Jett’s Journey

Three weeks ago I adopted a beautiful 16-month-old male golden retriever named Jett.

When my beloved dog Benny died in June, I knew that I would adopt another golden retriever at some point. I love golden retrievers, having had 5 1/2 goldens over the years. Benny was 1/2 golden and 1/2 corgi. Not only do I love the breed and really wanted another one, but I also wanted a companion for my other dog, Jenny.

Unfortunately, finding an adoptable golden retriever in the state of New Mexico where I live is nearly impossible. I thought I had found a dog that met all my requirements as to gender, personality and age, but the day before I was to go meet him, the rug was pulled out from under me and I was told that he was not available. No explanation. Just that he’s not available.

I was disappointed, of course, but more than that, I was furious. Why the sudden change in his status? Why the lack of a feasible explanation? Why was I treated this way?

A friend in North Carolina had mentioned that her neighbor had a young male golden retriever that she was trying to find a new home for. Although the neighbor really cared about the dog, named Jets, she was either unwilling or unable to properly care for him. So eventually, the neighbor agreed to rehome him. I was on a photography trip in Alaska and not really in a position to ponder whether I wanted to take on a 16-month-old dog, when I had hoped to adopt one between the ages of three and seven years.

But when the neighbor threatened to advertise the dog in a local newspaper, the decision was made for me. I agreed to adopt him. I changed his name to Jett. Then the scramble to arrange for him to be transported across the country during record-breaking heat and in time to meet the deadline for his owner to vacate her house, began in earnest. My friend did so much work to make these arrangements, checking in with me when I had cell service and the time to talk. I was on a photography trip with long days and simply didn't have the time to do the necessary research myself.

She found a small company in Tennessee that sounded perfect. Arrangements were made. She drove Jett to Ashville, NC, to meet Derek, the transport guy. Just two days later, I met the happy travelers nearby and met Jett for the first time. Then I introduced him to Jenny, my 2-year-old dog who really doesn't care for other dogs. 

To my amazement, she liked Jett! After the dogs completed their sniffing ritual, I said goodbye to Derek and his son, loaded the dogs into my vehicle, and headed home. Then the play began.

The dogs played in the living room. They played in the yard. They had so much fun, playing, wrestling and jumping on each other. I was shocked, but so very happy.

Jett has been home for three weeks. He is a big (66 pounds), happy dog who sadly has had very little training. He is housetrained and knows the Sit command. We are now working on doggy manners every morning when we go for a walk. First up is leash training, so he doesn't pull or knock me down. 

I have discovered some bad habits in this happy-go-lucky dog: counter surfing, digging in the yard, chewing clothes, and barking when I take my other dog for a walk. So Jett is a work in progress.

He is young. He is intelligent. He is a golden retriever, which means he is eager to please. I am looking forward to helping him become the best golden he can be. And I am happy to make him my seventh golden retriever.

Welcome home, Jett!