Ready for the Floor

Project Ruffway, the benefit for the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, was a blast. Jake was a pro. A little shaky walking up the 3 steps with his leg braces but once he was on the runway, he was in his element. Dr. Hardy from the CSU Animal Cancer Center introduced him as a cancer survivor, which got the crowd energized. I bet he thought, “Hey, that applause must be for me!” So right on cue he did a couple laps, generously doling out love to the VIP’s sitting around the edge of the stage while the cameras flashed.

There are lots of party pics at the MetroMix and Blacktie-Colorado websites. I’ll post some others soon. There are so many to choose from. 9News was also there to shoot footage for a follow-up feature on Jake’s battle with cancer. April 18th will be the one-year anniversary of his diagnosis. A lot can happen in one year.

Daytime Drama

Jake appeared live on Colorado & Company this morning (his third time on 9News). He was promoting tickets to Project Ruffway on Friday night. It’s a fashion show that raises funds for the CSU Animal Cancer Center. Buy a ticket and help support the research programs that have made it possible for him to actually attend this year!

One More Time

Two more medical visits this week. Dr. Hedlin at Aspenwood Animal Hospital takes x-rays to confirm that Jake has torn the CCL on the other rear leg. We were expecting that eventually. It’s pretty common. However, the left rear leg (the first one to tear) is actually stabilizing a bit so we’re happy about that. Surgery is still not an option due to the chemo, so we’re back to OrthoPets (at their new, expanded building) for his second leg brace. As usual, Martin and Amy Kaufman, and their staff were fantastic. And I can’t believe that we’re just two weeks away from the one-year anniversary of the cancer diagnosis. He was supposed to be gone last summer. So what if he wears two braces for walks now? He’s still here and cancer-free right now.

Red Frame/White Light

Multiple photos and posts, all from one day. Broke my own rules but sometimes you gotta color outside the lines. And why not? I almost used a different photo of Jake here…one of him “smiling”. But then I saw this one. Eyes closed like a Robert Mapplethorpe portrait. Like he is taking in a deep breath or saying a prayer? Lord, make me a bird so I can fly far, far away?

The Red and the Black

In 1968, a group of contemporary artists named “Art for the Cities, Inc.” had a concept for 9 abstract sculptures in D.C. Burns Park. These were meant to be temporary but four sculptures still remain today. So, why some and not others? Here’s Jake in front of two of them. They’re both called “Untitled”. The closest one is by Wilbert Verhelst made of plywood. The furthest one is by Roger Kotoske, made of plywood and fiberglass.

Denver Parks #27

Jake travels by car along Colorado Boulevard frequently. Here’s another park that we’ve driven by thousands of times. It’s a triangle between Colorado, Alameda and Leetsdale. It’s almost halfway between his two houses. Today was the first time we’ve ever stopped here.

I've Seen That Movie Too

Here’s the finished video from the interview that Jake and I did at Orthopets. We taped this on my birthday when my nephew, Grant, was in town. They asked me to do a testimonial about the leg brace for his torn ACL/CCL. We still can’t do surgery on his leg, due to the chemo, so this is a great alternative.

OrthoPets Customer Testimonial: Mike and Jake from OrthoPets on Vimeo.

Quick Painless & Easy

Jake took another round of his chemo today. Just 3 pills of a drug called Lomustine (CCNU). We put them in this cool treat called Pill Pockets and he wolfs them down. It’s not even a big deal at this point. No visible side effects. We’ll go back to his vet in a week to recheck his bloodwork.

Heart Shaped World

Our neighbor down the block, Gina, stopped by with a surprise Valentine for Jake. She’s quite talented. She drew his portrait a few months back and created an awesome thank you card when we dropped off more art supplies one day. I love the paper-doll cutouts of Jake on this piece. Once again, she captures the leg brace perfectly.

A Photograph of You

I was flipping through the latest issue of Denver Magazine and came across Jake in their party pics. These were pictures from the K-9’s Against Cancer walk back in October. It was so cold that day but I’m glad we did it to support the Bow Wow Buddies foundation. They raise funds for the CSU Animal Cancer Center and of course, Jake is still here today due to their efforts. We’re going to help them out with another fun event called Project Ruffway on Friday, April 9th. More details soon!

Gone Daddy Gone

My dad was in town for one night and he stayed with us. Check out the Father's Day post if you want to see a goofy pic of us. We love when Papa Bob comes to visit. Jake gets lots of treats and we usually get a few Ben Franklins, too. It was a fast trip. He had to leave the house at 5:30 am for his flight so this was the only time we could snap a quick photo with Jake for the blog. Dan even let me turn the Christmas lights on for a quick sec to add some light to this early morning shot. I just realized that Dad's last visit to Denver was on April 18, 2009. The same day Jake received his cancer diagnosis. We're fast approaching the 1-year anniversary. Not bad for a dog that was only supposed to be here for a few months.

Get the Balance Right

Jake went to Aspenwood Animal Hospital today for another blood draw. His lab results are great. Everything seems to be in a normal range. I’ll call CSU ACC next week to arrange for the delivery of Jake’s next round of chemo pills. It’ll be a slightly smaller dosage this time around, followed by another blood test in a week.

An Ordinary Day

Nothing earth-shaking happened today. Just a leisurely afternoon walk at our favorite park (which was the first photo in our series of Denver Parks, btw). And sometimes that’s all you need, huh? I like this simple photo. Warm afternoon light. Sleepy eyes. Horizontal pose. Grass like hay. His brace and boots look so athletic. Like he finished a marathon or a couple rounds in the ring.

The Girls Want to Be with the Girls

My niece, Catelin, turned 21 last August. For her birthday, I created a gift certificate good for 2 plane tickets anywhere to celebrate it with me and Dan. She goes to school at Ole Miss and still had a few days left on her holiday break. We made an impulsive decision. Always the best kind. I burned some airline miles and flew her and a friend, Jenny Claire, out to Denver for a short but action-packed visit. We took them shopping. Lunch at the new Earl’s. Dinner at Vesta Dipping Grill and to see Cats (in a limo, no less). Post-show drinks at the top floor of the Hyatt. More shopping. Movie at the Landmark with VIP seats. Cocktails at Jing. Brunch at Elway’s. Even more shopping. Tickets to a Nuggets game in a Pepsi Center suite. And of course, we took the standard “front of the house” photo with Jake. Her brother, Blake, came out last year to see Blink 182 and got one of those, too. I also flew her youngest brother, Grant, out in December for my own birthday but somehow I spaced out taking a pic of him with Jake. Guess that means he will be back out soon so I can complete the set!

Denver Parks #26

When we came out of REI, we spotted another park sign right across the Platte River. Jake might as well start off the new year right with another one to add to the series. We visited 25 (which is about 10% of the Denver Parks system) in 2009. I think we may actually be able to do at least another 25 in 2010. For some reason, Jake eats snow all the time now.

(The Angels Want to Wear My) Red Shoes

Dan and I took Jake for a quick shopping excursion today. We were searching for some canine footwear called Bark'n Boots Grip Trex and we found them at Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI). Their huge flagship store is located on the Platte River near downtown. The structure is an amazing historic landmark that was built in 1901. It was originally the Denver Tramway Powerhouse building, which housed the boilers and engines used to generate electricity for the city’s streetcars. Only service dogs are allowed inside so Jake didn’t get to check out the 45-foor climbing wall. He and I waited outside while Dan went in to purchase them. And of course we had to try them on right away. The boots are great for hiking and cold weather. They seemed to give Jake a lot more confidence. He even did a bit of a gallop ahead of us a few times as we walked down the bike path next to the river. That was the most I’ve seen him run since he blew out his ACL. Worth every bit of the $60 we paid.

Heads Will Roll

We went outside today and noticed this. Sometime last night, someone came by and knocked off the head of the lighted dog that Dan bought at Home Depot. Correct, that was Christmas night! Now who would do that? And why take the head and leave the rest??? A bit sad but it also made us laugh, considering the pics I’ve been taking of Jake next to this electric dog lately. Maybe his telekinetic powers are finally starting to develop, just like Carrie or Jean Grey.

Every Day Should Be a Holiday

Jake unwraps a new toy. Mele Kalikimaka!

The Day Before the Day

It snowed in Denver last night. Appropriate and quite festive. Everything is covered in white but it’s bright and clear today. Over 300 days of sunshine here, if you want to believe all the tourism statistics. I think it’s true. Jake lounged in front of the wrapped Christmas presents this afternoon.

And apparently still not amused by his electrical doppelgänger (which is just a fancy word for “evil twin”) in front of the house. Bizarro Superman? Serena? Maybe we just need a goatee so you know which one is which.

The Gift

Earlier this week, OrthoPets called to ask if Jake and I were doing anything today. They were producing a new promotional video for their company and wanted to interview a few patients on camera. Well, it also happens to be my birthday but this year is only #49. The big bash will wait until 2010 so no plans today. And anyway, I’m always up for a good pet-oriented cause when someone asks, especially since the leg brace has really made such an improvement in his mobility. My nephew, Grant, was flying in from Memphis to celebrate with me and Dan. Jake and I went to the airport to pick him up, then drove straight to OrthoPets for the interview. Later that night, the four of us made a great dinner at home. I kept thinking back to when I got Jake’s cancer diagnosis back in April, and how I didn’t think he’d make it to his own birthday in July. Now 5 months later, he’s still in remission and helping me celebrate mine. Best gift I could have. So when someone asks you what you want for your birthday or for Christmas, what do you say? I know my list has evolved this year.

In This Light and On This Evening

Dan and I put up the rest of the Christmas lights today. I’m not sure Jake was thrilled with the clone of him that we bought at Home Depot.

Perfect Symmetry

Another needle stick at Aspenwood today. His numbers are fantastic, though. This is the first time that everything on the chart has been in the normal range. His docs are quite happy. The next treatment cycle will be another dose reduction.

Thank U

Jake likes to share his holiday time. This year, he’s spending Thanksgiving at Paul’s house. He’ll do Christmas with me and Dan. Consequently I don’t have some kooky turkey-themed photo of him. But how about this instead? After our neighbor, Gina, did that great portrait of Jake a couple weeks ago, we stopped by her house to give her a bag of art supplies. She promptly returned that evening with a “thank you” card. This one features me and Jake.

Straight to Number One

Jake went to see Dr. Hedlin at Aspenwood today for another blood draw. We have to monitor the side effects of the chemo one week after each dose. His ALT count (liver enzymes) is the best it’s been in some time. The numbers for white blood cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes are low, however. He might need antibiotics if it doesn’t move up. Dr. Lana at the CSU Animal Cancer Center wants us to wait a week and do one more blood test before we decide.

Counting Down the Days

The Denver Dumb Friends League did a photo contest this year for their Centennial Calendar. It’s a great idea. You submit a photo with an entry fee of $35. Even if you don’t win, you’re helping a great cause. Jake didn’t get his own month but he’s on the inside cover in a collage. Order yours here.

Shake the Disease

Jake is featured as one of the rotating biographies on the home page of the CSU Animal Cancer Center website. Keep refreshing the home page and you’ll eventually see one of two images of him. Or you can go directly to his bio if you click here. Thanks for Dr. Hardy and Bob P. for putting this together.


Jake’s chemo pills arrived by UPS today. This is the third dose of Lomustine (CCNU). One 40mg capsule and two 10mg capsules. He never has any obvious side effects so I don’t mind giving it to him. We’ll do a blood test in one week to see what’s going on inside.

In The Clear

Time for another round of chemo. Jake saw Dr. Hedlin at Aspenwood Animal Hospital on Monday for preliminary bloodwork. The results were great, including the ALT count. His oncologist at the CSU Animal Cancer Center, Dr. Lana, OK’d the next dose of Lomustine (CCNU). The pharmacy at CSU called right away. We’ll look for the UPS man this week.

Your Painted Smile

Denver has spectacular Indian summers. Today was a textbook example. A perfect day for raking leaves and cleaning up the front yard. Jake stayed outside with me, lounging in the sun. I think his leg was pretty sore today because he didn’t move around much. Regardless, he always wants a walk at 4pm no matter how bad it hurts. We took our usual short route around the block and came across this sign.

One of our younger neighbors, Gina, was drawing pet portraits for free. Well, of course we’re going to participate. While she was working on her artwork, Jake stole a piece of banana bread from her table. I suppose that was his “sitting fee”. The finished piece is fantastic. Don’t you love how she even captured his leg brace?

(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman

Jake loves Halloween. Doorbells are a good thing at our house. Even though it takes him a little longer to get up each time with a bum leg, he still greets every single trick-or-treater. Dan and I spent the day putting up spooky decorations. Spiderwebs on the porch. Skulls in the front windows. Bloody rags hanging from the crabapple tree. Fog machines. Strobe lights. Scary sound effects. It was a huge hit with kids and neighbors. Jake and I went with a superhero theme this year. Dan shot some pics of us earlier in the day at an abandoned building near the house. Krypto with a leg brace and a 48-year-old Spidey. Anything works on Halloween.

Same Direction

Jake saw Dr. Laura again for his monthly labwork. Everything is good. Even the ALT is coming back to normal.

Pictures of You

Here’s a fun one taken by Jaime Rowe at the start of the walk. Check out her blog. She takes amazing photos of pets. I think we’re going to book her for a shoot with Jake. I’ve got a few wild ideas that I haven’t been able to do on my own.

Doubleplusgood

I try to limit the number of photos in each post. It’s a great exercise to force myself to pick only the one or two that best represents that day. But I really liked this one of Jake. The lighting at that hour was so different from most of our other shots. Moody atmosphere. Light snow. Mist rising off the water. Black, white, grey. Monochrome except for the pink bandana, highlighting the purpose of the day.

Driving Away From Home (Wicked Weather for Walking)

Dan and I took Jake to the K-9’s Against Cancer walk today. It’s run by the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation. Proceeds go to Susan G Komen for the Cure and CSU Animal Cancer Center. How could you resist that combination when it comes to writing a check? 9News did the weather forecast live from the event. Jake and I went on air with Ashton Altieri. We forgot to tell him that we’d missed him when we were in the 9News Backyard. We brought a check for $320 to the event. Why that amount? Ten bucks for each of the 32 days that Jake has been free of cancer.

Gracias to Dan & Rick at Adrenalin for the artwork on the check! We used to work together at the Denver Nuggets. Thanks to Neil at Sign Language for printing a huge check on short notice. It’s all about the props when you do TV, right?

Denver Parks #25

The actual site of the K-9’s Against Cancer walk. Denver had a record low of 17 degrees today. I took this photo of Jake around 7:30am. And yes, we were all tired. But what a great reason to be up so early on a cold Colorado morning.

Denver Parks #24

Totally random discovery on our way to the K-9’s Against Cancer walk this morning.

Have You Heard the News

Jake’s story ran on 9News tonight. It was surreal to watch it. Hey, what happened to my hair?? The back of my head looks like Jake’s belly. Thanks to Dave Delozier for an amazing story. He’s the guy that got us in to Invesco Field and the 9News Backyard. Jake and I are looking forward to meeting our YAPS pen pal at Children’s Hospital, Will, one of these days!