I Knew From The First Moment I Saw Him That I Had Found My Soulmate

Lens And Leash: Who is this adoption story about?

Jenna Stafford: Gunther my 4 year old male Lab/Mastiff (Mastador).

Lens And Leash: What made you decide to adopt?

Jenna Stafford: I couldn’t stomach the thought of all of these perfect dogs that are left without loving homes to be spoiled in.

Lens And Leash: When and where did you adopt Gunther?

Jenna Stafford: It was my first week starting my new job at the Animal Adoption Center in Jackson, WY. I was experiencing my first “dog transfer” from a nearby shelter that is known for being overcrowded and rough. As soon as he got out of the car I knew he was supposed to be mine. It didn’t even take a week working at the Animal Adoption Center before I adopted my first pet, Gunther.

Lens And Leash: How old was Gunther when you adopted him and do you know anything about his life before you adopted him?

Jenna Stafford: Gunther was approximately 3 years old when I adopted him. His name was Diesel and immediately thought that it didn’t fit his over the top loving personality. He was used as a breeding dog in Star Valley, WY and was surrendered with all of his puppies, his brother and the mother to his litter after the couple breeding went through a divorce. Everyone got adopted and he sat in the Lucky’s Place shelter in Thayne, WY for a few months before we decided to transfer him.

Lens And Leash: What made you decide to adopt Gunther specifically?

Jenna Stafford: How could you look at his face and not adopt him?! He couldn’t have defined my dream dog more. The Mastiff in him is loyal, compassionate and he can appreciate a lazy couch day but the Labrador in him makes him up for any Jackson adventure! I knew from the first moment I saw him that I had found my soulmate.

Lens And Leash: What is your favorite quirk about Gunther?

Jenna Stafford: There are too many to just pick one but I do love that he is a 100 lb dog stuck in a 10 lb body. He is my 100 lb lap dog and while some people wouldn’t allow this in their own dogs, I wouldn’t have it any other way. No matter where you are sitting he wants to be right next to you.

Lens And Leash: Did you have to do any training with him after you adopted him?

Jenna Stafford: I couldn’t have been luckier with how well behaved he was from the start. We had to work on a little recall with him especially after changing his name but it only consisted of leashed walks and lots of treats!

Lens And Leash: What tips or pieces of advice would you offer to people that are looking to adopt for the first time?

Jenna Stafford: Do your research on the breed you are looking at adopting. I see more often than not that people look for breeds for their looks and don’t understand their needs. I would also advise to spend as much time with animals, dog-sitting, walking, fostering, etc. to understand how much work it truly is and if they would fit in your life. I think a lot of people get pets not understanding that it can be up to a 20 year commitment.

Lens And Leash: Would you adopt again and would you adopt from the same shelter/rescue?

Jenna Stafford: I am proud to say that my first personal pet was an adoption and I am positive that my last will be an adoption. I obviously am biased to the Animal Adoption Center but I can really get behind our program. I would go out of my way to adopt from the Animal Adoption Center in the future but I will always seek out whatever my local shelter is.