Jake "J" Balcanoff, at the guesstimated age of 11, passed away unexpectedly on November 29, 2022 in the arms of his favorite person, his mom.

Jake was adopted on September 26, 2012 at a guesstimated 1 year of age by his mom, Deborah. Jake made an instant impression from the moment she saw him at a shelter event. He was in awe of the alpacas. Deborah left that day without Jake but couldn't get him out of her mind. Just a few days later, she drove to the shelter alone but came back with Jake. Jake is survived by his three cousins, Joey, Marty, and Kemba. He is predeceased by his cousin, Aurora, and his brother and sister, Clancy and Lucky, who lovingly greeted him at the Rainbow Bridge.

Jake's favorite activities included anything that would make his mom clap, cheer, or smile. He loved agility class so much, his mom had a tunnel set up in the house for him to run through! He loved hiking with his mom. Anyone who ever went hiking with Jake and his mom knew he would never be out of her view. If he reached more than a few steps ahead of her, Jake would plant his feet and not move until she caught up. She would often yell, "I am here Jake!" and his tail would wag like a puppy. If you knew Jake, you knew his tail could be a weapon! No one was better at getting his tail to whip back and forth at fast speeds than his mom. Jake also loved snoozing and sleeping with his mom. He loved being sprawled out in bed with her! Another one of his favorite things was his chair. He loved his chair so much he would stare at you if you sat in it! Once, when Jake visited his cousin, he saw his cousin lay on the top, back of the couch. This quickly became Jake’s favorite position too.

Jake was a funny boy. When he wasn't hiking, running through tunnels, sleeping, or being the best car ride buddy to his mom, he was checking the house to make sure no new pictures were hung and no new trinkets were put out. He would notice everything! Adding to his sense of wonder, Jake could find wildlife. He discovered bear, a bobcat, and many coyotes! He always needed to spot them in case his mom wanted to take a picture.

Jake was a lover; he was a very gentle boy who loved everyone he met. His cousins had even nipped him playfully a few times, but he never reacted. Jake was a gentle giant. Jake loved small dogs. A fond memory is when out for a walk, he met a very small dog. He laid down and let the dog paw all over him without lifting a hair on his body.

Most of all, Jake loved life. He loved life because life had his mom in it. He was sent from Clancy and Lucky to keep a very close eye on his mom and he did just that. He made sure to fill her heart with love and even display a few naughty antics Lucky taught him to remind his mom she was still there. He loved his mom so much, and if she was not with him, he would whine. He always needed to make sure his mom was safe. He loved selfies with her, sitting shotgun, or laying in the back with his paws on the center console. It didn't matter where they went or what they did if he was with her.

The night of Jake’s passing was spent doing what he loved, snuggling his mom and eating pizza crust. It was a very sudden passing, but until the very end, he was in his mom’s arms. Jake may be gone physically, but he will never be gone, as he lives inside the hearts of us all. He has left behind his memories which will never be forgotten.

Jake wasn't much of the flower type; he preferred grass. In lieu of flowers, he asks that you all have patience with your pups, that you remember every dog has quirks, but every dog deserves the same unconditional love he received from his mom. He asks that you remember life is short. The next time your pup barks too much, steals food, or acts a little naughty, Jake asks you to keep that in mind. He also asks that you think of your local shelter when searching for a pet. The next time you see a bear, a bobcat, or a coyote think of Jake. 

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