Jacob came to our family by way of a pick up truck about 10 p.m.We answered an ad; free AKC German Shepherd with papers. We felt like this had another far deeper story than an ad could tell. We,the "owner" opened his truck door, out jumped Jacob,headed for the front porch and my lap. The "owner" handed Us the papers and said you can keep him overnight or if you feel like your'e sure we'll call it done,he handed over the AKC papers,got in his truck and that was that. Jacob had a lot of things to overcome,which he did. He fit in just fine with our pack and for years thereafter we all cared for one another. When tears were falling over bad news about friends & family he was quick with consoling slurps and nuzzles. He would round up the rest of the pack to do their share of comforting. Jacob took so many things in stride,always trusting that "this" was his forever family,and we were. Feb.17,2007 was a Saturday,Jacob made it clear that he had gone as far as he could on this earth,so he now is at rest,or playing, maybe swimming in a cool pond,nothing hurts where he is now and as I sat with him cradled in my arms on the floor at the Vet. Jacob was so caring,so willing to help when it was needed. He made a good "service dog" and loving companion. We knew Jacob was nearing his end on earth. Noone ever wants to see those signs, so we fuss around and try to tell ourselves our "baby" is o.k.,just cranky,tired, anything but THAT. As Jacob heard us praying he came to an unmistakable calm,knowing that we got the message and were letting him run free to Rainbows Bridge. He laid his head into his special little spot on my lap. On his own ,began to snore and relax,then his shot was given,he slurped just before that,as if to tell me; this is what I need. Jacob our beautiful German Sheperd that just needed a real family will be in our lives by the memories and pictures we gathered over the years we had together. He was about 13yr.s old. Jacob and what he gave to us is one of those experiances we hope other people find. Words are not sufficient to describe these feelings of Thanks to God for our Jacob from begining to passing on he was loved and loved us back. We have two more that came to us in about the same way,shelter dog named Cooper and a throw away named Murtaugh (he found his little 6oz. way to our front porch on Thanksgiving eve.) So we are all comforting one another for now. We know there will come a time when the pain of loss will lessen, niether will the love we shared. Jacob ;our K9 angel be at peace. Love always, Mommy,Dad,Mike,Cooper,Murtaugh and Hooks (Mikes dog.) Ruby and Wallace said you sure made a good neighbor,they still look over in the direction of the meeting place and remember you with love.