Jake (was Drake)

I just wanted to give you and update on how Jake (the Border Collie formerly known as Drake) is doing.....

2 little negatives: On Day 1 he peed on my armchair and on day 2 he pooped in the living room, but on a positive note, I told him off and he hasn't had any accidents since. I figured he had to get used to where he could do his business and no dog is perfect....................................but Jake is damn close.

Here are the positives: He is great with my kids. It seems like we have had him for ages. He has fitted right in and loves playing ball with them.

The residents at the retirement home where I work love him and he has been fantastic there. He doesn't get under their feet, lets them pet him and amuses them by chasing tennis balls and pouncing on shadows. I don't know if you saw him do this, but he notices shadows on the ground and leaps in the air and pounces on them. The residents think he is marvelous and nobody can understand why he was given up. Yesterday, I walked into our Lounge and 6 residents said, in unison, "Hi Jake." Someone later pointed out that nobody acknowledged me.

He is so obedient. When I tell him to lie down, he does so immediately. On only his second day with me, we were at work when I told him to lie down as I was helping our frailest residents into the dining room. Even though he kept on losing sight of me, he hadn't moved by the time I returned 10 minutes later.

I have only been working there for 6 weeks, but I have seen some residents smile more with Jake than they have done in the last month and a half. He is having a great effect on a lot of people.

BTW, the bed in the photo that I emailed you has hardly been used. He has been sharing my futon. He is the first bed partner I've had since my wife left me and is a lot more affectionate than she ever was!!!!!!!!!!! Just kidding.

Thanks again ladies

love

David and Jake