Why we foster, Part three: Jake G. Retriever, US Air Force, Retired

We foster because of Jake G. Retriever, US Air Force, Retired.  On December 20, 2009, we drove to Colorado Springs, CO where we picked up Jake at his home just before the movers were coming to pack up the family to leave for overseas.  Duty had called them once again to sacrifice for their country. At 10 years of age, Jake, who had seen five countries and three continents, was being asked to make one more sacrifice for his country.  Jake's family was being sent overseas again, overseas travel and months of quarantine is not kind to old dogs. Jake was showing signs of stiffness in his joints and slowing of his movements, arthritis was moving into his joints.  Transit overseas is never easy, first he would have to spend time in small apartments and transient housing, then he would be separated from his family while separate travel arrangements were made.  The family loved Jake, they loved him enough that they did not want to lock him in a small airline crate and see him spend a day and a half on a plane going overseas. They did not want him to have to spend several weeks in quarantine before joining his family in a small apartment in a foreign land. Then he would be faced with the same confinement in order to come home again in two years, only he would be older and his confinement to travel would be even more painful. Jake was asked to make the ultimate sacrifice for a loving Golden Retriever. He was asked to say farewell to his family and to stay behind and find a new Forever Home, a place to enjoy a well deserved retirement.

Jake had impeccable manners, he had traveled the world, he knew how to behave in every situation. If ever a dog could be “worldly” Jake certainly was. He knew what protocol called for, he knew how to be the perfect companion. He knew how to behave and he knew how to bring love and joy to a home. He was indeed the perfect dog.  Most of us have never been to Japan, but Jake has.  Placing Jake into a new home was easy, the hard part was finding a home that was worthy of him, a home that understood how to treat a hero.   He already had a waiting list of people that wanted to help him in his retirement.  It took two days to find Jake a new Forever Home, he took his bed, his bowl and several favorite toys with him, memories for his retirement.  His bed was so important to him, it was a constant in his ever changing life.   Jake was in his new Forever Home in time for Christmas.  

Below, Jake and I share a moment, he is telling me about his many travels. 

We were proud to help this veteran find peace in his retirement, we were privileged to help him and to help his family serve their country. We thank his family for giving him up so that he could retire in good health and in comfort. We thank the family that adopted him. They knew they had a hero and welcomed him in their home, promising to give him a life worthy of his long service to his country. Thank you for your service, Jake, and have a long and happy retirement.

Mogley G. Retriever