Meet Lori & Jake, Part II

...Continued, Meet Lori & Jake, Part II


How well does Jake get around being a tripod? 

Yes, on the subject of agility. From the start, I worried about transporting Jake. How would I get him in the car? I have a Dodge Durango. The first time I need to return to the Vet, I opened the back of my car to clear out stuff and set it up for Jake when he just jumped in! Like a graceful gazelle, he flew into the back of the car!

So I take it Jake gets around pretty well on three legs? 

Jake is amazing! Dr. Adams had told me Jake would adapt, and he did. He hops on the front to make up for the stride of the two back legs. He maneuvers well, but still has his spills. It broke my heart the first time he missed and his chin hit the floor, and I chuckled the first time he tipped over while peeing, but each of these events were milestones.

Just like the milestone I hit three days after his amputation. Jake had not come back in after being let out to do his business. I went looking for him, and found him laying in the grass with his head up, eyes closed, a slight breeze blowing the fur around his face and ears, the corners of his mouth turned up, and his nose twitching in the wind. I watched silently and started crying. No regrets, it was just a leg. Jake was still alive and that was everything.

The struggles are constant. I worry all the time about the cancer coming back. A recent blunt force injury from a stumble and infection to his front knee sidelined Jake with medication and rest.

I mentioned earlier that Jake was a twin. His brother Max was born with a twisted intestine and only lived 3 years. I promised Jake he would be loved enough for the two of them for the rest of his days. Jake had another fur-brother named Rudy. Rudy was my dog before we brought home the two red fur balls. Rudy, a Golden Retrieve/St. Bernard was rescued by Homeward Bound Golden Retrieve Rescue after being found living in a small cage which he had been gnawing on the bars and ground away most of his teeth. It took a year to bond with him, but he was my constant companion. He passed 3 years ago from mast cell tumors after living with me for 5 years.

Jake has two human siblings: Joshua (11) and Allison (8). It is just the four of us now. I often refer to Jake as my co-parent.

My kids were quick to accept their "tripawd" dog, and even brag about him. I got over any emotional hurdles when I saw him sitting in the grass.

Are you currently dealing with medical issues? Do you think the risks and struggles, both emotional and financial, worth enduring? What are some things that make it worth the struggle?

I won't lie, finances are a huge concern. I am a single mom with two kids and Jake to support. Four years ago I made a barter deal with Dr. Adams and had a credit on my account. Without that credit, I would have not been able to afford Jake's surgery and care. I still have an outstanding balance of a few hundred dollars from some of Jake's follow-ups which the doctor is kindly letting me pay in installments. 

It is hard to find the time to devote to Jake's work as a Therapy Dog. It cuts into my work. But it is his passion, and his legacy (and he is still living for Max too).

It is all worth it. I never realized the depth of character Jake possessed. His example taught me so much about being human. He taught me so much about living. Now Jake and I get to share those gifts with others. I see it everyday. I see it in the faces of every person who encounters Jake. They learn from him too. Even if they don't learn the lessons I have, even if they only take away a smile. What could be more worth it than that?

I've really enjoyed learning about Jake. I wish we lived closer so we could meet him in person. I will continue to follow Jake's stories and I hope to see lots of pictures! Tell us about your site and where we can contact you and follow your story?

A friend suggested a facebook page, and I thought it would be a good idea. Her cats have a page with 6 friends, and I figured if Jake had 6 friends it would be cool. Like a journal for Jake with Elaine's cats to cheer him on. Well... over 700 friends later, the facebook page is still going strong. It has become more than a journal, in a short time it has become an inspirational cheering section for Jake's work.

You can follow Lori and Jake's story on facebook, www.facebook.com/jakethetripawd