Yesterday I had to say Goodbye to my old friend Jake.
Jake was more than just a dog to me. He was my closest Buddie. Very rarely was he not at my side no matter were I went, unless I was off somewhere on my venture, going to work or flying somewhere. (Although I had plans in the works to build a miniature replica of a horse trailer so he could go with me on some of my venture trips). Even then, as soon as I was home I only got to sit down on the couch for a few minutes, before he would open the closet door collect my shoes and leash dropping them one by one on the floor in front of me as though to say I owed him a walk, because I had gone someplace without him. If I tried to avoid the obvious hint He would grab me by the arm and pull me off the couch onto my feet.
If something was not right with one of the grand children or the cats were getting into something they shouldn't He was always quick to come and let me know (guess you could say he was a bit of a tattle tail (tale).
I got up this morning expecting him to be at my feet all excited to only be greeted with stillness and loneliness for my old Buddie instead of a wet tongue slap across the face as I opened my eyes, ( I never did figure out how he knew to be there just as I opened them, not a minute too soon nor a minute too late, Regardless of what time I woke up). Later this morning as I went out to the corner store, it felt odd walking towards the truck as I exited the store and did not see his familiar smiling Airedale face looking out over the steering wheel at me through the windshield as he sat in the drivers seat patiently waiting for me as was his way.
We had twelve great years together and as is typical with the Airedale breed he was an energetic puppy right up to the last few weeks of his life.
Rest in peace Jake I am going to miss you.