Animal charities and shelters are often criticised when they request extensive information from prospective adopters.
Detailed questionnaires about the home, pre-adoption visits, and contracts with various conditions can sometimes seem excessive. However, Jump’s story is a stark reminder of why these measures are necessary.
A promising start
Jump, a beautiful American Staffordshire Terrier-type dog, was adopted from a shelter two and a half years ago. He enthusiastically joined his new family, displaying exceptional friendliness.
He was full of life and more than deserved the loving home he had been promised. On the day of his adoption, Jump was in perfect condition, healthy, well-groomed, and full of energy.
No one could have imagined that his later photos would serve as evidence of severe neglect.
For over two years, everything appeared to be going well. Then, the shelter received a worrying report of mistreatment. Concerned for his welfare, the shelter team arranged a visit and was devastated by what they found.
Unrecognisable dog
Jump was completely unrecognisable. He had lost over ten kilos, his once-bright eyes were dull, and the joy he had once exuded had vanished. Starved and traumatised for months, the once-lively dog was now a shadow of his former self.
The team acted immediately. Jump was rescued the same day and placed in the care of a small animal welfare organisation to begin his recovery.
When he had first left the shelter, he had weighed a healthy 30 kilos. By the time of his rescue, his weight had plummeted to just 17 kilos.
Jump’s journey to healing will take time and patience, but he is finally safe and on the path to recovery.
