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Hi, I'm Jake. My family surrendered me to ESRA on Good Friday. My foster mom says that my family made a huge sacrifice just for me! You see, I have severe hip dysplasia. My family couldn't afford the surgery to have my hips repaired and so they worked very hard trying to find help for me and then they found out about ESRA - hooray!!!. Now I'm being fostered by a new family in Cincinnati, Ohio. I'll have my first surgery on Thursday, April 15th. I'll probably need 6-8 weeks to recuperate and then I'll have my second hip done. After that, I'll probably take another 6-8 weeks to recuperate before I'm ready to go to my Forever Home. Won't you please find it in your heart to sponsor me and help ESRA with my expenses? How could anyone resist my handsome face with all those big freckles? Can you see how funny I stand? My rear legs are actually crossed, but the pain is less this way.

From Foster Mom Jeanne: Jake is a kind soul who came from a very loving family with 1 other dog and three small children. His family did mention that they thought he was happier being the only dog and the center of attention. He now has 3 furry foster siblings, with which he bonded right away. He has absolutely no aggression, is house and crate trained, and is a perfect gentleman. His surgery will help relieve his pain. His surgeon's prognosis is that he will continue to have limb weakness and gait disturbance, but he will be comfortable. The only long term recommendation from the surgeon is that his weight be kept down. It's unbelievable, but this guy still walks and runs, even with his rear legs crossed.

Update, April 26, 2004: Jake did well during his surgery. He's shown here with his "blankie". We brought him home and had to call the doctor to see if we could sedate him, as he wanted to run on three legs! No! was the answer, cut back on his pain medication. We did that, but it hasn't slowed him down a bit. He's happy and seems to be pain free. He hasn't started to walk on his leg, but we're told that's to be expected. He runs and goes up and down steps. He's as sweet as ever and hasn't complained one time! He'll return to the surgeon for his followup on Thursday, April 29th. We'll post his progress report then.

Update, May 1, 2004: Jake's followup visit to his surgeon went well. His stitches were taken out and everything is progressing as it should be. In three weeks, I'll be giving the surgeon an assessment of how he's doing as far as using his leg. Based on that assessment, his next surgery date will be discussed. In the meantime, we'll be walking him, especially up hill, as much as possible. Thanks, Jake, we need the exercise too!

Update, May 10, 2004: Dear family looking for a puppy: Jake used to be my dog so I know a lot about him. Jake's foster mom asked me to write the words for the website because I'm a Jake expert! Jake is an awesome dog. He loves to play tug of war and he always wins. He chases a ball through the house and our yard and he brings it back. Jake loves to sit on your lap and he will hug you. He knows a ton of tricks, but the coolest one is: you say bang, bang and he falls over. He loves to ride in the car and to visit parks. I have 2 little brothers and he was always nice to them. He loves to have ice cubes for a treat. If you make a glass of water, he will remind you to give him an ice cube. He likes to be included in things that go on in the house and he talks to you! I hope that if you are a nice, kind family you will take Jake home. He doesn't like yelling or loud things. My family misses him, but we are so glad that ESRA helped him. If you take Jake home, please kiss him every night and tell him that Morgan loves him. Thank you, Morgan - age 9.

Update, June 14, 2004: I'm entering my 9th week of rehabilitation and my foster mom & dad are so excited! They say that this week has been my turning point. I'm standing on my leg and using it a lot more. I'll probably have my other hip repaired at the beginning of July.

Here's a picture of the "new me" after a groom and a shave! I'm thinkin' I look pretty darned good! Right now I'm taking a low dose of prednisone. I overheard my mom talking to the doctor and she asked if the prednisone might contain something called Viagra. It seems that I'm getting a little "frisky". My mom tells me not to do that, but I see her smile when she thinks I'm not looking. She's happy that I'm feeling so much better. And don't worry, everyone in this house is what my mom calls "fixed".

I'm off to take a walk. I'll send another update after my surgery in July.

Update, July 3, 2004: Doc Shrader told me I had to do a lot more work to build up my leg muscles before I'll be able to have my second hip surgery. I'm happy and I run and play with my pals all day! But, these darned muscles on my repaired leg aren't yet strong enough to support me if my other leg was trying to heal. My foster mom said it may take 2-3 more months! Everyone, keep your paws crossed for me. I'll send another update after my next visit with the doc.Love, Jake

Update, October 19, 2004: Jake's strength has greatly improved. Two doctors have reviewed his radiographs and agree that he has developed bony spurs on the previous surgery site on his right leg and will require another surgery to remove the spurs and place a flap of muscle between the bone and the pelvis to cushion the area. Nothing will be done with the left hip until he is fully using his right leg and not having any discomfort there. He has been placed on daily anti-inflammatory meds to decrease his discomfort. Even through all of this, he continues to be a sweet, loving boy.

Update, February 13, 2005: I'm home from my surgery and recovering on my couch. I have to be very quiet for a few weeks. Whew, that's hard for a Springer! If everything goes well, and I know it will, the doc's going to fix my other hip in 3 to 4 months. Keep your paws crossed for me. I still have a tough road to go, but I'll make it if everyone keeps me in their thoughts. Love, Jake

Update, May 2, 2005: I've had a little bump in the road recently. The surgery on my left hip had to be performed sooner than the doc thought. I'm recuperating just fine, and I'm told that I'll be "better than new". I'm as happy as ever and I'm getting stronger by the day.

This will be the final update for my Special Needs page. My status has changed to ADOPTED !!!!! My sincere thanks to everyone who helped me spiritually as well as financially. I know there's a lot of you out there. This has been a long, hard road. All of you have helped me get through it, and have given me a chance to enjoy my new pain-free life, and my Forever Home. Now, I'll move on and make room for another deserving Special Needs Springer.

I wish you all a lifetime of Springer hugs and kisses. A huge thank you to ESRA for taking care of me and all my fellow rescuees.

Much love and appreciation,

Jake

Contact: Jeanne & Mike McArtan jmcartan@cinci.rr.com

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JAKE'S GENEROUS SPONSORS TO DATE:
Mike & Jeanne McArtan	Soon, we'll all run like the wind, Jake! From Max, Raleigh, & Bodie.
Dawn Ivey	We miss you sooo much. Feel better soon. Love, Mom, Dad, Morgan, Connor, Spencer, & Eli
Cathryne Slaughter	From Maggie and Mr. Barney
Sharon Cramer
Larry and Rhonda Pethick	In memory of our sweet Blarney
Jan Gunderson & Tim Martin	In memory of Cody. We miss you every minute of every day, Cody Co. Tell Molly we miss her too.
Diana Austin	In memory of Katie and Benny. The only thing bigger than a Springer's feet are their hearts !!!
Mike and Jamie Flannery
Chuck & Linda Bratland	We are thinking positive thoughts for you little buddy!!!
Tim & Jan	In memory of our beloved Cody and his mom Dakota.
Margaret Hanes	In memory of Molly McButter.
Gloria A. Kareken
Katrin Owen
Paula Gunderson	In memory of Cody and Dakota.
Gary Hanes	In memory of Little Maddie from Texas - never forget!
Kyle Lomax	In honor of Dayton Raven's Suprise. We adopted a Springer with the same hip problems. After successful surgery on both hips, Dayton is now a bouncing two year old. God Bless Jake!
Katie Konnagan	A gift to Jake from Cleo and her family, Katie, Dave, Ashley & Abby. Jake, you'll be running with the best of them in no time!
Ed and Debby Leed	A gift for Jake. When you get all your wheels repaired, lets play together! Clancy and Zeke.
Beth Berman	In memory of Beryl, my sweet little girl, my doggie love, and in gratitude for Buddy. Sending positive energy right to your hips.
Diana Austin	Dillon says "Get better soon, it's great to Spring".