Jack's Journey
For those of you who are not aware of Jack’s inspirational story we would like to take you back to the holiday season last year and when Jack first came to the AZ Weimaraner Rescue. Jack had been in rescue in NY and had already had an expensive knee surgery to repair his cruciate ligament. He was recovering nicely had recently been adopted and brought to Arizona to live with his new family. The family knew that Jack’s other knee would need the same surgery to the tune of about $2400.00 and they agreed to take him and get him the surgery he needed and support him through his recovery.
Unfortunately, the family decided not to go through with the surgery and gave Jack up to the Humane Society. That is when Rebecca was made aware of his plight and became determined to find a way to get Jack the care he needed and find him a loving home that he so greatly deserved. It seemed to her at the time that the rescue process had let this gentle giant down and that was going to end with Rebecca and the generous supporters and volunteers for the AZ Weimaraner Rescue.
Jack needed the second surgery and quick! A gift wrapping fundraiser was held at the Barnes and Noble in Surprise, AZ with all proceeds to go directly to the costs associated with the surgery and rehabilitation. The amazing generosity and holiday spirit was a sight to see and in no time, the funds were raised and Jack’s many new friends anxiously awaited news of his recovery.
Jack was very patient throughout his confinement during recovery. He made friends very easily and kept humans and greys alike entertained with his habit of folding his 80 pound frame into the strangest of spaces to lounge and stretch his long legs. For a dog with so many recent hurdles to overcome, his sunny disposition and laid back attitude was such a welcome relief. Jack was on the fast track back to health and hopefully his own family.
As luck would have it, our fearless grey friend with the ‘you can’t keep me down” spirit was about to come on some more good fortune. Jack’s story came to the attention of a local Good Samaritan, Pam Gaber, when she had the opportunity to meet a recent adoptee from the rescue and was put in touch with Rebecca. Pam is the founder of Gabriel’s Angels, an organization created to offer unconditional love and teach empathy, respect and trust, in an effort to help abused and at-risk children feel better about their lives. Those who witnessed the first meeting between Pam and Jack, fondly recall that is was “love at first sight”! Pam took Jack to meet some children on their first outing together and she could see that Jack could give Gabriel a much needed rest and lend a hand, or a paw as it were, to the special work they had ahead. This is what Jack was born to do and this was the family he was always meant to have! Jack has been though extensive training and has gotten many of the certifications necessary to become a therapy dog. He is making many public appearances to spread the word about the great work being done by Gabriel's Angels. Jack is great for the children and he is finally getting the unconditional love he deserves from all of those whose lives he has touched. It is a match made in heaven!