Jake came to me as a dog in desperate need.

I found him in a shelter awaiting euthanasia (he was red tagged) he didn't even have a name.  As I walked through the shelter, my eye immedately found him and his eyes found mine.  He was in a cage with 1 other dog and he immedately climbed up the cage and started licking my hand so desperately.  I wanted to take both of the dogs, but when they brought them in together they began to fight over me.  To this day, I don't know why I chose Jake over the other but I believe it was Jake that did the choosing.  He didn't like to share me with anyone.  He was very difficult in the beginning.  The shelter told me he had been brought back several times because he was incorrigable.  I was not going to do that to him.  No matter what he did, I would not send him back to the shelter to be destroyed.  It took several months and the end of my patience several times, but finally we came to an agreement.  I would not give up on him if he would not give up on me. He was diagnosed with cushings disease several years ago and was only expected to live 6 months from that time.  He lived 2 more years after his diagnose and recently his health failed rapidly.  I couldn't bare to do what I was about to do, but I had no choice.  I didn't want him to suffer any longer after all the suffering he had been through in his life.  He was my best friend for 10 years.  He forgave me my impatience with him. He forgave me for not walking him as often as I should have.  He loved me unconditionally and I loved him as much.  I will miss him eternally and can not imagine my home without him.  Jake you are forever the best dog anyone could ever hope for.  I am so honored you gave me the opportunity to love you and recieve your love in return.  I am missing you now so much and I will miss you forever.  I want so much to believe that we will see each other again.  Good bye my best friend.