Every dog deserves a forever home where they are cherished by a loving owner, but for some dogs, the journey to finding that special someone takes a little longer. Jax, a large dog with an even bigger heart, faced just such a journey. After spending a long time at the Regina Humane Society, Jax patiently awaited the day he would find his perfect family. His past before arriving at the shelter remains a mystery, but the staff could tell from his condition that life on the streets had been tough. Thin and malnourished, it was clear he had spent some time struggling to survive on his own.
Bill Thorn, the director of the Regina Humane Society, shared with The Dodo, “He was very thin, so it seemed like he may have been on his own for a little bit. Also, he was very, very hungry when he arrived. We made sure that he had all the food he needed.”
Once Jax had received proper nutrition and a thorough checkup from the shelter’s veterinary team, he was ready for adoption. However, just days later, Jax fell ill with pneumonia, delaying his adoption while he underwent weeks of treatment. After making a full recovery, Jax returned to the shelter, hopeful once again that he would soon find a loving home.
Though Jax had a sweet nature, finding his forever family proved more difficult than expected. Visitors often passed by his kennel without giving him a chance, even though those who spent time with him described him as affectionate and gentle. Unfortunately, Jax suffered from what the staff called “barrier frustration.” When people approached his kennel, he would bark and growl—not out of aggression, but from frustration at being confined and unable to interact with potential adopters.
The staff explained Jax’s behavior to visitors, hoping someone would see beyond his initial reactions. They encouraged meet-and-greets, assuring visitors that Jax was a completely different dog outside his kennel. But despite their best efforts, Jax remained at the shelter far longer than the average dog, who typically finds a home within 10 to 12 days.
