Black Jack’s  Story

Life changes.  Things we take for granted can be pulled out from under us, with little or no warning.  My name is Black Jack and I’m a three year old German Shepherd who learned this lesson first hand. Until recently, I lived my life with the only family I ever knew.  They loved me and kept me safe in their home.  They didn’t take me places and I didn’t meet new people or other dogs, but I was protected, loved and happy.

Life changes.  I listened to my family talk about the downturn in the economy and the possibility of moving; words I didn’t understand.  What does that mean?  Other than the occasional visit to the veterinarian, I haven’t left my home since I joined my family.  I watched them pack their belongings - but mine didn’t go in the boxes.  They are moving to an apartment; one that doesn’t allow dogs.  What will happen to me?

My family moved and left me, alone, in the home I have always known.  They told me that the landlord agreed to let me stay for another week - until my Mom can find a place for me.  My family came to the house a couple times a day to feed, water and spend time with me, while they did some painting and final cleaning of the property.  The house is empty.  I am alone at night and much of the day. Did I do something wrong? A few days into this new routine, my Mom took me, for a car ride, to a noisy place crowded with people and other animals that look like me.  They say I am at Petco for an adoption day.  They told me that before I can join a new family called VA German Shepherd Rescue (VGSR), I need to pass a temperament test.  I am scared.  All I can do is shake and wonder what is going on.  Did I do something wrong?  My Mom took me back to the empty house, saying that she would return.  She told me that she would bring someone from VGSR to complete the temperament test - on my home turf, away from the confusion and distractions of the crowd, so that I wouldn’t be so frightened.  Concurrently, VGSR is looking for a foster home for me.  I’m scared.  More time alone in the house.  My family comes and takes me for a ride and leaves me with a friend of theirs.  I am tied outside in their friend’s yard.  What is happening?  My family isn’t around.  I’m not allowed indoors.  Did I do something wrong?  Finally, a stranger, who says he is from VGSR, comes to visit, plays with me and says that I have passed my temperament test.  He says that while I have had little socialization, no leash experience, and no contact with other dogs, I am not aggressive and I am a sweet boy.  I knew this. I just never came in contact with other dogs or many strangers, but I’m willing to learn.  This stranger promises to come back and take me to safety, to a loving and caring home.

Life changes.  I’m still unsure what my future will bring.  Did I do something wrong?  I go to the VGSR stranger’s home and he tells me that, tomorrow, I will meet my new foster Mom.  It sounds like a good thing - but what do I know?  I’m still scared, too many changes in my life.  He brings me to another adoption day, filled with more strangers and dogs.  I don’t know how to walk on this thing called a leash and so I pull this way and that way.  I’m strong and I’m looking for my family, my comfort zone but they are not there.  I meet my foster Mom who tries to reassure me but I am scared.  Again, I pull this way and that way but she holds on.  We go for a long car ride and I’m unsure what is happening.  Did I do something wrong?  She seems like a nice lady but there have been too many changes in my life.  We arrive.  She’s telling me about her home and that I will live with her, her husband, a German Shepherd who will show me the ropes and a cat who I need to leave alone until she can find me the best possible forever home.  She tells me that she is fussy about placing her foster babies in their forever homes.  She is my advocate and promises to look out for me. 

Night time and my new bed is an extra large crate with comfortable bedding.  My new GSD foster sister is nearby but I don’t like being confined.  I am scared.  My foster Mom lets me out of the crate and sleeps on the couch so that I can lie next to her; this is much better.  I check, often, to make sure she is still there.  My foster Mom says that I have some separation anxiety; probably from being left alone.  I need to build my confidence.  She takes me places with my canine foster sister who is such a happy girl, always wanting to go places and meet new people.  The three of us go for car rides and walks in the park with other people and dogs.  I begin to walk better on lead; although I still pull a lot.  I continue to look for my family but begin to feel more comfortable with my new situation.  My foster Mom takes me to the vet for a check-up.  I need my vaccinations and must be de-wormed and I am neutered.  While I am not happy about that situation, she can’t be talked out of it.  I know she is doing what is best for me.

Life changes and I am adapting well.  I want to be close to my foster Mom (who has had to spend a couple more nights on the couch with me close by) but I am definitely enjoying the attention I get when meeting new people.  My foster Mom stays close by when I am in new situations, so they are not so scary.  I am friendly with other dogs, although I can’t say that I really enjoy playing with them.  I am building my confidence and learning.

One day my foster Mom tells me that a couple is coming to the house to meet me.  They are looking for a special boy to join their family and I may be him.  She explains that they first had to pass VGSR’s adoption process and then her personal muster.  My foster Mom loves me – so if she says they are good people, I’ll give them a chance.  I am on my best behavior.  First, they play with me in the house.  Then, they take me for a walk and come back in and play with me some more.  Later in the afternoon, they tell my foster Mom that they want ME to join their family.  My foster Mom has been looking for a home where I will not only be loved and cared for but, because of my separation anxiety, will have access to my human family most of the time.  My new family works from home and they live in a big house with a large yard.  They agreed to go to school with me – my Mom says this will help with my socialization, build a strong bond with my new family, and improve all of our confidence levels.

Life changes.  I was adopted, from my foster home in Lorton, VA, on November 22, 2009 – four days before my own very special Thanksgiving.