and SWIMMING and WALKS and his eyes are bright and full of love... I don't know who's luckier.

Begging for watermelon with Rebel and Moxie	Happy Boy
Have you ever seen such a happy boy?!	Jakey even smiles in his sleep
Jakey at Goldzilla	Jakey at Goldzilla
Jakey at the cabin this summer	Jakey is Swimming!!
Jakey on his JenE Designs bed	Rebel and Jakey in their favorite spot
The ever elusive 2 headed golden	Watchin' Mama Kris study

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Two hearts, two homes, one deeply loved senior boy!

Every once in awhile a special dog comes along that steals the heart of every person who meets them. Jake is one of those dogs.

However, Jake is so special that there are TWO people that have decided that they can't live without him.

Mama Kris (formerly known as fostermom) and Mama Morgan are adopting this sweet boy. Jake is so loved and so loving that he gets to have TWO moms!

Jake will NEVER want for anything EVER again.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Because pictures are worth 1,000 words...

My view when I come home from work...

He even smiles when he's sleeping...

Jake = Good

BEGGING for watermelon!!

Move your feet, lose your seat...

Where we going FM?

GIVE ME SOME MORE WATERMELON ALREADY!!!

One of my favorite places, the car...

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Dear Morgan,

I think you're the bees knees. You're the apple of my eye. You're the icing on my RAGOM cake.

Have I mentioned lately how awesome I think you are? Everytime I see you my eyes light up and my tail starts wagging. I have a special "woof" in my heart just for you. FM told me last night that your vacation is almost over and that you're going to come by and see me again, I CAN'T wait! FM tries to cuddle with me, but your arms are the bestest.

Love,
Jakey-Poo

ps, I wanted everyone to see us together so I put our pics up. I hope to get more with you soon!

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Do you want to know what love looks like? Look no further...

HUGE thank you to Miss Devon TT for the fantastic pictures of this sweet boy!

Saturday, April 7, 2012

I continually take pictures of this beauty but forget to upload them! So, I finally took some time to share with YOU!

His favorite spot, shotgun!	Sleeping with his blanky (he has two, by the way)
Hanging out in the beautiful sunshine	Miss Millie (09-291) keeping an eye on the situation
Too freaking cute	Hanging out on foster grandpa's chair

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

My sweet sweet Jakey had his lar/par surgery yesterday! He made it through the surgery with flying colors and in addition to the tie back procedure they removed a couple masses which have been sent to pathology so fingers crossed the results come back in our favor!

Jake got pretty anxious being in a kennel at the vets and started getting agitated so a great friend of mine went and got him early and brought him home where he was comfortable and happy. When I got home his eyes lit up and his tail started wagging and sweet Jake can breathe without a struggle, YAY!!

I thought we'd celebrate his new life with some pictures :)

Jakey will be sporting this green Luck o' the Irish bandage for 7-10 days

A HUGE thank you to Dr. R for all she does for our RAGOM puppers in need!

Friday, February 17, 2012

Jake continues to shine here! He's such a character and it's official, this dog is irrevocably spoilt, let me give you two examples:

          1. I brought him up on the bed one time to snuggle. He usually lays on the dog bed next to me on the
            floor but sometimes he's now decided he really wants to lay up bed with the rest of us. When that
              happens, he will bark at me until I get out of bed to pick him up and put him in bed. Who is training
              whom?

          2. Elk antlers... his new toy. Deer antlers just won't do, has to be elk. How many dogs not only get
              antlers to chew on (my dogs love them, they don't smell, don't splinter and last ForEVER) let alone get
              to choose between two different animals? Jake does and he's decided deer antlers are just inferior to
              elk antlers apparently.

Jake has occasional accidents in the house... I've narrowed it down to when I go to school at night. He sleeps through the night, he rarely has an accident when I'm at work (granted someone does come and let my dogs out so they rarely go longer than 6 hours without a break) but will have accidents on the nights when I go to school. My neighbors will usually let them out but maybe it's the uncertainty of not knowing exactly when I'll be home that induces accidents. So, knowing this, his forever family would have to be mindful that he will probably have accidents at your house, too. If this is a deal breaker, then Jake just isn't for you :)

Jake also continues to use the stairs although they definitely are not a favorite part of his day. He has no hesitations going up but will sometimes have some issues going down, just a little hind end sliding. The good news is he doesn't let them stop him and if it ever gets to the point he can't do them anymore, he's light enough to be carried... I say that because I know he'd still want to be an active part of your life and will definitely want to be where you are! He would never be happy being a dog left downstairs while you're upstairs sleeping. Please also keep this in mind if you have your eyes set on this boy!

Finally, I know everyone wanted to see the picture of peace I come home to when coming home from school... Jake, the couch potato :)

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Jake continues to charm the socks off everyone he meets... He is one of the happiest dogs I've met in a long time; amazing how dogs react to love, routines and FOOD! He literally sighs in contentment while he eats, makes my heart warm!

I thought you might want some more pics of this sweet boy...