When 3-year-old, Jaxx was surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter, the skinny, black German Shepherd with tan legs was heartbroken. Jaxx’s owners said he was “a perfect dog” but they didn’t want him anymore because they were undergoing a lifestyle change.
Jaxx was understandably anxious and sad when he first found himself in a shelter kennel, surrounded by other homeless dogs and separated from his owners. He was far from ready to meet potential new suitors. However, each successive day he got more used to his new routine of playing with other dogs during morning playgroup sessions and going on walks with volunteers and staff members throughout the day. He became more relaxed and even cuddled a little with some of the kennel staff.
Once Jaxx became more open to trying to bond with new people, the staff began showing him to potential adopters. At first, he didn’t do too well during his meet and greet appointments. He was oversensitive, timid and barked in fear at his visitors. But then Trenton resident Lisa Whitaker arrived with her three dogs for a meet and greet with Jaxx, and he immediately bonded with her and accepted her pack.
“My friend sent me a screenshot from the FOTAS Facebook page, and I saw his photo and story,” Lisa said. “My dogs all got along well with him, and I knew he was a winner.”
When she took Jaxx home, the first step was to introduce him to her husband, David. Despite being more fearful of men than women since being surrendered to the shelter, Jaxx accepted David right from the start.
“He has settled in like he belongs here,” Lisa said. “Last night, he slept in our bed with his front paws wrapped around my arm. He loves his long walks. When I turn on the kitchen faucet, he runs to the sink to drink from the faucet. He’s funny, loving, attentive and so wonderful. My heart needed this boy.”
Lisa said Jaxx is one of the best dogs she’s ever had, and she’s had a lot of them in her 68 years, including two German Shepherds who passed away from old age. She said she’s been around dogs since she was born.
“Jaxx is well behaved, listens so well, and he loves his hot pink nubby ball. He gets three to four long walks down in the pasture and then I train him off leash in the back. He has seven acres to explore, and his boundless energy can handle it. Every night at bedtime, he bounds up the stairs hops in our bed and has his cuddle and snuggle time. Then he hops down onto his bed and goes to sleep.”
“Jaxx went on his first vet visit, and they loved him and admired how well behaved he is,” Lisa added. “He has gained 11 pounds and is the picture of health. He is a joy and lifesaver. I feel safe and loved by this beautiful creature sent from God. Thank you to your wonderful team! We could not be happier.”
Their lives are in our hands.
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director
