Every dog deserves a forever home where they are cherished by a loving owner, but for some dogs, the journey to finding that special someone takes a little longer. Jax, a large dog with an even bigger heart, faced just such a journey. After spending a long time at the Regina Humane Society, Jax patiently awaited the day he would find his perfect family. His past before arriving at the shelter remains a mystery, but the staff could tell from his condition that life on the streets had been tough. Thin and malnourished, it was clear he had spent some time struggling to survive on his own.
Bill Thorn, the director of the Regina Humane Society, shared with The Dodo, “He was very thin, so it seemed like he may have been on his own for a little bit. Also, he was very, very hungry when he arrived. We made sure that he had all the food he needed.”
Once Jax had received proper nutrition and a thorough checkup from the shelter’s veterinary team, he was ready for adoption. However, just days later, Jax fell ill with pneumonia, delaying his adoption while he underwent weeks of treatment. After making a full recovery, Jax returned to the shelter, hopeful once again that he would soon find a loving home.
Though Jax had a sweet nature, finding his forever family proved more difficult than expected. Visitors often passed by his kennel without giving him a chance, even though those who spent time with him described him as affectionate and gentle. Unfortunately, Jax suffered from what the staff called “barrier frustration.” When people approached his kennel, he would bark and growl—not out of aggression, but from frustration at being confined and unable to interact with potential adopters.
The staff explained Jax’s behavior to visitors, hoping someone would see beyond his initial reactions. They encouraged meet-and-greets, assuring visitors that Jax was a completely different dog outside his kennel. But despite their best efforts, Jax remained at the shelter far longer than the average dog, who typically finds a home within 10 to 12 days.
As time passed, Jax became a favorite among the shelter staff. To give him a better chance to show his true personality, they moved him to the front reception area where he could engage more freely with visitors. “During that time, he became a bit of a staff favorite because we all knew how nice of a dog he was, but we just had to get him into a place where he could show that,” explained Thorn.
Finally, after months of waiting, Jax’s moment came. A man experienced in handling big, misunderstood dogs visited the shelter, and it was love at first sight. The connection between Jax and his new owner was instant, and it was clear they were meant for each other.
The day Jax left the shelter was filled with emotion. The staff gathered to give him a heartfelt send-off, but Jax had one more surprise for them. Before heading out with his new owner, Jax made his way around the room, giving goodbye kisses to every staff member who had cared for him during his stay. The shelter shared this sweet moment on Facebook, writing:
“It was a tearfully happy Friday afternoon when all the staff gathered to send off our boy, Jax. After greeting his adopter, he made his way around the room and said goodbye to every person there. It was an incredibly sweet moment to end his long stay at the Shelter. Have a great life, Jax! ❤️”
Though there were tears, they were tears of joy. Jax had finally found the forever home he deserved, with someone who understood and loved him as much as the shelter staff had. Reflecting on the moment, Thorn said, “It took a while, but we found the right person for Jax, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Jax hasn’t forgotten his friends at the shelter. He regularly visits with his new dad to say hello, and it’s clear he is thriving in his new home. “He is doing great and is very, very happy in his new home. We can tell how much Jax loves his dad, too!”
Jax’s story is a reminder that while the wait for love can be long, it’s always worth it. Watch Jax’s heartwarming goodbye to the shelter staff below—it’s sure to bring a smile to your face!
Toledo, United States.
