My memory of Jake was his smile. I knew him though middle school and some of high school. He made you smile no matter what was wrong. And that smile was so contagious you just couldn't help but smile with him. God bless Jake's family.

I am one of Jake's cousins in colorado. I remember when his family would come visit we would play house and many other child games, I always remembered his contagious smile. The only thing I regret is leaving the last family reunion early and not getting to see him one last time. The day I found out about his death I searched for photos of him and I found him smiling into the camera. I just understand how hard this must have been for his family. To loose two children (Jake and his sister Anne,as well as her daughter) must be uncomprehensable. With all the sadness it is nice to know that he touched so many people. I love you Jake and you will be misses! Courtney B.

I really feel bad for everyone involved with this story. I used to live out in Colorado. It is a very beautiful State. It is sad, very much so. Im writing in regards to the News Article, A missing man, A Husband, A father... The family Dog. For 6 long weeks this man has been missing... And the only thing here to write about is the family dog... No background as to why the disappearence...? No leading questions, or build up to the "gone missing" date. It just doesn't happen out of clear day. There is an emotional downward decline prior to something like this occuring. I would tend to believe that a person who was going a 100 miles away to do this... Would not disappear with the family dog. To make a long story short, This News Article ends with the statement that the little boy was "very close to that dog" and happy to see her again. This is how they end the article..? "very close to "That Dog"? not even the justification of mentioning the "that dogs" name. ??? and I wonder y I can't sleep at night.

Everyday I look at this his little boy and each day I see my Jake in him more and more....Even though he is gone for awhile I know thanks to his family and a small number of his very close friends he will never be forgotten... No matter how many days pass it has not gotten easier..We both really miss him so much...

Ivory Owl performs

I am so sorry for your loss and believe that you will know Jake is okay when the breeze touches your cheek. I am sorry Jake felt he had to make the choice, but know that it was not that he did not love you. This I believe with all my heart.

He had such a beautiful smile...i will miss him always and forever......

Suicide is often committed by someone with a mental illness. Just shut up.

Suicide is often committed by someone with a mental illness. Just shut up.

I met Jake about a month prior to this happening, he was a great man who bragged constantly about the love he had for both Lane and Cash . I hope he has found peace and his family has found closure. My prayers go out to his family and friends

As I was reading this story, it touched me, as i lost a high school sweetheart to suicide. I am sorry for the loss to this family, and I wanted to share with your readers something I learned from my experience...Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problems...please, anybody, if you are having a hard time, get some help, there is someone that loves you, and don't forget, this is a loss of faith...God is always there. As long as you do what is right in your heart , your part, God will always do his part, he promises everlasting love. He has yet to disappoint, and I have many times had to apologize to Him for doubting. God bless you. Angela in Phoenix, Arizona

To all who have left their comments on this webpage: As one of Jakes relatives, I would like to thank all of you for your kind words. I wish I had gotten to spend more time with him, but we lived states apart. He was a great cousin and I know myself and the rest of my family will miss him. - Darcy

I meet Jake when he was 3 and I was 5 he was like a BROTHER I will miss him so much

I didn't know the family or Jake, but came across the article with the headline "most couragous pets". I feel incredible sorry for the 2 year old boy. The pain he is going to deal with growing up. Thank goodness they found his body and have closure. May Jake rest in peace and may his son grow up to understand that this has nothing to do with him....

GOD Bless Cash. How sweet and so sad.

My wife and I used to live 2 doors down from John and Evelyn Cruz, Jake's mother and stepdad. We became good friends with them and consequently that is how we met Jake. Just a high schooler at the time, he was very polite, mild and considerate kid. I remember his K5 blazer and knowing when he was coming to see his mother, it sounded like a race car coming down the road. He always seemed to have a big smile and was always extremely pleasant to be around. I knew him only briefly and lost track of him when we moved. My best wishes are with his wife, son and mother Evelyn and brother Luke as well as the rest of the family and friends. I cannot imagine the grief and hopelessness that he must have felt thinking that taking his own life was the answer. Deepest respect, Matt & Melissa Miller

This story really touched me. I'm saddended by the loss of what sounds like a great man. And being such an animal lover, I fell in love with Cash when I heard of her heroic deeds. RIP Jake and God Bless Cash and the Baysinger Family/Friends. I wish you all the best and hope you find comfort and closure during this difficult time! Rachel Tilley

Jake - you will be so missed. I will remember you for being Mark's best friend...the one who could make him laugh the hardest. He misses you more than words can say....thank you for the memories you gave to him...those will last a lifetime. Your smile will stay in our hearts forever. Much love, Mark Kelly's fiancee...Jennifer

Touched. Rest in peace.

When I see Jake in my mind, I just see this huge smile that went from ear to ear. It is shocking to me that he could do such a thing, but we can not know what led him to this point of hopelessness. Many people think it is horrible that he took his dog out to this desolated place, but I am glad he didn't die alone, and that he had his best friend with him. Jake loved that dog so much, and he loved his son so much, and it so sad that things got so out of control for him, We will miss him, and please don't judge him harshly . He was a sweet guy.

Very sad for his family but one of amazing animal devotion. I don't get something though. It says he died Jul 28, 2008. That was only 16 days ago, not 6 weeks ago. Did I miss something in the story?

My sympathy to the family, suicide is devastating. Let us hope that Jake has the peace he was seeking. And, as an owner of German Shepherds, I can truly appreciate the dedication, love, and loyalty displayed by this breed. May God bless Jake, his family, and, of course, his canine companion to the end.

I have a dog myself. I know he will always be by my side. RIP Jake.

Being the dog lover that I am, this story almost made me cry. It is extremely sad that Jake decided to take his life and leave his wife and child. It is also heart-warming to know that someone, even a dog, can have so much love for someone.