About Jessie

About a month and a half ago, we were given Jessie by a man who had been posting on Facebook that if someone did not take her he would be taking her to the shelter that day. We took her with the intent of either keeping her if she was a good fit for our household or finding a new home for her, as we figured she would wind up being put down if she went to the shelter. Unfortunately we cannot keep and care for Jessie for much longer, as the man who previously owned her lied a LOT about her behavior, temperament, treatment and living conditions at his home. He said she was a boxer, which she is clearly not. She looks like a pit mix of some type to me, although I don't know for sure. It is not legal for us to have a pit within Byhalia city limits, where we live. She is a medium-sized dog. She was very underweight when we got her. There is no way she was being adequately fed in her former home. We have put some weight on her but she is still thin. She has urinated on the floor a few times out of fear/submission just by firmly being told no, which leads me to think she was at the very least yelled at in her former home. As to whether she was physically abused, I cannot say. However, after we had had her for a week, my boyfriend gave her to a family without consulting me first (I do not think she should be in a household with children or other pets). The family asked him to take Jessie back because she bit one of their children after accidentally provoking her in some manner while Jessie was sleeping. While the bite was apparently not bad, this is a strong reason why she cannot live with us, as I have two children of my own. They are good with our other pets, but I can't be sure of what might provoke Jessie into behaving aggressively and it is a risk I am not willing to take. We also have two other dog-friendly dogs that she has been aggressive towards and attacked unprovoked. We cannot let them be around each other and have to keep them separated because her behavior and attitude toward the other dogs, which seems to turn on a dime. We were lied to about this as well. This post may seem as though I'm trying to scare away any potential adopters, but I am really trying to be up front about the issues we have had with her, so that she can go to an appropriate home with somebody who has the knowledge, patience, and understanding to help Jessie. She is always friendly towards me and my boyfriend, and I think the right person could work with her to get her to a place where she is less anxious and more happy, although I still do believe she will likely never have the right temperament to live with children or other dogs. Supposedly, she is eight years old, but she seems quite active and youthful for a dog that age. I can't think of a reason why the guy who previously owned her would also lie about that. He said she was spayed, up to date on shots, and is microchipped, but you can see why I am pretty skeptical of those claims. I am desperate to find Jessie a home at this point. I have talked to the local Humane Society who said they can't take her due to the described instances of aggression. I have contacted all friends and acquaintances to no avail. I refuse to post an ad on Craigslist for fear of dogfighters and other assorted lowlifes. The only other option I have left is to take her to be euthanized, which is what we were trying to avoid in the first place. I realize not many people are looking for a 'problem' dog, but if you feel that you and your home are suitable for Jessie, and wish to give her another chance, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Marshall County
Byhalia, Mississippi