Lens And Leash: Who is this adoption story about?
Sarah Scully: Jake, male Lab mix, approx. 6-7 years old.
Lens And Leash: What made you decide to adopt?
Sarah Scully: We adopted another lab 9 yrs. ago from the same non-profit.
Lens And Leash: When and where did you adopt Jake?
Sarah Scully: Animal Adoption Center, Jackson, Wyoming
Lens And Leash: How old was Jake when you adopted him and do you know anything about his life before you adopted him?
Sarah Scully: 6-7 years old. Jake came from a shelter down in Thayne, WY. Apparently, he kept running away from his previous owner/residence. The police brought him to the shelter there. This happened 3 times. On the third time, the owner refused to pick him up.
Lens And Leash: What made you decide to adopt Jake specifically?
Sarah Scully: We were fostering Jake over the Thanksgiving holiday. We did not think we would adopt him specifically, he is sort of big ?. We lost our old lab the previous winter due to old age and disease. Our other dog, Sasha, was extremely attached to him. So we had to make sure she would be happy with any new dog. At first, Sasha was a little put out by Jake. He is imposing. She is you know, queen bee ?. A tri-pod. Not to mention my best girlfriend I have. She is an adopted dog as well. No one else had shown interest in Jake at the adoption center. He had been there a while, especially after coming up from the Thayne shelter. We just could not let him go back to the adoption center. He is an awesome, gorgeous big boy, gentle giant.
Lens And Leash: What is your favorite quirk about Jake?
Sarah Scully: He can run like a stallion, but he can jump! All four legs straight up. He does this when he is about to go for a walk! And when you return home after work, he brings you a toy/gift every time ?
Lens And Leash: Did you have to do any training with him after you adopted him?
Sarah Scully: In a way; separation and new home. He counter surfs, and got into some food on the counters. We work on that. He doesn’t have separation anxiety anymore, but we have to be careful. Plus… Sorry, we discovered this past week that he chases moose. Not good. Will work on immediate recall this spring.
Lens And Leash: What tips or pieces of advice would you offer to people that are looking to adopt for the first time?
Sarah Scully: Make sure you are in it forever. It is not a temporary thing once you adopt. Get to know the dog before you commit. Are there serious issues the dog may have from a previous life? If you can’t handle a “project”, don’t. Make sure the dog’s type/personality fits with your lifestyle. That he/she will be happy with you. Also, it is a learning process on both sides! Everyone in the home needs to learn a new way of being with others. Other food needs, personalities, behavior. Not only training the new dog with manners or whatever it is, but routines, exercise, etc.
Lens And Leash: Would you adopt again and would you adopt from the same shelter/rescue?
Sarah Scully: Yes, of course!
