RIP Jake - I love you forever

I am writing this through tears --- our sweet Jake became a furry angel on Monday, March 28th, at 15 1/2 years old. He & Elwood came to us, litter mates, at just 7 weeks old back in August of 1995. We had just bought our first house a few weeks prior. I can't bring myself to post the photo I took of him the day before he died --- but if you want to check out our beauty he & Elwood are on my sidebar. Jake is on the left. He was gorgeous. He was SO sweet. He was my baby. I can't believe he's gone. He was diagnosed with diabetes back in March 2003 & he fought hard. He accepted his insulin & blood tests while sitting on my lap purring. There will never be another Jake.

I am really devastated --- in fact the whole family is taking it hard. I keep hearing his meows. I keep finding his fur on my clothes (yes I can tell his fur from Elwood's). I even have his snot marks on my wall, lol. I'm grateful I still have Elwood --- but it is tough coming home to one kitty after work, putting food in one bowl & hearing just one cry. I will be grieving for a very long time.

This poem has always made me cry, even before I lost Jake. Animals are such innocent creatures, always full of love. They are family members. In fact, I haven't cried this hard or this much since my dad died 8 years ago.



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...


I will be absent for a while longer while my family & I try to work through this loss. Unfortunately my stamp area is right next to the spot Jake spent his last days, curled up in his bed, so it will take me a long time before I can even sit down there. I thank you once again for all the messages & support --- I love you all!! And most of all, I love you Jake. You were the best.