Jolly Jack arrived on a transport from Memphis earlier this week. Through sheer timing and luck, we were able to get him into Anicira to be neutered on Wednesday, thanks to a little help from the Humane Society of Shenandoah County.
This pup is pretty much turn-key. JJ is already solidly housebroken (sigh of relief here), walks pretty well on a leash (considering he is still young and excitable), and is quiet in his crate (and kind of getting used to having to go in it).
Mostly, he is just a JOYFUL pup. His name is perfect.
JJ’s default expression is WONDER, as if he can’t believe his luck in being here, meeting YOU (and YOU and YOU and YOU), and having this lovely space to bound around in. He ping-pongs from toy to toy, carrying them in his mouth as he prances across the yard, only to drop that one when he spots another as if he’s thinking, “Look at this! But, wait! Look at this one! Boy o boy o boy!”.
I often think my foster dogs seem grateful – not just for the food or treats or toys, but in the way they behave. They’ve often experienced the worst people have to offer, and so they don’t take any kindness for granted, even the smallest effort.
Jolly Jack certainly experienced some dark days, kenneled as he was at Memphis Animal Services, in spaces with no natural light and rarely getting outside. With over 300 dogs in the building, not enough volunteers, and multiple distemper outbreaks that have closed the building to the public during his month at MAS, it had to have been stressful.
Yes, his response is all out JOY. People may have let him down before, but that doesn’t stop him from giving all of us another chance. He expects you to like him because he already LOVES you.
After a long, very hard shelter tour, he is a balm for my soul.
And while I love having him here, I am anxious for him to move on and start the life he is meant to have with his forever family. Oh, what lucky people they will be.
If you or anyone you know is looking to add a furry family member, you will hit the lottery by adopting Jolly Jack. Email me to find out how to make him a part of your family (or if you have questions) at Cara@wwldo.org.
Meanwhile, here are his stats:
Jolly Jack is approximately one year old, weighs 43 pounds, is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines. He LOVES all people and dogs he has met. He also loves my cat (but she doesn’t love him back so they have not spent a lot of time together). He is house-trained, working on crate-training, and doing well on a leash. He is friendly, snuggly, and playful. He has not done any kind of destructive chewing, and I trust him alone, out of the crate in the cottage.
Today, I’m taking him to the Farmer’s Market and possibly to a winery (have to find out if they are dog-friendly). I’ll post pictures and videos of his adventures on the Another Good Dog Facebook group.
Until Each One Has a Home,
Cara
If you like what you read and want to support my writing, consider buying me a cup of coffee.
For information on my writing and books, visit CaraWrites.com.
Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues is a primer for those new to the cause, an invitation to get involved, and a source of inspiration for those already working tirelessly to save lives. With stories of successful shelters, innovative strategies, and the key ingredients for success—strong leadership, veterinary access, and community engagement—it’s a celebration of what’s working and a call to scale those solutions nationwide. Learn more and get your copy and/or send one to a shelter or rescue on our website. Also available in paperback and e-book on Amazon.
If you’d like regular updates of all our foster dogs past and present, plus occasional dog care/training tips, and occasional foster cat updates (!) be sure to join the Facebook group, Another Good Dog.
And if you’d like to know where all these dogs come from and how you can help solve the crisis of too many unwanted dogs in our shelters, visit WhoWillLetTheDogsOut.org and subscribe to our blog where we share stories of our travels to shelters, rescues, and dog pounds.
If you can’t get enough foster dog stories, check out my book: Another Good Dog: One Family and Fifty Foster Dogs. Or its follow up that takes you to the shelters in the south One Hundred Dogs & Counting: One Woman, Ten Thousand Miles, and a Journey Into the Heart of Shelters and Rescues.
I love to hear from readers and dog-hearted people! Email me at carasueachterberg@gmail.com.
If you’d like to support the work we do (and save the rescue and me some money), shop our Amazon wishlist. We are currently in need of chicken and chicken-byproduct-free, high-quality food, puppy treats, large dog beds (or cover replacements any size – we can cut the memory foam pieces I have to fit).
If you’d like to take a vacation with your whole pack, consider visiting one of our two dog-WELCOMING vacation rentals. Visits BringDogs.com to learn more.
Another Good Dog™ 