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It was a very good run...
Jake von der Alte Baum 10/20/2009 - 10/14/2022
To those of you who knew Jake personally, while I know you send "thoughts and prayers", I would love it if you shared a personal story/remembrance of Jake so I will have memories posted here to read. There are lots of funny ones from barn hunt, dock diving, scent work, stunt dog, when he was my assistance dog or from when he was a young, bitey dog with no brain. The hundred titles he got can be seen on his website and are too many to put here. His most memorable titles, however, were that he was the first dog to get a Barn Hunt RATCHX in Barn Hunt history and the first German Shepherd to get an AKC Scent Work Detective and Master Elite titles.
Jake lived way longer than I expected and was a clearly happy dog until the end. It's always been harder with my competition dogs and Jake is no exception. He did all he could to make us a better team and I will miss him desperately. He was laid to rest on the hill in the woods next to Brita and I'm comforted knowing her spirit was around to help him cross and show him the way. No doubt in my mind they are off and running free as they did for a decade every single day in the yard!
Absolutely every single soul in our lives today will one day go their own separate way. Of course, we'll each circle back around and be together forever and ever, too.
~~The Universe
411Sharon Billman, Denise Fenzi and 409 others
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- Len KachinskySorry for the loss of your family member
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- Andrea MarieHe was an amazing dog, loved following along with all your adventures.
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- Christine Ratchman-WestphalSo sorry Laura, knew him thru your stories on Facebook. He gave his all and made a great contribution while here on earth.
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- Betty LehrerSo sorry for your loss
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- Mike AlvarezSorry to hear this
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- Amy J. SchneiderI'm so sorry, Laurel. He was an amazing dog and you were very lucky to have each other.
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- Michele WanieI’m so sorry for your loss Laurel. Jake was a beautiful dog and you gave him a wonderful life.
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- Carol Liethen McIntyreSo sorry to hear of this.
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- Patty HoehneI am so sorry, Laurel. Jake was certainly one of a kind. Hugs.
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- Cheryl SchinkerJake was a great dog, the first time I meet him was at Dock Dogs in Appleton at the Appleton Mall 2016
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- Brenda CirricioneOh Laurel, my heart goes out to you. Jake was one of the very first dogs I ever saw do nosework.
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- Laurie SchutteySo so so sorry….. but I know he lived the most amazing life, and was one of the Happiest dogs I’ve ever known!!!!!
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- Kelly Mientke ButkiewiczI am so very sorry for your loss, Laurel Stone! Jake was an amazing dog and I know how hard this has to be for you! I will never forget the many Barn Hunt adventures we shared together and with Jake and certainly will never forget the time I ran him…See more2
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- Laurel StoneKelly Mientke Butkiewicz and he came back over the fence and completed the course! Next year there was a new rule that said once out you're done! The Jake rule2
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- Kelly Mientke ButkiewiczLaurel Stone lol! Right! Oh Jake! Breaking rules, or in this case, making rules…
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- Lisa HansenOh Laurel...I am SO sorry. You and Jake made a remarkable team! You gave him a great life! My heart is breaking for you because he was such an exceptional dog and I know how much you loved him. Big HUGS my friend!
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- Melinda Dougharty BileckiI remember Jake as a puppy! He was your puppy when we first met you. One of the most handsome puppies I’ve ever seen.
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- Laurel StoneMelinda Dougharty Bilecki I remember because I was training Brita at that time and had just lost Ari. We used to travel down to your area
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- Jennifer PicardI am sorry, he was a wonderful soul, and incredible dog.
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- Dave GarotSo sorry Laurel, what a run the two if you had.I wish my rotties lives that long, but with that being said it's still never long enough...Hugs
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- Eeva NousiainenOhh Jake, you are and always will be so loved! So many great memories with him! Hugs Laurel, you gave him a beautiful and happy life to the fullest!
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- Laurel StoneRick Laes and he really loved you because that meant he was going to have a good time!
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- Anne HaberkornI did not know him for all that long but loved him so! Such a sweet boy, hugs Laurel.
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- Lisa Zentner HelmerI am very sorry
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- Beth Haberkorn SternitzkyI remember seeing Jake 'hunt' rats in Barn Hunt, way, way back at the beginning of Barn Hunt. Oh, what a great hunter he was! I loved watching you two.
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- Kristy HubbardI’m so sorry for the loss of your incredible boy! I will always remember the two of you at scent work trials… such a beautiful bond while working!

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- Nancy NestlerJake was a special boy. He was a true warrior of a Shepherd. From the beginning he showed his bravery after surgery and his entire life he never gave up. He loved to work, go to trials, be with dog friends, and was devoted to you. Jake was an ambassado…See more
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- Tammy Milbrath StrebeThis caught me off guard, he had such an amazing life and career with his best friend. If only all dogs could have the blessed life he had! It just didn’t seem right if you and Jake weren’t at a dock event, Barn hunt or scent work trial. He was loved a…See more
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- Diane MillerOh I’m so sorry to hear! Our meeting at Swimdog is something always to remember, especially your showing off how he can destroy a car crate. Also, like other dogs, Sadie taught him its ok to bark, bark, bark while waiting in line!
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- Laurel StoneDiane Miller yes he loved to imitate Sadie with the barking!
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- Patti Paul SnyderLaurel I am so sad for you! And I’m so sorry for your loss! You gave Jake such an amazing life. He in turn gave you all the love and devotion he had to give. I love you dear Friend!
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- Susie Ruggles-LoucksI an so very sorry
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- Cindy Vogt-RepsoldI am so very sorry to hear this. I remember training up at Beaver Dam with him!
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- Linda MilbrathI met you and Jake when I started doing Barn Hunt with Zoe my Tibetan Terrier. Who ever thought a Tibetan could succeed in Barn Hunt? You cheered us on and we did it! I was raised with a German Shepard and bought my first one in high school. I coul…See more
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- Michelle MaimanI am sorry Laurel Stone
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- Kari Jacobson JuadisLaurel, I’m so so sorry to learn of your loss. Tough tough time. I will keep you in my prayers, I know how important Jake was in your life.
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- Holly BushardIt was an incredible run. I am so grateful for all the times I got to watch the two of you work together. You made an absolutely incredible exceptional team. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
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- Heather Houghton LaFreniereAwww, so sorry for your loss of Jake!!! He was a beautiful dog!!
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- Becky HeinerSo sorry for your loss, Laurel. I loved training with Jake and judging him in Barn Hunt. He sure loved his rats. Later in life, his spirit and will to carry on was truly inspiring. Dogs live in the moment and don’t worry about whether or not they can n…See more2
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- Laurel StoneBecky Heiner and remembering those introduction to rats sessions for barnhunt! Oh my gosh was that crazy
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- Lynsie BernierSome of my favorite Treibball lessons were with you and Young Jake! I remember that even the slightest change in your hand signal he would offer a different behavior. He taught us quite a bit in those lessons! The most amazing GSD I have had the pleasu…See more
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- Kelly Mientke ButkiewiczLynsie Bernier I’ll bet he was amazing at Treibball!
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- Laurel StoneLynsie Bernier oh what a memory! Nobody knows that he did some treibball because you have to be good at something to be known for it and that was certainly a challenge for him! But he always had a blast for sure
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View 4 more replies - Polly Dake-JonesLaurel, I'm so sorry! I just remember you and him working as great team!
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- Laurel StonePolly Dake-Jones and we had such fun coming to your place to do bitey sports!!
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- Joanne FlemingVery sorry for your loss.
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- Shelly Vander WielenSo sorry for your loss, Laurel. I remember Jake when I would drop in for a Rally class. I know just how special he was too you and how much he will be missed. Sleep softly, Jake
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- Seth Collin HatleySuch a good boy. See ya later Jake.
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- Laura Ann DayI would never have heard of dock diving or barn hunt if it weren't for Jake! I will always remember him as in this family photo. What a happy dog!
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- Laurel StoneLaura Ann Day he really loves you! That was always clear to me..
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- Laura Ann DayLaurel Stone and I loved him, he was easy to love!
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- Lisa A De ValkSo sorry for your loss. Never easy
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- Lynn BusseYou're so very welcome!
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View 1 more reply- Renea ReinventedWhen someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure
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- Laurel StoneRenea Reinvented he learned a lot at your place! A lot about how to be an older dog..
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- Renea ReinventedLaurel Stone I must have felt a ripple in the force as I was actually thinking/wondering about him this morning
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View 1 more reply - Susan OlsenSo many memories of Jake. All bring a smile. So sorry for your loss
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- Anne SchmidtRun free!
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- Brenda CoffieldSo, so sad to see him go...such an amazing fellow who defied the odds with your support. You two had a life together that most of us can only dream about. So sorry, Laurel. See you in the stars, good buddy. (I knew you wanted to see that hat again, Laurel.)
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- Pat HeidelMy memory of Jake was how he was so fast at nosework finding the hide and turned in the blink of an eye back to for a cookie and way he would give you his eating bowl and then give you Brittas you taught him so much just like a humanBut one day not lo…See more
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- Laurel StonePat Heidel I know when he was along in the last few years that he looked forward to you coming over and sneaking him treats while he was in the great waiting for what was happening. He sure loved you..
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- Brittany VoigtI remember when you first got Jake! I'm terribly sorry for your loss!2
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- Laurel StoneBrittany Voigt yep and he loved coming into the century 21 office too where he got lots of attention!
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- Lisa Brandow HaeseBrittany Voigt me too and I'm so sad to hear this.
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- Mike BultmanSorry for your loss Laurel. Memories are forever!
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- Jennifer DoroI first met you and Jake at a Barn Hunt trial somewhere. I was new to the sport and really enjoyed watching Jake!! Then I met you again at a nosework seminar taught by Kathy Hatch and hosted by Lynsie. You and Jake were a fantastic team!!
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- Sarah King ConklinI’m so sorry Laurel!
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- Jeannie TewsThoughts and Prayers Laurel!
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- Michelle Haas ZiebellGod sooooo many memories….. I can’t even pick just one… He was one amazing dog and he taught us all so much…. He wasn’t afraid to try anything and was good at everything!! Because he was so good at everything I did think it was clever of him when he wo…See more2
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- Laurel StoneMichelle Haas Ziebell love that! He wasn't afraid to try anything you're right even if it wasn't in his own self-interest to do so!
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- Pamela WarrichaietSo sorry Laurel Stone. He will be missed
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- Maryna OzunaAwwww hell Laurel Stone . It was a superb run. You gave him the world and back again.
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- Phil LangohrI remember meeting Jake during our broker class, a very special pup. much love to you, Laurel
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- Laurel StonePhil Langohr he loved coming to real estate class with me! And I'll bet a lot of people remember him from there
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- Stacy BarnettAwww... I'm sorry....
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- Dawn DeltourI can't for the life of me remember what it was you bought from my garage sale...It was probably a toy the kids had outgrown...But, you purchased for your dogs and I thought that was so cool...Sending Love and Hugs
ps always love the beautiful posts …
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- Prudence KefferGretchen and I send our condolences! We are with Jessie..thinking if you!
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- Laurel StonePrudence Keffer I'm sure Gretchen Schultz has shared stories with you about how she shared a room with Jake and watched him take second place at barnhunt Nationals back in around 2014!
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- Prudence KefferYes…good memories. I believe he saw his first horse up close at our house???
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View 1 more reply - Amy Lynn SullivanI’m so sorry for your loss
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- Paula M KingI’m so sorry Laurel. He was truly one of a kind. You will meet again, at least that is my hope for you both.
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- Nan BrennanOh Laurel I'm so sorry to hear Jake past I know he was very proud to have you as his mama he was a champion
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- Sandra HoeselSo very sorry Laurel… fly high Jake!
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- Karen Marston ZiemkeI’m so sorry, Laurel…
It hurts so bad to lose these sweet souls… Thinking of you.
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- Patty BeckSo sorry for your loss. I met you and Jake at ICEs very first barn hunt trial.
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- Laurel StonePatty Beck I remember that! I was so impressed with ICE!
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- Patty BeckLaurel Stone thank you. He did very well in his barn hunt career. Lol. I was very impressed with Jake the few times I was able to watch him.
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- Jodine BrielI'm so sorry, even though I didn't know Jake well, he was an amazing guy and I just know he told Mookie many secrets on how fun life is with you
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- Traci WilliamsSo sorry to read this…..but what a life he lived and the things you did together! I remember him as a wee little guy and Terence teaching him the bitey stuff
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- Linda MarxJake What can I say .I knew him since puppy. Loved it when he came in office and I could play with him and talk to him and pet him. He was just the best boy. I'm shedding some tears right now thinking what a great mom Laurel was. Her heart has always …See more2
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- Laurel StoneLinda Marx and how he loved stopping in to your office so you could pet him!!
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- Inger Nielsen HothoLaurel, I've never met you or Jake in person yet I have tears streaming knowing that he's crossed the bridge. I've followed your journey for years now and feel very connected to the two of you. Sending you a warm hug from Nevada.......he was an amazing…See more
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- Kelly HarvestI never met him, but I know how much you loved him and how proud you were to share his amazing adventure and strength! I loved to hear about it, even in class! He will always be with you
Much Love to you!
I’ll tell JB (grandma) to try not to give …See more- Love
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- Laura InmanWhat an amazing life he led
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- Jayne Kruck SchermerhornSo sorry for your loss
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- Myriah ConradtSo sorry for your loss Laurel Stone!
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- Doreen HedtkeI'm so sorry Laurel
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- Shirley TipswordSo sorry
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- Gail VandenlangenbergSo sorry Laurel. Jake was such a special boy and truely enjoyed listening to your stories of things you and he would do together.
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- Taylor RaeSo sorry for your loss!!
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- Ellen Emas WrightLaurel I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Jake, you were a very well loved, lucky dog
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- Debbie Berken SeidelSo sorry for your loss
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- Claudia BaileyLaurel I am so sorry
. He was a wonderful dog!
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- Mary LowderOh Laurel, thank you for posting and thank you for giving him such a good, good life.
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- Mud MymudesHe was inspiring. I loved watching him dock dive, and seeing him at Scent Work. I didn’t see him at Barn Hunt, but he was always so very happy doing the things! He was a great one.
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- Andrea Wiener-ChaseYou gave Jake the best 13 years any dog could have had. He was lucky he was yours. I am sad for you that he is gone, but I will bet you (& he) knew it was his time to go.
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- Martha HoffackerI never had a chance to meet Jake. The love, care and teaching made him a beautiful spirit. I will send a prayer for you and Jake tonight. I bet he will get to know Angela Lansbury and they will be great pals. Sending love to you Laurel. Martha
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- Brenda NilioOh no! I am glad we got to play Nosework together earlier this week. What a neat dog. I remember him as being the "calm and stable" dog at WDC who always tolerated any dog that invaded his space. Great temperament.2
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- Laurel StoneBrenda Nilio he really went downhill fast in the last few days and it's hard to believe that we did actually have him out to search 5 days ago..
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- Brenda NilioLaurel Stone I felt he did well. So sorry for your loss
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View 1 more reply - Amy WukotichI’m so sorry to see this, but happy Jake is now pain free. He was a marvelous dog that I know left a big space in your heart that Mookie will work his hardest to fill.2
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- Susan MikelWhat a life!!! Jake had a fabulous life with you. Cherish the memories.
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- Rachel BachandI'm so sorry
sending hugs
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- Mary C HuffWhat an amazing dog! He will be missed by many. I am so sorry.
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- Dawn ChristensenHe was one in a million
So sorry for your loss
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- Mary Prange SchulzLaurel so sorry , he was a special boy and you always had great stories about his accomplishments
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- Donna MateyWe had so many good times training together when Jake was a wild youngster learning bite-sports! we reconnected later with Barn Hunt. You and Jake were always well prepared and enthusiastic as well as successful competitors. Godspeed to a great dog!
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- Laurel StoneDonna Matey part of his success was because you helped me become a better trainer! I owe so much to you and what we did over the years..
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- Vicky Van SchleusnerDogs PrayersI stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.…See more
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- Lizzie ButtonAwww so sad! He was such a gorgeous boy! Sending you hugs Laurel!
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- Penny Zogg HattI'm so sorry Laurel. I know how special he was. So hard to lose a furbaby, they are family members.
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- Ana CilursuSo very sorry…I always enjoyed watching him on your videos - a real treat. Godspeed
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- Vicki L OlsonSo sorry for your loss. You gave him a good life. He Lives on in the great memories you made
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- Minna Nousiainen-BecherHe had truly amazing life and best dog mom ever cherish the memoriesMy deepest condolences
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- Wayne StephensSending prayers Laurel. I'm sorry for your loss.
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- Laurel StoneWayne Stephens pictures of you and Jake pop up on my screensaver all the time when he was a young bitey dog! You were one of his favorite people
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- Wayne StephensLaurel Stone he was always a fun dog. I was just telling a friend about him last week.
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View 1 more reply - Ellen BloomfieldHUG!! He was quite a dog.
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- Barb StanekLaurel Stone, what a boy Jake was. My clear memory of the two of you was at the OKC CGC. I was in the "meet a friendly dog" challenge area with my girl Trio. In come you and Jake, as full of life energy as you both can be. I remember asking you if …See more2
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- Debbie SmithMy heart goes out to you. I know how you are feeling because I lost my 20-year old cat this week.I never met Jake but marveled at his accomplishments when I read your posts. He was an amazing dog!…See more
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- Laurel StoneDebbie Smith I do believe that and believe that they are running free without pain! Or maybe floating around would be a different way of saying it!
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- Martha HoffackerDebbie Smith you wrote such a loving, touching message.