T.J. IS LOOKING FOR LOVE ... AND TREATS. The origin of this 8-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix's name will forever be a mystery. He was orphaned recently and family members were not apprised of its meaning. His foster mom is convinced that it is short for "touch junkie" and/or "treat junkie." What is a "touch junkie?" It is a dog whose demeanor cries PET ME, PET ME, PET ME! He loves to be loved and is not shy about asking. As he scoots closer to cuddle and be stroked, he uses his paw as a reminder should you choose to disengage. Have a doggie brush? He will gladly oblige you for an indefinite time frame. You can use this to your advantage, as he is a short haired and shedding breed.

He is also happy to help the other pooches in the house clean their bowls, and the scale is not tipping in his favor. He is adjusting to eating dog food after being fed mostly chicken and rice by his prior owner. He needs an owner who will control and monitor his food intake. Compliance with his diet is a must! Not used to being on a leash, T.J. surprised his foster mom both with his skill and enthusiasm walking in the hood. He prances delightedly tethered to his pal, Mr. Whiskers! Use his love of walks to your advantage to help him regain his waistline!

A sweetly animated boy, he will reward you all day long with his smiles! He has lived harmoniously with large and small dogs and reportedly a cat, but has been known to bark at the foster's resident mouser who is beyond reach! He has been reactive to other dogs we have met when on walks, so slow intro to other pets is a must.

He historically has been allowed to sleep with his person and may bark in the middle of the night if you are not near.  He is used to being with his person 24/7 but quickly goes off to dreamland once you leave the house. No need to crate this sweet boy as he will keep your home in pristine condition!

Available through Tired Dog Rescue, Gulfport, MS. Fee: $175. Apply at tireddogrescue.org

Recap:

Breed: Jack Russell/Feist mix
Gender: Male
Weight: 38 pounds
Age: 8 years 
Health: Good
House trained: 100%
Neutered: Yes
Shedding: Moderate but loves being brushed and this controls it and provides quality bonding time for you and T.J.
Microchipped: Yes
Vaccinations: Current 
Heart worm: Negative
Crate trained: Will not fuss if put in a crate but does not need crating and has no history of being crated
Leash trained: Not by history, but walks like a pro with poise and enthusiasm.
Requires fence: Yes, especially since he has been moved from the only home he ever knew.
Pet friendly: Other dogs and reportedly cats but will need careful slow introduction since all experiences are new to him.
People friendly: Yes. He did fine with 3-year-old grandson but has no history of being around children. He may need time to acclimate but is a very easygoing dog.
Other: T.J. is overweight, and although this does not affect his mobility, he does have a sway back. It is imperative that his adopter keep him on a strict diet and commit to several walks a day to promote steady weight loss. His quality of life depends on it!

We at Tired Dog Rescue strive to find homes for dogs in need, build quality relationships with responsible owners, and preserve current dog-family homes by seeking solutions to financial, behavioral, and situational dog problems. We believe the lives of homeless, abandoned and abused dogs are just as precious as dogs that currently have a loving home. We believe that all dogs deserve a loving home despite their age, medical condition and/or disabilities. We provide whatever medical care is needed regardless of cost. All dogs are spayed/neutered, heartworm negative and current on vaccinations before being placed.