Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/shelter-challenge-jaxx/

Jaxx’s story was originally shared in the Clear the Shelters Adoption Story Challenge on ShelterChallenge.com. Create your own free Shelter Challenge account and vote for your favorite shelter or rescue group to win cash and prizes. Every time you vote we’ll give an extra donation to shelters!

Jaxx came in to the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society in need of medical care due to neglect, and needed a lot of TLC. With a severely matted coat and thin frame, this poor boy quickly stole the hearts of the shelter staff — but he was far too scared and closed off to accept love.

Fortunately, through patience and behavioral support, he began to trust again — plus he felt so much better with a shave and proper nutrition! Our Behavior Specialist, Maria, even worked with him using the “umbilical cord” technique in a modified baby sling. Over time, he began to understand that humans mean love, attention, and food — all good things! He was placed on the adoption floor and quickly had an interested adopter.

His adopter let us know the following: “I now call him Pax, as it means peace and he has surely found it. He is just a bundle of love. He has fit in perfect, and has really taken a liking to his new girl, Zoey. She loves cuddling him, and so do I.

“Within three hours of being here, he trusted me enough to pat his head. Now, he loves his rubs and you would never know his head was an issue. Today I will groom him a bit on top and under ears.

“He is loving his home-cooked food and is eating super well. He especially loves the backyard, running and playing with Zoey. He’s just so happy out there. I love this little guy already! I know everyone loved him there, so please let them know he is doing great and is loved so very much.”

Story submitted by Donna Kincer.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog