Our Current Residents
Meet the dogs that call JJH home.
Here at Jane's Journey Home for Dogs our mission is to provide a peaceful retirement home, love, and dignity to elderly dogs as they journey through the end of their lives. Jane's Journey Home for Dogs is a 501c3 Non Profit sanctuary that receives no government funding. We provide a loving final home for elderly dogs, where we rarely adopt or foster out. This is an important part of our mission as it is stability that these elderly dogs need most. The seniors receive veterinary care, specialized feeding plans, and all the love and attention they need from our dedicated staff and volunteers. Imagine getting to the end of your life and losing the only family you ever knew or being left at a crowded, noisy shelter and being passed by again and again simply because you are old. These pets have worth. Senior dogs show us the truest examples of loyalty and unconditional love and it is our job to return that love to them every day that they are with us.
Since we become their family and care for these seniors on their journey their medical bills are more extensive than a regular structured rescue where they are quickly adopted out. We focus on very senior and hospice cases that do not have a chance at being adopted, allowing them dignity and a lifelong home before they pass. The only way we are able to offer this sort of care to our canine residents, and continue to offer it, is because of donors and sponsors like you. We cannot do this alone.
Gizmo
Terrier Mix
Gizmo is estimated to be 12 years old and a small terrier mix. He came to us from Richland Area Rescue where he was with an emergency foster due to the passing of his owner. Good Samaritans contacted Jane’s Journey Home to see if we would have room for him. Once we learned that Gizmo was doing well with other dogs but had some medical concerns, we chose to take him in with us. Gizmo had a large mass located in his rectum that was causing a lot of pain and distress for him so the team made sure to have him seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible to help determine his true medical needs. They were able to have the mass removed and Gizmo so far has progressed well with little concerns. He is a tiny guy under 10lbs that enjoys snuggling with anyone who will take him and is often in your lap before you can sit down. He loves attention from anyone and will do somersaults on the couch in exchange for full body pets. Gizmo is another one of our seniors that came to us with severe dental disease and in need of multiple extractions to make his mouth pain free and healthy again. He also has a heart murmur that is very likely caused by the years of untreated dental disease getting into his bloodstream. An echocardiogram gave us the information that we needed and an all clear from the vet to proceed with anesthesia and his overdue dental work. Gizmo loves our bigger dogs and can often be found curled up alongside one of them. He will spend the rest of his days in comfort and safety with us.
Hospice
Murphy
Terrier Mix
Murphy is a 13 year old terrier mix with a solid, outgoing personality. Murphy’s owner went into hospice care and there was nowhere for him to go. So Murphy was passed around every couple of weeks from house to house until he landed safely at the caring home of a shelter facilitator. This kind woman recognized Murphy’s need for a stable environment and reached out to JJH to take him in. It is obvious that Murphy was very loved and cared for by his owner. He received regular veterinary care and was taught basic commands. Murphy does have epilepsy and a sensitive stomach. His seizure disorder is well regulated with a twice daily medication and has been for a number of years. His GI system is now well regulated with a simple prescription diet. We know that as he ages his seizures may worsen or become more frequent but today he is stable and happy. Murphy loves food and can be a bit of a shark when it comes around to treat time but he always behaves when you tell him to wait even though waiting for food seems like the hardest task in the world to him. He has a bit of energy still in his elderly years and often tries to get the other dogs to play with him. Not all of them are interested in that “puppy play” but Murphy doesn’t seem to mind because there is always a nice volunteer nearby that is happy to oblige him.
Here to Stay
Percy
Retriever mix
Percy, Noah, Gulley - These three seniors have lived together their entire lives. They came to JJH when an overcrowded county animal shelter in Rockford reached out to us with a desperate plea. Percy, Noah, and Gulley were part of a group of dogs that had been living in a condemned home with many other dogs. The shelter was at capacity and all other area rescues had turned down taking these dogs in. We traveled to Winnebago County Animal Shelter to meet the group and in an instant knew that we had to help. Percy - Percy just celebrated his 15th birthday and, as a large breed retriever mix, considered an advanced elderly dog. He is gentle and easy going. Percy gives a calming presence to both dogs and people and this was very apparent during our initial meeting at the shelter. There was no doubt Percy was coming with us as the likelihood of a dog of such advanced age getting adopted was next to nothing. Percy is steadfast and a reassuring presence at the sanctuary, not only for his previous pack mates but for many of his new ones as well. When Percy and Noah first arrived it was Percy that stood by Noah and reassured him that it was ok to eat. And then again that it was ok to lay down and sleep. Overall Percy appears healthy for his age but a thorough exam will help us determine if there are any underlying concerns and help us provide the best supportive care for Percy during his retirement.
Here to Stay
Noah
Heinz 57 mix
Percy, Noah, Gulley - These three seniors have lived together their entire lives. They came to JJH when an overcrowded county animal shelter in Rockford reached out to us with a desperate plea. Percy, Noah, and Gulley were part of a group of dogs that had been living in a condemned home with many other dogs. The shelter was at capacity and all other area rescues had turned down taking these dogs in. We traveled to Winnebago County Animal Shelter to meet the group and in an instant knew that we had to help. Percy, Noah, Gulley - These three seniors have lived together their entire lives. They came to JJH when an overcrowded county animal shelter in Rockford reached out to us with a desperate plea. Percy, Noah, and Gulley were part of a group of dogs that had been living in a condemned home with many other dogs. The shelter was at capacity and all other area rescues had turned down taking these dogs in. For the first time in years the shelter was considering euthanizing due to space and these seniors were first on the list. They were desperate for a better solution. We traveled to Winnebago County Animal Shelter to meet the group and in an instant knew that we had to help. Noah - Noah is a 13 year old hound mix or better described as a Heinz 57. When we met Noah he was terrified and shaking curled up in the back of his kennel and trying to make himself look as small as possible. He had dried feces stuck to his fur and he wouldn’t meet our gaze or get up to greet us. The loud shelter environment was quickly taking its toll on him and he was shutting down. We brought Noah into the yard with his former housemates and he immediately became a different dog. We knew we had to take Noah; he would never survive in a loud shelter environment. The first time Noah laid down in our quiet isolation room he let out a deep sigh. He looked to Percy to tell him it was ok; that he was safe. Noah’s personality continues to blossom at the sanctuary. He is the first one up to alert us that someone new has arrived. His horse, old man bark is endearing and reassuring that he is feeling more and more confident in his surroundings everyday. Unfortunately, a few days after he arrived and started settling in, a volunteer found Noah struggling to catch his breath. He had no appetite and wouldn’t eat his morning meal. He was rushed to the veterinarian where tests and radiographs determined that he has neoplasia. Cancer. A mass was discovered in his abdomen and the disease had likely spread to his lungs. Noah was also heavily congested and running a fever. It was determined that he also most likely had a secondary infection of pneumonia. The cancer doesn’t appear to have spread to his lymph nodes and that is good news. We chose to treat Noah’s infection and with strong antibiotics and anti-inflammatories and saw great improvement in his symptoms. We know this won’t last. But for now Noah is content and at ease at the sanctuary. He is a very happy dog that prances like a pony when he wants attention, wrestles with his old friend Gulley, and simply lights up the room with his personality. We cannot cure him but we can provide Noah with compassion and the love and support he so rightfully deserves. We will keep him as comfortable and pain free as possible until we can no longer do so. We take solace in knowing that he will not have to suffer through the pain of rapid deterioration that often occurs in senior pets or the fear that surrounded him in a loud shelter. This is our mission. When it is Noah’s time we ourselves will be comforted knowing he was able to enjoy security and peace with us and his brothers, even if it was a short time. He has had fresh food and water, comfortable beds and an endless supply of pack mates and people to reassure and love him. He will be provided a gentle, peaceful crossing surrounded in dignity and love.
Here to Stay
Gulley
Cattle dog x Retriever mix
Percy, Noah, Gulley - These three seniors have lived together their entire lives. They came to JJH when an overcrowded county animal shelter in Rockford reached out to us with a desperate plea. Percy, Noah, and Gulley were part of a group of dogs that had been living in a condemned home with many other dogs. The shelter was at capacity and all other area rescues had turned down taking these dogs in. We traveled to Winnebago County Animal Shelter to meet the group and in an instant knew that we had to help. Gulley is an 12 year old cattle dog/retriever mix and most likely related to Percy and Noah. We met Gulley when we visited Winnebago County Animal Shelter in response to their plea to find placement for a number of senior dogs at the shelter. The shelter was at capacity and, with more dogs coming in every day, they desperately needed to find placement for these senior dogs before they deteriorated in the hectic shelter environment. When we met Gulley, along with the other seniors at the shelter, he appeared social and enjoyed running the fences with other dogs. He was the youngest of the group and since we could only safely transport two large dogs in our vehicle it was determined that Gulley would remain at the shelter in the hopes that his outgoing personality and younger age might give him a chance at adoption. A few days after the other dogs had settled in we reached out to the shelter and asked if they were still looking for placement for Gulley. Even being an active dog with attractive markings, at 11 years old Gulley was too old for most people to even look at. We arranged to bring Gulley back to the sanctuary to reconnect with his former housemates 10 days after we had taken Percy and Noah. Gulley is a social butterfly with a bit of anxiety. His first few days at the sanctuary consisted of lots of pacing and barking and a need for reassurance from humans. He has since relaxed significantly and has even started playing with some of the other dogs. He still looks to Percy and Noah for reassurance but he is finding his place at the sanctuary and is becoming more and more relaxed every day.
Here to Stay - In Foster Care
Floyd
Beagle mix
Floyd comes to JJH from a local humane society that took him in as a stray after he was found staggering around and emaciated. Sadly Floyd's owner never chose to claim him and it was obvious this poor old soul was utterly abandoned. The humane society staff immediately fell in love with this poor broken old guy and named him Floyd. Once Floyd's stray period was up they reached out to JJH for placement. Poor Floyd had suffered so much, barely able to move about, so weak, thin, and confused. The first few days with us it took all his strength just to finish his food. Then one day Floyd simply started coming out of his shell. He stumbled out of the quiet office where he had been staying and trotted over to a nearby bed under a counter. And that was justthe beginning. Floyd was no longer a stiff zombie staggering around. Yes his body was still strcken with severe arthritis and his mind struggled with dementia but his body was no longer painful with every step. It now had energy to move about and explore; make new friends. Floyd has been a great addition to the sanctuary and everyone has loved seeing his comical personality come out. Floyd may move a bit slow but he knows what he wants and isn't afraid to ask for it. Floyd is finding his way at the sanctuary and it has been our pleasure to help him find happiness and comfort in his senior journey.
Here to Stay
Dixie
Pomeranian mix
Dixie is a 15+ pomeranian mix with dementia. Think Floyd but with more hair! Dixie has lived the majority of her life with a loving owner. However due to her progressing dementia, decreased vision, and stiffness caused by arthritis Dixie was struggling in her long time home. Her owners made many adjustments but ultimately were no longer able to give Dixie the safest space and the attention she deserved. She is adjusting well to the sanctuary and already loves spending time in the yard or on walks with volunteers throughout the day.
Here to Stay
Bella
American Bulldog mix
Bella is a 13+ American Bulldog mix. She is a strong, quiet girl that wants nothing more than to be loved. Bella's life was turned upside-down and she desperately needed a quiet place to feel safe again. Columbia County Humane Society Portage, Wisconsin took this lovely girl in and hoped that someone would claim her. When no one did they placed her up for adoption, once again hoping that someone would want to give this senior gentle giant a loving home. Sadly no one did that either. Senior dogs are the least likely to be adopted from shelters and rescues. They are the forgotten. And with lumps and bumps and time ticking away for Bella they knew that they had to find a special place for her to retire. Bella has been a complete joy so far and seems to know she has found a home again. We loved her instantly and promised to continue to love her for the rest of her life. Welcome Bella, you are treasured, you are safe, and you will never be abandoned again.
Hospice
Sabrina
Black/Tan Coonhound mix
Sabrina is estimated to be about ten and a half and is just about the gentlest hound you'll ever meet. She is brimming with sweetness and tail wags from head to toe. We don't know much about Sabrina's history other than late last year she was hit by a car and needed ear surgery and an eye removed. She has adapted beautifully but her ear gets infections a little easier now and needs to have a close eye kept on it. This girl has also gone through quite the transformation in the past six months. She entered rescue life weighing in at an astounding 91lbs!!! The wonderful team at Albert's Dog Lounge placed her in a foster home and immediately started her on a weightloss plan. But even after slimming down to a healthy 65lbs, causing her constant tail wag from feeling so darn good, and being a dog that truly enjoys quiet companionship with both people and other dogs, the adopters still didn't come. So Albert's entrusted this black and tan gem to us and we couldn't be happier. We are honored to be her retirement home and the place where she can rest her head for however long she needs. There are so many great things to get to know about Sabrina and we can't wait to learn them all! If you are interested in possibly adopting Sabrina please contact JJH Staff at: journeyhome4dogs@gmail.com
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
In Foster Care
JoJo
Shih Tzu x Dachshund
This quiet, gentleman comes to us from the Sauk County Humane Society. JoJo's long-time owner and best buddy recently passed away and JoJo was left terribly confused and depressed. Our pets devote their whole lives to being with us and when we are no longer there they all too often struggle to find purpose again. JoJo was immensely lonely and shook from fear of the unknown. At 14 years old his likelihood of adoption was very slim and the stress of shelter life would only deepen his fear and depression. Thankfully the shelter reached out to us right away to provide this precious little man the peaceful retirement home and dedicated love he deserved. We know that it will take time for JoJo's heart to heal from the loss of his owner and everything he once knew. But we are surrounding him with all of our love and patience. We remind him every day that he has a place, that he is accepted, that he is treasured, that he is loved still and always. With time he will find purpose again here at the sanctuary. We already see the light in his face and the wag of his tail when we come in and call his name. He has already stopped shaking when we hold him. We see the positive change in him that our friendship and the peacefulness of the JJH sanctuary has created. We are committed to giving JoJo the best life possible, for however long we are blessed to have him. His journey led him to our sanctuary and we will fill his life with compassion, warmth, and unwavering care. As a non-profit that relies on public donations, your support means everything. Only with your help can we continue to provide the care and comfort that JoJo and our other senior residents need. Together, we can ensure that their final journey is filled with love, peace, and dignity.
Here to Stay
Neville
Toy Poodle mix
This precious little nugget is no shy guy. Neville has been through so much in such a short time, but he has found his way safely to the JJH sanctuary thanks to the incredible efforts of the caring team at PAWS Chicago. Although nothing is really known about Neville's past, his story with us starts with nothing short of a miracle in our book. This tiny peanut was found emaciated, with horrific dental disease, a painfully matted coat, heart murmur, and worse yet, a very large 4 inch splenic mass (and a smaller mass) impeding his ability to properly move. The shelter took Neville in and performed multiple surgeries to get Neville back to feeling his best. He is now safely at our sanctuary and exploring everywhere and everything with exuberance! Neville is a fragile boy, weighing in at only 5 pounds but he has the voice of a pterodactyl and the confidence of a T-Rex. It will be a bit of a recovery road for Neville but he has found his people that promise to love him forever.
Here to Stay
Ferris
Cairn Terrier mix
Meet Ferris, a brave little soul that was found scavenging on the streets of Chicago in a very fragile state. Neighbors had observed little Ferris running stray for quite some time and it was only when his health declined so much that he was able to be captured by the caring people at PAWS Chicago. That was when the real extent of his condition became apparent. Ferris’ exam revealed an extremely emaciated and dehydrated little dog. He was so thin that he had begun to lose muscle mass. Signs that he had been homeless for a long time ran deep as Ferris was covered in fleas and had patches of hair missing. There were scabbed-over bite wounds all over his body from run-ins with other animals throughout his harrowing journey. He was too weak to stand and too scared to eat. He was immediately given intravenous fluids and fed baby food and an appetite stimulant to encourage him to eat. X-rays were taken and bloodwork performed. Ferris was neutered and we were contacted to see if this precious lost dog could find a home at JJH. We of course said “Yes!” and Ferris was prepared for the short trip to the sanctuary as a tag-along with Neville. Ferris was safe, but his troubles did not end there. Ferris developed a painful scrotal hematoma after his neuter surgery and needed antibiotics and regular cool compresses to help him heal. Upon his arrival we assessed the full extent of his medical conditions: Ferris had been diagnosed with a 3-4/6 heart murmur, severe dental disease with marked gingival recession, and of course he was still healing from surgery complications. Our hearts broke thinking of all that this little dog had endured while alone on the streets. Ferris’ is now recovering well at the JJH sanctuary. No longer dehydrated and scared, he is a spunky little guy that just loves to be near everyone. He has a voracious appetite and, ounce by ounce, has started to gain weight. Ferris loves to follow our volunteers around and is interested in anything and everything. When he is tired, he can often be found curled up in the corner of a couch. We are so glad that Ferris has found his way here. He would not have survived much longer alone on city streets. As we prepare a pathway plan for Ferris, we know that it will likely include extensive dental surgery. This can only happen once he has gained weight, his health stabilized, and it is determined that it is safe to move forward with surgery. Ferris’ past may be clouded in uncertainty, but his future is bright and full of love here at our sanctuary. As we work to provide Ferris with everything he needs, we invite you to join us on this journey. We cannot do it alone! Your support helps us create a place where every senior dog like Ferris, can find safety, companionship, love, and care in their golden years. Consider donating to help us continue to provide this loving environment to our most beloved companions. Every little bit helps! Thank you all for your love and support of our important mission! ❤️
ADOPTION PENDING
Forever in our Hearts
Every dog that comes through our sanctuary doors is special. Whether they are with us for a year, a month, or only a few days. We give them a home and treat them with dignity and love every precious moment they are with us. Gone but not forgotten, these are the special seniors that found their final home here at JJH.
Hazel
Cocker Spaniel mix
Hazel is a lovely old gal of 15 years. She comes to us from Sauk County Humane Society after she was taken in when her owner decided to abandon her when they moved. We know how heartbroken and confused she must have felt after her owner left her. She certainly was anxious and didn't want to eat. She looked to anyone and everyone with her big brown pleasing eyes for reassurance. Luckily Hazel is here now and, after a few short days, is already starting to relax. She is so happy to see all of our loving volunteers and just wants to be part of the action. There are still many times when Hazel will curl up on a bed and we can tell that she is trying to make sense of all that she has been through. We reassure her that she has a loving new family and a big pack of senior pups to keep her company. She will never have to feel left out or abandoned ever again. Sadly Hazel's exam shortly after she arrived was not what we expected. Upon her examination, the team discovered a large, hard and horribly painful abdomen and severe dental damage. Further evaluation brought to light a painful bladder, hips problems and major discomfort. These multiple issues would explain her unwillingness to eat and her stress levels. With that being said, we chose to humanely euthanize Hazel to relieve her of her painful conditions as we knew that her care would be highly invasive and extensive for a dog at the ripe old age of 15. We are thankful to each and every one of you who spent time trying to make her feel at home, give her a sense of peace and make sure she felt loved by all of us. She will continue on her new journey surrounded by those who only knew her briefly but loved her unconditionally.
Forever in our hearts
2009-August 2024
Capi
Corgi - Special n\Needs
Our dear Capi, dubbed “The Queen of JJH” came to us in December of 2022 as one of our first residents. We were just beginning, and it turned out that we would need to grow around this sassy corgi. Capi (short for cappuccino) was surrendered to an animal shelter when her owner went into assisted living and could no longer care for her. You see, Capi was born with a birth defect all too common in in-bred corgis. All four of her limbs were deformed. But Capi didn’t know she was any different than the rest of the dogs. In her mind she was royalty! With the likelihood of finding a suitable home for a disabled senior dog slim to none, the shelter reached out to Jane’s hoping to give her the option of a better life in retirement, one that could meet all of her special needs. Capi came to us a little rounder and closer to the ground which made it difficult for her to move around. Her primary form of communication was to sit on a throne of dog beds and bark for attention. It was clear that Capi’s disability caused her both frustration and pain. The team immediately placed her on a weight loss plan and began addressing her pain and mobility issues. Despite all of her setbacks throughout her life, in her golden years, Capi showed us each day that her spirit was thriving, and she wanted to enjoy life to the fullest. With pounds of extra weight off and the pain of her joints well managed Capi discovered a new-found freedom in her mobility and her true independence began to shine. Whether it meant waddling into the yard to bask in the sunshine or roll in the snow or making her way up the two steps into the office to lay on the cool floor near staff Capi lived the good life and did what she wanted, when she wanted. Capi had no issues befriending every person who entered the sanctuary, and all felt honored to see her excitedly scuttle to them, not asking but demanding their attention, as a Queen does! She spent many days being our only lady and kept all the boys in line. Letting us know when they were being too rambunctious or helping to alert us of visitors approaching. She gained many followers and fans as our first poster dog and we always found joy when strangers would know exactly who she was and would make an effort to come for visits just to be “graced by Queen Capi’s presence.” It wasn’t until just after the new year that we noticed a significant change in Capi. She became slower, quieter, and seemed uninterested in mealtimes. She struggled to make it up the steps at times and eventually stopped altogether. Capi began reverting back to her old ways of barking from her bed for attention and spent more and more time resting on cold surfaces to ease her increasing discomfort. Degenerative Myelopathy on top of her existing arthritis and birth defect was a devastating blow to us all. Our medical team worked hard to battle these changes in Capi’s health but just when we thought we would have a good handle on it she would have a flare up of pancreatitis. Our volunteer team was incredible! Many would willingly help her into her stroller to get outside and walk painstakingly slow with her so that she could still enjoy sniffing the grounds, giving her the same time and patience as the rest of the residents who easily went for walks. We made adjustments to her medical care time and time again, started her with chiropractic care and even tried giving her a wheelchair and specially made harnesses and booties to help her retain as much mobility as possible for as long as possible. Despite all our dedication, Capi’s mobility kept decreasing until she was unable to use the majority of her hind end. Determined as always, she still tried to keep her brave face and appreciated those who continued their stroller walks with her and spending time sitting with her in the yard where she liked to be. When Capi would lose her appetite, volunteers offered plenty of alternatives to help her get nutrients and especially take her meds by cooking her venison steak (which she devoured) and was truly a lifesaver that gave her more time with us. Our staff and dedicated volunteers all worked diligently together to continue Capi’s care, knowing that her time was shortening. Their efforts to keep her comfortable did not go unnoticed and Capi had many more good days in 2024, but sadly, the good days became fewer and farther between and the tough conversations began. With constant flares of pancreatitis and degenerative myelopathy taking their toll we were out of options. Capi began to tell us that her journey with us was coming to an end. It was with the heaviest of hearts that we made the choice to say goodbye to Capi and prevent her from suffering through the pain and difficulties that were to come with the gift of humane euthanasia. Capi was surrounded by love from the first light of the day to the moment her eyes closed, and we whispered our sweet goodbyes. She enjoyed a donut in the shape of a burger, filled with chocolate and savored every bite as she was lovingly pet, kissed, and cuddled every moment. There was not a single dry eye as we let her journey conclude with us and begin elsewhere. Capi will be dearly missed as a cornerstone of Jane’s Journey Home for Dogs. But she is also the reason we will continue to take on seniors in her position, providing as much care as possible in hopes of giving them the joy, love, and dignity that they so deserve in their golden years.
Forever in our hearts
2010-June 2024
Ajax
Schnauzer/Poodle mix
Ajax is an approximately 12-15 year old schnauzer/yorkie mix. Sadly, Ajax came to us as a neglect and abuse case from Sauk County Humane Society after being left out in negative double digits below zero weather tied to a patio. Once at the safety of the shelter their team noticed that his abuse ran deep. He was very timid and quick to defend himself from any form of touch. His coat was heavily matted with feces in it and the tangles were pulling painfully at his skin. He needed to be sedated to even clean him up and shave them off. His owner never chose to reclaim him. We took Ajax to be medically evaluated due to many concerns revolving around his mouth and skin. Ajax had a fractured and severely infected tooth which we believe was a major reason why he shied away from everyone. Upon examination at the vet this infection abscessed through the outside of Ajax’s muzzle. We immediately had to have these painful reminders of his previous life removed. Ajax was treated with nothing but patience and kindness from our caring staff and volunteers and after recovery we’re happy to say Ajax is a new dog! He is diagnosed with canine dementia and can have times when he seems lost or confused. But during times when he is more lucid he gravitates towards our teenage volunteers and loves to play tag with them. We are thankful for our volunteers who have taken their time getting to know him and building his trust to the point that any new visitors that come to the farm he happily sniffs and welcomes with the rest of the pack. Due to Ajax’s sensitivities and dementia we keep his environment as calm and unchanging as possible. Ajax has been known to hop and bound happily around the sanctuary in the mornings and anytime he goes on walks. He has overcome a difficult life but we are honored to be able to give him the safety and peace he deserves in his golden years. Our tribute to Ajax: Ajax, formerly known as Max, came to the sanctuary in early 2023 from the Sauk County Humane Society. The fourth resident of our newly established retirement home for dogs, Ajax was our first neglect case and biggest trust building challenge. The scars of his past took time to disappear, but we had to give him all the love and care he would let us. We gave him a new name to help wipe away the pain from his past but made sure it rhymed so that his brain with dementia didn’t have to learn anything too differently sounding. On his first day at the sanctuary a single young volunteer sat quietly with him for hours; asking nothing of the little schnauzer mix and just provided a calm presence in the room. With consistent patience and understanding the stress and uncertainty of his previous experiences melted away and Ajax learned to relax. He slowly began to trust again. Ajax started each morning with excited bunny hops for breakfast and lots of deep sleeping naps in the quieter corners of the room throughout the day. His hearing and vision were almost non-existent so real human contact and trust took months to build. It started with happy little games of tag that eventually turned into quick kisses before darting off. Ajax never liked to be held but he appreciated quiet companionship. Any affection this little dog instigated was counted as a snuggle by our volunteers. He spent his time regularly as the leader of the wandering “dementia duo” gang. And eventually Ajax began asking for ear rubs and would headbutt his friends with such force that seemed to imply he was making up for lost time. It made us smile every time someone took him for a walk and halfway through the “lightbulb” would go on and he remembered that he liked walks, always jumping into a sprint at the surprise of the person walking him. It was these things that helped Ajax find a special place into so many people’s hearts. Medical care was a challenge with Ajax so we worked creatively to keep him comfortable and happy in the least invasive ways possible. It was difficult at times, seeing his potbelly and absent-mindedness and not knowing what was causing them. Ajax lived life to the fullest each day he was at JJH. In the end his loss was a surprise as his morning routine was drastically changed one day and in a matter of hours his strength was gone. No supportive or emergency medications helped. We said farewell to our “little bunny” Ajax on May 31st. In this life he was a disheveled, independent little guy struggling to overcome a past of loneliness and abuse. But as he became part of the pack at JJH he found a family that accepted him for who he was and allowed him to find peace at last. Ajax was a challenge and because of that he has left us with a better understanding of the resilience of our canine friends and we are truly so grateful to have loved him.
Forever in our hearts
2010-May 2024
Sasha
Mini Schnauzer/Poodle mix
Sasha is 13 years old. She is blind, deaf, and has no teeth. Sasha is also one of the most well adjusted little dogs you will ever meet. She is fearless, calm, and smart. Like too many other dogs, Sasha's life could have ended up very differently. Tragically. Her story was one that is heard all too often and all to late. Her owner was not well and had not been for some time. As Sasha's elderly owner's health began to decline so did Sasha's care. It was no one's fault, Sasha was very loved, but her owner struggled to remember if Sasha had been fed or given water everyday. Luckily for Sasha, AND her owner, they were surrounded by loving neighbors. Sasha's neighbors not only pitched together to make sure Sasha was receiving the basic care she needed, they also took her on daily walks around the block with their dogs. But when Sasha's owner was hospitalized and could no longer live at home Sasha stayed in the house alone. The neighbors visited her multiple times a day but mostly she was alone, blind and deaf, in a big house. That was when they reached out to us. And here we are. Little Sasha was lucky to have been loved her whole life by someone. And she was part of a loving community that wouldn't let her fall through the cracks. And now Sasha will continue to feel that love through the volunteers and staff at JJH. Welcome home Sasha.
Forever in our hearts
2010-May 2024
Bennett
Miniature poodle mix
We took in the sweetest little poodle mix named Bennett. It was obvious from the start that Bennett had not been cared for in quite some time. He was quiet and timid and it was almost impossible to tell how much of his hunched back was from arthritis and pain or from simply the fear of the unknown. Bennett had been found wandering by a nearby hotel and taken to the local humane society. Based on his condition it was unlikely he had wandered far and more likely he had been dumped. Bennett's owner was identified and confessed that they had never really wanted the little dog. And so, he ended up in our loving arms. From the moment Bennett arrived he brought joy into the sanctuary. And it was clear that he knew he could relax and finally feel safe. He was part of JJH for only a few short days but in that time we worked hard to give him as many good memories as we could in order to push away all of the bad ones. We will never understand why people neglect their animals. Why, if they don't want them, they don't drum up the tiniest bit of effort to take them to a local animal shelter or find them a different home? Why they let them waste away for years until they cannot be saved? Why dumping any animal on the side of a road, let alone an elderly one, actually seems like a better idea than humanely euthanizing? Bennett's last days were filled with a lifetime of love, comfort, security. We did everything we could to take away his pain and then sent him on his journey with final memories of love.
Forever in our hearts
May 2024
Bosley
Boston Terrier Mix
Bosley is a 13 year old boston terrier and is our longest standing resident at the sanctuary. Chasing Daylight Animal Shelter in Tomah reached out to us when they learned that Bosley was in need of a safe place in which to retire. Bosley’s owner had moved to a nursing home and the person they had entrusted to care for him had scheduled Bosley to be euthanized. The caring staff at the nursing facility felt that this decision was premature and desperately searched for another option. Bosley came to us quite weak and thin with extremely dry skin and patches of hair flaking off. His digestive system was a mess! A thorough exam at the vet and senior bloodwork provided us with answers. Bosley was diagnosed with liver disease. With a supportive plan in place, Bosley was placed on daily liver supplements and a specialized diet. Within a matter of days his body started to absorb nutrients again and his energy level increased. Like many bostons, he also has a significant cataract in one eye that has rendered that eye mostly blind, but it does not cause him any pain or discomfort. He tends to run with his head cocked to the side to see, and occasionally bumps into the door. Bosley’s liver values stabilized and he quickly became the content and quiet kong stealer we know and love today. He begs for butt scratches and rewards everyone with his silly little happy dance whenever they hit just the right spot.
Forever in our hearts
2010- April 2024
Bear
Lhasa Apso
Bear is a 13+ lhasa apso. His elderly owner sadly had to make the decision to rehome Bear after she took a fall and could no longer care for him. Bear is doing a great job adjusting to his new surroundings and quickly making friends with the other senior residents. We know that his whole life has been turned upside-down and it is our job to love and support him through these difficult changes. Bear is in need of a dental cleaning and has some pretty significant tarter buildup on his molars. Most of his front teeth are loose and we anticipate multiple extractions to make his mouth healthy again. He has a bit of arthritis but still gets around quite well and uses the ramps and stairs to get himself up onto the couches whenever he wants. When we initially interviewed Bear our intake staff's biggest concern was his severe dental disease. Yes, we knew he was unneutered however that would be a simple surgery assuming his bloodwork was normal. However Bear's first medical exam here at the sanctuary did not go as planned. Bear's testicles are asymmetrical and one is enlarged. He also has a small nodule next to his prostate. Along with other smaller symptoms of patchy hair in specific areas, a thin coat, and pronounced nipples; Bear had all the signs of testicular cancer. Bear's exam report card read more "ABNORMALS" than "NORMALS." Bear's extensive dental procedure will have to wait as he needs to be neutered as quickly as possible. Bloodwork indicates that the cancer has most likely not spread and we'd like to keep it that way! Neutering Bear will almost certainly cure him and remove all the cancer. This is just another reason why spay/neuter is so important. Yes, it is about reducing the population of unwanted animals but it is also about the health of your individual pet. There are a number of deadly medical conditions that can be completely avoided if you just spay/neuter your pet. ***BEAR UPDATE*** On Monday, Jan. 29th Bear went in to Aurora Veterinary Care for his long awaited dental. It was late morning when we received the call from them; much too early for his procedure to be done. It was grave news. The dental radiographs showed alarming changes to the integrity of Bear's jaw. Additional x-rays were taken and confirmed what they suspected. Bone cancer. Bear's jaw bone resembled swiss cheese and in some places was only held together by soft tissue. He was past the point of dental surgery offering him any sort of relief. Bear came home to the sanctuary and entered hospice care. He would never receive his dental cleaning but instead would receive all the love and quality pain management we could give him for however much time he would have left. Bear will spend his days snuggling under blankets on couches like he loves to do. For him nothing much has changed. We will continue to provide him with the medications and care that he needs to live the remainder of his life pain free and surrounded by those that love him.
Forever in our hearts
2010-March 2024
Buddy Boo & Maddie Mae
Bonded pair
Our staff came into work to an email titled "Emergency - Two seniors in need of rescue." We opened the email to see the darling faces of two very sad and confused elderly dogs. Maddie Mae and Buddy Boo were over 14 years old. They had been surrendered to the shelter they had originally been adopted from way back in 2010. They were frighted and weak and had difficulty standing. The shelter was beyond capacity and they didn't even have the space to keep these two together; the best that they could do was place them in separate kennels next to each other. We responded right away and arranged a time for our eval team to make the 4 hour round trip to meet Buddy and Maddie. Buddy Boo was brought into the yard first and our hearts immediately went out to him. He was struggling to walk in spite of being on a pain reliever, it looked like he has lost a significant amount of weight recently, his coat was filthy, and his nails were extremely overgrown; it was obvious he had spent a significant amount of time living outside. Maddie Mae was brought in shortly after to join Buddy and our hearts sank. She was extremely underweight and had virtually no muscle mass in her hind end. Her eyes were vacant and filled with defeat. Maddie Mae was likely not long for this world. But as they saw each other for the first time since arriving at the shelter we knew they felt relief. They weren't alone in a strange loud place after all. We knew instantly we had to bring these two precious souls to the sanctuary. Arrangements were made and the caring and grateful shelter staff made the trek to JJH the very next day. Buddy Boo and Maddie Mae enjoyed the car ride and seemed much more relaxed simply by being together on their way to freedom. Buddy and Maddie settled in mid-afternoon on Thursday, in the quiet of our office and slept for hours together in the same bed. In just a few days their entire world had been turned around multiple times and they were exhausted. Yesterday morning after a brief potty break and a hearty meal we found them often in the same place, snuggling together in the softness of their bed. It was vet day at the sanctuary and we were eager for our veterinarian, Dr. Miranda Braithwaite of SagePet Home Veterinary Care LLC to examine the bonded pair. But as we entered the quiet space with Dr. B our hearts sank for a second time. Maddie Mae had begun panting heavily, she was dehydrated, and her gums were pale. She had grown even weaker. A large mass was present in her abdomen. These were only the visual signs; we knew much more was going on and her body was rapidly failing her. Buddy Boo was also noted to have multiple advanced medical issues as well and it was only a short matter of time before his body would fail him like Maddie's was. With this type of prognosis and Maddie Mae's steep decline in just 24 hours from her arrival, the difficult decision was made to help Maddie complete her journey and bring her peace from her suffering through humane euthanasia. With how these two special seniors interacted we knew they were a bonded pair and it would be unkind to separate them ever again. We could not take one from the other and add to their grief just to shortly prolong one's life. We decided to help Buddy Boo finish his journey alongside Maddie Mae and let them both rest peacefully together. We know we had these two for only 24 hours and appreciate everyone who stopped to greet them while they were here. Both of them were incredibly sweet and enjoyed being able to sleep together in the warm office in quiet and comfort. We remind ourselves at these times how important our mission is. That while our time with them was short, Buddy Boo and Maddie Mae did not have to spend another day in separate kennels in a noisy scary place alone but rather in soft beds, with gentle pets, lots of chicken jerky treats, and most importantly together. We will never know their whole story and how they got to be in such poor condition. But we do know that in their last moments they had full bellies and felt safe and loved here at Jane's Journey Home for Dogs.
Forever in our hearts
2009-February 2024
Sweetie
Toy Poodle mix
Sweetie is a darling 5lb poodle that we've recently welcomed into the JJH sanctuary. Asking a senior dog, especially one with significant medical issues, to leave all that is familiar and adjust to a new environment and new life is extremely difficult. For many elderly dogs it simply isn't in their best interest. But Sweetie has been through much in her life and has come out the other end confident and content. It is our duty to give her the chance to live out her days in comfort and care while she has a strong will to live and enjoy life. Sweetie was a puppy mill dog for the first 6 years of her life. Her loving owner adopted her along with her sister from a shelter. At that time Sweetie had already lost all of her teeth. But her perky personality shone through, and she became the apple of her owner's eye for many years. This little dog was resilient and chose to love people instead of fear them. Sadly, Sweetie lost her sister after a few short years. And like so many dogs, Sweetie developed multiple medical issues as she aged. Her owner gave Sweetie the best of veterinary care, but the time came for Sweetie's aging owner to make the difficult decision to move to a nursing home themselves. We are all forced to face our own aging and health limitations, our own mortality at some point. Planning for ourselves can be extremely hard but the worry for our beloved pets and what will become of them can be overwhelming. Sometimes it is in our companion's best interest to only know the love and security they have grown to know for so many years. Humane euthanasia with their loving owner beside them giving them kisses and comfort until the end can be the kindest decision we can make for our elderly pets. But for others, and for Sweetie, a safe, peaceful place like Jane's Journey Home for Dogs can provide them with support through the difficult changes later in life and allow these loyal companions the dignity they deserve and the ability to continue to love. Sweetie has thyroid disease, arthritis, and is mostly blind and deaf. Her body is old and fragile. But she loves meeting new people and exploring her surroundings at her own pace. She has made friends quickly with the other canine residents at JJH. Circumstances forced her to lose the life that she had become accustomed to but thanks to the kindness and foresight of her owner, Sweetie now has a safe place to rest her head at JJH for the remainder of her days. Sadly we had to say goodbye to our tiny little Sweetie. Life has it turns and twists. Sometimes the pathways that we envision don't always go as planned. Her health took a sudden turn during the afternoon and it was very apparent that she was suffering. Sweetie had a wonderful morning. She ate a hardy breakfast and spent time socializing with the other canine residents and snuggling on the couch with our volunteers. But by late morning Sweetie became lethargic and refused to eat. Her breathing became labored and her temperature dropped. Our veterinarian was immediately contacted. Our team worked hard to make Sweetie as comfortable as possible but it was obvious her tiny little body would not be able to recover, and the decision was made to humanely euthanize Sweetie. Regardless of what we plan when we take in these dear elderly dogs, we don't always know what their bodies can handle. Sweetie had a wonderful, outgoing spirit, and we had hoped that by managing her many medical issues including thyroid disease, blindness, deafness, skin allergies, acid reflux, and arthritis her body would grow strength and she could enjoy retirement here with us. This just wasn't the case. Sweetie may have only had a short time with us but she was pampered and loved unconditionally by our dedicated volunteers and staff every moment. She was given gentle touches and treated with dignity all the way through her journey. She was treated like the loyal little companion she was. Sweetie left this world in loving arms with words of love and comfort being whispered to her every moment. She touched the hearts of everyone here at JJH and for that we are forever grateful.
Forever in our hearts
2009-2023
Tripp
Dachshund
Tripp is a 15 year old male dachshund. He came to us as one of our few owner surrenders due to his owner having multiple health concerns and moving into a facility that does not allow pets. Tripp lived in a loving home his entire life but sadly had no previous vet care to speak of. The medical staff we enlisted to help discovered extremely severe dental disease and open rotting sores in the roof of Tripp’s mouth that was clogged with debris and infection. He would often sneeze blood and mucus throughout the day. Due to this it was imperative that we get him medical care right away. Tripp went through a dental procedure in late June 2022 to remove all over his damaged teeth, repair the fistulas in his nasal cavities and give him some relief that we believe had been plaguing him for the better half of his life. After recovering we have seen a great improvement in Tripp’s energy and quality of life. He enjoys following around the other residents or volunteers and burrowing deep in blankets around the sanctuary. He is a chatty one who definitely lets you know if he needs attention by light whining and tail wagging until he is noticed. Tripp loves to curl up with any of the other seniors who will have him and sleep the day away. Canine companionship is new to Tripp and he is persistent in making new friends. Tripp does have a heart murmur and is in mid stages of canine dementia so he may get lost and wander sometimes but he always comes back to stand by feet or give a tail wag.
Forever in our hearts
2008-2023