Mr. December

Harper, Mr. December
Atlanta Lab Rescue 2012 Calendar

The Boys

The boys

Happy 2nd Jake-iversary

Two years ago, Jake selected us to be his family at a Lab Rescue event, and he has been my shadow and constant companion ever since. He was a great source of comfort when we lost Trooper, and he has adapted well to being an only dog.

He's a persistent playmate, source of laughter, and diligent watchdog. It's been two great years with our funny, affectionate, goofy yet dignified, sometimes needy, loyal, tennis-ball-obsessed, charming, flatulent, atheletic, and completely wonderful dog. Hopefully, there will be many, many more Jake-iversaries in our future.

Jake
Dec 7, 2005

Jake & Trooper
Aug 26, 2007

Jake
Nov 17, 2007

For more about Jake, check out our update on the Lab Rescue site. (BTW, Jake was MUCH older than 4.5 years when adopted him.)

Jake & our houseguest, sweet Riley

Riley spent almost a whole week at Camp Fransen.

Best picture of Jake....ever.

Robert captured Jake in action!

3 tennis balls at once!

Three tennis balls at once

Do not attempt this at home...

Annapolis: July 4th

We had a great time in Annapolis for July 4th. At Quiet Waters Park, the boys enjoyed Trooper's favorite activity: swimming.

Jake has really taken to swimming lately (as opposed to his initial swims where he was less than enthusiastic). Perhaps he's getting more in touch with his inner Lab than his inner hound.














Riley & Ridgely joined the boys for the swim. Ridgely couldn't be off leash; she is a flight risk!

All tangled up!

Lacrosse Practice

(See previous post for background)

Our 12 year old neighbor came over to play with Trooper and Jake last week. He had his netted stick from Lacrosse to scoop up the tennis balls and throw for the boys. I was pleased the boys were getting so much exercise. I thanked him for playing with the dogs.

He said, "It's good practice for me, for my Lacrosse. Jake brings the balls back, so I get lots of practice on my throws, and I have to try to keep the ball away from Trooper, so I get to practice my defensive skills."

It's a win-win-win-win situation.

Fetch with Trooper & Jake

Our boys have very different techniques when it comes to playing fetch.

Trooper likes to catch the ball, then endlessly play 'keep away.' He enjoys been chased and playing tug-of-war with the ball. He also ruthlessly pounces on and steals tennis balls (or squeaky toys) to prevent others from playing with them, especially if the tennis balls are new and clean. He is also partial to new, loud squeakers.

Jake, on the other hand, is a fetching machine. You can throw a tennis ball, he will run after it, pick it up, and drop it right at your feet. Repeat. If you do not throw the ball again, he will nudge it with his nose to make sure you see it. Once you begin throwing tennis balls, he will run after them, and bring them back for hours. Literally. I think he would collapse from exhaustion before he willingly stopped playing fetch. His one point of pickiness: he is a purist. It must be a tennis ball. No squeak toys, no rubber balls. Good, old fashioned, neon-yellow tennis balls...dirty or clean.

This is how we spend a great deal of our time, even on cold days.

Middleburg, VA

York and his mom invited Trooper to go swimming at the equine center in Middleburg, VA. It was a beautiful, warm day for a road trip. Trooper and York had a great time swimming. Trooper met a new lady, a black lab named Freedom. It was a great time.

Middleburg, VA

Trooper and a new friend

Trooper

York

Thanks for the new toys, Aunt Leigh!

Trooper with his new ball

Trooper, not interested in sharing

"I get two, and Jake gets none."

Trooper

Trooper

Everybody wants to sit by me

Trooper and I were sitting on the futon in the office. It is the only piece of furniture on which the dogs are allowed sit (or lie, as the case may be). Jake decided *he* wanted to sit by me, and the only available spot was taken. That didn't stop him; he just decided to sit on top of Trooper.

Jake on Trooper

Trooper, Jake, & Me

Oh NO!

Jake ate the TIVO remote. I love him dearly, but can't he find something less important to me to chew up?! R has already ordered a replacement, so I only have to do without for a few days!

You've come a long way, baby!

After 8 months of trying different foods, adding special powders to food, and racking up vet bills, our sweet Jake is finally looking much healthier. It makes us so happy to see him filling out. As he's part hound, he'll probably always be a bit on the slim side, but he is so much healthier!

Thin Jake, Dec 2005

Healthier Jake, Jul 2006

Visiting the girlfriend!

Trooper & Ridgely

More swimming!

Dog Days at Breaux Vineyards

Jake's First Swimming Trip

Jake seemed to be more in touch with his inner Hound than his inner Retriever when we took him swimming. Despite Trooper showing him how it is done, Jake was happier out of the water. Perhaps he will like swimming when the water is warmer.

Jake & Trooper

Jake

Jake

Jake & Trooper

Snow Day

The boys enjoyed frolicking in the snow:




Trooper enjoyed an frozen snack:



Jake was a fetching machine, as usual: