1,000 Days Alone in a Kennel — How Can Such a Sweet Dog Be So Unlucky?
If there’s a dog who knows what being stagnant in life truly feels, it’s Jessa Jolene, a 6-year-old Terrier Mix.
Sweet Jessa arrived at the Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Groves, FL, back in 2022 after she was brought in as a stray. Staff members and volunteers were optimistic that Jessa’s spunky personality would win her a forever home in no time. Sadly, Jessa’s wait for a home stretched longer than everyone had hoped, and 2022 ended without her finding a family to call her own. (Watch Video Below)
@bigdogranchrescuefl Come with us to meet one of our most patient companions, Jessa Jolene. 🤍 Jessa is a 6-year-old white and gray terrier mix who has been at Big Dog Ranch Rescue for over 1,000 days. That’s more than two years of waiting. 🗓️ Jessa was rescued as a stray from Tennessee back in 2022. Like every dog we save, she had hope in her eye, hope that her forever home was just around the corner. She even thought she found it in 2023… but after just four days, she was returned. Her playful, slightly mouthy energy was too much for her adopter. Since then, she’s been waiting again. ⏳️ Jessa Jolene would do best in an adult-only home with an experienced adopter who can help guide her with love and structure. She’s housetrained, good on a leash, and adores cuddle time. She has some understandable quirks: she’s selective with dog friends, prefers no cats, and can be protective over her food. But with proper introductions, supervision, and respect for her boundaries, she can absolutely thrive. 🫶 And did we mention she loves water and would thrive in a home with a tall fenced-in yard where she can play? 🐾 If you're that someone, please come meet Jessa Jolene at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida, or apply to adopt her at www.bdrr.org/adopt. Her person has to be out there… 💙 Donate: www.bdrr.org/miracle-fund 🐶 Lifesaving Member: www.BDRR.org/lifesaver 🐾 Adopt: www.BDRR.org/adopt ✨️ Foster: www.BDRR.org/foster 💲Venmo: @bigdogranchrescue 💵 Zelle: finance@bdrr.org #bdrr #bigdogranchrescue #dogrescue #adopt #AdoptDontShop #foreverhome #MiracleDog #DogRescue
♬ Fade Into You – Mazzy Star
Then, in 2023, something happened that left Jessa’s big heart shattered. She was adopted, only to be returned a few days later.
Adopted, Misunderstood, then Given Up
Jessa couldn’t contain her joy when she found what she believed would be her forever home. But after spending only four days with her new family, she was returned to the miserable kennel life.
The reason? Jessa’s new family couldn’t keep up with her spirited energy and her silly, mouthy play style. Jessa is so passionate about having a good time, so much so that she’ll innocently express her excitement using her mouth. She might playfully nip your hand when you’re having a fun tug-of-war game or grab onto your pants when she’s having the zoomies. Though Jessa doesn’t do this out of malice, her new family concluded she was too much to handle, and they gave her up.
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Ever since her return to the rescue, Jessa hasn’t won the attention of another potential adopter. It’s now more than 1,000 days since she became a shelter resident, and it breaks our hearts to even say this. You see, it’s not that Jessa isn’t a good girl; she’s fantastic. Jessa is simply a dog who’s not for everyone — she just needs the right match.
While her previous family wished she were a bit laid-back, there’s a family out there who will gladly accommodate everything about her, including her mouthy play style. Jessa isn’t the problem. She’s too sweet and disciplined to even fit the description of a “difficult” dog. The only problem is that she’s missing her perfect match. Could that be you?
Please Give Jessa Jolene a Chance
Jessa’s “right fit” is a loving, understanding home that doesn’t expect perfection from day one. A family that will wholeheartedly embrace her quirks and correct/redirect her with patience and kindness when needed.
Jessa thrives so well with guidance and structure, so you can be sure she’ll be the best version of herself in a home that offers exactly that.
Jessa is a smart, willing-to-learn pup who’s house trained and walks amazingly on the leash. Because of her mouthy-play tendencies, she’s better off in a home without small children who may be startled by her unusual play style. Jessa can be quite choosy about the four-legged besties she entertains, which means she will need your help (through proper introduction and supervision) to make new dog friends.
Also, don’t let her goofiness fool you; she holds the best-kept secrets on how to cuddle like a pro (yes, she LOVES cuddling). To adopt Jessa Jolene, learn more here.
