Jackson – Galgo Cross Puppy, approximately 4-5 months old
Currently in Spain, arriving in the UK towards the end of July.
For the past 15 years Starfish has worked alongside a wonderful shelter in Spain called Noah’s ARC. Twice a year I travel there with my own dogs and spend several weeks helping at the shelter. Whenever possible, I choose one or two dogs who I feel would struggle to find homes in Spain and offer them a lifeline here in the UK.
This time, Kyle and Jackson were two of the lucky ones.
The reason I chose Jackson is quite simple really… he is going to be huge!
At the moment he still has his baby teeth, but by the time I return to Spain in September I suspect he’ll have grown into what can only be described as a small pony. Sadly, large dogs often struggle to find homes in Spain. Many spend their puppyhood and even their adult lives waiting in kennels simply because of their size.
That thought alone was enough to make me want to help him.
The other reason was his temperament.
Like so many of the dogs that come into rescue, Jackson was found abandoned and alone. Yet somehow he hasn’t let that shape the way he views the world. He is confident, cheeky, affectionate and remarkably laid back about life. Unless food is involved of course—then all bets are off!
He gets on brilliantly with every dog he meets and doesn’t seem fazed by much at all. We recently took him out with Kyle for a trip to the vets and then to a local café. Considering he had very little experience of walking on a lead and had never really experienced normal pet dog life, he took everything completely in his stride.
He was an absolute superstar at the Vet’s, charmed everyone he met and earned his café badge with flying colours. Watching him happily take in all the new sights, sounds and experiences without a care in the world was a joy.
Jackson will be coming back to the UK with me and joining my foster dogs. He’ll need the normal puppy guidance, socialisation and introduction to life in a home, but unlike some of the more worried dogs I bring over, he doesn’t need much convincing that the world is a good place. He seems determined to embrace every opportunity that comes his way.
I do think he would benefit from living with another friendly dog. He absolutely loves canine company and seems happiest when he has a four-legged friend by his side.
Jackson is too young to be neutered and this will need to be done once he has finished growing. He will be fully vaccinated before travel and has tested negative for all Mediterranean diseases.
I’ve put together a collection of videos showing Jackson at the rescue, out and about, visiting the vets, relaxing at a café and spending time with other dogs.
What you’ll see is exactly what I saw.
A happy-go-lucky youngster with a huge heart, giant paws, and an even bigger future ahead of him if the right family gives him a chance.