We got Jake from an advert in the local paper. I opened the front door to see this black and white ball of fluff bounding up at me. From that day on, we spent nearly every day together. We affectionately called him 'Booby' or 'Jacklin booby boo'!. 

He came on rides with me and the horse, spent countless hours picking rocks out of the river, chasing cats and jumping at lightshades! He used to get so excited when you picked up his lead to go for walkies and had the appetite of a gannet! Anything and everything, he was our dustbin! Jake loved his food, especially Markies! 

He loved to come upstairs into my bedroom and sleep on his blanket at the end of my bed and did so every night.

But old age crept up on him in the last few years. He lost most of his hearing and the eyes started to glaze over, but he seemed happy and content in himself, never turning down a biscuit or two!

But at the grand old age of 16, we made the hardest decision of our lives. Jake was put to sleep this morning after hurting his leg and no longer being able to stand up properly. He was a loyal, gentle friend and had been a huge part of our family for such a long time.

I am completely devastated. After 14 years, the space he has left in my life is huge. We are burying him tonight in his beloved garden and planting a rose bush which we will call the Booby tree. 

I miss him dreadfully and havent stopped crying, tears are rolling down my cheeks as I type this. I just wanted to say thank you Jake for being a wonderful dog and companion. I hope you enjoyed being part of our lives as much as we enjoyed having you as part of our family. 

God bless you and sleep tight Jakey, I will never forget you.xxx