2/22/12

Meet Jake

If it is not ridiculously obvious, I have a massive heart...it is so massive, in fact, that I exhaust every possible effort before quitting...even if I must make some pretty significant sacrifices. It's who I am, and while it takes it toll on me, I am thankful for it...everyday. So many lack even a little sliver of heart...and it's so sad.

I want to introduce Jake, because you'll probably hear a lot about him in the coming weeks. First and foremost, aside from being heartworm positive, he is healthy. He's about 3 years old and he's not neutered; he's got to be a foxhound mix...he and I weigh about the same. To give you an idea, he's twice Tad. Keep that in mind, because in his pictures...he does not look that big.

Jake
I have known Jake since he first came to the family I took him from. In fact, I have puppy pictures of him here on my computer.

Before I start in on Jake's story, please remember that the idea here is to help him, not criticize or belittle his former family REGARDLESS of how we feel. We are in this to help save lives and make the world a better place for these animals. I understand the anger, the sadness, I feel it, too. But there is absolutely no need to fill this entry with hate and horrible wishes for his people. Please try to be a better person than that. If you have nothing nice to say, keep it to yourself. We already know we're all already thinking it.

Jake belonged to someone I know, a family I've known a ridiculously long time. Jake's entire situation has been something that has made me irate from the very beginning. So, trust me...you may be angry, but I can promise you...you have nothing on me.

For most of the last 3 years, Jake was confined to a rope/chain/tie out. From puppy hood, he never had the proper socialization...and any dog left on a rope is a ticking time bomb. Jake is more like a nuclear weapon. He's reaching the end of his fuse. He is to the point where it has been requested that he be euthanized due to his aggressive behavior.

I absolutely refuse to euthanize a dog based off a behavior problem that has not yet been addressed by a professional. That professional I talk about it? Our trusted Uncle Michael, who has been amazing for Tad.

Jake can clear an 8ft privacy fence in seconds, and so he went from being confined to a rope, to be confined to a rope behind a fence. Imagine...3 years, nothing but that rope...watching the world go by without you. I think that you can imagine his frustrations and problems with coping.

It's my understanding that Jake has been escaping his little 'prison', so to speak, and wreaking havoc on the neighborhood and other neighborhood pets. Do I blame him? No way. Is he a bad dog? Absolutely not. Neighbors complain, and thus Jake is given to a new family. From what I am told, his original family was called to come back a couple of hours later and get him because no one in the new family could get near him due to his aggressive behavior towards them.

As an outsider, looking in, I see the massive bomb that Jake is. It won't be long before something happens that cannot be fixed and the county steps in to take over. I am not an amazing dog trainer/behaviorist, but working with Tad and Michael...I see things a lot differently than I used to, even more so after the reading assignment I was given.

I've seen Jake lunge at people, I've seen him attack dogs, namely my own. I've been told he lunges at children and strangers, and recently...I've been told he's starting growling at a baby who is taken care of during the day in this home.

Jake is sweet, kind, and loving to me and his previous family. He just wants scrubbies and belly rubs. However, he has many, many triggers and imagine the way I described Tad in the beginning with his behavior. Picture a dog nearly two times Tad, with aggressive behavior that is nearly ten times worse...and you have Jake. Believe it or not.

I love this face. What a happy boy.
 ...his former family, in my opinion, tries to candy coat most of the problem. I don't blame them, they love their dog dearly, and many people are often blinded by that love. I was, too, with Tad. I often catch myself being blinded again, honestly. Don't get me wrong, I love this dog as well...thus, why he is now with me.

I will not be keeping Jake. Jake will need a home when he is safe to do so. In fact, he's spending his first of many, many nights at work in the farthest kennel in the back. He, like Tad, is a massive liability...and I can't even describe the appreciation I have for my boss, Dr. Holliday, who allowed Jake to live there until he's able to properly live with other animals/people. 

I've discussed him with Michael, who says that Jake sounds like a very hard case (Michael knows more of the story than I will share publicly-because I know many of you cannot handle it). But, hard does not yet mean impossible, and I believe Jake has his first appointment with Michael on the 1st. Cross your fingers, say your prayers.

Jake's pinch collar has been removed.




16 comments:

  1. There's no reason to give up until you've tried everything you can try...thank you for giving this massive boy, who I'm sure is capable of massive amounts of love, a chance.

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  2. Just only Best wishes for You , Jake , tad , the clinic ............. Everyone Involved !!

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  3. God Bless you, Tiffany. You are an angel. I am crying and I admire your heart and your dedication and the fact that you fight so hard for these babies who cannot fight for themselves. <3

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  4. He looks like a vey sweet dog deep down. I hope with all my heart that with proper training he can join another family. I wish he didn't have such a hard life, but if anyone can help him, it's you and Michael! <3

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  5. I sense another miracle in the offing! You know how many people are behind you on this, Miss Tiff... please keep us "posted"!

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  6. Good luck Tiff and Jake :) We believe in you and the power of training combined with kind, compassionate and consistent caretaking...

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  7. Tiffany...we are behind you 100%. Tell us what we can do to help.

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  8. How can anyone blame you for rescuing him for a life of misery. Dogs are wonderful, sweet by nature. When they are neurotic, from neglect, abuse, they turn like their wolf ancestors. Surviving, and trying to live, the best they can. His mind will need to change, he will need to learn to trust, and feel like the world is not the enemy.
    I will pray for him, you, TAD, and Michael.
    I would have done the same thing. You have an amazing heart, I wish you only the best.
    And, yes, I am angry. But, that bad energy needs to go. Forgive, go on, Jake will be better for it.

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  9. So totally sad that we turn these precious animals into monsters sometimes. He is adorable, and I just hope that he can relearn good behavior. Good luck, I'll be sending good positive thoughts your way, and his!

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  10. Tiffany, what you are doing is amazing. I, too, believe in rehabilitating dogs and giving them a second chance. You are going to do wonderful with Jake.

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  11. You are so amazing, really. Good luck with big boy Jake.

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  12. Yowsers....With all due respect, Tiffany, I'm worried that you might be in over your head. Hear me out, *please*. This dog weighs as much as you do and is ten times more aggressive than Tad -- who wrecked your knee and bit your dad (and those are just the incidents we know about) -- was.

    This dog could kill you, Tiffany. Not because he's "bad" but because you are small. He may not be living with you, at the moment, but you're going to be seeing and working with him everyday. Please be careful.

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  13. Regardless of the outcome, thank you for giving him a chance. You are an angel and an inspiration!

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  14. Best wishes and good luck to you and Jake! Our dog Autumn is a 3 year old female, spitting image of Jake (American Foxhound???...), rescued from a similar situation (permanently chained behind a trailer) in rural Wisconsin a couple of years ago. She had a few months of intensive constant training with a trainer in a home with several dogs immediately before she came to us, and she has been a challenge, but it has been worth the effort. She requires LOTS of exercise and that seems to make a big difference in behavior.

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  15. You have my deep admiration & support, that's for sure.
    Jake's a trooper, it shows in his eyes. I will print his pic and send my best toughts of success & patience.
    I am sorry for his heartworms & hope he can heal.
    Sincerely, Violaine

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