The True Story of How Jake
Became Jake The Snuggle Bug Jones.
As told by Wyatt, who heard it firsthand from Mom and Dad.
Well folks, every dog in our family has a story. Some arrive by accident. Some arrive by fate. And some arrive because they know exactly which human to give "the look" to. And Jake was one of those dogs.
It all started one Saturday morning, Mom was busy doing what Moms do - cleaning, organizing, and trying to get a hundred things done before she had to leave for work that afternoon. Then there was a knock at the back door. When Mom opened it, standing there was our neighbor, Vicky. Now Vicky fostered dogs and was always helping dogs find loving homes. But on this particular day, she wasn't alone. Standing beside her was the cutest little light coffee-colored Dachshund you ever saw. Mom stepped outside to say hello and immediately noticed the little fellow. She then asked, "Well now, who do we have here?" Vicky smiled and said, "I know how much you love Dachshunds, so I thought you should meet this little guy." Mom laughed and said, "Oh, he's adorable." Then she sighed and added, "But we already have three dogs and a few cats. I don't think we can possibly take another one."
Now folks, if you've ever met a Dachshund, you'll know they're excellent listeners. Especially when the conversation is about them. Vicky wasn't giving up that easily. She said, "You really should take him. If you don't, he'll be going to an adoption event later today." Then she pointed at him and added, "And honestly, I think he belongs with you." Mom smiled and shook her head. "We just can't. We're full up." Then she looked down at the little Dachshund. "Besides, with that unusual coffee color and that sweet personality, somebody is going to fall in love with him."
Now folks... While Mom and Vicky were having this conversation, Jake was listening to every single word. He looked at Mom. Then at Vicky. Then back at Mom. His little head tilted one direction. Then the other. Then back again. I like to imagine he was thinking, "Wait a minute... I already picked this family."
Eventually Vicky and Jake turned to leave. And folks... They walked away very... very... slowly. Now I don't know if Jake was actually walking slower on purpose... But if he was, it worked. Because every few steps he'd glance back toward Mom. Then he'd keep walking. Then he'd glance back again. Then finally... Just before reaching the end of the driveway... Jake stopped. Turned around. And looked at Mom one last time.
Folks... That was all it took. Mom later said that look absolutely melted her heart. She immediately called Dad at the store where he was working. When Dad answered the phone, Mom told him the entire story. The little Dachshund. The adoption event. The sad walk away. And most importantly... The look. Dad listened quietly. Then finally said, "Go get him and bring him here. I want to meet the little guy."
Now folks... Those may have been the most important words Jake ever heard. Mom turned around, caught up with Vicky and Jake, and brought him to the store. Dad took one look at him and knew the decision had already been made. That very day, Jake got a new job. And he got a new home.
The job was simple. His responsibilities included: Supervising customers, accepting belly rubs, taking naps, looking adorable and making sure Mom and Dad never felt lonely.
Folks, he performed those duties with distinction for more than fifteen years. Over time, Jake became much more than a pet. He became a family member.
He became Mom's little shadow and Dad's helper. And eventually my older brother. And if you've read the books, then you already know why we call him Jake the Snuggle Bug Jones. Because nobody - and I mean nobody - loved cuddles more than Jake. And that's the true story of how Jake joined our family. He was a little Dachshund who showed up one Saturday morning, gave Mom one unforgettable look, and never had to look for a home again. Sometimes a dog chooses his family long before the family realizes they've been chosen.