After spending over a decade as a beloved pet in a New Jersey family, Jake, a kind-hearted senior dog, was suddenly cast aside when his family decided to relocate.
Unable to bring Jake along, they faced the harsh option of putting him down unless someone could intervene.
Luckily, Uncle Neil’s Home, a farm sanctuary based in New Jersey, came forward to offer Jake a fresh start. When the sanctuary team met Jake, it was apparent how neglected and overlooked this sweet dog had been.
The sanctuary received a call from a woman who admitted she would have to euthanize her 13-year-old dog if no one could take him in promptly.
Acting swiftly, the sanctuary put out an emergency call on social media, hoping to find someone to care for Jake.
Rian Feldman, Uncle Neil’s Home’s founder, shared, “I got a call one evening about a woman needing rescue for her 13-year-old dog as she was moving and would euthanize him without a home.
The news was disturbing, and I immediately reached out to our community on social media, appealing for a foster home for Jake to save his life.”
Help arrived when Valerie and Chris, a compassionate couple from Maryland, volunteered to foster Jake, promising him the warmth and care he lacked.
Upon Jake’s handover, the sanctuary staff witnessed an upsetting scene. “His previous family barely said goodbye, just yelled ‘bye Jake’ from the car window and drove off after 13 years,” Feldman recalled. “Jake was in terrible shape.
He could hardly walk, struggle to get out of the car, and we had to encourage them to assist him.”
Jake’s condition unveiled years of neglect. “He suffers from severe arthritis without any supportive treatment, his nails haven’t been trimmed for over a year, and his breathing is sometimes labored.
His former owners mentioned he’s never had a bed,” Uncle Neil’s Home detailed on Facebook.
Despite the heartbreak, there was hope. Finally, Jake could experience genuine affection and care. In his first day at the sanctuary, Jake received more love and compassion than ever before.
“He’s unbelievably sweet, and seeing him is heartbreaking, but he is going to enjoy a life filled with love now,” they added.
Jake’s initial veterinary visit brought challenging news. The vet discovered advanced osteoarthritis in all limbs, inflamed elbows, muscle loss, dental disease, hearing issues, conjunctivitis, and several skin growths.
Further concerns included potential laryngeal paralysis, bladder stones, a growth on his testicle, and possible neurological issues. Additionally, Jake had never been neutered.
Immediate care began, and after spending a few nurturing days at his foster home, Jake started to perk up. Pain management and medical treatment eased his discomfort, and the continuous love helped lift his spirits.
“Jake needs surgery for his testicular mass and bladder stones. We will neuter him, biopsy the mass, and remove the bladder stones during the procedure. Later, he will require dental work for two cracked teeth,” Uncle Neil’s Home posted on Instagram.
Following his initial surgery, Jake began his recovery journey. Surrounded by love from his foster family, his recovery has been remarkable.
“He’s thriving in his foster home. We’re hopeful they become his forever home,” Feldman expressed.
Nowadays, Jake is healing, happy, and appreciated by people who truly care for him. His story serves as a reminder that, even in dire circumstances, love can offer an animal the second chance they deserve.
Follow Jake’s ongoing journey and recovery updates on Instagram at @jakeypals.
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