From one sibling to another, I arrived in Boston this morning to be met at the airport by both Jeanine and my younger sister Alissa.  She is in town to watch her daughter compete in a ballroom dance competition being held at Tufts tomorrow.

My youngest sister, Mayela, also touched base to share the sad news that her beloved Jake was no more.  I was touched by her “eulogy” and have included it below.

Jake 2003-2016

I dug my dog’s grave today. It was the least I could do for my little old man. Mr. Fuzzy Butt, little lamb, Gigi, Master Gee, Cujo. Jake was the best bad dog anyone could ever hope for.

I cannot imagine a more condensed version of sheer determination, loyalty, sensitivity and ferociousness in a smaller package. He was a repeat offender and tested my patience but Jake was my protector. He defended not only me with his life, but that of his siblings against any dog no matter the size or brand of vacuum.

He licked away my tears anytime I cried. When I was hurt or sick he would be at my side in bed for days at a time only getting up to relieve himself or to eat.

Jake was a role model of strength and independence. He ripped out his own staples for wounds rather than allow a veterinarian to do it. He would tangle with any dog, steer or horse to assert his dominance and chase deer into the woods for miles. A cast on his leg would not prevent him from running at full speed, leaping off a deck or a boat whether it was safe or not. He was his own dog and smarter than I.

Jake played hard and growled like a Harley. He played ball by himself. He was a proud and voracious hunter and ate like a good Italian. He tried to be everybody’s best friend but struggled when he had to choose between two at a time. He hated to share and loved to chew on his sibling’s ears.

He taught Peachy bad habits. He would fart and then leave the room. Jake demanded attention but charmed little old ladies. He danced the two-step if you scratched his hindquarters.

I saved his life once and he enriched mine. His body lies in our woods next to a tree as big as his personality and in a patch of sun for his light in my life.