6.11.2014

Moving On

Last picture we took before Jake went in for surgery -  Eating watermelon for the first time and loving it!

I normally don't get too personal on here, since all is out for the world to see.  However, there is so much I need to get off my chest.

Tomorrow, June 12th, will be one month since we lost our beloved dog, Jake.  He was our child, our furball, our companion, and best friend that went E V E R Y W H E R E with us.  It's been a rough month.  As many have said, it will be the year of first's.  The first time leaving for work without Jake coming out to say goodbye.  The first day my husband worked from home without Jake by his side.  The first night coming home from work that Jake didn't greet me at the door.  The first time dropping popcorn on the floor and he wasn't there to "vacuum" it up.  The first vacation without him.  Later on this year, it will be the first Christmas without him, the first lonely trip back home without him, and many other upcoming moments.

Christmas 2013
I'd say so far we're doing pretty good getting through the days without him.  It sure is lonely though.  And nearly any time we talk about him, I break down crying.  We've talked about getting another puppy.  And sooner than later.  I just wonder when I'll be ready.  Or are you ever really ready?  As many have said, the best way to get over the loss of one pet, is to get another.  Who knows, maybe it will be today.  Maybe next week.  Maybe next year.  Once we find a dog that we fall in love with, we'll make the jump I'm sure.

As many have asked what happened to such a healthy, happy, 6 year old dog.

The short answer --- he went in for a dental cleaning and extraction, and within 12 hours of being home his hind legs were paralyzed.

How, you ask?  Not sure.  We've searched and searched for answers, but have gotten nowhere.  Many assume it's the fault of the vet who took care of him while under anesthesia during his dental cleaning, however they refuse to accept the blame and state that it, "just happens."  Of course, we've had a hard time accepting that because he was so healthy, young and active.  But I'm so glad to know that nearly everyone we've told his story to, also asks the same questions we have, "what did they do to him during surgery?!?"

At first I was really upset that this happened.  I didn't understand how the vet could let this happen.  We were so hesitant to take him in to begin with and should've trusted our gut instincts.  After he died, I questioned God on so many levels.  Why would He do this to us?  Why would He take an innocent life?  What is He trying to teach us?  Was He trying to open a space in our hearts to love someone/something else?  Luckily through a couple of friends and family, they helped me to understand that God doesn't punish.  At this point, we're just trying to move on as there is nothing we can do about the past, except remember the good times we had, the many tricks he did, and the many, many road trips we took with him.
Taking his blanket to bed... superman style

A couple of weeks before we lost Jake, I heard a story on the radio of a woman who lost her child very young.  She was so angry and upset with God and didn't understand why He could harm and take a child's life.  She finally came to the conclusion that her child had served his purpose on earth, and it was time for him to go.

When I'm having a hard day, I try to think of the woman who lost her child.  I know that Jake may have had a short life here on earth, but he fulfilled his purpose here.  I can't be mad that that this happened.  I can't question why.  I just have to accept that his time on earth is over because he served his purpose, and he's now an angel in heaven watching over us.  I like to to think my Grandma is up there constantly throwing sticks for him and watching him chase squirrels.  I know that she will take care of him until we're together again.

So on a lighter note..... here are some more of my favorite pictures of Jakey.  He sure loved his sweaters, hated his hats (haha!), chasing squirrels, chewing sticks and absolutely loved taking road trips.  We went everywhere from Chicago, Atlanta and hiking in Chattanooga, to Myrtle Beach, Little Rock and even New Orleans for Mardi Gras.

 

"Swimming" in my parents pool

Hiking at Rock City, Chattanooga, TN

Relaxing in my parents pool

Christmas 2012

My favorite model for my photography class :)