Background Info:



We have been devastated by terrible news. Jacko's beloved owner, who adopted him from MPR in 2020, unexpectedly passed away in late winter 2023. The family was unable to keep him due to other pets in the house not accepting the big guy. With great sadness, they were forced to relinquish Jacko back to us and hope with all their heart he will soon find a home as loving as the one he had.

Adoption Fee: $0
Sponsored by Latchkey Pets
Breed: Pit Bull/Amstaff
Sex: Male
Age: 7-10 yrs
Weight: 70-80 lbs
*LatchKey Pets is sponsoring Jacko’s adoption fee, so there is no cost for his adopters. They have also offered five FREE visits for adopters who live in the KC Metro. LatchKey provides daytime dog walking and vacation pet sitting services.



Health Condition:

When initially rescued off the streets in 2018, Jacko was in terrible shape, emaciated and badly injured. The local pound had scheduled him for a leg amputation but our vet recommended that we give him a chance to heel instead. Miraculously, Jacko pulled through and made a full recovery. The lucky boy is now back on his feet, all 4 at that! He is healthy and looking quite dandy if we can say so. He doesn't even have a limp. In fact, he's become a big beefy guy who looks nothing like the skinny rabbit who came to us several years ago.

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Note that Jacko suffered from seasonal allergies when we first got him but it seems to have gone away. It's likely possible that the skin irritation was caused by poor care and the stress of being homeless. With love and good care, this dog is now healthy as a bull 🐂

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Physical Description

Very stocky blue and white boy with the silliest ears and the biggest head. Jacko is medium size but a big boned hippo. His transformation from skinny rabbit to beefy potato was spectacular. He's actually quite the tank now and his presence demands the attention of the room. While some would think he looks intimidating, the big guy is just a lovable goof. His appearance might deter an intruder but in reality, Jacko doesn't have a mean bone. He would most likely let just about anyone in the house and cover them in enthusiastic kisses. Being pinned down under a 70 lbs. bulldozer of love might make anyone think twice about coming into your home uninvited though.



Living Situation

As expected, Jacko was very heart broken after his owner's passing. His whole world came crashing down on him when he lost the first home that had ever treated him well. He arrived back to MPR shelter confused and heartbroken, and spent several weeks anxiously waiting for his dad to come back. We were crushed 😢😢😢 God only knows this dog didn't deserve that. After all he had been through in his life, he thought he finally had it made and it was all taken away from him.

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Thankfully, Jacko-man is as resilient as he's stocky. He seemed to realize eventually that his owner wouldn't be back and accepted his faith. At least he came back to a place he was familiar with and knew to be comfortable and safe. Its not a home but MPR shelter is the next best thing for dogs like Jacko who have been through way worse in their life. ​



Until someone gives Jacko another chance, he has readapted to shelter life and is a fantastic tenant. Other than an occasional enduring howl of sorrow as he longs for his owner, Jacko does great in his kennel. He keeps it clean and uses his doggy-door to potty outside. He's no trouble at all. His situation is actually harder on the volunteers who helplessly witness his sadness and wish they could do more to help him.



Personality

This dog sure has been through a lot in his life. We know that he used to live with a family that neglected him prior to 2020, until he vanished from their care. He then spent several months barely surviving on his own in the streets, exposed to the elements, starvation, loneliness, city dangers and the all-around rough life of a stray dog until he was eventually rescued. He then spent about a year with MPR recuperating from his ordeal until he was finally well enough to be adopted. It's beyond heartbreaking to think that he is now back with us through no fault of his own.

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After a few months of grieving, Jacko is finally being his happy self again and fun-loving silly goofball - By nature, Jacko is confident, outgoing, proud, and strong. Sometimes he even acts like a 10-week-old puppy in the body of an adult.

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He's resumed his butt-runs and crazy zoomies, and absolutely loves to entertain volunteers with his big personality. He is quite the clown indeed and enjoys making everyone laugh.

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While not a lazy dog, Jacko is easy-going and has an average energy level. He gets particularly playful in the evening but is quite chill the rest of the day. For the most part, Jacko is a happy-go-lucky boy, but he does require a home with structure and leadership. He's a very powerful dog but a sweet gentleman at the same time.

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Note that Jacko loves to go on walks and is great on leash. He also enjoys car rides and is well behaved in a vehicle.

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Behavior with people:

Jacko is very friendly and comfortable with everyone he meets. He was obviously born a good dog, but was dealt a terrible hand. Thankfully that didn't change his amazing disposition and the loving dude doesn't hold a grudge whatsoever. He greets everyone as a long-lost friend.



Like a good Pit Bull dog should, Jacko has a very solid temperament with people. ​He does tend to test boundaries though, if he perceives a weakness, especially when playing. His new owner should make sure roughhousing is kept under control and provide him with the structure he needs and craves. Indeed, Jacko thrives on leadership and likes to know someone is in charge so he doesn't have to be.



Behavior with children

Jacko is at ease with everyone, so we're pretty sure he'd love children just as much. That said, he is very strong and not always great at controlling his enthusiasm for roughhousing. He gets a little carried away sometimes and might use his mouth inappropriately to establish a connection, or he might body-slam for fun. We are working on it but he's a strong dog and doesn't always realize his strength. He doesn't mean any harm, and has no malice but he can be a little rowdy when playing. A home with adults is preferred. Older kids, such as teenagers, could be an option if the parents are on board with supervision and can provide adequate structure.



Behavior with other dogs

Jacko met some dogs before and did ok with some, poorly with others. With proper introductions and supervision, he did well with a compatible female at some point, and he met smaller dogs he did not perceive as a threat or a challenge. That said, Jacko doesn't do well with other large or dominant male dogs. We believe the best option for him would be as an only pet.



Behavior with other animals

Unknown. We recommend a home as an only pet for this happy potato.

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Training

Jacko knows basic commands. He's responsive but occasional zoomies may take the best out of him. He has no malice but he is strong and plays a little hard. Our volunteers are working on impulse control with him. He is doing much better already. ​Jacko keeps his kennel clean and doesn't destroy his bedding. ​He's one of the best behaved dog we have at the shelter right now.

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Best Attribute

We for sure love the big head and silly ears, but it is Jacko's positive energy and lack of resentment towards those who did him wrong that we find so inspiring. This dog is a testimonial of what this breed is all about. - Friendliness, forgiveness, and happiness... And as we are witnessing now; unconditional loyalty.

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