Rescue Kerry Ready for Adoption UPDATE: JACK WAS ADOPTED NOVEMBER 2006!!

"Jack" Jack - an 8 year old Kerry male

A sweet 8 year old male Kerry is ready for a permanent home. If someone is looking for a walking companion, who is also gentle and well-behaved, Jack could be the dog for you. ATTENTION: JACK WAS ADOPTED NOVEMBER 2006 Jack has been with us since September 14th, when his family gave him up because they are expecting another child and are moving. The dog was much loved by the husband. When I picked him up, it was very clear that the wife would rather be dogless. It is in no way Jack’s fault that he is not still with the husband. We have found him to be well-behaved, gentle, and calm. He is not aggressive; he seems to have a quiet confidence. He rarely jumps up. He has not tried to mark inside; he has not chewed on anything; he is not much of a barker.

He is very good on a lead, loves and wants to be walked. I’ve taken him downtown, to stores, all around, and he is consistently easy-going. His former owner walked him twice a day which is when he likely got most or all the attention to be had; they have no fence so walking was his great enjoyment.

On walks, he is interested in kids and adults and other dogs but doesn’t demand to get to them. He wants to sniff other dogs if they are close enough, and then continue on. There are 2 Rat terriers across my street who bark and growl at dogs; he looks at them and then walks on—except one night, he barked back at the one who was continuously growling at us. Good for you, Jack!

He is crate-trained and hops on in. He’s wonderful in a car: when moving, he lies quietly; when stopped, he’ll look out the window and watch the world go by, occasionally barking a quick bark when a pedestrian comes close.

I took him to our pet supply store when they were having a microchip clinic; he was chipped and then we stayed for a bit, walked all over the store. He sniffed everything he could: puppies, kids, people, and all the goods. Bins of treats were at floor level; he smelled them all, didn’t take one or even lick anything. He was curious and happy and went wherever I took him without demanding to go his own way.

In the yard, he likes to walk around with you, sauntering off to a spot to see what’s there and returning to you. He’ll lie in the grass and relax as long as you are in sight.

I doubt he has ever been around cats, so I would not recommend a home with one. I don’t know that he has had any significant experiences with children under the age of 6; with older children who are experienced with dogs, he would probably be fine.

Jack is a handsome boy with a lovely gait. His previous owner kept him in a short clip all over, which is growing out. His coat is in very good shape; for a Kerry his age, his skin is remarkably free of sebaceous cysts or other growths. He is a lovely shade of slate. His eyes are very good, needing only the usual amount of cleaning. His nails have been kept short. He is fine on a grooming table, easy to comb out, clipper and scissor. He is fine with being bathed.

He weighs around 42 pounds; he is fit. He might do well with a few more pounds; he may have lost a few as his stomach was upset for a couple of days when he came here, but is fine now. His former owner fed him Iams Chunks with a dollop of cottage cheese on top and some oil added. I began doing the same but cut out the oil after his upset. He doesn’t guard his food bowl.

He doesn’t seem to have any phobias. Clanking items such as stainless food bowls startle him but only for a second.

He has been seen by a veterinarian and had complete bloodwork done. He has been on Interceptor for heartworm, etc. Tests for worms, heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichia and Anaplasmosis were negative. His CBC and chemical profiles were unremarkable except for a slightly lower-than-normal level for thyroxin. He is asymptomatic for thyroid disease: he should be re-tested and monitored as would any older dog. If symptoms do arise, he can be given either a pill or a nutritional supplement which cost between 25 and 54 cents per day, respectively. He is current on his Rabies shot, having last received his 3-year shot in 2004. He has just been revaccinated for Bordatella (kennel cough) and Distemper. His adopter should check with his own vet to determine what other vaccines should be given for the area he’ll be living in, if at all; here in New England, Leptospirosis has become a problem and he should be given those shots annually if he stays here.

He is scheduled to be neutered and have his teeth cleaned under the one anesthesia. Dental care is the one area which has been neglected.

A typical Kerry, he wants little more than to be with his people. He has his own bed which he loves; a beautiful red leather collar; his food and water bowls. Since he is so sweet, he would offer someone excellent companionship and a walking buddy for many years. There are no certainties in life; Jack is a dog worth taking that kind of minimal chance on.

Want to know more?

UPDATE: Jack was adopted November 2006!

Anyone interested in adopting Jack or who wants to find out more about him should call Anne Marie Flynn-Fierke at 508 435-7113. You can also contact Lisa Frankland or Anne Marie Flynn-Fierke.

Applicants will be asked to fill out a rescue application and can expect to have a home visit prior to approval.

Anne Marie Flynn-Fierke
Lisa Frankland

Last Updated: 04/25/2007, 5:03 pm