Jake was adopted on November 20, 1999 - the day after the NCGRR auction. He was 2 years old and quite a handful, well over 90 pounds & 26 1/2 inches high at the shoulder! While we didn't know the details of his story, it seemed apparent that he'd been pretty well ignored much of the time. He pulled like a freight train, sometimes knew "sit", but otherwise knew no commands. He housebroke himself after a single accident in his new home.

Three months later, we have found out more of his story. His former next-door neighbors were this beautiful dog's only source of love & companionship & he didn't even have any shelter until they bought him a dogloo. That same neighbor found NCGRR's number when a story appeard in the local paper & gave it to Jake's former owner when she mentioned "getting rid of the dog".

Jake just graduated star in his class from obedience school & goes everywhere with his new owner, including the 2000 Rescue Parade in San Jose. It's astonishing that this wonderful dog has been so loving and trainable with such a poor start on his training & social skills. He adores the dog park, especially if he can find dog buddies who love mud puddles as much as he does. He sends regular emails to his foster mom (now "Auntie Jill" Morgan). We're exploring joining a therapy dog group in the next few months, where he'll no doubt inspire as many smiles as he gives.

-----------Thanks, Jill, for choosing me for him! And to NCGRR for being there for Jake when he needed you,

Nancy Franklin