Adopted

Jacks... Oh my goodness, what a nice fellow! Jacks’ family must have been heartbroken when they had to part with this guy due to a move to a new place that could not accommodate him. Jacks vet records indicate that he is almost 7 years old, and at 83 lbs he’s tall and handsome, with an absolutely irresistible face. And don’t let that white face fool you, Jacks is full of youthful enthusiasm. In fact, we were delighted to find that you can still detect a hint of puppy smell if you put your nose just in the right spot between his eyes!

When Jacks first arrived at out house he was understandably unnerved by the transition from his longtime home. During his first few days here, he panted and paced about the house and was clearly a bit distressed. It didn’t help matters that those days were filled with booming, loud thunder, which does set Jacks on edge a little. He doesn’t get destructive…just wants to stay close for reassurance that all will be well.

Jacks immediately bonded with our 3-year old son and has been a willing and patient playmate ever since, even when the play involved being wrapped in a blanket and fed pretend food with a spoon! Our 9-year old Golden, Andy, and Jacks have become fast friends and are given to bouts of romping play when the mood strikes, and they generally stick together much of the day.

Jacks has good manners and does not jump on the furniture (okay, he does jump on our bed occasionally but only because he sees Andy doing it). He has good intentions but he’s not above a little counter surfing if the temptation presents itself, but we’re working on that. I have only heard a few little barks from Jacks, either in the direction of the neighbor’s dogs or to announce the arrival of a guest, but he never carries on.

Jacks is a pleasure to walk, and though enthusiastic, he does not pull on the leash. He enjoys being groomed and will signal his pleasure by pointing his nose in the air and giving a few groans. And while we’re on the topic of bodily noises, Jacks has already become famous in our house for his frat-boy style belches that seem to arrive at 1-hour intervals.

One word of caution, Jacks can be a little sneaky if he catches sight of an open front door! He caught me by surprise a couple days after he arrived by bolting out the front door as a guest was departing. I learned two things that day: 1. Jacks is a fast runner; and 2. I’m not. Luckily, Jacks spotted some friendly-looking men sitting in their driveway and stopped to greet them. They quickly grabbed him and his flight attempt came to an abrupt end. Jacks seems more at ease here now, though, and is no longer hovering around the door waiting for an opportunity to escape.

When Jacks finds his forever home, it is going to be a cherished union. Jacks would be thrilled to find himself in a home with kids and/or dogs to be his playmates and companions. Jacks could also do well in a home without kids/dogs as long as the inhabitants are ready to give Jacks the love and attention he so deserves.
 

Update 9/17

Jacks continues to do so well in our home. He is eager to learn new things and has quickly mastered basic obedience, and we've been working on polishing up his training. He is very eager to show everyone that he can sit, stay, and come on command, and we're working on "down." He's so happy that he has learned these skills!

Jacks would still win any belching contest worldwide. He can almost always be found carrying some object in his mouth (slipper, child's toy, or dog toy). He has never damaged anything, though-he just carries them gently in his mouth, waiting for someone to engage him in play.

When asked to rate him as a houseguest, we have just one word to say: Excellent!!!!!!!!!!! He's perfect. He never jumps on the furniture, he's flawlessly house-trained, and he hasn't had a counter-surfing incident for weeks. He is a wonderful playmate for our son and for our own Golden, Andy. He has a magnetic personality, and he's just plain fun to be around. He's a thoughtful and sensitive dog, too -- when someone in the house is upset, Jacks is the first one on the scene to soothe. I just can't say enough nice things about this fellow!

View Pictures Here