Meet Jake, the Rectory Dog!

A reader in Vermont sent this my way: the story of a priest’s best friend, who happens to have four legs:      

The Rev. Charles Ranges and Jake, a small, 8 -year-old black and white papillon, have been a staple around Essex Junction for nearly four years. The two live together in Holy Family parish’s sprawling rectory on Prospect Street, providing each other companionship and humor.

The Burlington Free Press caught up with Ranges, asking him about Jake “the Rectory Dog,” and what a typical day is like for the two.

How did Jake come to live here at Holy Family with you?

Jake actually belongs to another priest, and he lived with him in Nicolle Hall at St. Michael’s College, but the other Edmundite priests decided he had to go. It was decided he’d come here.

What’s Jake’s favorite part of living here at the rectory?

He likes it when the doorbell rings and people come to visit. He likes the attention he gets from visitors. My secretary, Lisa, tried to put a Halloween costume on him, but he would have none of that. He did like to look out the window at all of the kids coming to trick or treat. He also really enjoys meal times and he also likes to ride in the car.

What does Jake enjoy about the Essex Junction community?

He really loves it when I take him for walks. The rectory is between Summit and Founders schools, and his favorite parts of the day are the morning and the afternoon when the kids come to and then leave school. He gets lots of attention from the school kids. He also gets treats from the school crossing guard.

What are your observations about Jake?

He adds a lot of attention from people, and sometimes people talk to him before they greet me. I wonder if Jake thinks I’m jealous, but I’m kidding.

Read the rest.