This document is a collection of memories about a dog named Jake. It describes various facts about Jake, such as what he used to be called, the colors of his fur, his training, likes and dislikes for food and activities, relationships with family members, living situations over his life, and trips taken. The passage ends with a poem mourning the loss of a treasured friend.

1. Did you know I used to say his whole name and then follow with: ‘dog with the longest name in the whole wide world?’ Born 09/16/1991, came to us in November, left us 02/05/2008

2. Did you know he was called MacGyver before he came to us? Did you know his fur used to be tri-colored? Did you know he used to be so small?

3. Did you know he trained himself? We were living in Lowell on the third floor, he refused to ‘go’ on the newspapers, one day he went to the door and barked. That was it – he was trained (or we were?). He started the ‘up to beg’ thing on his own too. Course he wouldn’t sit on command, rollover, or ever give his paw ~ that was beneath him.

4. Kisses, Kisses, Kisses, Kisses Did you know you have to keep your mouth shut? Did he ever catch you with it open? Did you know he ate the rubber buttons off three remote controls?

5. So like many of us; he got a job in the carnival. Did you know he was an excellent employee!

6. Did you know he loved the beach and often licked the water only to sputter and growl? Did you know he actually thought he could catch a seagull?

7. Did you know he sometimes ran and barked in his sleep? Did you know he didn’t like lettuce or pickles? Did you know he DID like EVERYTHING else?

8. Did you know that all kids loved him? Did you know he loved cheese?

9. Did you know ham bones made him throw up? Did you know he got sick from getting in to the trash and it’s an actual disease called ‘garbage toxicity?’ He had to have an IV and a shot.

10. Did you know that if Steve wasn’t home in the morning Jake would sleep till I woke up? Did you know that he recently taught Steve to come and bring him downstairs by going to the stairs and wiggling his collar? Did you know that he was ALWAYS up for a nap? Did you know that this was the second of the four house trailers Jake lived in? Did you know that this is the Fifth house Jake lived in with us?

11. Did you know he really didn’t like to be held and hated being carried? I smothered him anyway telling him ‘Did you know the WHOLE word mother is in smother?’ ~ Did you ever notice that?

12. Trips to Florida Did you know Mom propped the pillows so he could see outside – who had who trained? Did you know Jake spent a month in Florida four years in a row?

13. Did you know he loved biting at snow and watching TV? Did you know he ate the left heel of all of my shoes as a puppy? Did you know he was a favorite of groomers and vets?

14. Did you know he loved the sun and would follow the sunshine around the room? Did you know that he understood us and ‘talked’ with his ears and tail?

15. I lost a treasured friend today The little dog who used to lay His gentle head upon my knee And share his silent thoughts with me... He'll come no longer to my call Retrieve no more his favorite ball A voice far greater than my own Has called him to His golden throne. Although my eyes are filled with tears, I thank Him for the happy years He let him spend down here with me And for his love and loyalty. When it is time for me to go and join him there, this much I know... I shall not fear the transient dark, For he will greet me with his bark. - author unknown - Jacob Marley Doonan Candiano I will so miss you