Remembering Jake
Many folk in our community knew Jake and it is with great sadness that we share the news that Jake recently passed at a grand old age of 15, in the loving care of his forever human, Greg and his family.
Jake first joined the CP community in 2015 as the very cherished dog of dear old Rob, who was well known to Ocean Grove dog owners, especially at the beach, and fondly loved by all. Every day for years Rob took Jake to the beach until age and health caught up with him and his life started to shift. Rob was a stubborn and determined man and insisted on walking Jake daily but the walks became shorter and riskier. Jake was still a young and active dog at that stage and we received a referral to include them in our pilot community pet care project in 2015. (funded by Geelong Community Foundation and Cherished Pets Community Vet Care).
Rob and Jake received top level care from Team Jake at CP. Our original volunteers, John McGinnes (dec), Kylie and Michelle would walk Jake almost daily – he was the most spoiled dog on our project! Our community vet nurse, Glenda always ensured Jake received the care he needed. Strong friendships grew over this time and wonderful memories to cherish were made.
Glenda reflects, “Rob and Jake were very special to me as they were my first Community Vet Nurse case. I have such fond memories – we had some fun times and some sad times. Rob was a great story teller and as for Jakey, what a loving and loyal companion he was. So easy to love”.
When Rob’s health declined further he was admitted in to a local nursing home with his wife. At this time, Jake entered our respite care program and was cared for by Kylie and our Project Manager, Natalie. Regular visits to see Rob continued until he passed away. By this time a new forever human had entered Jake’s world – Greg Norrish and his wonderful family. New to Ocean Grove, Greg couldn’t believe how well known Jake was. “We met so many people on the beach who knew Jake, It made us feel so welcome in the community”.
Jake settled beautifully in to the care of his forever family and he was so loved and spoiled. Greg and Helen have a multitude of grandchildren, who also loved Jake and vice versa. From living as the solo dog to an elderly couple, Jake’s life took on a new twist with family outings, picnics, Cherished Pets outdoor cinema nights, overnight stays with family members, and SO many humans to love and look after. Most special was Jake’s bond with Greg’s grandson, Arlo, who had an extended stay at Royal Children’s Hospital.
Over the past 2-3 years Jake’s health declined as age caught up with him too. An accident in 2020 and a tumour removal in 2021 also created some challenge but he was such an incredible patient. Dr Lissi adds, “Jake was the perfect patient although he would let you know when he objected to some activity! He had incredible courage, patience, tolerance and determination, and always rallied in spite of his health challenges in recent years. His recoveries were also enhanced because of the high level care he received from Greg who catered for all his arising special needs”.
In the end it was his dementia and arthritis that led to his decline, and together we made the decision to help him pass recently.
Jake left this world loved, supported and surrounded by his humans. He had spent some time with his extended family in weeks prior, and was ready to go, waiting for Greg and Helen to return from a road trip before finally letting go. We knew “it was time.” Jake made everything easy for the humans that loved him so. He will always hold a very special place in the heart of the CP family.
A huge shout out to everyone who was part of Team Jake over the past 7 years. Together we did something very special.
