I saw Jack at an adoption event at PetSmart. I hadn't wanted to go there that day, *had* to get cat food (2 cats, also rescues), but still put it off to the last minute. Lola's Rescue was just about to pack up as I got there. I saw Jack, a chihuahua/min pin/terrier/(?) mix. He was sitting in the shade, trying to stay cool; it was June 2018. I had to get a better look, so I got closer. When I saw his face, I burst into tears. He had been abused, had scars on his face, and a piece missing out of both ears. How can people abuse animals? I'll never understand. I went in to buy the cat food, so I could "think about it" but I knew already that I had to adopt him. I came back out and found out how to apply online to get him. I filled out the form that evening; I think it was Saturday. Jack's foster mom, Delores, called me the next day to see if they could come visit on Monday, June 19. I was so excited, I could hardly sleep! When they came to visit, Delores told me I could have him that very day! I think it was partly my big, fenced-in back yard. :-) Jack has been with me ever since. He gets along fine with the cats, but is still a little afraid of people (can't blame him for that). He's come really far though, since I first got him. He now sleeps on the bed with me, and doesn't run when someone comes in the door. That's OK. I have infinite patience with animals (with people, not so much!), and I spoil him with real chicken to eat every day. There was just one thing: he never barked! Maybe a little whimper if he wanted to go out, but not a real bark. I managed his trips outside by paying attention to when he went in the direction of the back door. I asked the vet if he had been de-barked (I wouldn't put it past the awful person/people who abused him) but she said she would have to look really deep to know for sure. I wasn't about to put him through that. Then I asked Delores if he had ever barked at her house? She said no, he never had. Finally, one day about 4 or 5 weeks ago, he wanted to go outside and he actually barked! An honest-to-goodness bark! I was ecstatic! Jack had literally found his voice! He hasn't barked since, because I still pay attention when he walks toward the back door, but I'm so very happy that he is *able* to bark!
Just one more thing: If you're looking to adopt, Lola's Rescue is great! They vet their adopters really well (I like that) and they don't have a big building. All of the animals have foster homes until they find their forever home. I really believe God made me go to PetSmart that day (I so didn't want to go!), so Jack and I could find each other. A wise friend once told me: "A coincidence is God's way of staying anonymous". I believe that, and I believe he shoved me out the door that day to find my precious little dog. I'm so very blessed to have Jack with me! I hope he feels the same way about me. I love him beyond words. I know that, one of these days, he will know that he is totally safe with me in his forever home. BTW, I still consider Delores my friend. I send her updates on Jack periodically. :-)
I highly recommend Lola's Rescue if you have lots of love to give an animal. They specialize in at-risk animals with uncertain futures. My kind of people!!
Anita C.
ARVADA, CO
