In February of 05, Jake, my beloved lab/shep, was definitively diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, a devastating and progressive neurological disease with no cure. I lost him in November of 05. He was just under 10 years old. He was the noblest and most amazing being I have ever known. I know he would be proud to be my inspiration. He always was and he always will be. You can read more about Jake's story here. This website is dedicated to the memory of Jake and all the other brave pups who fought the difficult battle against DM and have passed. Run with the wind, our special DM pups, you are healthy and whole again You will never be forgotten ...

Dogs are special. They are our friends, loyal companions, and protectors. They give us unconditional love and teach us to open our hearts. They accept what comes and live only in the present. They enrich our lives in so many ways. The stories on this website are stories of amazing creatures and our deep bonds with them. We learn so much from them but they are never in our lives long enough. Never ...

About DM

DM is an insidious and heartbreaking disease, primarily of the German Shepherd. Currently there is no cure and limited treatment options. The best one can hope for is to slow the progression and for some, even stabilize. DM can be difficult to diagnose and is often mis-diagnosed adding to the difficulties in learning about this disease. It can alos present and progress so differently amongst individual dogs. There may also be breed differences.

DM causes the destruction of the myelin sheath on the nerve cells in the spine. This leads to paralysis starting with the rear end and moving up the spine. EVentually DM will attack the brainstem but most dogs will have been euthanized before this. Because of the nerve destruction, there is no pain associated with DM.

You may be able to help in the fight against this disease. If you have or have had a German Shepehrd or any dog that has been diagnosed with DM, please take the time to complete the survey at The DM Database. It is our hope the information collected can help us learn more about this disease.

Fifth Bridge Anniversary, Jake 11/18/10

Jake you are still and always will be my hero. I miss you and will always miss you. But even now, thinking of you gives me strength and makes me a better person. You have so much courage and you were so selfless - always worrying about others even when you were sick. What an honor it was to be able to share your life with you. You will always be in my heart ... forever ...

Until we meet again ...

Fourth Bridge Anniversary, Jake 11/18/09

Four long years since I had to let you go Jake. Today is better and I remembering happy times with you. How when you were young and we took you camping you used to rip the small mangrove trees right out of the water and bring them to us. And you were so proud and I was so proud of you. And I can never forget the time when we threw a stick in the water for you that was too small. You climbed ashore so indignently and spat the stick on the ground with a disgusted look. I told my friend how you were insulted because the stick was so small. He smiled and nodded to humor me. And a second later you stuck your head in the bushes and came out dragging a huge log. I will never forget the look of shock and amazement on my friends face. He hadnt believed me but surely he did then.

I think of you every day and always will. I didnt think I would ever get used to not being with you but it is easier now. Always you will be in my heart Jake. I am so grateful to have had you in my life and I thank you for all the love and laughs we shared. There will never be another like you, you are so unique.

I think of you running and playing and whole again and that is a joy. It is hard not to be with you but I hope I will one day. Until we meet again ...

Third Bridge Anniversary, Jake 11/18/08

Jake, today is 3 long years since I had to let you go. Sometimes you visit me in my dreams. Those are good nights ... thanks for the visits.

What a legacy you have left Jake. Some of my best friends I only know because of you. You humbled me when you were here and taught me so much and I am still learning from you even now. Truly we were meant to be a team and you will always be my furry soulmate.

Some advances are being made in DM research and more is being learned. One day we will eradicate this horrible disease that took you from me. It continues to shatter peoples' hearts and claim more amazing pups. Hopefully we will learn something from the data we are collecting in honor of you and the other DM babies at the Bridge.

I miss you all the time but you know that. And you will always and forever be my special boy. But you know that too. I really hope I will see you again one day. Sometimes this is what keeps me going. You will never, ever be forgotten Jake. You are always tucked away right here inside my heart. Run free, my Jake ... you are truly whole and free again ...

Second Bridge Anniversary, Ragnar 3/6/08

Today is 2 years since our precious Ragnar left this earth and his beloved Maria. But he only left his body and his spirit is still strong. But sometimes that just isn't enough you know? These anniversaries can be so difficult as we relive the loss. It is part of being human. Ragnar will never be forgotten and most importantly he will always be with you Maria. May you feel his love and presence envelop you and I hope he will visit you in your dreams.

Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening. No matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. And it can't take away our memories. In the end life is stronger than death.

-- Anonymous

The agony is so great ---
And yet I will stand it.
Had I not loved so very much
I would not hurt so much.
But goodness knows I would not
Want to diminish that precious love
By one fraction of an ounce.
I will hurt,
And I will be grateful to the hurt
For it bares witness to
The depth of our meanings,
And for that I will be
Eternally Grateful.

Run free and proud sweet Ragnar ... you will never be forgotten for you have given so much ...

Second Bridge Anniversary, Jake 11/18/07

Today is 2 years since I had to let my Jake go. As anyone who has lost a special pup knows, it's a bittersweet day. The grief is stronger, interpersed with wonderful memories that make you smile. I never said 'good-bye' to Jake ... and I don't think I ever will. I want to believe - right or wrong, true or false - that he is not completely gone and is still with me somehow. Or I guess you could say I simply can't accept that he is lost and gone and forever. It's kind of dumb when you think about it. Whether or not I ever say 'good-bye' to Jake doesn't change anything. But it's one of those things that don't have to make sense.

Here's a poem I wrote for my Jake just after I lost him.

Sometimes
sometimes i almost feel normal,
sometimes i remember how a sunny day feels,
and then i remember you will never be in my sunny days again,
and the world comes crashing down around me again,

how i miss you so!
i miss your big trusting eyes,
your never ending love,
your sweet kisses on my cheeks,
but now there are only tears on my cheeks,
and a hole in my heart,

i want to know why?
why my baby?
who took my baby away from me?
i scream out loud and demand to know …
i cry and shout and yell and wait for the world to acknowledge me,
to explain this grave error it made,
   … but there is only silence
     …. a silence so deafening …
       …. a silence so definitive that i know …

it just happened ... there is no reason ...

sometimes i almost feel normal,
sometimes ...
     ... (i hear myself whisper), i miss you!

Run free like the wind Jake. I will always love you and you will always be in my heart. Until we meet again ...