The Greatest Dog......

Some one once asked how I came up with the 'Jake T', blogger name. It's very simple really. About twenty years ago, I was the in the market for a new puppy. I'm a hard core animal lover. Can't remember ever being with out a dog. When I was a little kid, living in a third floor apartment, we had a dog, 'Stubby'. He was a Toy Fox Terrier and I thought he liked me, until one morning he snapped at me. He was sleeping and I must have startled him. So this was my first experience with a 'dog'. It didn't do any real damage, more to my pride than anything else. I never told my parents and Stubby and I kept the secret. Dogs would rule for me the rest of my life.
 
The years have passes. I've had several dogs since Stubby. I'm a married guy now and it's time for a puppy. I find a reputable breeder and visit there. In the pen are 10 puppies, Just a mass of undulating puppy fur. I climb in and sit quietly. I know what I'm looking for. Sure enough, after a long wait, it happens. Out of the furry mass comes one puppy, straight for me. He's the one I observed to be the 'middle of the pack'. Not the most active but, by no means, the quietest. He greeted me with a lick and climbed onto my lap. He's the one..there is no doubt! I took him home with me that day. We bonded quickly and were inseparable, this is according to my wife. He was now part of our family.

I named him 'Jake', and he turned out to be one of the best.....no..THE best dog I have ever owned. He was extremely loyal and very smart. To the casual observer he appeared friendly but, aloof. To our family he was playful and attentive. Wonderful protector. I decided to obedience train him. After a short period of training we entered our first obedience trial. He made it look easy. Whether I used voice commands or hand signals, he obeyed without hesitation. We competed for the next several years all over the state and took home many awards. I was so proud of him. It was a time of closeness between a man and his dog. Only a person that has owned a pet can relate to this feeling.

Years have passed now. I retired Jake from competition. He's 13 now. Not feeling well. He's at the Vet. often but, there is not much she can can do for him. The 'age' is there and I'm wrestling with the decision every pet lover eventually has to make. This is the most difficult time, when owning a pet. The time, when after so many years of love and nurturing, we must let go. It tears at the heart..how awfully hard this is. I can't do it. I won't do it...I must do it..Afterwards, it takes a long time to heal but, I will never forget.

Guess I haven't answered the question of how 'Jake T' came to be my blogger name. Well, I took his name 'Jake' and added the 'T' from our families last name. He carried It with pride. It suited him. 
 
Today, I have another German Shepherd. His name is Zack. That may sound a little familiar to my blogger friends. Zack3439 is also part of my blogger identity. The numbers 3439 are from two cars own. A '34 and a '39 respectively. Zack has all the qualities Jake had. Smart, loyal and a good friend. He's won my heart. Hope he's with me for a while. Just can't be without a dog. Dogs 'rule'...

Jake T