Just wanted to extend a huge thank you again to your staff and volunteers! *warning this message is longer than I intended!* lol

8 years ago I was in search of a pup, I looked for months on end online, mainly on petfinder, but other sources as well. I had dogs growing up but this would be my first as a grown up. 🙂 I was pretty sure I wanted a female puppy of sorts. Then staying up late one day, Jakes’ picture popped up. I fell in love.

The next day (12/2007) I came to see this handsome boy first hand. We asked what we needed to do to adopt him. Come to find out there was quite a list involved with this guy. He was found roaming the streets of Parma and was apparently a “runner”, so we were told that he wasn’t going to just go to anyone, he needed a home with a fenced in yard and there were already a number of applicants in line for him that they wanted to review.

Feeling a bit defeated, but also a bit determined I went home and took pictures of my house, the yard (not fenced but would have a 100 yard lanyard), an open floor plan to run inside and the places I could put a crate to make him feel welcome. I went back the next day 12/3 and said I needed him and showed the pictures of his (hopefully) soon to be home. To my surprise I was called later that day and advised you would move forward with the adoption!!!

On the night we came to get him (12/3/2007) as we left, Jake leaned over and snagged a small stuffed animal and coyly tried to walk out with it. I knew at that moment I would love his quirky personality. We went to Petco to get the essentials and while in an isle I heard someone say “is that Jake?!” They were a volunteer and so happy to see him adopted and I loved that he was a local celebrity!!

It was mentioned he was about 1.5 and the vet said closer to 2/3 years old so I now call him 9. Through the years he has figuratively and literally stood by my side and made me so proud everyday and I couldn’t be happier. He leaves paw prints on the hearts of my family and friends that know him with his quirky personality and is quite the topic of conversation at times. I have thought about writing you all every time we celebrate another birthday and never gotten around to it. Tonight as we cuddled up and stared at each other as we usually do, I decided to finally send this note. I have never changed his name, but I’ve added a number of nicknames and he knows all of them.. I hear all the time how he has such a soft coat, he looks like a puppy and he’s such a sweet boy. He still acts like a puppy and again, he makes me so happy and proud to be his momma.

Thank you all for the work you do, I know it’s not easy. Here’s to hopes that a volunteer has been there the past 8 years or so and remembers this boy and is able to smile knowing he’s changed my life and is having the time of his!