Jackson Meet Jackson. A tall, dark, hunk of red muscle if there ever was one. He is a fantastic looking red golden with a mass of curly hair around his backside. Jackson appears to be about 18 months – 2 years old and he still has the puppy in him. When he gets that backside a wagging, it is the cutest thing ever.

Jackson has been through a whirlwind the past 6 weeks. He was found in San Antonio by a Good Samaritan who kept him for a few days and tried to find his owner, but with no collar or tags and no response to his flyers he contacted GRR and asked if we could help. Our wonderful volunteer, Mike, in San Antonio, went and met Jackson and kindly took him in for a few days while transport arrangements were made. Finally in Austin, Jackson then stayed a couple of weeks with another foster family, but they were expected a baby soon so Jackson came to stay with us.

So you can see, Jackson has been in 4 homes in 6 weeks, not to mention the home he must have come from. I am totally surprised at how well he has adjusted to all changes in his life. Meeting new dogs at each home, trying to figure out who’s in charge, etc. The temporary homes all reported that Jackson did not want to go in the crate. He dug in and would not enter. Hmm, I thought. This may be a hard one. I had to lift this 100lb guy into my minivan the day I brought him home, so I wasn’t even going to try the crate that first day. But on the second day, I found the trick…I simply put his food bowl in the crate and Viola! In he went! He goes in the crate on his own when it’s time to eat and he now goes in the crate just to relax or when I need him to. I make sure he is not in there for long periods and he has adjusted knowing he will be let out in short time. I really fear that Jackson was probably crated for long periods and had grown to hate the crate and what it meant. Now he realizes it is for short periods of time and he’s fine with that.

Jackson has made so many strides since coming to our house. At first he wasn’t real sure about our male Golden, Thor. They had their differences, but now Jackson greets Thor with a slobbery kiss. Chloe, our recently adopted golden, was the mediator--going from each dog to give kisses and make everything better. Jackson is very food motivated and tries very hard when we are training so he will get his treat. He has done remarkably well since I put him on a good schedule. Routine is everything and he is blossoming.

As big as Jackson is, I have been pleased to see he does not get on furniture, nor has he even tried. He has proven himself to be housetrained and does not counter surf, even with a plate of brisket left on the kitchen counter! What constraint!

Jackson loves to snuggle and get brushed and petted. He will sit for hours if you are so inclined and will gently nudge you under your arm for more pets. He still gets very excited when he first sees you but takes only 2 or 3 minutes to calm right down. Jackson is a barker outside by the backdoor, but only because he is fearful you will not come back or let him back inside. This has really tapered off in the past few days and I am sure once he realizes that he will not be relegated to staying outside forever, that he will overcome this as well.

Jackson has been through a lot these past few weeks. He’s a big, loveable guy anxious to please (treat in hand please!). Jackson is looking forward to only changing homes ONE more time… and that would be to his forever home. Maybe it’s yours?
 

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