Rocky Westwego

      

---

I adopted Rocky Westwego from Old Gold in October 2003. He is now known as Jack, and he's my best friend.

You told me Jack was a "gem" and you were right. He has such a good heart and he really wants to do the right thing -- the only times he can't
resist being bad are when he wants to chase a squirrel, and when he eats
the cat toys scattered around my house.

He lets my cats (and foster kittens) boss him around; they can take away
his food and even, amazingly, his toys. He is the most toy-obsessed dog I
know! He LOVES balls. His favorite toy is Red Ball, though he loves Kongs
too.

He loves to swim (he was surrendered for getting in to his owners' pool)
and we go as often as four times a week over the summer to a public pond
where he swims with other dogs.

He gets along with everyone -- except teenage unneutered boy dogs, who he gets growly with. He is the quietest dog I know; my neighbors are amazed. He almost never barks.

He sleeps in my bed with me every night. It's really nice to wake up from
a scary dream to have a big dog to cuddle with.

Jack earned his CGC six months after he came to live with me, and he and I
are now taking an intermediate agility class. We're still a long way from
competing, but we enjoy it a lot. Agility has taught him a lot about
paying attention and being responsive off-leash (off-leash has been hard
for him -- he likes to run off and chase squirrels).

He was extremely itchy when I got him, and after trying multiple foods I
have switched him to a raw diet. He's been eating raw for a year now, and
he is so much better. His coat is much thicker, and he's hardly itchy at
all.

A few months after he came to live with me, he had what looked like an
epileptic seizure. He's had a total of four. The latest theory is that
it's not actually epilepsy, but a heart condition. With the help of his
diet, it seems to be under control -- knock on wood.

He was also recently diagnosed with very mild hip displaysia. (I knew when
I adopted a dog that probably came from a puppy mill that I might get
health issues.) I'm researching supplements, so hopefully he'll start
feeling better soon.

Jack inspired me to join www.nearr.com, North East All Retriever Rescue,
and I have been on the board of directors there for six months now. We
mostly handle labs but do get some goldens. I have also decided to change
careers and become a vet; I'm working on my pre-requisites now. I
attribute this decision to Jack as well.

You can see more photos than you ever wanted at by clicking on:

Jack's Pictures

Thank you so much for my wonderful dog.

Jessica
Jack the Pumpkin King, CGC