In Loving Memory...

We made the mistake of having Jake cremated & the kids kept asking where he was & I didn't know how to explain cremation, nor did I want to, so I told them that because he was so big, the vet took him to a place where large animals are buried together.  It didn't really seem to satisfy them & they kept wondering why we weren't burying him so I bought a little wooden box that they could paint, decorate & bury just  to give them some closure.  They spent quite a bit of time painting it and each one drew a picture for him and placed it in the box.  Berkeley also made him a nice beaded necklace.  I asked each one of them to write a note to Jake letting him know what he meant to them.  This is what they wrote verbatim:

Dear Jake,

You were so nice and you were so soft.  You were so cute like Sterling.  I hope to see you in heaven when I die.  Whenever somebody would knock on the door, you would just be relaxed and not bark.  I miss you.

Love,

Berkeley

Dear Jake,

I liked you as a dog and I hope I’ll see you in heaven.  I love you.  I miss you and I love you so much.  I liked when I used to pet you and sit by you.  I hope you are gonna feel better when we see you in heaven.  I miss you Jake and I really, really love you.

Love,

Oliver

Dear Jatey,

I miss Jatey (Jakey) and I love him and I kiss him and pet him and hug him.  I really want him to be better.  I really like him.  I love you.

Love,

Finley

Dear Jake,

You were a great member of the family and we will miss you very much.

Cheers,

Tom

Dear Jakers,

I loved cuddling with you.  You had the biggest paws and the softest ears.  Thank you for all the loves, cuddles and special memories you gave us over the years.  You were so kind.  I will miss you very much.

I love you,

Lisa

Dear Jake,

You were my very best friend.  I miss you so much, but I’m glad you are not hurting anymore.  Thank you for being so awesome.  It won’t be the same without you buddy.  I love you.

Love,

Sterling

So, each one of us read what we wrote and folded our note & placed it in his box.  Each of the kids had a heart shaped dog treat and placed  that in there as well since Jake loved his treats.  Berkeley was convinced he'd come down from heaven and dig up the box to get the treats!  Knowing Jake, I wouldn't put it past him!

I choked my way through a special poem called "The Rainbow Bridge"

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.  There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.  There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor.  Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.  The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.  His bright eyes are intent.  His eager body quivers.  Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. 

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.  The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

-Author Unknown 

Oliver said a closing prayer and then the kids helped bury the box.  I think it helped...they haven't asked again where he is.  They have asked if mom was going to cry every time she passed his special resting place.  Probably, but it'll be in secret so little eyes can't see. 

About a week after he died Finley got up in the morning and had to go potty.  She always sleeps through the night so she goes tons of potty in the morning...as she was going and going and going she looked up at me with sad little eyes and said "Member Jatey?"  I said "Yes, Fin, I remember Jakey.  He was a nice puppy, wasn't he?"  She nodded her head yes, looked down at her leg and said, "Oh, what's this on my leg?"  She had already moved on in the conversation.  She saw my mom a couple days later and wanted to be picked up.  My mom picked her up and Fin said "Jatey died".  My mom said "I know, he was a good dog."  So, maybe I won't ALWAYS be so good at hiding my tears, but I'll do my best.

Rest In Peace

Jake Winslow