Susan writes:

“JT came to us about a year ago after being rescued from the pound. We were told that AARF rescued him on a Wednesday and he was to be euthanized that Saturday. When he was first taken to Buckhead Clinic their records show he weighed 47 pounds. When we got him he was 51 pounds. He is now 74 pounds and a healthy weight. I have never seen a more emaciated dog. It brought me to tears to look at him. At the time they estimated that he was about 10 years old, so I guess he's about 11 now. His fur was coming out in clumps. Now it is shiny and healthy.

He was given the name "Jake" when he was rescued, but we already have a Jake, a great big male golden retriever that we rescued from the Clayton County shelter several years ago. So our boys started calling our new arrival "JT" for Jake Two and that's how he got his name.

The sweetest thing about JT is the way he hugs! He has a long nose, and he hugs by rubbing his nose against you, up and down like it is an arm he's comforting you with. He is a silly old thing with funny little ways, and in the evenings for an unknown reason he gets very anxious and whines over and over, despite being comforted. He is terrified of thunderstorms, and I imagine him on the streets, cold and wet and unable to get shelter from storms. It breaks my heart to think about him lost and alone, so we just give him lots of love.

He has Cushings Disease, and a chronic ear infection of such long standing that the vets at Buckhead Clinic think it may have gone into the bone. He is also deaf in that ear. It bothers him all the time and he shakes him head to help with the discomfort. We give him Rimadyl every day and ear drops, but he has a mass inside his ear that prevents the medicine from really reaching or treating the infection. He also has a large growth behind one of his hindquarters that has been looked at; but with Cushings surgery is not an option. Cataracts give his eyes a glassy look but he gets around just fine. So we just love on him, take him for walks, feed him (he is always hungry from the Cushings) and love on him some more!

JT is my loving shadow. He follows me literally everywhere, even into the bathroom! As I type this he is lying next to me, waiting for me to finish. He is a blessing to us and we thank God for AARF and Silver Paws. Thank you for all you do for our precious 4-legged friends.”

Sadly, JT passed away on July 7, 2008 after suffering a stroke. We are all extremely grateful for the 2 happy years that he spent in his home with the Cowans and the wonderful vet care for him provided by Buckhead Animal Clinic. Rest in peace, sweet boy.