developing his own personality

When I moved back to the U.S. in 2001, my priorities were to find a house, get settled, and get a dog. My first dog, a basset mix, had died while I was overseas, and I missed having a furry friend. I knew that I didn't want to get a puppy, and I knew that some breeds had rescue organizations, so I took my search for a basset to the Internet and there found BROOD. When I started the adoption process, I was really hoping to adopt a brother/sister duo that was featured on the BROOD web site; however, they had already been spoken for. Since I didn't have any other dogs, the suggestion was made that I meet "Jock", a sweet boy who had "issues" with other dogs.

On December 1, 2001, I drove down to Rockville to meet "Jock." He came running to the door to greet me, which really surprised his foster mom, Carol. She said that he had never had that reaction to anyone else. I thought "Jock" was kind of funny-looking: he was long and skinny instead of sturdy and wrinkly, and he had a prematurely white face. "Jock" liked me right off the bat. He sat by my side the entire time I chatted with Carol, who told me what a wonderful boy he was. I took him for a walk near her home, and even though I wasn't sure I wanted a dog that was so quiet and mousy, I decided to take him home with me. Since he had a regal bearing about him, I knew right away that he was too refined to be called "Jock" any longer, so I modified his name to Jacques.

Jacques and I went through a little adjustment period until he realized that he was finally in his forever home. BROOD volunteers were wonderful in following up to see how we were getting along, and BROOD's Training Coordinator, Laura Hussey, offered several key pieces of advice to smooth the transition.

Jacques and I have been together for awhile now, and it has been absolutely delightful to watch his confidence and personality develop. He has gone from a meek shadow to a rascally clown who charms everyone he meets. Jacques has brightened the lives of a number of seniors at a local assisted living facility through his involvement in Pets on Wheels. And he has brightened my life, which was pretty boring without a dog. Not a day goes by that he doesn't do something to make me laugh out loud. Jacques has even gotten over most of his "issues" with other dogs. The difference in his behavior between last year's Ramble and this year's was incredible. 

Thanks, BROOD, for bringing us together!

-- Jacques' mom