Jazz

You may not know me, but you may have heard about my plight from a South Korea meat farm to local DC area shelters. My name is Jazz and I was being raised for food. I am a 6 month old Shiba/Jindo mix female. In my short life, I saw horrors. I had never known the gentle caress of a loving human companion. I had never felt the softness of a blanket. I have never laid back my ears, squinted my eyes, shook my butt and howled a Shiba welcome in anticipation of a family member’s arrival. I have never had a name. Not until I was taken to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA). I came to the US in January 2015 and I met an amazing woman who cared for me and 2 other young rescues, Lilly and Bally. She taught us that humans could be kind. They could be gentle. That humans could care for our lives and for our welfare. Soon our outgoing friend Bally was adopted but Jazz and I were still too weary of humans to go to a forever home.

We thrived as best we could in a special office at the shelter and we got the best force free training and doggie socialization. But we need more. We need a home. AWLA called DC SIR to help us to the next steps in trusting humans. DC SIR has a top notch fearful dog program that uses humane science based force free training methods. They have successfully worked with severe fear cases and puppy mill dogs. They will work on our nutrition, environment and behavior to get us off Prozac and into homes where we will thrive.
We are expected to be in DC SIR Program much longer than the minimum 2 week evaluation. They think we will need a couple months. But let me tell you about me. I won’t let you touch me but I am more bold and inquisitive. I love all dogs I meet and I might take treats from your hand if you have something delicious. I will explore new rooms and objects if I feel safe. I’m puppy pad trained, love dogs but still weary of humans. I was a Meat Farm dog. Now I am a Rescue. Now I am a DC SIR family member.