Happy holidays! This week, we’re sharing a special rescue story in honor of the season of joy. If you’ve been following our journey, you know how heart-wrenching dog rescue can be. The sheer enormity of the problem can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to celebrate the victories along the way. After all, rescue stories like Jackson’s are why we do what we do. So grab a box of tissues and cuddle up for a heartwarming happily-ever-after!
From dumped in the desert to a safe haven: Jackson’s rescue story begins
In September 2023, a long-legged male dog was found wandering in wretched condition in the desert in Riverside county, California, and brought to the shelter in Coachella. We’ll never know exactly why he was out there alone. Like so many other unwanted pets, he was probably abandoned.
The dog spent about a month in the Coachella pound. He was on the red list for euthanasia when he was saved by our wonderful rescue partner, Noah’s Ark Animal Haven and Rescue. NAAHR Director Cassandra Odom remembers how Jackson (then Jax) was “initially extremely timid,” ill and severely malnourished. Despite his past, Jackson’s innate joi de vivre soon came shining through once he felt safe.
Noah’s Ark transferred Jackson to our care at the end of 2023. Though Rescue Ranch is constantly occupied with rescuing strays and unwanted dogs here in Siskiyou County, we transfer at-risk dogs from outside the county whenever possible. Jackson’s intake photos show a thin dog peering wistfully at the camera from a snowy background.
A forever home at last!
Jackson’s friendliness, genial personality and goofy antics quickly endeared him with Rescue Ranch staff. He got along well with other dogs and even helped shyer dogs gain confidence.
But finding a forever home when there are so many dogs in need–that’s another matter. Months passed and Jackson was still waiting. Last September, Sanctuary staff member Sydney Palmer asked me to share Jackson as one of our Dogs of the Week, so I went to the Sanctuary to meet him and take some pictures. I was impressed by his calm, cheerful disposition. We took him for a walk and he was totally unfazed by the barking of other dogs in the play yards. He paused his sniffing while I snapped pictures. But it was Sydney who captured his signature grin.
And I’m so glad she did! I shared Jackson’s picture on Facebook and it caught the eye of Alicia Brewer in Ashland, OR. Alicia’s family was just opening their hearts to the idea of adopting after their beloved German shepherd, Mia, passed away. When I asked what attracted her to Jackson, Alicia said, “I saw his spirit in the picture—he was literally smiling.”
A litter of German shepherd puppies was visiting the Adoption Center the day the Brewer family came down to meet Jackson. They were tempting, but Alicia wasn’t sure she and her husband had the energy to parent a puppy. But Jackson felt just right: mature but still youthful. Alicia explained, “I felt like his energy was exactly what I was looking for. He was so calm… He just has this presence. It felt like the answer to prayer.”
Jackson had found his family at last!
Surrounded by love
Alicia was a little apprehensive about adopting an adult dog with an unknown background. For one thing, she wasn’t sure how Jackson would adjust to life indoors. She kept an open mind and was prepared for mistakes as their new family member learned the house rules. But Jackson’s cleanliness and good manners made the adjustment period so much easier than expected.
Many adopters worry about the trauma rescue dogs have experienced. Jackson has a few anxious behaviors, such as being startled by unfamiliar noises. Overall, however, his anxiety shows primarily in his desire for contact. Alicia says, “He’s needy in a good way–he needs love 24/7! That’s what we were looking for so it’s totally fine.”
Jackson cuddles with his family whenever possible, even if it’s just to offer his paw. He snuggles up to Alicia’s husband when he rides in the pickup, where he attracts plenty of attention from passers-by. “He’s in our laps when we’re sitting down. If you think he’s all the way snuggled up to you he will prove you wrong. He will take that snuggle to the next level!”
Alicia is especially grateful for the way Jackson gives love to each member of the household. He takes turns sleeping with his family members at night, and is especially tender with 4-year-old Lenny. Jackson loves to help tuck Lenny into bed and will often stay by his side all night long.
A happy ending to a rescue story
Showered with all this love, it’s no wonder that Jackson is healthy and shining with well-being. He accompanies his new family everywhere–he even joined their expedition for a Christmas tree this year and had a blast romping in the woods. I can’t imagine a more perfect home for this special dog. And, as in every good rescue story, the blessing is mutual. “He has just surpassed our expectations, the gentleness and how loving he is. I think it’s because of his history… It seems too good to be true!”
I told Alicia I wish all the dogs could find homes like theirs. She said, “I think of that often, with his past. He’s just so deserving of love. It makes me happy to know that he’s safe and loved.”
To love and be loved: now that’s a recipe for joy!
