In November 1998, Jesse moved to Aurora, Colorado to live with me and begin his career as a couch potato. His public debut came at a New Year's Eve party soon afterwards. Over the next few years, Jesse grew to a burly 205 lbs.

In June 2003, after a series of seizures, Jesse was diagnosed with epilepsy. Doctors prescribed phenobarbital and potassium bromide, which after some adjustment in dosage, controlled the seizures.

However, Jesse became lethargic as the medication slowed his metabolism. In November 2004, doctors diagnosed him with hypothyroid, and prescribed Levothyroxine. That restored his vitality, giving him the energy to watch television.

During his long and relaxing retirement, Jesse lived with me in Denver, and his hobbies included napping, begging for apples, and welcoming guests.

After enduring enlarged discs and pneumonia in the winter of 2007-08, Jesse passed away on February 2, 2008. His giant heart, exhausted from nine years of loving unconditionally, was worn out.