Brotherly love

Jacob

Gerrard

The last few months have reared some strange happenings.

Not necessarily Jacob orientated sadly, but related to him in other ways, quite literally.

We were advised about a Bracco needing rescue through a posting on a rescue co-ordinaters forum, someone asking for help in how to rehome a dog, and through a few weeks of contacting necessary parties we found ourselves collecting Gerrard another Bracco from a park in Croydon.

The first week of correspondance, we found ourselves wondering if this dog could actually be Jacob, our excitement was heightened, so you can only imagine the intensity of feelings....

but no, this was not him, but as fete has a hand in making things emotionally driven, it was found that the Bracco in question was actually Jacob's litter Brother, who we knew as Dennis back 4 years earlier. How coincidental, it was like he was sent to us, for help and for love, of which he was offered both with open arms.

A wonderful boy whose presence was charming and for what he had been through, he was as solid as a rock, with a heart that just wanted to give and receive loving.

A testament to his breed (and breeding) he is a lovely boy, and definitely has the 'woof factor' in bucket loads.

Sadly as hard as we tried, a testosterone fueled house of 4 entire males was not to work, and we had to resign ourselves that Gerrard was not to stay with us here in Essex.

As broken hearted as we were to have to let him go on to pastures new, we knew were relieved to know he has gone to a wonderful loving and caring home with friends of ours who already have a Bracco girl. Already we know he is settled and is absolutely loved to pieces.

He has well and truly landed on his feet and found his forever home.

A happy ending for Gerrard, yes, a sad for one for us, but we revel happy knowing he is safe and warm, and much doted on. He will truly flourish now.

As for us, we are finding the winter months a hefty reminder of the past year, back in January when Jacob went missing.

I don't know why, but the spring and summer months meant that you were thinking in a different environment, maybe it's one that you feel a dog out there alone could survive in, whereas harsh winter evenings, and frost, and rain means a whole different ending altogether.

I still won't believe he could be roaming the woods and fields, that wouldn't be happening now and probably didn't occur a year ago almost, but your mind does know how to play tricks, and thought processes are mixed on what you actually believe happened.

I have a different view every day.

We have had some wonderful coverage in the Telegraph, along with the great work that Doglost have done and still do on behalf of us owners with dogs that are missing.

We had a photo of Jacob and some of his plight mentioned by their reporter.

A great accomplishment, and we are ever Thankful to Chris, but this article is one which sadly has not bared any fruit as far as phone calls are concerned.

Kind of leaves the avenues to explore a little thinner, what we can do now I really don't know.

We of course never stop wondering where our boy can be, but I guess that will always, always haunt us.

We feel for Ffion and Tim, they have come back from a wonderful trip to South Africa, only to stumble upon Skys missing anniversary a day or two later. I am so sad for them, I wish (WISH) I could right this wrong for us both, but I don't know how or what else I can do. I can only always be there for them as they have for us, and offer Ffion a comfy couch for her (our) 'therapy'.

Ffion is right in saying that there are do-gooders who 'rescue' missing dogs, and feel they have done a wonderful thing taking them into their homes, and not reporting the fact.

I'm torn as to how I feel about the part they play in this situation, as much as i'm happy that they feel they can offer some warmth, food and a cuddle, i'm upset that we as their owners suffer as a result of their kidnap, albeit they are hopefully not coming to any harm.

We are the ones coming to harm by mentally suffering the anguish and the worry.

When I look at Pascha our Bracco puppy, see him playing with his toys and being, well puppyish, devilish, cute beyond words, it's a gentle reminder of what is lost and what was had in Jacob.

Once he was here and just the same as Pascha, growing up loved and cherished, enjoying being part of our lives. Then wham, he is gone.

People have told us to let go of him now, set him free, and I guess this far on you have to quietly move on and have him on your mind but not at the forefront, it's true it's essential to somewhat move on, otherwise you would suffer.

But there is that little fire burning still, a flame that flickers that is there in hope that one day we can be reunited, there will be a phone call, or a knock at the door, someone knowing what has happened, or better still our boy, on the end of a lead with a waggy tail and shoulder hug ready to give.

I know what I will be wishing for......

Happy Christmas to everyone who has followed Jacob's blog, and a huge Thank You also to everyone who has offered help, both physically and mentally. You know who you all are.

Without you we wouldn't have had half the media coverage, support and searches.

To everyone who called us in hope they had seen Jacob, Thank You also.

To the person who knows something or has Jacob, but is holding back, well, if only you know the hurt and the pain you have caused, HOWEVER, for the chance of being reunited, we would forgive anything, not a question asked .... it's never to late to right a wrong.