Happiness in a Flash

It was just another wet day when the shelter team admitted a very scared stray dog. He was a whirl of wiry salt and pepper fur skittering around, clearly frightened and unsure of his new-found surroundings. This 10-month-old German Wire-Haired Pointer was going to need skilled handling, a gentle touch and a lot of love. Not to mention a forever home with patience. Little did we know his new family was already on the way.

The Doss family had driven all the way from Olympia in search of a friend for their Wire-Haired Pointer, Sadie. Once they met our boy, they knew he would be a perfect new playmate for Sadie.

Dana Doss was surprised how quickly the family fell in love with this "blur of fur." The puppy was so full of energy and affection, the Doss family dubbed him "Jumpin' Jack Flash," or "Jack" for short.

In the shelter Jack often barked at men, a fairly common behavior in teenage dogs that are unsure of their relationship to people. But the Doss family already had the answer in Sadie. She would be the perfect role model for Jack, teaching the youngster how to "get along."

The Doss family now takes their new duo on outings where Jack gets to run off that extra steam. Dana says his "need for speed" is fun to watch, "Jack really is blazing fast, it's amazing."

The entire family will be taking basic obedience classes, and Sadie and Jack have been attending a doggie daycare where Jack spends time with a male handler. The trainer is confident that Jack's fear of men will respond to socialization. "That's what we're seeing. He's getting more comfortable every day. He's bonded firmly with all of us," explains Dana, smiling as she watches Jack race around the yard.

"We're smitten with this dog."