Remembering Jayk

Jayk was born June 8, 2000 in Ramona, California. His mother was a purebred Australian Shepherd and his father was a German shepherd mix. On August 5, 2000 Jayk came into my life. After talking to countless breeders and looking at numerous dogs, Jayk was the one that really caught my eye.

On August 5th, I went to Ramona see some puppies, there was a litter of six, all boys. That was awesome because I was able to look at all the puppies in the litter. I got to see how they interacted with each other. When I looked in the box the puppies where in one pjup really caught my eye. It was this calm pup with this striking white stripe running down the center of his face. I asked the breeder to pick him up so I could see him. After a few minutes of holding him, I placed him on the ground to kick back and watch him. I wanted to make sure all his parts worked. They did and I knew I wanted him. To make sure, I was getting ready to look at another puppy in the litter but just as I was getting ready to pick up another puppy, Jayk’s mother plopped him on my feet. I took that as a sign that she wanted him to be with me. And as they say the rest is history.

While going through his puppy phase, Jayk tested his boundaries (that’s what puppies do). He and I attended obedience classes; boy did I learn a lot. Jayk excelled in his class, he was the star of the class. Jayk had a high level of intelligence, drive and determination.

Jayk loved everything and everyone he met; he didn’t have a mean bone in his body. Kong’s, Frisbees, tennis ball, chewies and other dog toys were his favorite pastimes.

Jayk and I lived in Lemon Grove, Ca. for the first two years of his life. I spent a lot of time working with and socializing him. It was important to me, that I was able to take him anywhere without incident.

In 2002, Jayk and I moved to Denver, Colorado. There we hiked and played at local dog parks. Denver is a very dog friendly city. He loved to hike and swim. If there was a body of water around, it was a guarantee that he would end up in it.

While in Colorado Jayk and I adopted Kato (a border collie/Aussie mix). Jayk helped me train this little guy all the fun things he knew. After figuring out that Jayk and Kato had dominancy issues; Kato ended up going to a friend of mine (Margo P.) in Colorado. A little while after Margo adopted Kato from us, Jayk and I adopted a female German Shepherd (K2). K2 and Jayk were like two peas in a pod. K2 was able to kept him inline, as she quickly taught him who was boss. We also added a kitty to the mix (Blu).

In 2005, Jayk, K2, Blu and I returned back to San Diego, California. From 2005-2008 Jayk, K2 and Blu had the life, my two roommates Keith and Chris spoiled and loved them as there own. Keith owns a house that has a yard, which is awesome for dogs.

In 2008 Jayk, Blu and I moved in with a friend of mine (Joe Barrus. K2 didn’t make the move with us. Keith and Chris adopted K2. Knowing that K2 would have a great place to live made things a lot easier. Also, with my lifestyle, I could not justify having two dogs while I was always working and training for long distance triathlons.

On June 30, 2000, Jayk was diagnosed with Melanoma Cancer. Melanoma is a spreading cancer and it is impossible to contain. It was a tough blow as the doggie doctors gave him 2-3 months to live. After learning about, I started to observe Jayk’s health starting to slip a little bit. After a rough night with Jayk ( I will spare all details), I felt it was the right time to let him go.

As a dog owner I felt it is my duty to make sure he was always well taken care of and loved. I promised Jayk the day that I adopted him that I would never let anything harm or hurt him. On July 24, 2010 I had to honor him and I kept my promise. It was the toughest decision of my life but I love him too much to let him suffer.

I love Jayk more than the words I am writing can express. For 10 years Jayk was my life. I think anyone who saw us interact with each other could see the deep bond that we have. Jayk gave me the best 10 years of my life. There wasn’t a day that went by that I couldn’t wait to get home to him. Jayk loved everybody and everything he met in his journey. Every time I had to leave for work, training etc. I would tell Jayk: Be good, I love you and I will be home in a bit buddy!


Jayk Facts:
Jayk: 6/2000 - 7/2010
Best Friends: Kato, Blu, K2, Astro and Kona
Trails Hiked: 150
Ski Resorts Visited: 15
Favorite Dog Parks: Church Ranch Road & Chatfield Reservoir in Colorado
avorite Place to Hike: Chautau\]qua in Boulder, Co.
Favorite Toy: Tennis Balls
Miles Swam: 50
Favorite words: Walk, Toys and Cookies
Favorite thing to do: Spend time with me
State Visited: 7
Outlasted girlfriends: All
First CD collection he destroyed: Bob Marley
Cell Phones & Remotes chewed: 4


To Jayk,

I will always remember all the good times Jayk and I will always love you Jayk. Kona will benefit from everything you taught me. Thank you for spending your life with me. Jayk; be good, I love you and I will be home in a bit buddy!

Love your doggie daddy,
Kevin Koresky