Jake's Takes: Basset Thoughts

I'm outta here

2012-02-05T18:12:00.000-06:00

Really Mom.

You took a picture of those flowers last year.

Let's get rolling.

I got things to sniff, things to pee on.

King of the Mountain

2012-01-17T20:40:00.002-06:00

Jake at Greensfelder Park

2012-01-17T20:25:00.001-06:00

Jake's X-rays pt 2

2012-01-17T19:10:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, Jake had his annual appointment and a recheck of his cough. He's doing ok. His lymph nodes are all huge again so we are increasing the prednisone. He has chronic trachiobronchitis, probably an allergy to something. Here's the x-rays!

I circled his microchip!

Jake's Insides!

2011-12-29T20:03:00.002-06:00

Jake has a developed a cough. We are still trying to find out why. First step is X-rays. Here's Jake's! There were supposed to be 4, but Jake wouldn't cooperate for the view where he is on his back with his paws stretched out.

Looking at Jake from above

That blob in the middle is his heart :)

From a side

You can see here that Jake's heart is enlarged.

The vet says that his heart is only supposed to be 3 rib spaces big.

Jake's is bigger. It's also wonky cause he's a basset.

This is the other side.

That circle?

Jake's elbow. It not supposed to look like that.

It's arthritis. He's got it really really bad.

Dr. Jake

2011-12-18T20:09:00.002-06:00

YAY!!! GO MOM!!!!!

2011-12-13T18:29:00.002-06:00

My Mom has awesome news! She's finally finished with her dissertation! She's a Doctor (PhD) now!!!! YIPPEEEEEE!!! More walks for me!!!

Jake at the Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-06T17:58:00.002-06:00

Jake's Cancer Update

2011-10-18T11:42:00.000-05:00

Morning
Thought I'd update everyone on Jake. He's doing really well. All of his lymph nodes have shrunk :) He's taking pred every other day. He still won't take his tramadol. He's very feisty when he sees that.

Woof!

Movie Time!

2011-10-17T21:53:00.000-05:00

Jake at Babler State Park

2011-10-17T21:20:00.005-05:00

YAY!!!!

I'm going into the woods!

Lots to sniff!

This is not going to end well is it?

I fit!

Wheeeeee

Babler Spring

Jake at Jake's Prairie

2011-09-13T20:47:00.002-05:00

So I was flipping through the big Missouri map book that I have and noticed there was a place named Jake's Prairie. Of course Jake wanted to go see his prairie!

OOO! A road named after me too!

This is the start of the road.

Is my prairie now.

I marked.

Hee Hee Hee

This more like it!

This my road too!

Taken Sept. 11, 2011

Jake at Strawberry Creek Nature Reserve

2011-09-05T22:31:00.002-05:00

Yay! A sign.

Come On...Let's go pokey!

Crossin' Cricks is hard work

No mom

I'm not drinking the water.

slurp.

Is it time for Chick Fil A?

Maggie Moos?

Jake

2011-09-04T23:21:00.001-05:00

Jake through a fish-eye lens:

Someday We'll Find It...

2011-08-26T17:50:00.000-05:00

The Rainbow Connection

The Lovers

The Dreamers

And ME!!!!!!

Note: Photographs were taken by Jake's personal pawtographer, Mark at Rome of the West

Chasin' Ducks

2011-08-26T17:31:00.000-05:00

*shhhhh*

Be vewy vewy qwuiet.

I'm huntin' ducks!

I smell a duck!

I chased ducks.

Yay me

Now I'm hunting a photographer!

They are very elusive prey!

Note: Pictures taken by Jake's Personal Pawtographer, Mark at Rome of the West

Oh Yeah...

2011-08-26T17:14:00.000-05:00

That's the magic touch...

right there...

oh yeah...

You so good.

Jake has Cancer

2011-08-23T09:30:00.002-05:00

Jake was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma this morning.

Jake at Spanish Lake Park

2011-08-21T16:18:00.000-05:00

Jake at Bellafontaine Conservation Area

2011-08-21T16:00:00.000-05:00

YAY ME!

2011-08-14T20:02:00.002-05:00

Woof!

It's time to hike!

Jake in Macro

2011-07-17T18:59:00.000-05:00

I Like to Hike

2011-07-03T22:01:00.000-05:00

Jake and the Tree Hunt

2011-07-03T21:36:00.000-05:00

To celebrate the year of the forest, the Missouri Botanical Garden is sponsoring a Tree Hunt. Of course Jake's helping...that's his best skill...finding trees!

I don't know why Mom and Mark need a GPS...

I can find these trees easy

It's right here.

They just need my nose!

Jake for President

2011-07-03T21:15:00.000-05:00

Hey! Where's everybody?

I has an important announcement!

This is it?

Well, he is my personal pawtographer...

I AM RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT!!!!

VOTE FOR JAKE!!!

READ MY TONGUE!!!

NO MORE LEASHES!

Doesn't this place suit me?

Vote for me!

Is it time to golf yet?

The two best pictures were taken by Jake's buddy Mark over at Rome of the West, who's an awesome photographer!

Jake at Cuivre River State Park

2011-07-03T20:42:00.001-05:00

Jake went hiking at Cuivre River State Park a few weeks ago. He had a great time!

Jake the Off-Road Doggie

Let's Roll!

And we're walkin'

You guys are too slow.

Later

I tired.

WAIT!!!! WAIT FOR ME!!!!!

Can I have a sammich?

Water Dog

2011-06-12T14:31:00.000-05:00

Jake used to be terrified of water. Refused to get his paws wet. He wouldn't even go through a puddle. Apparently if his hiking buddy Mark is with him, Jake is a very brave dog!

I so brave!

Let's go!

Jake in the Grass

2011-06-12T14:25:00.000-05:00

The grass is taller than me!

Tee Hee

Yappy Hour

2011-05-08T14:35:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday, Jake, Jake's pal Mark and I went to the Boathouse in Forest Park for Yappy Hour!

I do hope I'm not expected to get my paws wet.

I don't know how to swim.

*sniff* *sniffity sniff*

You are going to share the pizza right?

The beer?

The mojito?

Pwease?

You aren't sharing.

Why Yes I Am Comfy

2011-05-01T19:24:00.000-05:00

Look What I Found!

2011-03-17T22:32:00.000-05:00

Mom! Mom!

Look what I found!!!!

He likes me!

Can I keep it?

Can I call him George?

Can I sniff him?

:>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I want the *other* snake.

It wiggled.

And hissed.

And made noise

And smelled good.

Jake at Riverview Park, Louisiana MO

2011-02-18T23:18:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T20:04:00.000-06:00

Playing in the Snow

2010-12-25T19:47:00.000-06:00

Happy Feast of St. Nicholas

2010-12-06T11:05:00.000-06:00

I has to help St. Nicholas find the candy!

I was a good doggie this year!!!!

I Ain't Afraid of No Ghosts...

2010-10-31T20:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween!

Woof

Jake!

Jake at a Halloween Party!

2010-10-29T22:16:00.000-05:00

Hello!
Jake went to his first Halloween Party at the Boathouse in Forest Park. It was to benefit BiState Pet Food Pantry!

Get it off!!!!

OFF!!! GET IT OFF!!!

I so hate you right now.

Pwease take it off.

Sniff Sniff Sniff

GRRRRR

I evil Bat Wizard

GRRRRR

The other doggies are laughing at me.

Get me out of this.

Unca Mark. Buddy. Pal.

Friend to doggies in need.

Take the hat off me.

Can I have your pizza instead then?

Free! I'm Free!

Mommy?

Where are you?

Fall is Here!

2010-10-29T21:25:00.000-05:00

It's an acorn.

A big acorn.

wow.

Can we walk now?

Oh look.

Another acorn.

Acorns get in my paws and I don't like them.

I peed. Let's move on.

At the Grafton Lighthouse

2010-10-14T22:51:00.000-05:00

I'm smiling.

Really.

I'm perfectly happy all by my lonesome.

Tied to the lighthouse.

Really.

Jake the Metro Dog

2010-10-11T23:39:00.001-05:00

Jake's a metro dog. Out and about on the town!

Jake taking in the City Garden

(Picture taken by Mark of romeofthewest.com)

Watching the Barges on the River

Are we done?

I wanna go look for lady dogs.

Try not to cramp my style k?

Jake at Klondike Park

2010-10-08T23:16:00.000-05:00

Uhm....

I want out.

Are we playing Chinese Fire Drill?

I can't open the door to play....

That was delicious.

Uhm. Nuttin. I wasn't eating nuttin...

The fog's gonna get me!

Can we go walk now??

Sigh

Really. This is a walk. You go places.

Not stay here and take pictures.

Let's go....

Hey...you're in there without me!

*sniff snort*

Whatcha doin?

(seriously. Jake wouldn't leave his walking buddy.)

While we are waiting, can I have another bacon guy?

I so sad and pitiful

I need more bacon.

and something's stuck on my nose

so I need bacon.

You need to work on better shots Mom

I don't look good with power plants in the background.

Can we go walk yet???

sigh

I'm only here because you put a bacon guy here.

dum de dum da dum

I so happy

walkie walkie

sniff snort sniff

Hey Mom!

Come On!

I gots place to pee on and things to sniff!

Blessing of the Animals

2010-10-03T23:52:00.000-05:00

In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the local Franciscan parish, St. Anthony of Padua, blesses animals every year on the Feast of St. Francis which is October 4. Of course I took Jake to get blessed! I took Jake last year and it followed roughly the same structure.

Jake getting blessed.

Jake and St. Francis of Assisi

Ready for Agility Trials!!

2010-09-30T21:36:00.002-05:00

Whatever Mom

2010-09-26T22:58:00.000-05:00

Whatever.

I was really enjoying sniffing that hole over there.

I'm not photogenic today anyways....

Jake the Sailor Dog

2010-09-23T22:42:00.000-05:00

I'm Jake the Sailor Dog!

I'm strong to the finish

cause I eat me spinach

I'm Jake the Sailor Dog!

AROOOOOOO

(Mom...I don't like spinach....)

I wanna statue of me!

Jake at the Balloon Race!

2010-09-18T23:05:00.000-05:00

This is what I think :P

I wants to go sniff the bunny balloon,

not look at.

I wanna go walk.

Stop takin my picture.

WALK WALK!

AROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

(yes. he howled.)

Can I have a cookie?

I wanna go sniff.

I'm not digging!

2010-09-16T20:39:00.001-05:00

Jake at Howell Island..part 1

2010-09-11T22:03:00.000-05:00

Capt'n Jake's favorite second mate (His mom's first mate), Mark, offered to take Jake to a new port of call on the way back from Pirate Fest.

We stopped at Howell Island Conservation Area on the Missouri River. Unfortunately, the Missouri was over the causeway in Centaur Chute. It was too deep and fast for Jake to cross. I also didn't have bug spray or the right shoes. We plan on going back when the river is much lower!

Yes I know you gave me nice fresh water in the car.

I don't want that water.

I want this water.

Is this good?

I don't want to get any closer.

My paws might get wet.

Is this side better?

I'm not crossing that.

No way.

Jake at the Pirate Fest!

2010-09-11T21:04:00.000-05:00

Arrr Me Scurvy Dogs! Capt'n Jake here! I went a plunderin' booty today.

MOOOOOMMMM!!!

You were supposed to get me an eye patch!

Not wings!!!

Pirates don't wear wings!!!!

I believe I can fly!

(especially when you have a cheezeburger)

Red Bull...it gave me wings.

Okay. I guess the wings are cool

d na na na na na na

BAT DOG

d na na na na na na

BAT DOG!

*POW*

I is sleepy.

I tired.

Let's have the siege tomorrow.

Jake at Bangert Island

2010-09-10T22:50:00.000-05:00

On Monday (9/9/10) Jake and I went to Bangert Wildlife Area in St. Charles right off the KATY Trail. The is an "island" in the Missouri River. It's been closed since I found out about and it was finally open again. If the Missouri River is high, you can't get to it. Or if there is a danger of flash flooding. Although the island is flat, the trail goes up and down a bit. Nothing very steep. In some places you are walking through mud and in other places, like on top the hills, you are walking through river silt. It is a very popular area for mountain bikers; we ran into quite a few on our walk. There are a couple of different trails: Jake and I took the trail straight down the middle and then the loop that was closest to the island's edge. Although the skeeters weren't bad, I bet they are terrible in the spring as the area is pretty swampy. It was nice and shady.

Jake crossing the Missouri River.

Seriously.

I wants a cookie.

No really.

I want a cookie.

Those salmon crunchies don't count.

I'm going to stand right here in the worst possible spot

(for pictures)

and eat my cookie.

Uhm...

I'm not eating anything...

really....

Uh...let's keep walking...

Uhm...Mommy...

I'm stuck...

I spent quite awhile picking burrs out of Jake's fur..

my favorite thing to do on walkies

sniff sniiiiiiiiiiiff sniff

Jake at the KATY Trail..Part 1..St. Charles

2010-09-10T20:52:00.000-05:00

of many!

Jake has decided he wants to walk the KATY Trail. It's 225 miles long. This presents a tiny challenge because Jake can only walk at most 3 miles (1.5 miles one way) a stretch. But we are slowly working on it.

Today (9/10) we walked part of the KATY from the end at Frontier Park in St. Charles to Blanchette Landing.

The KATY is home to a variety of wildlife.

Here's Jake checking out the local smells.

I can't drink this...it's muddy.

And I'm not getting any closer.

I might get wet.

(It's the Missouri River)

See.

I didn't like it over there

Cause you weren't there.

(Some doggie wouldn't stay where I put him...)

Jake's Birthday!

2010-08-16T22:56:00.000-05:00

Jake, because he was adopted, doesn't have a birthday. I decided to give him one. I choose August 16 as Jake's b-day. August 16 is the feast of St. Roch, who is the patron saint of dogs and dog lovers :).

A cheeseburger!!!

Just what I always wanted.

Gee, Mom, couldn't you spring for a bigger one?

(This was seconds before Jake ran off with the burger and candle...

I just rescued the candle from being eaten...)

OOOO

For ME???

Don't sing.

Just gimmie...

MY FAVORITE!

ICE CREAM!

Note: Blow out candle before basset attacks...

Hold on..

I can get all in my mouth..

I need a doggie bag.

Jake at Elephant Rocks State Rock

2010-08-12T22:06:00.000-05:00

On August 6 Jake and I went to Elephant Rock State Park. This is an awesome park with neat geological features. This park also has a handicap accessible trail, specifically for the visually impaired. The entire path is paved and is about a mile. There are a couple of side trails and forks in the road that aren't but are still easy for Jake.

Come on Mom

Let's go.

I wanna see the elephants.

Where the elephants??

Elephants! Up Ahead

I wonder what the poo tastes like...

Where's the woof?

I'm still looking for the elephants...

This is fun.

Untie me and let's hit it!

Hey!

The elephants are rocks.

I wanted to see an elephant....

I'm cute.

I wanna cheeseburger.

This is Fat Man's Squeeze.

I fit perfectly.

Ha Ha

Are you stuck mommy?

You should take me for more walkies.

This was fun.

Let's come back!

Jake at Laumeire Sculpture Park

2010-08-11T23:18:00.000-05:00

Jake's usually pretty tolerant.

He so did not want to get in this cat.

You can see how happy he is.

Another picture in which Jake looks thrilled.

What Jake thinks of the art...

Hi!

This is supposed to be sugar.

I'm soo sweet.

Jake at Onondaga Cave State Park

2010-08-06T23:07:00.001-05:00

Jake and I visited Onondaga Cave State Park and walked along the Blue Heron Trail. Unfortunately, doggies are not allowed in the cave. However, if you bring your doggie and then decided to go on a cave tour, the staff will work with you so you don't leave your dog in the car to die in the heat (there was a big sign!).

Here's an entrance to the cave.

I think....

This is awesome!

I'm glad we got lost.

But I'm not going swimmin' k?

Of course I'm not drinking the water Mom.

It's not cold enough.

And it tastes funny...

Jake in the Car

2010-08-06T21:23:00.000-05:00

Hey Mom

Whatcha doing?

Can I get out?

You aren't going to leave me are you????

MOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

LET ME OUT!!!!!!

I WANT OUT!!!!!!!

I WANNA SEEEEEEE!!!!!

Jake at Cliff Cave Park Again

2010-08-02T22:23:00.000-05:00

I so sleepy.

I just want to stay cuddled up.

Well

I guess this is worth it.

I do love walkies though

Jake's Night Out

2010-08-02T00:38:00.000-05:00

A Drink? For Me?

You shouldn't have!

I hope it is delicious.

Slurp..slurp...slurp

ooo

I think I drank too much...

ooof

Note: No bassets were given anything intoxicating for these photographs.

Jake at Weldon Spring - Part 2

2010-07-26T20:47:00.000-05:00

In the 1940s, Weldon Spring was an military munitions plant. Needless to say, that generates a great deal of nasty waste that must be cleaned up before the land can be repurposed. Much of this land has become conservation areas. The majority of the waste was put into a containment cell that is 75 feet high. The US Department of Energy assures everyone that the conservation areas and the containment cell are safe, so safe you can climb to the top of the containment cell.

Since we passed the containment cell on the way back from Weldon Spring CA, Jake and I decided to climb the cell. Okay. I decided and Jake just wagged his tail in agreement.

Wow. That's a lot of stairs.

They were as wide as Jake is long.

That cheeseburger you promised me better be a double.

You are kidding me.

We aren't at the top?

YAY! We made it!

This is awesome Mom.

You are so funny Mom.

Hysterical.

I'm trying to sleep here.

Jake at Weldon Spring CA - Part 1

2010-07-26T20:30:00.000-05:00

Hi!
Because of the break in the weather, Jake and I got up really early this morning and went to Weldon Spring CA to walk on the KATY trail. We started at the Weldon Spring Trailhead and headed towards Greens Bottom. We actually turned around where the trail crosses a levee...as it took Jake and I nearly 35 minutes to make it that far. The KATY Trail in Weldon Spring CA is nice, flat and shady. However, it's not very interesting....it may be more interesting further down. We did hear frogs...

Jake at the Weldon Spring Trailhead of the KATY Trail

We headed in the direction behind Jake.

I don't know what this is, but I'm going to pee on it.

This is so much fun Mom!

Let's go somewhere else!!!

The Boat Ramp at Weldon Spring

Jake chased a red squirrel.

There are only grey ones by us.

Update on Jake 7/20/10

2010-07-25T21:08:00.000-05:00

Let's not go to the Vet mom.

Let's stay in bed and you pet my belly.

See the nice soft belly

You know you want to pet!

CAR RIDE!!!!!

Alright!

I want a cheeseburger!

You tricked me.

See...I'm healthy!

Look at my nice pink tongue!

Mommy....they took my blood.

They took x-rays of my chest and neck.

I wanna go hooooooooooooooome.

The x-rays and blood work has all come back. Jake doesn't have cancer in his chest (unless the radiologist finds something) and his blood work is great. Most likely, the Horner's Syndrome is caused by either an ear infections (which would be in the deep inner ear) or there is no cause. Jake has a CT scan scheduled August 9.

BTW: I've decided Jake needs a birthday. I've declared August 16 as Jake's birthday. It happens to be the feast of St. Roch, patron saint of dogs.

Jake's Cat Scan

2010-07-19T22:35:00.000-05:00

Jake's cat scan

I'm having a little trouble with the positioning..

What do I do to deserve this?

Really Mom. Really.

Jake at Route 66 State Park

2010-07-17T23:17:00.000-05:00

Before the weather became brutal, Jake and I went to Route 66 State Park. This is the second time we've been there. The first time we went, Jake and I went down the wrong set of trails and didn't really enjoy it, as there was no shade and we landed up walking along the road, which I try not to do with the Jakester, who will suddenly dart out into the road, if something smells interesting enough. After some research, I discovered we missed a whole section of the park that goes by the river. So Jake and I went back. It's still not all that shady as the trees are still growing in. However, it is pretty flat. We did see deer. It is a kind of a pain to get to the park as the Route 66 Bridge is permanently closed.

Getting My Kicks on Route 66

Dude

We took this picture months ago.

I want to go into the park.

Let's go.

(hmmm...I can't find the first one - Snup)

Here's part of the trail Jake and I walked on.

I think the Meramec River is to our right.

Sniff Sniff

I smell bunny, or is it deer...

I love going for walkies!

They make me happy.

I think the bunny went this way!!!

If we hurry I could catch it!!!

I Gots A Bagel...

2010-07-17T22:52:00.000-05:00

And you can't have it...

so stop trying to take it Mom.

Jake at the Forest Park Waterfall

2010-07-17T22:03:00.000-05:00

sniff. sniff. snort. sniff.

What? There's a pretty waterfall behind me?

I sniff a bunny.

That's so awesomer.

My paws.

They are wet.

Why?

Happy National Ice Cream Day

2010-07-17T20:13:00.000-05:00

Yum!

Jake snubbed the doggie ice cream.

He's so spoiled.

Pondering....

2010-07-16T20:09:00.000-05:00

Jake has Horner's Syndrome

2010-07-15T20:29:00.000-05:00

On Friday evening, I noticed Jake's left eye was really red and his third eyelid was raised. Since we went to the prairie earlier in the day, I thought he just irritated it running through the tall prairie grass. I attempted to flush out Jake's eye using eye wash. This seemed to make Jake's eye worse. I noticed that Jake's left side was rather droopy. I decided that it would be best to take Jake to the emergency vet because he seemed uncomfortable and I thought he scratched his cornea in the grass. We went to the vet, who stained Jake's eye but there was no scratch. The vet flushed Jake's eye again and prescribed some eye drops.

Jake's eye wasn't getting any better, so I took him to his regular vet on Tuesday. She diagnosed Jake with Horner's Syndrome because in addition to the eye looking all ooky, his pupil is small and not responding correctly. She advised calling the dermatologist who treated Jake's ears to make sure it wasn't a complication from the surgery. I've spoken with the dermatologist who is believes it is not a complication for surgery. The dermatologist recommended seeing a neurologist sooner than later. One course of treatment for Horner's is to wait 6-8 weeks to see if it resolves itself. However because one of the possible causes of Horner's is cancer in the chest, it might not be prudent to wait.

Jake has a neurology appointment at UM-Columbia Vet School Monday Morning and chest x-rays on Tuesday afternoon.

Links about Horner's Syndrome:
From Mar Vista Vet: Horner's Syndrome
From Dr. Fosters & Smith: Horner's Syndrome

Chillin'

2010-07-06T22:31:00.000-05:00

Jake at the Riverfront

2010-07-06T00:18:00.000-05:00

Jake wanted to see the geyser in East St. Louis today. He also wanted to see the Arch and St. Louis skyline from the other side of the river. As I do what Jake wants, I took him over. There is a big viewing platform you can walk up. Jake and I were one ramp from the top before security demanded Jake get off the platform (THE INDIGNITY--Jake). There is no sign anywhere that says Jake isn't allowed so I was rather bummed because it was a pretty good climb for Jake.

Jake on the Mississippi River Observation Platform

We got yelled at right after I took this picture.

Jake and the St. Louis Skyline

Jake and the Gateway Geyser

Jake is very sad the geyser wasn't as big as promised.

That or he discovered I ran out of jerky.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

2010-07-04T20:06:00.002-05:00

Why can't I just eat a flag cookie? How about a patriotic bandana? Why the indignity? oooo forbidden jerky.....well maybe one or two! --Jake

Remember! Dogs and fireworks don't mix!

After the Park

2010-07-02T22:58:00.000-05:00

Jake at Fort Bellafontaine

2010-06-30T23:26:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday morning, Jake and I went to Fort Bellafontaine to walk. We went down the wrong path and landed up on the wrong trail. Ooops. We did eventually locate the Grand Staircase, but it was way too steep for Jake to manage.

Private Jake reporting for duty!

I'm keeping an eye out for Pirates!

Jake on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge Rte 66

2010-06-30T22:46:00.000-05:00

Jake was getting his kicks on Route 66 where it crossed the Mississippi River.

Squint really hard and you can see the Arch!

What? What do you mean No More Jerky???

2010-06-29T23:44:00.001-05:00

This is my happy face.

This is you want to give me my favorite jerky treats face.

I so happy when you give me my favorite treats!

This is my unhappy face.

What???

What do you mean my favorite jerky treats have sugar in them???

What do you mean I can't have them anymore?

But, but I love them!

Look again

My happy face.

Give me the jerky treats & you will see happy jake!

I was reading an article about the increase in obese pets (not me! -- Jake) and the article mentioned that 10 years ago, dog treats did not contain sugar, but today, it is often the third or fourth ingredient. Dogs have developed a sweet tooth. I got these chicken and rice jerky stick things from Trader Joes. Jake goes insane when he sees/smells them. The other day, he rolled over for one. Seriously. I thought, no Trader Joes wouldn't put sugar in the chicken and rice sticks. Who puts sugar in with chicken and rice anyway? I checked the ingredient list: organic cane sugar was 4th and organic molasses was 5th. That seems like a lot of sweetener for a chicken and rice stick. Isn't the molasses enough? Needless to say, no more chicken and rice sticks for Jake. He's very sad about it too. (Please mail me chicken and rice sticks -- Jake)

Jake with Hot Air Balloons

2010-06-29T23:03:00.000-05:00

OH NO!

I'm not Doug!

NO! NO! NO! NO!

Jake at Creve Coeur Lake

2010-06-28T22:09:00.000-05:00

Jake and I went to Creve Coeur Lake early Monday morning while it was still cool outside. Unfortunately, it was humid. Jake and I walked along the lake. One side of the lake is shady while the other side has no shade. The path is very flat. The only issue is that the park is very busy. For it being 9 am on a Monday morning it was incredibly busy on the trail. Lots of bikers zooming by.

Look. I'm standing by the lake.

Can I have my jerky now?

All tired out.

I need jerky.

Mommy and baby deers

Jake Rolling Over

2010-06-27T20:39:00.000-05:00

LOOK!

I'm rolling over!

Like a dog!

Can I have the jerky in your pocket now?

PLEEASE!

Jake at Cliff Cave Park

2010-06-26T14:32:00.000-05:00

Since it cooled off on Thursday evening and Jake was all squirrelly, Jake and I went to Cliff Cave Park. There are a couple different trails, Jake and I walked on the Spring Valley Trail and Mississippi River Trail. The Nature Trail is currently closed because of flood debris.

First Jake and I walked along the first part of the Spring Valley Trail which leads to Cliff Cave. This trail was rather rocky and crossed creeks. Jake was not amused. To get up some parts of the trail, Jake had to scrabble up and jump.

Does this not look like the happiest basset?

Jake is like my paws...they are wet.

This is part of the trail.

We didn't go on this part.

More of the trail.

After this trail, Jake wanted to go the overlook and look at the Mississippi River. He's a very existential doggie. Very Reflective.

This is the Mississippi River Trail.

Nice, flat and paved.

As you can see, Jake was very excited.

He was rather tired of me taking pictures.

I think if Jake and I go back, we will stick to the Mississippi River Trail. It's not very shady as it goes along the prairie, so we will have to wait until it is cooler.

Jake at Byrnes Mill Park

2010-06-26T13:42:00.001-05:00

Hi all!
Jake and I went to a farmer's market at Byrnes Mill Park on Friday, June 25. Jake was adored and got some homemade doggie cookies. We also walked around in the park for a bit. It was a lot hotter than I had anticipated and I also was wearing the wrong shoes. (I was wearing birks, which are not the best for mud, steep inlines, or rocky beaches.)

We went down a rather long steepish staircase (the steps themselves were fairly wide) and saw this:

This is the Big River.

I think.

We walked a little way up and down the shores for a bit. Have I mentioned that Jake hates getting his paws wet? We saw this:

To get closer, we had to walk through a bit of water. Someone had placed a 2x4 across the bit of water..

Yes. That's Jake. Doing everything in his power not to get his paws wet.

He got across with only dropping his back paw in the water.

Jake and I plan to go back when it is cooler and I have the right shoes on!

Jake at Al Foster Trail

2010-06-25T22:11:00.000-05:00

Hello!

This morning while it was still relatively cool out, Jake and I went to walk along the Al Foster Trail in St. Louis County. The trail follows the Meremac River on a ridge and connects to Castlewood State Park. For the most part, the gravel trail is shaded. Although essentially flat, I thought there seemed to be a slight slope to the trail. The Wabash, Frisco and Pacific Railroad has track that runs along the trail, so if you have a dog that acts badly in the presence of trains, don't go on Sundays. For a Friday morning, the trail was relatively crowded with bikers and joggers. Jake and I walked about 20 minutes down the trail..that's usually about how long it takes him to do somewhere between a quarter and a half a mile.

A section of the trail

Moon over My Jake

2010-06-24T22:44:00.000-05:00

Taken at Cliff Cave Park

Jake at Beckemeier Conservation Area

2010-06-22T21:46:00.000-05:00

On May 27, 2010, Jake and I went to Beckemeier Conservation Area right next to Faust Park in St. Louis County. I chose this park because the trail was short and I thought it would be a good start to visiting different parks. Apparently, I don't know how to read a topographical map correctly. I knew it was hilly, but I thought (looking at the map) that it wasn't all that steep and it was flat once you got to the ridge line. I forgot to check the scale. It was really steep getting to the ridge line and up from the ridge line. It was so steep in spots that Jake actually slide down the trail at one point. The trail along the ridge line wasn't wide enough for Jake and I to walk side by side. The trail starts off in a glen/prairie area and then drops into the forest so it is pretty shady but not in the glen/prairie.

Link to Beckemeier CA.

It doesn't look so bad here...

Jake happily sniffing in the grass.

The trail in the woods

Jake at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

2010-06-21T23:49:00.000-05:00

Because it is so gruesomely hot and humid, if Jake wants a walk, we have to get up really early to go. To celebrate the arrival of summer, Jake and I got up and 4:15 am and drove to Columbia Bottom Conservation Area to watch the sun rise over the confluence (where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers meet). Unfortunately, although the conservation area was open, the gate to the confluence itself was still closed. However, there is a trail from the fishing peer to the confluence, called the River's Edge. They aren't kidding. In some places there is no buffer between the river and the trail. One misstep and you are going swimming. This trail is dirt and goes up and down. Jake even did some climbing over tree limbs. There is another trail, the Confluence trail, which is asphalt and flat as a pancake, but it has shade only on one side. Both of these trails are a little on the long side for Jake. I think the River's Edge Trail is 3 miles while the Confluence Trail is in the neighborhood of 4-5 miles. Jake and I walked about 1/2 mile down the River's Edge Trail from the fishing peer.

Here's the Confluence Trail.

Columbia Bottom is rather large and has multiple exploration stations so that you can learn about the wildlife in the area. It is a beautiful area. One thing you do want to watch for is flooding. Since is is flat as a pancake, it floods rather easily. Also, hunting is allowed at various times so you might want to invest in an orange safety vest for your dog (and you) instead of say fake antlers.

Hey Mom...uhm could you get me unstuck....

no...stop taking pictures....

help me...

This is the confluence.

Right. So I posed all cute and all...can I have the jerky?

Jerky for me....

But I want to look at the turtles....

(the viewing platform is under water by at least 5 inches if not more)

This is the frog that Jake chased (this is a new behavior for Jake).

The frog got away by hopping across Jake's paw.

Jake was very confused by this.

Mr. Froggy...where are you....

The circle is where I found the frog to take his picture.

As you can see, Jake's frog hunting skills need some practice.

Last one to the car gets all wet!

(This is the fishing pier...which was flooded.)

Link to Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Jake at GreenTree Park

2010-06-20T22:21:00.000-05:00

On Friday, June 18, 2010, Jake and I went to Green Tree Park in Kirkwood/Valley Park off Marshall Road. This was not the park we were originally going to go to, but we got lost.

It's a nice flat little park that is shady off and on. The trail follows the Meramec River and links into Simpson Park, a St. Louis County Park via the RiverWalk Trail.

The Trail

The River

Duuuuude

I'm at the park.

Radical.

I'm a little peckish.

I sniffed a bunny.

I can't back up!

I'll go in the water!

I can't get wet!!!

Patriotic Jake

2010-06-15T22:58:00.000-05:00

BUNNY!!!!!!!

2010-06-12T21:55:00.000-05:00

BUNNY!!!!

I SMELL A BUNNY!!!!

BUNNY!!!!

THERE!!!

BUNNY!!!

Come On mom let's go chase it!!!

Please!!!

Jake at the CWE Art Fair!

2010-06-11T23:45:00.000-05:00

Hello!
My mom's too busy playing with her cyberdogs working on her dissertation to tell you about our Friday night. We went to the Central West End to see the art, listen to the music and take in the cool urban hip scene. Well that is why my mom and my buddy Mark went. I went to be adored and to find dropped pieces of food. And to meet some new doggies.

Here is a young fan adoring me.

Lots of people came up and petted me and exclaimed how cute I was.

sniff sniff

The food, er art, is this way!

I haven't been to the CWE so there were lots of new smells.

There were lots of cool artists and some cool music. I don't know why my mom cringed everytime we got near glass and my tail started to wag... We passed by a guitar player and mom tossed in some money...I had to go sniff and make sure she didn't throw in my cookie money... One really nice artist had a bowl full of milkbones. I had 2. I wanted another one but....

YUM! Parm Fries! YUM!

Please, mom, can I have more?

We walked around alot. I met a great pyrenees, a corgi, a couple different terriers, an Australian Shepherd and all sorts of other doggies. It was great fun.

I was a little disappointed by the lack of basset artwork. I mean I'm totally cute and adorable. Why wasn't there artwork of me?

This is my cute, tired dog look.

Wouldn't I look great in art?

Jake on the Computer

2010-06-10T23:20:00.002-05:00

This is my social network, plurk. It's great!

They make me ROFL!

Is it Walk Time Yet?

2010-06-10T22:40:00.000-05:00

Seriously. I wanna go for a walk.

I'm not getting up......

2010-06-05T22:55:00.000-05:00

(click image for bigger)

Working in a Coal Mine

2010-06-03T21:54:00.002-05:00

click on the images for a bigger image!

Jake at St. Francis River

2010-06-03T21:27:00.001-05:00

(clicking on the image will take you to flickr and a bigger picture :) )

Jake at the St. Francis River in Silver Mines Recreation Area, USFS.
Taken June 3, 2010

River des Peres Greenway

2010-05-31T23:04:00.000-05:00

One of Jake's favorite trails is the River des Peres Trail. This is a very nice trail for a senior dog as it is flat, flat, flat. The bridges curve a bit but it is very gentle. There is off-street parking. The only downside is that the newer sections from the trailhead at I-55 and Germania to around Gravios and Carondelet/River des Peres Blvd has next to no shade. The shade is currently growing and in 5 years will probably be lovely. The trail does cross River des Peres Blvd and Carondelet but there are designated lights which you can activate to cross, which gives Jake just enough to time to waddle across. The trail doesn't loop. Parking at the middle trailhead could be a problem during soccer season.

Jake at one of the entrances

DUCKIES!!!! See the duckies mommy???

Jake on the bridge across the River des Peres

The Trail

For more info:

Trailnet

Jake Hits the Trails

2010-05-28T23:06:00.001-05:00

Greetings and Salutations!

Jake loves going to the park and loves going to new parks. The problem is I never know what parks are good for Jake and which ones to avoid. Jake's blog has been kind of stagnant too. Then I had an idea! What if Jake and I went to different parks and reviewed them for dog-friendlyness! We will be looking at trail surface, shade, and general old dog friendliness.

So come join us on our hikes! If you have suggestions of places to check out, drop Jake a line in the comment box!

Let's Roll!

Jake in Faust Park

2010-05-28T21:30:00.002-05:00

On Thursday Jake and I visited Faust Park. There didn't seem to be any trails and Jake was already pretty tired so we just took some pictures and headed home.

Jake and a Monarch Butterfly

Jake and Heimlich

I'm too sexy for the park...too sexy for the park...

Summertime Treat!

2010-05-28T20:54:00.000-05:00

The best of summer:

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.

Proof my mommy loves me!

Jake in Indiana

2010-05-16T13:26:00.000-05:00

Woofs!

Jake and I went to Indiana yesterday.

Jake in Indiana

Indiana...smells good.

Think I'll start peeing on stuff over there.

Jake at the City Garden

2010-05-09T20:17:00.000-05:00

The City Garden is in the middle of downtown St. Louis. If you start in front of the Arch and walk straight West, you run into it. It's across from Channel 5.

Come on...don't tie me up here.

I wanna go into the garden and pee on the frightening sculptures.

Let me tell you how much Jake enjoyed this fountain.

It took 2 people to get these shots.

And then Jake stood over one of the jets when it went off..

He was so not amused.

Jake at Keiner Plaza looking at the waterfall.

Jake and Roses

2010-05-07T21:27:00.000-05:00

I'm just going to sniff these roses k?

Every basset should take time to stop and smell the roses!

But I don't want to go home....