Dogs are often desperate for attention, but none are as desperate as shelter dogs. They will do everything they can to grab the attention of humans as they walk by their cage. JJ, a sheltered dog in rural Texas, was no exception. The difference with JJ, though, was that his condition made it a lot more difficult to know when someone was present. However, it didn’t stop JJ from reaching out and begging for his life.
17. Desperate
JJ was a desperate pup in a small rural shelter right outside of Dallas, Texas who wanted what all sheltered dogs wanted, a forever home. However, JJ’s case was difficult. He was not only deaf but also nearly blind. This didn’t stop this young pups determination.
16. Busy Highway
JJ was only nine-months-old pit bull who had been picked up at a dog dumping ground in Dallas. This particular spot was often heavy with traffic, which led to most of the dogs getting hit by passing vehicles. However, JJ survived despite his odds.
15. Animal Shelter
When JJ was brought to the small, rural shelter, rescuers were surprised to discover how bad JJ’s condition really was. They were surprised the pup had survived as long as he did.
14. Deaf and Blind
After a quick examination, it was discovered that JJ was deaf. But that wasn’t JJ’s only problem. He was also nearly deaf. This worried the shelter handlers. They feared JJ would never find his forever home.
13. Limited Space
The rural shelter outside of Dallas, Texas was small compared to most shelters. It only housed six dog kennels and was often overlooked. This small fact hung over the shelter handlers as they took in JJ. They feared no one would adopt him.
12. Running Out of Time
Their fears started to become a reality after a few weeks of JJ being at the shelter. Though they strived to take care of their animals, the shelter often had to free up space for new dogs found abandoned on the streets. This meant pups were often put on the euthanasia list pretty quick if they weren’t adopted. JJ’s time was running out.
11. Hopeful
It looked like JJ’s time was running short. However, JJ caught the eye of a woman right in the nick of time.
10. At First Sight
Marina Tarashevska, a regular who often visited the shelter to help network the dogs, was taken up with the young pup at first sight. Marina was excited to get to know this new pup. However, things would not go as she was accustomed to with the other dogs.
9. Compassion
After speaking with the animal control officer, Marina discovered the horrible truth of JJ’s condition. To hear this beautiful animal had been mistreated and left for dead with the medical condition’s JJ suffered from broke Marina’s heart.
8. Odd Behavior
Marina then asked the animal control officer to let JJ out of his kennel. He obliged but when let out, JJ’s behavior was not a typical sheltered dog’s response. Instead, he looked lost and crawled around their feet as if expecting to get hit. It broke Marina’s heart, but what happened next would seal the deal for JJ and Marina’s future.
7. Begging for Help
After petting JJ and telling him he was okay, he was put back in his kennel. His reaction, he reached his paw out toward Marina as she was leaving. “He was putting his paw out, and begging to be saved,” she told The Dodo. “It was so sad because it’s so scary at the shelter… and he was so lost in there. It’s the most heartbreaking thing to leave a dog who’s begging you like that.”
6. Calling for Help
Marina knew she had to help save the dog, who was set to be euthanized soon. She called the Dallas DogRRR in hopes they could help.
5. Foster Home
They did. Dallas DogRRR – whose mission is to rescue, rehab, and reform – found JJ a foster home and got him out of the shelter just in time. He was first taken to the vet, where they evaluated JJ’s needs. Once given a healthy bill, JJ was placed with his foster family.
4. Abused but Happy
The rescuers believe JJ was abused. He’s very skittish, which is a number one sign the dog suffered from a traumatizing past. But JJ’s sweet and loving personality shines and he loves attention. He’s also quite the cuddlier.
3. Happy
JJ’s life is improving every day. At his foster home, he loves running around in the backyard and taking walks. JJ’s favorite thing, however, is cuddling. He’s quite the affectionate dog. However, this sweet pup’s future is uncertain.
2. Taking Care of JJ
Though sweet and loveable, JJ is still in foster care. Dallas DogRRR plans on having him evaluated by an animal behaviorist. They also want to have his vision and hearing checked before eventually putting him up for adoption. What’s in store for JJ?
1. Adoption
Dallas DogRRR wants to ensure they find JJ the perfect family who is aware of his special condition. If you think you would be a perfect fit, you can contact the Dallas DogRRR for more information on giving this dog – who never gave up – the loving home he deserves.