Adoption Fee: POA

If you would like to apply to adopt please
download the application form.

If you would like to know more or have problems using a Microsoft Word document please email us.

NB: We do not rehome interstate or to applicants under 25. It is our policy not to rehome dogs in the Sunraysia area. As rescue groups have transported thousands of homeless dogs from Mildura and Sunraysia pounds over the last decade, we do not intend to send any back there.

Breed: Male Bull Arab x
DOB: 15/1/11
Weight: 37kg
Location: Ferntree Gully

JACK DEFINITELY WANTS TO BE THE ONLY DOG, AND KING OF HIS HOUSE. HE LOVES IT.

Jack is a really special boy who hadn’t had the best time before coming to us. He is a gentle soul with a heart of gold and just wants to make sure his family are safe and everybody is OK.

Jack is 10 years young, 37kg and was in pretty bad shape when he was rescued from a rural pound. His eyes and paws were chronically infected, he had some gnarly scars on his legs, his nails were really overgrown, and it seemed that he might never have been near a vet in his life. He was clearly in constant pain, his eyes were so full of pus he could barely see and his paws were so bad they were bleeding after any activity. He also had very bad anxiety and he cried and barked all the time and was disinterested in food. He was in such bad shape that he looked like a very very old dog and his foster carers thought he might be on his last legs.

Being dumped at the pound is every dog’s worst nightmare. Luckily for Jack, Victorian Dog Rescue wouldn’t let him slip through the cracks and it may have been the best thing that could have happened to him. He was given immediate vet work for his eyes, paws and anxiety, had his nails trimmed and was desexed. And, of course, was given comfy, clean beds to sleep in, gentle reassurance and good quality food.

The transformation was incredible. Jack started wagging his tail and getting excited about mealtimes. He started to look forward to walks as his paws weren’t hurting as much. He was incredibly patient and cooperative throughout the vet work and his daily tablets and drops (although for a while the vet seemed a bit scary to him and he would bark a bit). His eyes cleared up slowly and his behavior became more and more relaxed. He grew more affectionate with his foster carers. Eventually he no longer needed his anti-anxiety medication and he started to trust that his foster carers had his back. His foster carers were then able to work with him on his behavior and noticed that he already had a few tricks up his sleeve and that he was already the very best, sweetest and cleverest boy.

Jack is now a new dog and there is no looking back. He will happily snooze all day in a comfy, warm spot on the couch or his bed. He loves going for walks through town and no longer worries about strange men. He does the most adorable happy dance when you get his harness or his food and will happily follow you wherever you go in the house or yard. He can be a little bossy and if it’s past dinner or walk time he’ll come and let you know about it.

Speaking of food, Jack is a very food motivated boy and this makes him even more trainable. He is a very clever dog and already knows the basics like “sit” “wait” “out of it” “get on your bed” “come here” (though his recall could use a bit of work) “shake” and a few others. He’s also a very switched on dog and seems to know just how to listen and figure out what you want him to do. He might be an older dog but he can definitely learn new tricks!

Jack is friendly with most dogs he meets on walks on the lead. Having said that, he doesn’t seem to like larger male dogs too much and wouldn’t make a great dog park dog. He seems to be more comfortable with calm, smaller dogs. He will try to chase cats and seems to have a pretty high prey drive and we don’t think that him living with a cat or pocket pets would be a good idea.

Jack is a great dog to have around the house. He is never destructive (although he will do a bin raid looking for food if he gets the chance), he is house trained, he will happily lie at your feet, only needs one walk a day, and is fine being left by himself inside the house so long as he has a bed to sleep on. He is a pretty slow riser in the morning and, due to his healing paws, won’t make a great jogging buddy. He has been a little wary of strangers and has the potential to take on guarding type behaviors at times but this has been improving as his confidence grows.

Jack is looking for a home with experienced dog people that can reassure him, help him further build his trust and confidence, can provide comfortable, safe inside access, and can help him move forward into a great future. Jack cannot be an outside dog and must be able to shelter inside where he can keep his paws clean and warm. While he has healed so much from where he was, he still needs some vet care for the time being. Future care could involve drops for his eyes and treatment for his paws.

Jack is one of the sweetest and most caring dogs his foster carers have ever looked after (and they’ve looked after quite a few). He has worked so hard on his own transformation and we couldn’t be more proud of him. He goes from strength to strength each day. If you are looking for a loyal, smart, gentle boy with a heart of gold, that knows how to overcome the odds then Jack might be your guy.

Thank you to Hamish of Appleby Photography (www.hamishjohnappleby.com) for the fantastic photos of Jack.

Microchip Number: 900141000070997
Source Number: RE120211
Medical Notes:

All our dogs are desexed, C5 vaccinated with intranasal, microchipped, wormed, flea treated and if over 12 months heartworm tested.