By Lauren Jones
Gilroy
– Tina Jackson has a soft spot for golden retrievers. So much
so, she has help find families for 19 of the dogs.
By Lauren Jones
Gilroy – Tina Jackson has a soft spot for golden retrievers. So much so, she has help find families for 19 of the dogs.
The 10-year Gilroy resident works with nonprofit organization Norcal Golden Retriever Rescue – which places abused, homeless, and seized dogs with families who want them.
Finding a loving home for the dogs is the most rewarding part of what Jackson does.
“These dogs are all sweet, loving creatures,” she said. “It’s a happy thing when you make a good match and you watch a family and a dog blossom together.”
A native of Philadelphia, Jackson relocated after a difficult divorce, which ended in leaving her beloved retriever with her ex-husband. Separated by many miles Jackson realized she needed a dog. She began searching for retrievers online, found Norcal and adopted Sabastien from the organization.
After she was selected to adopt Sabastien, Jackson was asked to volunteer for Norcal by answering e-mails and contacting owners and potential owners in Santa Clara County.
She accepted and is currently one of the leading volunteers, along with three to four others, who place retrievers with qualifying families. Since she is now between jobs, Jackson has donated a majority of her time to help the organization.
Jackson, 51 – who lives with her boyfriend Mike and her mother, Renate, and boyfriend Mike – has welcomed three dogs into her family since she began with Norcal five years ago.
“I don’t know whether she selected the dog or they selected her,” said Renate Jackson, about her daughter, “It’s a lucky animal that gets stuck with my daughter.”
After finding animals that are abused, lost, or rescued from shelters or in some cases have been given up by their owners, Jackson ensures the dogs are given proper medical attention, which is often followed by rehabilitation with people who volunteer as foster owners.
“Vets in the area are great and the San Martin Animal Shelter has been a big help.” Jackson said happily.
Norcal Golden Retriever Breeders association, helps to inform Norcal Golden Retriever Rescue of possible donations and helps pay for rescued dogs that need medical help.
As a result of Jackson’s work, the Norcal Golden Retriever Rescue program placed 44 dogs with families in Santa Clara County last year – some of which Jackson didn’t think would make it.
“I’ve seen some really sad situations,” she said.
One of the dogs that Jackson rescued was a 10-year-old retriever named Buddy. From living in a backyard full of mud and his own waste, Buddy suffered from heartworm as well as skin problems due to over exposure from the sun, which left him with no hair from the neck down.
“It makes you want to string people up by their you know what’s when you see something like this,” Jackson said in frustration.
After his rescue, Buddy was taken to San Martin Animal Hospital where he was treated. Buddy stayed with Jackson while he under went heartworm treatment until he was ready to be adopted by a loving family. Almost all of his hair has grown back and he is living happily with a caring family.
Another case that Jackson saw was a retriever that had been hit by a car and was left on the side of the road. The dog’s leg was badly injured and he suffered from skin problems as well as being covered in mud from head to toe. Jackson accepted the injured animal and took him to a vet where he was treated for his injuries. After a full recovery Jackson was contacted by a family that wished to adopt him. He too has a new start in life thanks.
The adoption procedure is extensive.
After the animal is well Jackson evaluates applications to find the best fit for the family and dog. She then calls potential candidates to conduct an interview. If positive, she follows up with a walk through the home in which the dog will be living to make sure everyone and everything is compatible.
“Sometimes you’ll have a family that wants a puppy and sometimes that’s not the best situation,” Jackson commented.
Making sure that everyone ends up happy with the decision is Jackson’s main goal. She is determined to find a healthy match for both human and canine.
If you would like more information on the Norcal Golden Retriever Rescue program visit www.golden-rescue.org.
