Jake the poodle is 15! From what I know about poodles, they usually live between 10-12 years, so Jake is an old man! Here is Jake’s birthday story:

I made it downstairs; it’s getting harder and harder to trudge down those 12 steps. I always miss the last one now. I can’t remember numbers after 10, so I trip every time. Oof! And that carpet is the same color all the way down; it burns my eyes to squint so much. I wish they’d give me a color strip or something so I could focus.

Once I got to the bottom of the stairs, I saw Ashley. I was so excited! She’s never home anymore — always working. She smacked her knees and bid me over to the couch, “Come ‘ere, boy! Happy Birthday!” I wagged my tail because I was so happy. She giggled at me and gave me a bite of her donut. (Oops! We weren’t supposed to tell Mom!) I wound up and jumped with all my might to sit by Ashley on the comfy cushions. Ouch! My knee still hurt from rolling down the hill this summer. I forgot! I yelped, and Ashley pat me on the head and gave me another bite. Yum! Doesn’t hurt so bad now.

Well all that excitement made me tired! I yawned and snuggled myself next to the blue blanket. Soft! Cozy! Wonderful! Time for a nap. 

I was startled when I heard the door upstairs open. Mom and Dad are home! I looked up and saw people walking around, so I decided to see who else remembered today was my celebration. I hobbled up the stairs, turned the corner by the refrigerator, and found Mom. “Happy Birthday, Boy!” She gave me a short massage on my graying ears — Aah! I couldn’t see the treat she dropped on the floor, but she pointed her toe at it and I gobbled it up! Canine Carryouts with cheese are my favorite. Then I watched from my post, the cabinet at the corner of the kitchen. I sat nicely and looked at Mom with my adorable (blinding) eyes. She saw me. She walked to my cabinet and got out the big yellow bag. I forgot, I AM hungry!

After lunch, I was sleepy again. Dad let me outside — it’s such a nice day, but really too cold for me anymore. I shivered on the step for at least 10 minutes. I swear he doesn’t keep track of the time. I had to bark again. I hate that, and so do the humans. I don’t mean to be rude, but sometimes I have to remind them that I’m old and I can’t handle the outside like I used to. After that fall I took when I dislocated my knee, I just don’t have as much fun outdoors.

Well I got back inside — Dad gave me a treat, too! Wow! They MUST love me on my birthday! However (urp), I now have a tummy ache, so I’ll go under the table and hide. Don’t want to get into trouble for throwing up anywhere.

After another short nap, I felt like playing. Outside time with Mom is better than being alone. We ran around a little bit, but I get tired so fast. These old legs just cannot handle the chase. Back inside for some cool water and — you guessed it! — another nap. But this time it was getting dark. I waited for Mom to say the words. I was ready for it.

Dad was watching sports again. He loves that tv. I don’t like all the yelling. That’s a game? So annoying — all the yelling. I can’t see the screen anyway, so I don’t pay much attention when the tube is on. I guessed Mom had enough yelling, too. When Mom said, “Time for bed,” I was already on the way to my pillow in the quiet master bedroom. I love sleeping with Mom. I’m too small to be on the bed anymore (she’s afraid I’ll jump off and break my leg), but I love my doggie pillow. What a nice birthday that was! Good night, humans. See you at 3:00 am. (he he)

Happy Birthday, Jake!