Meeting Jazz

The first time I saw him he was pressed up against the back of a cage. He looked tiny in that cage. It wasn’t a very big cage, and he's a big boy...but somehow he just looked so...small. And sad. I didn’t really know what to expect, but it wasn't that. I knew he was a Hurricane Katrina Survivor. I also knew they thought he was a baiting dog.

The first thing I read about him was on the Karma Rescue website:

“Although Jazz's photo may not be the easiest to look at, when you meet him in person you see beyond the scars. Jazz came from Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. By the looks of his face and his condition, we assume Jazz was used for a baiting dog. A Baiting Dog is a dog that is used in dog fighting to get the dogs excited before the match begins. Most baiting dogs are very sweet in temperament, which Jazz is. He came to Karma Rescue carrying Heart Worm but is being treated by VCA Animal Hospital who has donated their services to these animals from Katrina. He also has swollen limbs that are getting better so therefore he can walk better. I have never come across a dog like Jazz before that has such an amazing disposition with people. He loves everyone. After his month of cage rest he will be off to our trainers for rehabilitation. There he will learn socialization skills and how to be a dog, a real companion animal. Jazz will be up for adoption on January 1st, 2006, but we are looking for a foster home for him now. He deserves the best after what he had to endure in life so far.”

I'm not sure why I decided to walk him. I had only heard the terrible things about bully breeds, especially the Pit Bull. I was apprehensive to say the least. Would he try and bite me? Would he be aggressive with the other dogs we met on our walk? Could I handle him? I wasn’t sure, but I was already at the vet’s office and couldn't turn back now.

“ I’m here to walk Jazz”.

The receptionist looked up, “Do you know how to get up there?'

“No” I replied.

She led me to the back doorway and through a long hospital like hall. It wasn’t pretty. It was dark and scary. There were a million doctors walking around. The elevator was small. She hit the 3rd floor button.

The third floor was where surgeries were performed. It smelled like medicine. And urine. It was also where they housed the injured, the quarantined and Jazz. The last thing the receptionist said to me was, “Make sure you wash your hands after you touch him.” That comment scared me. He’s contagious? What does he have? Can I catch it? Can I give it to my cats? I almost turned around and went home. But something made me stay.

He looked so lost and forlorn. A small black ball, curled up tight. All alone in his little corner of the world. Except the other two dogs in the kennel next to his. They barked non-stop. Poor guy, how could he stand it?

I peeked in, “Hi Jazz. Ya wanna go for a walk?” I was scared to open the cage. Surely he’s friendly? I don’t think Rande or the doctor would let me take him out alone if he wasn’t. I open the latch….

All of a sudden he sprang to life. Fifty pounds of solid muscle, covered in scars and angry red skin. Bald patches made him look like a cancer patient. He smiled and jumped up on me, licked my face, tail wagging furiously. My first thought was, “Shit! Now I have to remember to wash my face AND my hands” I put on his collar and leash. We were off. Or so I thought.

Ever few feet, Jazz stopped to scratch. Or bite. Or shake. It took ten minutes to get to the elevator. By the end of the ride down, I was itchy all over.

Our walk was uneventful. I didn’t want to touch him or love him. I did try, but it was unconvincing. A timid pat on his head. I’m sure I hurt his feelings terribly. I took him on a 45-minute walk. He loved it. Even though his feet were swollen and he had a bad limp. I’m not even sure which foot hurt him most…I think they all did. But he was just so excited to be outside. I think he'd have walked for miles if he could...no matter how much it hurt.

After our walk, I took him back to the kennel. Such a good boy, he just walked right in without a fuss and lay down. He gave me a look with those puppy dog eyes and my heart shattered into a thousand pieces. Then I went and washed my hands and face.

Click here to continue reading Jazz's story....

Want to help? Click here

Adopt a Dog Here

Friday, January 13th, 2006 - 08:05PM
Comment (0) | Permalink