Jake 16

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Updated 5/10/07: Jake continues to do well. He now enjoys daily trips to the lake where he knows the path to “his” beach. Since Jake likes to chew sticks after he fetches them from the water, his family now throws Frisbees into the water for him to retrieve.

Today was a milestone for Jake. After weeks of his foster family boosting/ assisting him into the back of the car, Jake was so happy and revitalized after his daily swim that he jumped right up and into the car on his own. This springer has some spring left in him, even at 17 years of age!

One thing that has become apparent is that Jake is most comfortable and content when he rides shotgun in the front seat. However, since his foster mom disapproves of this, he stays in the back of the station wagon when told to do so, but he really, really wants to sit up with his people.

Jake has become buddies with another older dog in his neighborhood. They go on walks together and – well – just hang out together from time to time. Jake shows no interest in playing with the other dog, and, the other dog shows no interest in playing with Jake. They seem to just enjoy being a couple of “old guys” together.

Jake is eating his kibble just fine. As a matter of fact, he wolfs it down in about 60 seconds. He also waits anxiously (and very patiently) for the crusts of the resident teenager’s sandwich when it is made each morning. He does not beg but relishes a bit of people food from time to time.

As comfy as he is, Jake is ready and willing to settle with a loving family who will welcome him into the activities of their daily life, be it walking, swimming, running errands, or just hanging out. He is a very, very sweet guy and will bring that spirit to each day and those who surround him!

Updated 4/2/07: Jake remains a very sweet guy who at this point in his life is fairly easy to care for. He walks well on the leash and can be trusted off-leash. All he wants is a loving human companion who will take him on walks and share in his two favorite activities– chasing balls and swimming to fetch sticks.

For a 17-year-old fellow, Jake gets around fairly well and can still negotiate steps…although it is clear that steps will soon be difficult for him. There are basically three physical concerns. The first is that he cannot hear. Because he is good about observing where his companions are, the loss of hearing is not a problem in any way. He likes to stay near to his humans, except for when it’s time to chase a ball! The second concern is that his hind legs are very sensitive. He does not want anyone moving them around a lot, and, he sort of winces when he must be lifted into the car or up onto the vet’s examining table. It is thought that he has arthritis, but he is not presently being treated for it since he walks and runs around very well without medication. There is some trembling/shaking from time to time. While he is a little slow getting up or down, he walks well and tackles stairs so that he can be with everyone. It would certainly be nice if Jake had a home where all the action is on one level. The third concern is Jake’s mouth. He has very few teeth left, but this has not affected his appetite. He eats and drinks very well. The vet removed two abscessed molars, which in turn cleared up some sores that were on his face. The vet cautions that he may have to have another tooth removed in the future. Jake weighs about 50 pounds and all of his veterinary testing came back good.

As mentioned, Jake loves chasing balls. He will race to fetch a ball, but then he has a hard time returning it to the thrower. To keep the game going, this is the way it works: one ball is thrown, and then as Jake is racing back with it in his mouth, a second ball is immediately thrown. When Jake sees ball #2, he drops ball #1 and chases the new ball. That allows the thrower to retrieve ball #1 in time to throw it to Jake again. Jake and his foster mom have spent many hours in the backyard, engaged in this activity.

When in the car Jake seems just a slight bit anxious, but he rides well and stays in the back of the family station wagon. He went to a dog park recently where he was friendly to all the dogs but a bit “above” the dog scene. In his mind, the only reason for going to a dog park is to have more acreage for chasing balls.

Jake is also a water-water-water boy. This guy LOVES going to the nearby lake and swimming after ducks, birds, and sticks. If allowed, he would play for hours in the water.

When Jake’s foster mom went away for a week, Jake became very attached to “Grandpa,” perhaps because of past experiences with his owner. Jake is good with children, but kids need to be supervised and cautioned not to put weight on Jake’s hind quarters or it will cause him pain. He is a calm dog who does not bark, jump, beg, or counter-surf. He is loving and always wants to be around people but is not pushy. If given the opportunity, he prefers taking his afternoon naps on a couch. At night, he sleeps by his foster mother’s bed side. He is completely housetrained. It is unknown if he is crate-trained, as his foster family thinks a crate would be uncomfortable for this guy who at this point in his life needs a nice, comfy place to lay his body. If you have such space in your home and heart, please stock up on balls and ask about Jake!

Original: Sometimes one’s golden years do not unfold as one had planned. In that case, flexibility is the answer. That’s what 17-year-old Jake is “flexible”! This old Pennsylvania boy had been his owner’s faithful hiking and hunting companion for 15 years, until last year when his owner moved into an apartment that wouldn’t accept dogs. Jake then moved in with a family member with teenagers, two other dogs, and three cats. Jake got along just fine with everyone, but in this very active family, Jake was having a hard time keeping up. He prefers a more leisurely pace, and the three-story house was a little rough on his arthritis. So, his family turned to MAESSR for help.

The vet says Jake in great shape for his age. His eyesight is good, and his hearing is just a little selective. He does have a touch of arthritis, but he doesn’t let it slow him down. Since he arrived in his foster home, he has undergone surgery for two abscessed teeth and has recovered slowly but very well. His mouth is his only “problem” area now with another tooth with a cavity that needs to be watched for another possible abscess. Jake does not have many teeth left in his mouth, but that doesn’t stop him from being a good eater and a great ball chaser!

Briefly, Jake is a really sweet dog. He rides well in the car, is friendly to everyone, and walks well on the leash. He can be trusted off leash, too, and he is friendly to other dogs. Jake is completely housetrained, does not beg or counter-surf, and is a wonderful companion. His personal request is that his forever family takes time to throw balls for him to chase…again and again and again! He also loves catching snowballs.

Don’t let Jake’s age worry you. He is full of life and has lots of love to share!