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Rock & CJ in the Toronto area, need new homes ^Featured

Address

Toronto, ON

E-mail

Website

https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=641252&id=614135273&l

Colouring

Tricolour

Sex

Male

Age

9 years

Breed

Jack Russell Terrier

Rocky & CJ, both males, were bought together approx. 9 years ago as puppies, and were littermates. They lived in a farm-like environment in a small town, north of King City with my dad (Mike), and my uncle (Noel). On December 14th 2010, Mike died suddenly in his home, only 2 days before my birthday, and 11 days before Christmas. Noel suffered a heart attack upon finding Mike on the floor. Paramedics arrived, but there was nothing that could be done to revive Mike; Noel was rushed to the hospital. The paramedics later told us that both dogs were guarding Mike while he lay on the floor - one was laying on top of him, and the other by his side. Noel spent much of the following 3 months in and out of hospital - more in than out. During this time, a handful of nearby family and friends would stop by the house 2 or 3 times a day to let Rocky & CJ out for potty breaks and to feed and water them, but for the most part the dogs were alone. Originally, we had begun to ask around for homes for the dogs in January, when it was known that Noel's health was poor, but Noel's only only concern while in the hospital was getting home to care for the dogs - he loved them more than anything! We decided not to rehome Rocky & CJ at that point, even though their care was limited, as everyone felt that the dogs were Noel's main motivation to get better - he needed Rocky & CJ as much as they needed him. Sadly, Noel passed away in hospital on March 19th 2011, while we were on vacation in Cuba. We returned home in the morning of Saturday March 26th, and immediately went up north to pick the dogs up. We have been caring for them since. They were absolutely dying for attention and companionship, after spending the last 3 months alone for 22 hours a day. They are so excited to meet people, and immediately climb into your lap and lick your face, as if to say "please dont leave me alone again!!". They are VERY calm dogs, and once the initial excitement of greeting is over, they like to cuddle up. They are new to leashes, but seem to really enjoy walking around our subdivision. CJ *loves* to play fetch, Rocky likes to play 'run halfway, then lay down and watch CJ fetch'. Unfortunately, we have 2 dogs of our own, so we are not able to care for them. We are currently living with the kitchen divided in half - 2 bulldogs on one side, 2 jack russells on the other! We printed pictures of Rocky & CJ, pasted them to flyers and posted them up in many grocery stores, vets, and pet stores around Durham. More effectively, we created a public facebook photo album (https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=641252&id=614135273&l=5af4a2158d), and reached out to our facebook friends to post the story of these guys in their status to help spread the word; this resulted in a few leads, but nothing solidified. They are currently listed online on Petfinder. We have also contacted MANY rescue organizations and Humane Society's, but have been repeatedly turned away - either they are already at capacity, or just do not want to occupy 2 precious spaces with dogs who will not be easily adoptable, due to the reasons listed above. Many rescue places also openly explain that if they are able to find a home for only ONE dog, that they will split them up in order to make the single placement. We were told by one rescue organization that "finding a forever home for 2 dogs, together, is not only doubly difficult, but almost impossible." We would love to prove them wrong, and show that it is possible, and that sad stories sometimes do have a happy ending. The Toronto Sun ran a small article for us in a Friday copy of their paper, which generated some interest. Unfortunately only one third of the potential adopters were serious; of those, all either had a change of heart, other pets, young children, or other complications which resulted in an unsuitable situation. They are great with people. Due to growing up on a farm, they haven't met many other dogs or cats, and are less-than-thrilled with our bulldogs - they will need to find a home where they are the only animals. They have also never been exposed to children, so a home with no small children is required. We also want them to find a home together - they have lost everything they loved in life, and all they have left is each other; currently, if they are separated even for a moment, they cry. Also, they are 9 years old. All of these limitations added up make this a tough placement. We are very appreciated of the efforts of all those who are trying to help us to date: Homeward Bound Rescue, the Toronto Sun, Jack Russell Terrier Rescue Ontario, Mature Dog Adoptions, our friends and family, the Facebook community, and many others. I am sure there are many similar sad stories, but few would involve the death of 4 family members over a 4 month span, and two loving dogs with no home. They come ready to adopt - up to date on shots, had a recent vet checkup and given a clean bill of health, and have their own toys, bowls, collars, leashes etc. All they are missing is a home! In the attached photo, Rocky is the one on the left, and CJ is the one on the right. Sincerely, Holly & Tom.