Jake, AKA, Jakeosaurus Rex,
I had the pleasure of being introduced to Jake in July of 2015 through his dear friend Safia while he was living up here in Northern California. It was evident rather quick that he was a genuine good dude. In the almost five years I've known him, he treated me like we had known each other forever.
For the last few years, Jake would make his way up North usually two or three times a year, and I looked forward to that. I just saw him this past January, and when he left, I had already envisioned him back up here sometime during the summer. He was always good about keeping in touch, and visiting when he could. I will really miss that first hug we'd share when he came back.
If there's one thing I will always remember about Jake, it was his love for animals. One of the last images I have of Jake is of him holding my cat on his lap. I was house sitting for a cousin at the time, and he and Safia came to my house to hang out with my cat Tuca. Tuca doesn't come out for just anyone, but it was no surprise she did with Jake. Safia sent me a picture of that, and I will always keep that photo saved on my phone.
To Jake's family and other close friends, I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss him tremendously! In the last few years, two dogs Jake lived with while up here have also passed, both of whom were very fond of him. I find solace in knowing that Jake will most likely make a beeline for them before anything else on his current journey.
Rest easy my friend. No goodbyes though, so I'll see you around!