My Favorite pet ... that I rescued ... Jake

My name is Jake and I am an 11½ year old Golden Retriever who came to live with my ‘forever family’ in Costa Mesa 5½ years ago. I live with my ‘people’ and a fellow ‘canine’ Annie.

I was left at a shelter in Ventura County by my previous owner. Volunteers from the Golden Retriever Rescue of Los Angeles rescued and fostered me. I weighed approximately 50 lbs when they rescued me. In January 2004 I came to live with my forever family.

When I arrived in Costa Mesa, I was scared. Would these people give me back too? But they fed me and I gained weight. My people would take Annie and me on walks and it was so much fun. They gave me my own dish, a bed and a warm place to sleep. I really like ice cubes and marshmallows for treats which my people always share with me. Annie welcomed me with open paws. She was so kind and friendly to me. Now I weigh between 72-75 pounds and I always have enough food to eat. I can’t walk very far anymore, but that’s OK because I know by how my people pet me, brush me and talk to me that they love me a lot.

But, what is funny is my people tell me how happy I make them! I don’t want to sound as if I am conceited, but my people say I am obedient, gentle and kind. They say I am a really good dog. They love to play catch with me. Now that I can’t move as well as I used to, they don’t mind. They even help me get up when I need a little help. My people are just happy that I am able to walk around the house, comfortable/ pain free and am able to still be with them. They even say they are lucky ones because I came to live with them!

I guess it is mutual. We are all very blessed to have found each other!