Joliet Jake

Just like his namesake, Jake was cool, and there was no better friend. Depending on how you looked at it, he was 100 pounds of bone, teeth, and muscle, or a big old goofball. His favorite games were frisbee and "scare the crap out of whoever's at the door." He was the combination of gentle and intimidating that only a fearless dog can be. We're talking about a dog who learned to swim because I was rowing away in a boat and he just couldn't stand to be away from me.

Here are some pictures of Jake when he was a puppy.

The mighty J-Man in his favorite spot with his favorite toy

Jake at home, Christmas '98

Jake in Maine, August '99

Jake hanging out watching the Superbowl, January 2001