Pet Party and The Story of Jake

Debbie over at Debbiedoo's is having a Pet Party so I thought I'd join in and tell you about my blog namesake, Jake, and the love of our lives!

We had never really been a pet family per se, but knowing that my daughter was heading off to college, having a son who was living in Hawaii, and then having a husband who worked out of town, I knew I'd be one lonely lady in the months to come and was convinced that a cute little lap dog was just what I needed, and boy oh boy was I right!

After weeks and weeks of visiting the pound, my daughter spotted Jake in a cage with about 3 other dogs and we knew in an instant that he was the one we wanted. Now our pound has a "drawing" when you want a particular dog so you have to come back on another day and they draw names out of a hat to see who gets that animal. Luckily, on that fateful day, I was the only one who showed up wanting Jake. The other people on the list never showed up!

After owning Jake for a few years, we went to visit our daughter at Arizona State for Parent's Weekend and when we landed at the Burbank Airport to come home, my husband had a missed call from the vet's office where Jake was being boarded. We immediately called them back and they said Jake was having some issues and we needed to get there immediately. By the time we made the 2 hour drive home, Jake was already paralyzed in his back legs.

Long story short, we'll never know exactly what happened (if someone possibly stepped on him or if he did indeed rupture a disc), but our little Jakester has been paralyzed for over 2 years now. He had the costly spinal cord surgery but it didn't help at all, which was no surprise. We were told that there was only a 25% chance that he would walk again but we wanted to give him that chance, even if the odds were low. They're suggestion to us was to put him to sleep. To us, that option was out of the question and we've never looked back!

It seems like forever ago that Jake was able to get around but truthfully I hardly remember those days. We've now had him as a paralyzed dog longer than a healthy, walking dog, and you know what, we couldn't love him anymore than we do. He is unable to go potty on his own so we have to "express" his bladder throughout the day and it's like we have a newborn instead of a dog, but he's our Jake, our little Jakie, the Jakester, a big time Mommy's boy, and the owner of my heart! Who wouldn't love this sweet face...


By the way, we special ordered Jake some "wheels" and from day one he's never liked them. His whole personality changes when he's in his wheels, he acts depressed. Needless to say, he gets carried around all day, and couldn't be happier!

Introducing...

Rufus, the newest member of our camping club crew...




Rufus, or Roofy as he is affectionately known, is a "double doodle." Golden Retriever/Poodle and Labrador Retriever/Poodle = double doodle. What a cutie but what a handful!

He is literally wearing his new parents out, but boy do they love him already...


Everyone loved Roofy, except this spoiled little one...


He wanted no part of him and certainly didn't want his momma showing anyone else any attention, especially a handsome, spry little youngster such as Roofy!

Welcome to our camping club Rufus, and welcome to your wonderful new home!

It Was A Good Day All Around

I started out the day Friday on the right foot, or should I say feet! I went walking with Howard and his walking buddies. We met at 7am and walked for a full hour. Boy does the time fly when you're not walking alone. Today they decided to meet at 6am to avoid the heat. I wasn't about to walk that early so I walked later. All I can say is that it was hot and boring. I think I may need to rethink my decision to sleep in. It's way more fun with them!

When we got home Friday from our walk, I decided to start cleaning out the filing cabinet in the garage. When Howard retired a few years ago, he brought home a 4-drawer filing cabinet that we put in the office closet. Not needing 2 filing cabinets, I've been wanting to consolidate everything into the large one in the closet. Friday was the day!

Besides tax info and papers that we need to keep, I had tons of old letters and cards in the filing cabinet, as well as piles and piles of old college papers and notes. I debated on keeping them, but in the end, I ripped them all up and threw them away. I filled the entire trash can! Throwing all of my college stuff away really tugged at my heart but I knew there was no logical reason to hang onto it. It was a weird feeling tossing it all away though. It made me sad and I felt that now that part of my life is gone forever. Now I have no record of that time in my life ever happening, other than report cards. As a student I kept great notes and took such pride in my education so I hated to see all of it go in the trash, but on the other hand, what was I saving it for? Saving it so that my kids could just throw it away when I'm gone? I actually saved them ALOT of work!

While I was at it, I cleaned out a dresser and other areas of the garage, making piles to be donated. I put Jake in a big comfy chair so that he could be outside with me the whole time. He loved it and was as content as can be. I hate to keep him couped up in the house all the time and as long as he can be with momma, he's a happy boy!

We had lunch with some friends today who invited themselves to our house for dinner Monday night. Yes, they invited themselves, but it's ok! One of the couples owns a restaurant and they are always so generous with us. Believe me, it's our turn!

I guess I should now get busy cleaning the inside of the house!

Happy Thursday And A Repost

Since I'm at work today (and we've got nothing interesting going on around here), I thought I'd repost one of my favorites posts from almost 2 years ago. Of course, it's about one of my favorite subjects, Jake!

"Jakester...wanna go bye-bye with Daddy?"

That was what I heard my husband say to our dog Jake as he was leaving the house this morning. This coming from the same man that said the following things only a short time ago:

"I don't want a dog, but I know how much you do...but remember, I don't want a dog!"

"If you get a dog, you're going to have to clean up the pee/pooh because remember, I don't want a dog!"

"I'm not going to do any of the training of a dog because remember, I don't want a dog!"

"Even though we've had Jake for a few months now, if you found a good home I'd say go ahead and give Jake to them because remember, I didn't want a dog!"

"Don't say I'm his "Daddy" because I'm not...it's ridiculous to hear you say that. Remember, I didn't want a dog!"

and the list goes on and on and on...

Well after 2 years now, hubby is singing a different tune. We ALL love Jake and just couldn't imagine a day without him...especially Daddy!

Good Friends, Good Times!

We had such a great time at the Christmas party last night. There really is nothing better than good friends. I didn't take alot of pictures but did manage to take a few. This of course is a picture of the guys. Every single one of these men are treasures. If an emergency were ever to happen, we could call anyone of them and they'd be here for us in a minute, and vice versa. In this day and age, that says alot about their character.

And the same goes for these beautiful women. They are all such warm hearted, giving ladies and I count it a blessing to call them friends. It's obvious that we are all different ages, but we just click. I just noticed that in the picture, each of has our hand touching or our arm around one another showing affection. That truly sums up how we feel about each other.


I'm always a little sad when we leave them because I feel torn. As I've mentioned before, we are planning to move to Colorado next year and while I want to move out of California in the worst way, it will break my heart to leave these dear friends. Good friends don't happen overnight and neither did these relationships. They've taken time to develop and cultivate and the thought of not seeing them regularly is a hard pill to swallow. The thread in the silver lining is that we do own a motorhome, and they are our camping club friends, so it's not like we won't be seeing them anymore. I'm sure we'll be able to meet up with them at least a few times a year for some camping fun.

We got home around 11:30pm and Courtney was in our bed watching TV. Lights were on, shutters were closed tight, and the house was locked up like Fort Knox. She gets a little scared here alone, but luckily she had Jake to keep her company. This is how I found him when we got home...all comfy cozy with his nose buried in between the pillow and blanket. Even little doggies get cold too huh!


If you haven't done so already, don't forget to leave a comment on my 400th post giveaway below. You still have time. We'll pick winners on Wednesday.

Take care and have a great day!

All In A Days Work

After having my handsome son with us for a week, it was time yesterday to bring him home. I still call my house, our house, his home but really it's not anymore. He's got a place of his own with roommates and all. Oh and by the way, have I told you about his roommates? He lives with triplets, girl triplets! Really, no lie, and it's strictly platonic! No one was home when we dropped him off so we didn't get to meet them but hopefully we'll meet them soon.

Brandon had been renting a furnished place previously so his furniture was here with us...we'll actually not with us here in the house but at a small storage unit a few blocks away. We figured since he was home this would be a good time to clean out the unit which was full of his furniture, clothes, stereo unit, hockey equipment, etc. Cleaning out the storage unit, and his old closet here at home, was one step closer to decluttering and getting ready for a possible move this summer. It felt good to get it done.

We rented a small U-Haul to bring everything to his apartment so this is what I followed for the 3 hour drive south...


The guys drove the U-Haul but I was perfectly content with my company. My ever present traveling companion...


When we got off the freeway in Anaheim, my window was right next to a one way sign. It was so pretty I had to snap a couple pictures of it. Have you ever seen a one way sign done up so nicely? It was a first for me.



After the truck was unload and good-byes were said, we dropped off the U-Haul at a rental place nearby and headed home in my car. We hit lots and lots of traffic but were treated to the most incredible sunset. I tried taking pictures but I was busy driving so they didn't turn out so well. I just ended up with lots of blurry pictures. Howard was sleeping so I entertained myself with talking pictures while I drove. I took this one of the traffic ahead of me...


And this one of the traffic behind me...


I bet the car in back of me thought I was nuts when I stuck my hand out the window and took a picture of them. Trust me, it doesn't take alot to keep me entertained!

Home Safe and Sound

Thank you all for your well wishes for safe travel. We got home early this morning (1:30am) and I must say, home feels good. The hotel bed was comfy cozy but truly there's nothing better than sleeping in your own bed, with your own pillows!

Jake is home now too so all is well in my world! He hasn't left my side and is scooted up so close to me right now. He missed his momma! Howard went out and got him a McDonald's hamburger and he scarfed down that hamburger patty so fast! Life in Jake's world is well again too!

There were 28 wonderful comments on my Hawaiian giveaway, thank you! To make things easy, I asked Howard to randomly give me 5 numbers between 1-28 to select the winners, sooo...

April #3, Emma #8, Deb #9, Tammy Howard #16, and Connie #25, congratulations!

Just email me your address and soon you'll be receiving good mail from Maui (April, I still have your address). The only bad thing about giveaways for me is that I'd like to send out something to everyone! You're all winners in my book!

Thank you ALL again for following along with me on this enjoyable vacation. I read and appreciated every sweet comment you left! I shed more than a few tears yesterday. This trip was especially hard to leave because it was the most relaxing 2 weeks of my life. I ate very healthy, I exercised, and I spent time with God. I feel like these last 2 weeks were life changing for me in alot of ways. I feel rejuvenated!

Hey, I think I'm even ready to tackle Christmas now!

Wordless Wednesday

~ Brotherly Love, Brandon and Jake ~

Hide and Seek

I went to work today after being off for a week so I knew it was going to be tough getting back into the swing of things...and boy it was!

My husband went out of town yesterday so last night I got the laundry room all ready in order to leave Jake in there while I worked today. I put blankets down on the floor, food, water, the whole bit. I also blocked off the door so that he couldn't escape. Although Jake doesn't like his wheels, he's now scooting himself all over...but only when we're not home! I'm telling ya, when you leave the house, you never know where you'll find him when you return.

Today at lunch I rushed home to express Jake's bladder. Many a days I've gone my whole 12-hour shift without taking a bathroom break but there's no way I'm going to have Jake wait that long. I'm sure he doesn't have the sensation of needing to go potty, but now he's prone to UTI's, so we're really good about expressing him regularly.

Anyways, I came in the house and went straight to the laundry room...no Jake! I went from room to room to room, calling for him, couldn't find the rugrat anywhere. He was nowhere to be found! I grabbed the phone, called my husband, telling him "I can't find Jake anywhere. The alarm was on when I got home so I know no one was in the house but Jake is missing!" He says "what do you mean he's missing. It's not like he's gonna get up and walk anywhere!" Duh, I know that, but in the meantime he's missing!

Just as I was going out of Courtney's room (clear across the other side of the house), Jake pops his head out from under her bed!

Here I'm so concerned about Jake and where the little guys disappeared to and hubby's only worried that Jake's gonna leave a trail of poop while he's meandering about the house. Well, truth be told, he's already left a trail of poop while meandering about the house...a few times!

Soooo, long story short, we've now discovered we can't trust a paralyzed dog! Well guess what, Jake's in for a little surprise! We'll soon be bringing out something from his past. Watch out Jake, the trusty old baby gate is coming out of retirement! There's gonna be no more escaping the laundry room now buddy!

If you just weren't so darn cute...

Wordless Wednesday...Almost

After 3 months, he still hates this...

Jake's New Toys

I'm working today but wanted to wish you all a great weekend. Also wanted to answer Mechelle's question about my spray painting...rest assured Mechelle, I haven't spray painted Jake. I promise!

Speaking of Jake...he still HATES his wheels. I had him in them today and his whole personality changes when he has them on. He acts depressed. I'm thinking once the weather warms up and we're outside, he'll realize they're his ticket to freedom. At this point though, he doesn't care about his freedom, he's perfectly content to lay right next to me all.day.long!

Jake does have a few new things that he does like however...


A dog carrier from my friend Elizabeth.


A doggie stroller from my sister Debbie. Debbie knew I had been looking for one and picked this one up for me off of Craigs List. I love this thing, and get this, it even has a built-in cup holder!

It's like I've said before, I don't have a dog anymore...I have a newborn!

I've Created A Monster...

I really have.

But how can you resist this cute face!?!


We just got home from our little trip a few hours ago, thank the good Lord, safe and sound. I'll be working the next few days and I'm kinda glad because I need a break from this little guy. He's so needy (SPOILED!)

Now I know he can't get around anymore but he's milking it for all it's worth let me tell you. And he still doesn't like his new cart. I put him in it today and made him walk around a bit. He made a beeline for the motorhome steps. No exercise for this one. He wants to be carried around all day.

He wants to sit in my lap, or right next to me, touching me, ALL THE TIME. If I put him down on a blanket on the floor, he cries, LOUDLY, to get my attention.

I put him on the floor when we got home so I could get some stuff out of the motorhome and I could hear his cries all the way in the garage.

And to top it all off, I'm so sick of smelling like urine. He dribbles. I know he can't help it.

So the break will be good. I've been cooped up with Jake for the last 6 days and truthfully, he's like having a newborn 24/7.

I've created a monster. I think it's time for this mom to get tough.

Oh Happy Day!

The UPS man delivered a very special package to us on Thursday...














YES, JAKE GOT HIS WHEELS!

It's a little slow going and he's not quite sure about all of it yet. It will take some time to adjust, after all, he's been immobile for almost 3 months now. We're putting him in the cart a little each day.

Right now he's outside with hubby and just walked up to the door. Something I haven't seen for a very long time...Oh Happy Day!

(I've always been one who keeps my walls and baseboards in great shape. Oh Lord, I hate to see what they're going to look like from now on!)

Jake

One of the things I really miss about Jake's old life is being able to take him to the groomer on a regular basis. We have a great shop nearby that I'd take Jake to about every 8 weeks and we'd have the works done. Boy would he be mad at me when I'd pick him up. He'd usually give me the cold shoulder in the car on the way home.

This shop has the sweetest groomers and they do an outstanding job. They even have a photographer that comes in to take pictures at the holidays. Here's a picture of Jake a few years back...


Jake's been looking pretty scruffy here lately so today was the day...like it or not, I was Jake's new groomer. I gave him a trim then gave him a nice bubble bath in the sink in the laundry room. Nothing is good about his paralysis but at least he can't move around and try and hop out of the sink...


A bath, his hair blown dry, a little more trimming, and finally we were all done. It's definitely not as good as the professionals but it looks so much better. He's such a good dog.


Another thing I can now add to my resume...Dog Groomer.

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Finally...I've Made Some Progress!

I've spent each day this week cleaning, decorating, cleaning, and decorating some more. It's all finally coming together and looking festive around here. It has taken me longer this year because I've changed things up a bit. I've seen so many neat ideas this year that I'm trying ideas out in different places, forever "tweaking" my decorations. And it seems each day I need more greenery...and another trip to Michaels ensues!

Today, in between all the cleaning and the decorating, I had the perfect treat...


A Pepsi on ice and sugar cookie from a local bakery. DELISH! That husband of mine sure can be a thoughtful guy sometimes.

And speaking of treats, I've received some good mail this week too! I was in an ornament swap and was sent a beautiful white glittery seashell ornament (now that's a mouth full), all the way from Kara in New Hampshire. Noooo, you can't have it...but I'll let you take a peak...


Thank you so much Kara. Our tree is decorated in white, red, and silver so it will look beautiful on it! Also, take a look at the card she made. She took a picture of a glass jar full of ornaments and made it into a card. Perfect for an ornament swap wouldn't you say. Very very cute!

Do you like fudge? I LOVE FUDGE...and no you can't have this either! My blogging buddy Jenn sent us the most awesome fudge ever. Talk about DELISH! She also sent Jake some dog treats too. Jenn you're so thoughtful...thank you!


I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a few pieces of this amazing fudge today, in addition to the cookie...my excuse, "it's the holidays!"

I Hit The Mother Load!

On the way home from work the other night I thought I'd swing by the Goodwill to look for a used stroller. Normally I would have never thought of going to the Goodwill but I've seen some of the great finds that fellow bloggers have found second hand so I thought I'd give it a try too.

A stroller you might ask!?! For a lady whose got no kiddos around, no grandkids, nothing! Yep, I was looking for a stroller for my little Jake. He has to be completely immobile for another 5-6 weeks so I thought a stroller would be a good way for me to take him from room to room with me. He's kept in a crate and we tote it from place to place which is fine but I thought something on wheels might be a little easier.

Unfortunately, there were no strollers to be found but wait until you see what I did find. I'll tellin' ya, I hit the mother load. Here is the before picture of my new treasures...


Five pieces of heavy duty, beautiful silver. They were pretty dirty and tarnished but it was nothing that I couldn't clean up. I've been wanting to redo my china cabinet to include some silver and a few of these will work perfectly.

I scrubbed and scrubbed with tarnish remover and they shined up so nicely. Here is what the silver pieces look like now, all spiffied up...


The best part about this was the price. I got all 5 pieces of silver for $19.00 which was incredible. With the help of the Internet, I'm going to do some research. Each piece of silver is stamped with the manufacturer's name and a number. I wonder how much these would have been originally? Needless to say, I'm now a Goodwill shopper convert!

The Little Guy is Home!!

I'm happy to report that Jake is now home. I drove down to pick him up yesterday, talked to the Dr. for quite a while, and was instructed on how to do some physical therapy and basically how to care for a dog that has had back surgery. By the end of the day I was spent and for the first time, I questioned if we had done the right thing. I was overwhelmed.

Jake's first night home was a restless one. He woke up a few times anxious. He's asleep in the carrier right beside me now and I'm hoping tonight will offer more rest for both of us.

Today was the first day that I've been at home in over 2 weeks and I enjoyed every minute of it. I cleared away Halloween decorations, did some laundry, cleaned a bit, and finished up the welcome bags for the campout. I puttered around all day and where ever I puttered, Jake puttered right along with me.


I know he looks so sad doesn't he. He'll be depressed for a few weeks I'm certain. Hopefully once the stitches come out and as time passes, his spirit will lift. I was preparing the welcome bags at the kitchen table so I put him right up on the table so that he could see what was going on. He looks pitiful in the picture but he seems to be content to just be near me.

Speaking of the welcome bags, I finished them up tonight and loaded them in my car along with the decorations for 16 tables. I was going to send them all with Howard but decided I'd head down to the campout tomorrow instead (Howard left this morning). It really was too much for Howard to handle and I figured what's the difference in Jake being in a carrier at home or in a carrier in the RV for a few days. So off we'll go again tomorrow. Spending time with my friends for 2 days will be welcomed and therapeutic. I know I'm going to start crying the minute I see them. Here's a picture of the welcome bags...all 31 of them!


Before I close this post, I want to thank you all for the support you've given to me during this difficult time. I appreciate all of you so much and am very thankful for the phone calls, emails, and comments letting me know that you are praying and thinking about us. It brings tears to my eyes knowing that people I've never met care so much and are so giving. God works in mysterious ways but I cannot even describe the comfort that I've felt from you, my blogging friends. Is this one of the reasons why I was led to the world of blogging? Who knows, but whatever the reason, thank you friends for being there and most of all, thank you for your beautiful, wonderful hearts. You are appreciated!