About the Cover

Adorning the cover of this issue is a Great Pyrenees named Jake. His people parents call him the “gentle giant” because he is so very gentle, kind, and loving. Stephanie Davis, Jake’s human mom, tells how he once made friends with a bird. “One time, a bird landed on our back deck. We watched from a window as Jake and the bird sniffed each other nose to nose (beak). Somehow, the bird knew Jake wouldn’t hurt him.” She also recalls when a small, almost totally blind dog came to their house to visit. The dog started walking towards some steps and Jake gently nudged him away—almost as if he sensed the dog could not see.

Before Jake arrived, the first dog to join the Davis household was Kira, a West Highland Terrier (that was after the Davis’s daughters presented them with a PowerPoint presentation as to why their parents should have a dog). About three months later, Kevin, also a Westie, joined the pack. Then one day, even though there were humans milling about nearby, Kira was attacked by a coyote in the Davis’s back yard. Thankfully, she survived. However, the incident caused the family to think they should get a bigger dog as a deterrent and to make more of a presence on the property. That is when they went to Halo Animal Rescue, found Jake, and brought him into the fold of his forever home.

All three dogs get along splendidly.

And even though Jake is 80 pounds heavier and giant in size compared to his shorter-legged Westie siblings, he does not serve as leader of the pack. Kira has coined that title for herself, and Jake allows her to reign in that role. As soon as she throws her head up and begins to vocalize her demands, Jake calmly lumbers away, taking it all in stride.

Recently, mouth cancer was diagnosed in 8½-year-old Jake, resulting in the loss of part of his lower jaw. He has, however, made a full recovery and is back to loving his carbs (he goes crazy over the smell of pizza) and reiterating his disdain for peas and…the swimming pool. His favorite thing is to go for a long walk on the golf course, which he does almost every day.

Jake is true to his breed—mellow and vigilant, “He is an incredibly loving dog,” said the Davises. “We are so very blessed to have this gentle giant, Jake, and his fearless companions, Kevin and Kira, enriching our lives each day.” W