All dogs deserve to be in a loving home and in the care of responsible owners, but for some dogs, it might take quite some time before they can land a family. These dogs are housed in local shelters where they are up for adoption. But as they wait for their new family, they are under the care of the shelter staff, as they are the ones to feed them, bathe them, and even play with them in their free time.
With this, it is not unusual that they form bonds with the staff, as a large dog named Jax felt with the staff of the Regina Humane Society. When he was finally adopted, he kissed each staff goodbye, thanking them for their service.
Jax’s past before he entered the shelter was not known, but judging from his condition, the staff members of Regina Humane Society knew that he had been on the streets for quite some time now. According to the shelter’s director, Bill Thorn, when Jax arrived, he was very thin, and it looked like he had lived alone for years. Thorn also recalled Jax being very hungry when he arrived, so they made sure to give him the food he needed.
After the team looked after Jax by nourishing him and giving him a medical examination, he was already cleared for adoption. But unfortunately, days after his clearance was issued, Jax fell ill with pneumonia, which would require immediate medical attention. The shelter placed Jax’s adoption clearance on hold as he underwent weeks of treatment until, finally, he recovered and returned to the shelter once again to be one of the dogs ready for adoption.
Road To Adoption
Jax has a sweet nature, which draws people to him, but despite that, searching for a family to adopt him proved to be more challenging as each day passed. Everyone who met Jax said that he barks gently and is affectionate, but that doesn’t seem to make him an instant match for potential adopters who would just walk past his kennel cage.
The reason behind all these is barrier frustration, as the shelter staff would call. When potential adopters reach his kennel, he will bark and grow, which some might mistake as a sign of aggression. In reality, the barking and growling are out of frustration as something is blocking him from receiving the love that he desperately craves.
In Jax’s defense, the shelter tried to explain this behavior to guests, but it seems that first impressions play a huge role in the behavior of potential adopters. The staff even convinced guests for a meet and greet so they could see how Jax is different outside of his kennel. Despite the efforts made to get Jax adopted, he remained in the shelter far more than other dogs, who would typically stay for at least 10-12 days before they get adopted.
As Jax struggles to get adopted, the shelter decides to move him to the front reception area, where he can interact with people and greet those who will enter the front door. It was during this time that he got closer to the staff. Thorn explained that Jax became an instant staff favorite as every one of them knows that he’s a nice dog, but all he needs is the proper place to let potential adopters see what they see in Jax.
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Jax’s New Home
Finally, after months of effort, Jax is finally getting adopted by a man with experience handling big and misunderstood dogs. It was love at first sight, as the connection between Jax and his new owner was instant. It became clear that the two were meant to be together.
During Jax’s adoption day, it was an emotional moment at the Regina Humane Society. The staff decided to gather around to give Jax a proper send-off. But Jax gave a surprise that wasn’t expected of him at all: he kissed each staff goodbye. Before leaving, he went around the room saying his goodbye to the staff who cared for him during his months-long stay.
The tears that were shed by the staff were actually tears of joy as Jax has finally found his forever home. Thorn expressed that it may have taken a while, but at least they have found the perfect match for Jax, and that’s what it’s all about.
Jax would regularly visit the shelter together with his dad to say hello to the staff and show them that he was in good hands.
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From The Club
This definitely backs up the saying that your time will come. While writing, I felt really sad for Jax’s situation since I’ve had dogs having problems with anxiety, which causes their aggressiveness towards strangers. In reality, these dogs are real sweethearts; it’s just that they’re not given a chance to show it to other people.
