
Goodbye Old Friend

My husband always wanted a Boston Terrier. But the few I had known were just OK..nothing I could get excited about. So when a new puppy was in our future, he insisted we at least go and look at Bostons. So I found the best breeder in the region and grudgingly made the trip deep in the south Texas countryside. To convince him this was not the breed for us. So I could get on with the business of finding the puppy (whose breed shall remain anonymous) that was really right for us.
It was love at first sight.
Who could resist that mischievous little face! But it wasn’t just that. He was so full of joy – so excited just to be Jake. And we “got” each other. The breeder even noticed it – “He usually doesn’t like people..” she said. Thirty minutes later I was headed home with my Jake.
As anyone who has spent any time with a Boston knows, they are sweet, loving, intelligent, AND stubborn AND full of mischief.
Jake was not an easy pup. I stopped counting the shoes he destroyed. I never could find him when he didn’t want to be found. He opened cabinets and unzipped backpacks. He was an escape artist – we traced him to a friend’s pool two neighborhoods over, retrieved him from a disgruntled farmer’s chicken coop. We chased him down railroad tracks, through the piney woods. But we always found him and I think he somehow knew we would.
But Jake was so much more. We trained as a therapy team and he was a star. He brought so much joy to the people he visited. When he was with fragile patients he was a different dog, calm, sweet, loving. When we brought Jesse home, he loved her on sight. He seemed to think she was his puppy. He was her protector, her best buddy, they were inseparable. They loved
rides on the boat long walks, chew toys after
dinner. They never fought. I never heard Jake growl. His heart was soooo big.
I knew I would probably outlive Jake. But I didn’t believe it. I’ve never been prepared for the loss of a pet, but this was a sucker punch. Cancer hit him hard and took him swiftly.
Within two weeks of his first hacking cough, I was holding him in my arms as his last breath drifted from his body. It did not comfort me that his suffering was brief or that he had a good life. Nothing did. I was frozen.
After a few days I put away his harness and collar, his bowl, his favorite pillow. So I’d know he wasn’t coming back. But weeks later, I still expect to see him snoozing on the sofa, think I hear him barking at the neighbor dog, expect to see him bolting through the dog door, chasing Jesse.
Each day is less raw. And one day- it won’t be soon – as it has been for all the little animals whose lives I’ve privileged to share, I will feel more gratitude for the joy he gave me than the pain of his loss.
Oh Louise, I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet takes a chunk out of your heart and it is hard to patch it. I’m sending both you and Gene a hug.
Wonderful tribute to Jake! He was so fortunate to be part of your family.
My condolences to Louise and Gene. I understand how you feel. Kale was loved and a good pal. I send my love. Maryann Beerling
So very sorry about Jake! He sounds so special❤️❤️
Thank you for sharing the story of Jake, Louise. I could feel the love you two had for each other and how special he was to you and others.