Jack

sex: male
born: 09 July 1997~
birth place: Wisconsin

deceased: 08 December 2006

given sanctuary: 01 June 2006

 

Jack's Memorial
see Newsletter - Winter 06-07 (click)

Jack's Story

No one knew how old he was, or much else about his life. That information went with his previous owner when she died unexpectedly in May of 2006. Jack, at least we think that’s his name, was not alone. There were twenty additional wolf-dogs living on chains in intolerable con­ditions. They were breeding stock for a backyard breeder. As time went on, the circumstances grew worse. No one, it seems, realized that their owner was ill for several weeks before her passing. As the days passed, the water ran out, there was no food and the animals’ situation deteriorated.

This was all taking place in Wisconsin. Finally, a friend of the breeder's’ arrived to check on her when he couldn’t reach her by phone. What he found when he arrived was horrendous. His friend was close to death. The wolf-dogs were dehydrated and malnourished. Several of the animals were also close to dying. The small Wisconsin town rushed emergency service to help her, but was ill-equipped to handle the rescue of that many animals. It was at this point the Animal Humane Society (AHS), from a neighboring town in Minnesota, was asked to help with the wolf-dogs. Their “owner” did not survive her illness, Sosity died from starvation, and Trekker and Lance were so ill from dehydration and malnutrition it became necessary for the AHS to euthanize them. In addition to all this horror, Happy, the youngest of the wolf-dogs, was missing.

Wolf received a call from the AHS to ask if we could take the wolf-dogs, and the WideAwake Rescue began. Jack was one of eighteen who would make the long trip to Colorado from Minnesota. Unfortunately, even rescue would be a horrible experience for them. During the catch-up of the animals, the transport people found it necessary to use a catch pole noose on all the animals. We were also told that the animals would be transported in an air-conditioned trailer and that a vet tech would accompany the animals to care for them in the event of an emergency. None of this occurred. They were packed in a horse trailer so tight even water could not be given to them.

Furious about the way these animals had been treated on their trip, Wolf volunteers immediately started to unload them and place them safely in their new home. Jack and the others would never have to worry about food, water or being on a chain again. They had room, trees, and each other. Physically, they would all have a comfortable place to live.

Jack had an eye that had suffered an old, untreated injury that was sunk back in his head and completely useless. We affectionately referred to him as Captain One Eyed Jack Sparrow. He was terribly afraid of people, and tried to bite whenever approached. We paired him with Pride after his neuter which helped both recover.

Although all of the WideAwake animals were doing well in their temporary homes, 15 of the 18 tested positive for heartworm disease. As the conventional treatment would have killed them, Wolf elected to use the long term slow kill with a preventative med. The animals responded well.

We received a call on December 6, 2006 that Jack was in dire straits. He was brought to a vet hospital and diagnosed with vena cava syndrome, caused by heartworms dying and throwing emboli through the body. There was nothing they could do. Jack left his body on Dec 8. We are devastated by his loss, but happy he knew peace and compassion before he died.

 

 

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