The Story of Jarrod Jarrod arrived at the shelter just before New Years Eve 2011. Here was a young lad in need of a new beginning to coincide with the new year. Jarrod came to the Provincial Animal Shelter in Dartmouth because of a cruelty situation. He arrived with his mother who has since been adopted. Due to what we believe would have been many months of solitary confinement in a shed, Jarrod missed out on the socialization most dogs require at a formative age. We have a heartwarming story to tell you about Jarrod and his turnaround; it is all but complete except for the final happy chapter: adoption into a loving, forever home. Jarrod is an Akita mix who is 3 years old. He has a healthy short double coat of black and brown brindle with accents including a white neck and bib as well as white front and rear socks. He also has a tiny white crest just above his nose. Akitas originate in the mountainous regions of northern Japan. The breed acquired a recent fame due to the movie Hachi A Dogs Tale starring Richard Gere. It was based on the famous Japanese Akita HACHIKO who met his master at the train station every evening upon his return from work in the city. One day the dogs owner did not return having suffered a fatal stroke while at work. HACHIKO returned to the station every day for 9 years waiting for his master to come home. Such is the well known loyalty of the Akita breed. Our Jarrod has become a staff favourite and at this time is the adoptee who has been with us the longest. One of our dedicated volunteers comes to the shelter every single day to walk him. Jarrod is a very special fellow who is relaxed, friendly and likes his squeaky toys. He is typically quiet and if you stop paying attention to him, he will seek you out by either leaning on you for a little extra affection or gracing you with a most robust smooch. He has come such a long way trusting people since joining our shelter family. His story is a testament to the kind of transformation that occurs when people commit whatever it takes to make life happy for a most deserving companion animal. While he looks like a big boy, this gentle giant is really just like every other enthusiastic dog who simply thrives with the appropriate level of activity. Jarrod would do well with an adopter or family that could ensure he receives plenty of exercise and play. (And like all dogs, they can also be couch potatoes when they are just tuckered out). This breed requires a knowledgeable handler who understands that a happy home and life requires a firm hand. Jarrod tends to assert himself when in the presence of other male dogs, but has done well with females. He also seems to understand and tolerate puppies. Akitas are described as highly dignified, intelligent, courageous, alert and deeply affectionate and devoted to their human family members. While Jarrod has never developed an affinity for cats, Akitas happen to have that most feline of traits: being fastidious and self-cleaning. In a word, they are neat dogs. Helen Keller described her Akita as an angel in fur who is gentle, companionable and trusty. We think that is a perfect description of our beloved Jarrod. This handsome, regal gentleman is more than ready to fall in love with the right adopter or family who gives him the second chance at a happy life he so deserves. If you are at all touched by Jarrod and his story, please consider yourself invited to the shelter to meet with him. We are confident you will think he is just as special as we do. Photos courtesy of Alpha dog photography. www.alphadogstudio.ca

Lexus is a nice dog with a funny almost goofy personality.She seems to be very easy going..and loves scratches lol come on in a visit her.. She is about 10 months old. Registration in an obedience class is mandatory to adopt Lexus. We are really not sure of her breed mix, she is loveable and happy so does it really matter! Send us your thoughts or suggestions. She is a very small size, but very stocky and what a great smile, some sort of bully mix perhaps. Photos courtesy of Alpha Dog Studio: http://alphadogstudio.ca/.

Sporty is approximately 5 years old. He's had a tough life so far, and has not had a lot of human interaction. He lived outdoors for the majority of his life but he is actually quite clean in his kennel so we feel he will adapt well to a home environment. Because of his background we would recommend a home with children 8 years and older. He does get along well with some other dogs, and we are not sure how he would do with cats, but he would likely hunt them so that may not be a good fit for him. Please stop in to meet Sporty and his beagle siblings today

Dixie is approximately 5 years old. She does like to guard her toys, she will growl so would do best in a home with older children only who understand her warnings! To adopt Dixie registering in a consultation with Tristan Flynn of Golden Rule or Silvia Jay of voice4dogs is mandatory to help her work on her guarding behaviour. Other than this she is a quiet and sweet girl.

Rosie is approximately 2 years old and around 70 lbs. She gets along well with other dogs.

Delilah is an approx. 7 month old shepherd mix puppy. She is super affectionate and playful and good with other dogs. She is still a puppy and needs work on her basic commands, so obedience training is mandatory for adoption.