This is a bit of a belated post, dear blog-readers, and for that, we apologize. Those of you who visit our farm regularly are well aware that we have a motley crew of canines that accompany us everywhere. We refer to them as the "welcoming committee". The leader of the pack was Jake (shown above), Donna's "right hand dog". He showed up on the farm, about 13 years ago...full grown, out of nowhere, and said "Hi. I'm going to live here now." He was the perfect dog, gentle, quiet, never needed a leash or did anything wrong. He was just..there, steadfast, calm, and wonderful. He adored Donna with all his canine heart, and was there for her in great times of need. Time passed, and while his spirit remained valiant and true, his body became old, and simply didn't work anymore. He passed away, peacefully at home, surrounded by his human, canine and feline family, shortly after Christmas. So next time you visit the farm, you won't see the big lovable chocolate lab there....but we know for sure that he is with us in spirit.