Helping Orphaned Mutts Succeed

A donor recently asked why we call our programs “Starfish.” (HOMS has two Starfish programs, one for Emergency Medical and one for Forever Fosters). It comes from the wonderful story of the starfish washing up on the beach. If you’d like to be a Starfish Forever Foster Sponsor, we’d love to have you join us to help get deserving PACC pups to safety, like the starfish in our story. https://givebutter.com/helping-orphaned-mutts-succeed-monthly-sponsorship-d4amvr

Sweet Jake…no one has expressed any interest yet…..

https://www.facebook.com/100064800634116/posts/1424714536365221/?

⭐️See special adoption offer from HOMS below and in comments - a bit different.
EMERGENCY PLACEMENT DEADLINE 430PM
SUNDAY JUNE 14, 2026

AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION ONLY THROUGH PACC

Name: Jake
Animal ID: A758318
Age: 5 years
Weight: 58 lbs

About: If you are looking for a loyal, affectionate, and deeply devoted companion, Jake is your guy! This handsome 5-year-old tri-color pup is a certified cuddle-bug who loves nothing more than staying close to his people. He is already housetrained, very friendly, and has a whole lot of love to give a family willing to give him the forever home he truly deserves.

Jake has had a bit of a rollercoaster journey. He originally came to us back in 2021, was adopted, and then found himself back at PACC in March of 2026 alongside three other small dogs because their previous owner faced court for containment challenges with them. Through it all, Jake’s sweet, people-oriented spirit hasn't wavered.

Jake is currently looking for a committed adopter who can help him on his road to physical recovery. Upon his return to the shelter, our medical team noted muscle wasting on his hind legs, and he was diagnosed with a CRCL rupture on his left side and a suspected partial rupture on his right side.

Surgery Recommendation: Jake needs bilateral TPLO surgery to get back to running comfortably. While PACC cannot perform this specialized surgery in-house, our medical care fund, Friends of PACC (FOP), may be able to help a dedicated adopter schedule the appointment and potentially cover a portion of the surgical costs. If you are committed to Jake, we will gladly get you in touch with FOP to discuss assistance.

Weight Management: Jake currently weighs 58 lbs. To protect his joints and ensure the success of his future surgeries, his new family will need to help him maintain a healthy, lean weight.
Jake recently spent a month in a wonderful foster home where we learned a lot about his daily habits and what will make him successful in his next chapter.

Child Safety & Home Environment: Jake is looking for an adult-only home or a home without young children. We were informed of an incident where a 5-year-old child was petting Jake and sustained shallow bites to the face. While we don't have full details surrounding the context of the incident, we want to ensure both Jake and his future family are set up for safety and success, so a mature, predictable household will be best for him.

No Cats, but Dog-Flexible: Jake will chase neighborhood cats, so he needs a strict cat-free home. However, he previously lived with three small dogs and did well with them to the best of our knowledge. In shelter playgroups, he has been nervous but tolerant of other dogs. He may actually prefer smaller canine companions, but his new family should know he did show some space-guarding in his kennel, so any resident dogs must meet Jake in the shelter before going home and then be introduced slowly again in the home, and resources should be managed.

Secure Yard & Supervision: Jake’s previous pack was able to get out of their yard, though we aren't sure how. He will need a secure fence and supervised outdoor time to ensure he stays safe and sound.

Separation Anxiety & Crate Training: Jake experiences severe separation anxiety when his people leave. To help him transition smoothly, he has been started on Prozac and will go home with a 30-day supply so you have plenty of time to get him set up with a primary veterinarian for a regular prescription. He will need patient, positive crate training to keep him safe and secure when home alone. His foster noted he isn't a big fan of standard chew bones, so his new family can get creative with enrichment (like frozen Kongs, lick mats, or puzzle toys) to keep his mind busy in the crate!

Jake has been through a lot, but he is ready to put his shelter days behind him and settle into a lifetime of couch cuddles and love. If you are ready to open your heart to this incredibly sweet boy and help him heal, please come to PACC and ask to meet Jake today!

Available for adoption through PACC.

Interested parties:
Must visit PACC before the COB Sunday June 14, 2026 deadline to meet with a counselor who will review notes and introduce you to the dog to ensure that it’s a good fit. Some dogs may also require an introduction to any dogs they may potentially live with.

Home Management Plan

No Kids under the age of 13 years:
• Jake is not suitable for a home with children.
• Reason: Bite History:
• Incident Details: minor bite to 5-year-old child, child was petting dog.
• Management: For safety and comfort, they should be in an adult-only home where interaction can be calm, predictable, and structured.

Children Caution:
• Supervision Required: Children should never be left alone with any dog. Always monitor interactions closely to ensure safety for both the child and Jake.
• Appropriate Interaction: Roughhousing, grabbing, hugging, or sudden movements can cause stress or fear, potentially leading to defensive behaviors. Teach children to interact calmly and respectfully.
• Safe Space: Provide them with a designated area (such as a crate or quiet room) where they can retreat when they need space. Crate training is highly recommended.
• Leash Management: Keep a dragline attached for at least two weeks, or until they are fully comfortable around children. This allows safe, low-stress handling if intervention is needed.

Prey Drive: while in foster care, was chasing neighbors cats.
• Jake may display chasing behaviors or pull toward small animals such as cats, rabbits, or wildlife while on walks. A confident, strong handler is recommended for safe management.
• Prey drive can be instinctual, breed-related, or a learned behavior reinforced by past experiences.
• Training and Management: Use a secure martingale collar or properly fitted harness during walks. Avoid off-leash areas where small animals may be present.

Resource Guarding Space From Dogs:
• Circumstances: seen in shelter envionment in kennel space.
• Jake] may guard personal areas such as a bed, crate, or resting spot from other dogs, especially in tight or shared spaces.
• Provide Individual Spaces: Ensure each dog in the home has their own designated area for rest, eating, and downtime. Avoid placing beds, crates, or feeding areas directly next to each other.
• Respect Boundaries: Do not force dogs into each other’s space or allow them to crowd one another, particularly during rest or when settling in new environments.
• Supervision: Closely supervise interactions during the initial adjustment period. If tension or guarding behaviors arise, calmly separate and redirect each dog to their own area.
• Training Support: Work with a qualified trainer to help build positive associations with shared spaces and reduce competitive behaviors over time.

Containment Issues:
• Jake has a known history of escaping enclosed spaces or roaming when unsupervised.
• Escape Method: unknown.
• Supervision and Safety: Keep them on leash until fully acclimated to the home and routine. Do not leave unattended outdoors or in unsecured areas.
• Preventative Measures: Ensure fences are secure and at an appropriate height. Regularly check gates, latches, and weak points for damage or loose areas.
• Longline Use: When spending time outdoors in an enclosed yard, use a longline to give them extra space to explore while keeping them safe and under control. Do NOT use tie-outs; the leash should be held and maintained by the handler at all times. Should NOT be used in unenclosed or public spaces.

Separation Anxiety:
• Jake may experience stress or anxiety when left alone, which can result in vocalization, pacing, or destructive behaviors.
• Crate Training: Proper crate training can provide a safe space and help prevent destructive behaviors when unsupervised.
• Enrichment & Comfort: Provide mental stimulation through frozen kongs, puzzle toys, or other enrichment items. Background noise, such as calming music or television, can also help reduce stress.
• Gradual Independence: Practice short departures and slowly increase alone time to build their comfort level.

On Prozac:
• Jake is currently taking Prozac [Fluoxetine] for behavioral support.
• Do NOT stop or change this medication without consulting your personal veterinarian.
• MUST be tapered: Stopping abruptly may cause negative physical or behavioral side effects.

Medical:
• recommend TPLO bilateral surgery
• maintain healthy weight
• if TPLO surgery is not done he will need lifetime of pain medication and joint supplements

⭐️Jake is eligible for the Helping Orphaned Mutts Succeed “Starfish Forever Foster” program. If someone adopts Jake and they’re approved for the support (see the promissory note requirement below), HOMS will provide up to $500 toward Jake’s surgery, if not completely covered by FOP, instead of enrolling in health insurance, will assist with food and behavioral support, as well as provide supplies like a crate and toys if needed, just as if they were fostering under a rescue group. But the whole idea is that they get to keep him/her forever in their loving home! The adopter will be asked to sign a promissory note to repay 50% of the support given if they rehome or surrender later. No charge for anything if you keep him/her in your home forever. ❤️ Interested parties should message Helping Orphaned Mutts Succeed on FB for details or text to 520-390-6904. Also message or text if you’d like to financially sponsor Jake. It takes donations for a program like this to succeed.