SAVE THE DATE FOR JAKEY & MILO: SUNDAY JULY 16th

This time last year, through my smile in this picture with our beautiful Jake, and behind my sunglasses, was a lot of tears and pain. We were days into learning about Jake’s lymphoma diagnosis (30th May 2022). He wasn't even 7 years old. We hadn’t told anyone yet and were reeling with the impact of it all.

Jake was a trouper going through chemotherapy for a year. The sad part was the vet told us on day 1, since lymphoma is a blood cancer, we were always going to lose him - even when treated, he had never seen a dog live more than a year. Our Jakey was with us for another 11 months.

Within 2 weeks of diagnosis, we met Wendy via our Springer page, her precious Milo was diagnosed with lymphoma also at only 4 years old. We were on identical journeys at the same time and it absolutely broke our hearts what our precious boys were having to go through.

On that year-long journey, in between IV chemo infusions and oral therapy, Jake bounced through every day, running, wagging his tail (his infamous waggy tail), swimming, playing, giving many cuddles and kisses and absolutely brightening everyone's day he met, whether for a minute or a lifetime. On the outside, you'd never have guessed anything was 'wrong' thankfully, he continued to live every day to the full in his true unique Jakey style.

It’s only 5 weeks as I write this since Jake had to 'leave' us on 2nd May 2023. Our hearts were truly shattered. We miss him, his love, energy, zest for balls and water, and his eternally wiggy waggy tail that brightened up anyone he met beyond belief. He really was one in a million and we know he touched so many hearts in his short time with us. We remember him with the absolute joy he brought to our lives, and to the many others he met on his journey, on a canal path or via our social media updates from afar. We were truly blessed to share his journey with him.

We are planning a sponsored walk in one of Jake’s favourite walks in Cheshire (UK), Lawton Woods in Scholar Green, followed by brunch at one of his favourite places we frequent after our walks, the Bleeding Wolf. We are raising money and awareness for the Animal Cancer Trust. The Trust say 1 in 4 dogs get cancer now which I find so saddening, and our vet told us the dogs are getting younger and younger. We’d LOVE as many of you to be with us, for Jake and for Milo.

Jake would have been 8 on July 13th, it’s a fitting way to celebrate and honour the gorgeous energy of our boy and all he gave us and this world. Please bring your dog if you have one. Please bring yourself, family, friends if you don’t. Please join us for brunch if you don't fancy the walk. Consider staying over local if you’re travelling from further afield. We’d love to see you all here, to share this lovely walk, all for our precious, irreplaceable, amazing, vibrant Jakey and Milo.

DATE: SUNDAY 16TH JULY 2023

WALK TIME*: 8.30/9am TBC (early enough for the dogs to not get too hot)

WALK LOCATION: Lawton Woods, Scholar Green (meet in Bleeding Wolf car park, see below) https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/staffordshire/church-lawton-woods-circular

APPROX. BRUNCH TIME*: TBC 9.30/10am

BRUNCH LOCATION: The Bleeding Wolf, Scholar Green, ST7 3BQ https://bleedingwolf.pub/

WEAR: Something lime green/green if possible, a t-shirt, hat, shorts, trousers - it gives us that team feel

RSVP: if you're attending, so we know rough numbers - let Tori know via phone/email/social media

*Weather dependent, if cooler we may go a little later to allow those further afield to get there; if warmer, we will need to go the earlier time for the dogs

THE ANIMAL CANCER TRUST: We chose this charity as they are the place for owners of pets experiencing cancer to find resources on diagnosis, treatment, veterinary services and owner stories. They provide information and support to help you understand what to expect and what you can do to find the information you need so your pet can get the best care possible.

They are also supporting vets practices via the Cancer Alert Practice (CAP) and conducting research studies. The highlight of 2022 for them was learning that Volition Veterinary had collaborated with scientists at Texas A&M to develop a new canine cancer screening blood test that has now been commercialised and is available in the USA and will be coming to the UK later this year.

Our hope is to support their work, spread their word to help dogs and their owners for preventation, screening and information about canine cancer.

https://www.animalcancertrustcharity.co.uk/

With love and gratitude

Tori, Graeme, Jasper and Haswell (Jake's canine brothers)

Wendy, John and Bailey (Milo's canine brother)

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.