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I am going to let Jackson's foster, Sandra Stealey, tell his story.
Jackson was found in Charleston, WV, September 15th, as a stray near a major
highway interchange. The shelter staff obviously knew he was special since
they kept him for a month and really fell in love with him. Almost a month
after his pick up, K9officer, Alice Hanan of Maryland was practicing SAR in the
forest, adjacent to the pound, when she spotted Jackson and identified him as a
Belgian Malinois. Alice left money to insure he would be kept until he was
adopted, and then contacted Lisa Epperson of ABMC rescue.
To Lisa fell all the initial responsibilties -- taking that first call;
compiling info on the dog; recruiting me (Sandra Stealey) as a foster home;
insuring that Alice's offer to pay any other expenses ABMC couldn't, if someone
would foster and place him, was indeed valid; taking applications; checking
references; being a sounding board for me and offering help and advice. The
Kanawha/Charleston Humane Shelter director, Sylvia Schafer, was very helpful
and professional in her work with ABMC rescue and contacted me on a regular
basis to check on Jackson and give me valuable advice.
Living closest to Charleston, WV, where he was found, and where the shelter
staff had obviously never seen a Malinois, I was recruited to 'spring' Jackson.
It was 100 miles away and my van was just about to die but, I went anyway. I
gathered up Jackson, who was (pleasant surprise) only marginally interested in
cats, loved men and women and life in general, readily accepted the crate in
the van and was totally appropriate with the other dogs I had taken along for
the ride. When I was ready to leave, my van wouldn't start. Luckily, there was
a knowledgable mechanic who did some stop-gap measures over the next 2 hours so
I could drive home.
It was so nice to see him running all over my yard, kicking up his heels and
learning to really stretch out and move. I named him Jackson because, at the
time, there was a good possibility that he would be going to a hearing impaired
couple and the sign for J, which would be his name, was a distinctive one, I
thought easy for a dog to learn.
Over time I learned that Jackson is indeed a wonderful boy. The vet tech where
I had him neutered was seriously considering adopting him, I knew I couldn't
keep him. He was TOO sweet for my household of 8 other dogs and deserved a
full time family of his own. Several people were interested in him from the
rescue report at Sitstay. I thought as I was writing his ad that he was too
good to be true, but he really did live up to that. The second adopters to
contact us turned out to be the best match for Jackson and there didn't seem to
be any real problems with him going there. SO, we arranged paperwork and
transportation (family drove 11 hours RT to get him). We agreed to meet at the
Mountaineer Family Restaurant in Parkersburg, WV, on November 28, and Jackson
'met' his new family.
Wayne (dad) seemed very practical and serious. He most likely was concerned
about bringing a new, large, unknown male dog into the house, especially since
his wife was rather petite. He took Jackson first and led him around, out into
a field, around and around the parking lot, etc. He did comment to Julie about
how strong he was and how she would not be able to walk him down the stairs for
a while because he might pull her down them. I told them that he certainly
could and SHOULD be trained to "WAIT" anyplace, anytime, including at the top
of the steps. She should be able to descend at her own pace then call or
release him. I demonstrated some of the basic beginning technique and pointed
out they would have to start from 1 ft "WAIT's to 2 ft, etc. Wayne seemed to
enjoy "handling" (walking, having Jackson do his tricks, over and over--sit,
shake, etc.)
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With Brandon, the son, it was love at first sight--for both Jackson and
Brandon, both solid but just a little lanky, probably close to the same size.
When we arrived, as soon as I gave him the "OK" command, Jackson jumped out of
the car and blitzed past Julie, Wayne and me. With head and ears down
submissively and tail wagging wildly, he ran straight to Brandon, who was
about 10 feet away. My first thought and comment was "Oh, Jackson, you had
kids before at your old home--and you LOVED them!" I also told them about
teaching Jackson to jump up only on command, as Julie and Wayne kept trying to
tell Brandon not to let Jackson jump up on him, but Brandon kept saying, "But I
WANT him to--wow, he's almost taller than me", all the time profusely petting
and reinforcing Jackson, who was perched on his back legs with his front paws
gently resting on Brandon's shoulders.
Brandon asked his mom if she thought Jackson would play Frisbee with him, as he
really wanted a dog who would and their other dog didn't. I assured him that
he most likely would. Julie had found very few people in the area who actually
knew what a Belgian Malinois was, much less that it was a purebred. She said
her mother was terrified of her getting Jackson and had tried and tried to talk
her out of it. I reassured her that, although I was a little anxious about
Jackson at first, with his large size and sharp, intense expression and extreme
power, I often found myself cuddling with him, kissing him on the face
(generally a very bad idea, but he craved closeness so much, he loved it). I
also have had a fair amount of experience with flighty dogs, schizy dogs (want
and beg for attention but may try to bite if you give it to them), reserved
dogs, and many other kinds. Jackson was just different, though. He had such a
kind look in his eye and face and all his mannerisms conveyed a sense of calm
confidence and serenity, like he was so sure of himself but all he lacked was
love and affection.
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I have received some emails from Julie, confirming my thought and hopes that
Jackson would be a very good dog for this home. She took him to the local pet
supply store where he was allowed to go in and choose his own toy/bone and was
amazed that someone there recognized him immediately as a Belgian Malinois and
helped her find an appropriate trainer. She had wisely questioned using the
one her friends recommended--someone who "got right in the dog's face" and used
lots of force.
I gave her a page or two of my impressions on Jackson and his personality and
how he could learn best. He has a lot of spirit but even more desire to
please--an ideal dog for training, I think.
ABMC's expenses for Jackson turned out to be minimal. The cost of neutering and
a rabies vaccine; the Kanawha/Charleston Humane Shelter had already done
whatever else was initially needed. Jackson also had a 'sponsor' in the form of
Alice. Other rescues are not usually so lucky. For all those other unfortunate
Malinois that come to rescue in greater need SEND YOUR DONATION with a note
"for Rescue" today to:
Mail checks to (Please no Care Packages to this address):
ABMC Charitable Trust - Rescue Fund
c/o Jim Moses
21710 Cove Point Farm Road
Tilghman Island, MD 21671
Somewhere there is a Belgian Malinois that will thank you.
Good adoptions don't just happen - or - do they?
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