A Home for Jason

When he arrived at the rescue, Jason was underweight with broken teeth from trying to escape a wire fence, and his age was estimated at four or five years old.

Depending on need and adoptability, some animals are harder to place. Age, medical requirements, or coordinating animal and human dispositions can sometimes make it difficult to find a forever home.

The work completed day in and day out by our Program Partners is emotional. As soon as they find a home for one animal, another one comes in, with similar conditions — or worse.

Each precious animal is taken in without any stipulations other than to heal them — emotionally and physically. Then, they find loving homes for them. 12 Hills Dog Rescue is one of nearly 20 the Rescue Operation for Animals of the Reservation (ROAR) Program Partners. They are dedicated to offering welcoming arms and hearts to animals in need.

Jason, a senior dog and a beauty of a black lab, was one of those animals that Nola and Chuck of 12 Hills found themselves hesitantly letting go to his forever home late last year. It was only fitting that Jason found his home before November because that was National Adopt a Senior Pet Month!

Jason had been a resident of the 12 Hills Dog Rescue for over three years. When he arrived at the rescue, Jason was underweight with broken teeth from trying to escape a wire fence, and his age was estimated at four or five years old.

Jason immediately found a friend in Brenda, another worker at 12 Hills. He followed her everywhere in the first days and weeks after he arrived. He liked the surroundings of the farm, working his way up from the bottom kennel, and then gradually asserted himself onto the porch of the house. Finally, he found his way into the large dining room used to greet guests and potential companions. Chuck’s big desk was Jason’s hiding place and no amount of coaxing would move the tenacious dog once he found his special spot, especially when catching a nap or sleeping soundly.

Chuck’s big desk was Jason’s hiding place and no amount of coaxing would move the tenacious dog once he found his special spot.

Unfortunately, Jason developed arthritis, which was noticeable when there was a change in weather. Jason was removed from the adoption list once he began taking medication and minerals for his joints. His needs, coupled with his age, would typically deter most adopters from considering him anyway. Plus, Nola and Chuck weren’t sure that an adopter could commit to the care — financially or emotionally — that Jason needed for his hip problems.

That was before Emily came by the farm to visit. She brought her own senior dog, which encouraged Brenda. Experience indicated that this may be the one person who could care for and love Jason. Everything felt right about the placement, so 12 Hills began the paperwork began to send Jason onto his new home.

Nola entered these words into her blog as her farewell:

“He would have a nice bed of his own and guess what? There is even a place under her desk for him to lay and warm her feet, just like Chuck’s. I wish that I could say it was easy to say goodbye, but it was a rough week waiting for her return... he (Jason) got cold feet and in the end I had to go in the house and do some crying myself. It was tough... I imagine that Jason received a wonderful brushing and hugs from young and old alike when we arrived at his new home. Yes, this was a hard one — to say good bye to a good friend and one of the family. So good luck, Jason — you are loved and we wish you much happiness and good health for your remaining years.”

— Nola (Jason’s friend)