After thirteen years as a cherished member of a New Jersey family, Jake—a senior dog—found himself on the brink of homelessness when his family’s upcoming move meant he couldn’t come along.
Worse yet, the looming option of euthanasia cast a shadow over his future if no one intervened. Thankfully, Uncle Neil’s Home—a New Jersey farm sanctuary—stepped in to offer Jake a safe haven. When they finally met him, their hearts broke even more as they witnessed the clear signs of neglect and the difficult life this gentle soul had endured.
Jake’s Story Of Heartbreak And Healing
Source: Uncle Neil’s Home, A Farm Sanctuary
In December 2023, Uncle Neil’s Home received a call from a woman who threatened to euthanize her 13-year-old dog unless they took him in or found him a home within a week. Upon hearing this, the sanctuary immediately launched an urgent plea across all its social media channels in hopes of quickly securing a foster home for him.
In an interview with Newsweek, Rian Feldman, the founder of Uncle Neil’s Home, recalled receiving a distress call one evening from a woman desperate to save her 13-year-old dog. She explained that because she was moving, she would have no choice but to euthanize him if she couldn’t find a new home. Shocked and saddened by the news, Feldman immediately posted an urgent plea on the sanctuary’s social media pages, asking the community to help secure a foster home for Jake.
Fortunately, a kind couple from Maryland, Valerie and Chris, stepped in and offered to care for Jake. The sanctuary quickly organized everything, making the transition as smooth as possible for the owner. It was then that they truly saw the extent of Jake’s years of neglect—a heartbreaking revelation that deeply moved them.
Feldman recalled, “They barely said goodbye to him. They yelled out the window ‘bye Jake’ and sped off… after 13 years. It was clear that he was extremely neglected. He could barely walk, he couldn’t get down from the car, and we had to urge them to help him down.”
This poor 13-year-old dog was barely holding on. In a Facebook post, Uncle Neil’s Home explained, “Jake is clearly suffering from severe arthritis and isn’t receiving any supportive care. His nails haven’t been trimmed in over a year, and his breathing is extremely labored at times. His previous family even admitted that he’s never had a bed.”
Although it was heart-wrenching to see him given up at his age, it might ultimately be a blessing in disguise for this sweet boy, considering all the hardships he had faced.
Within just 24 hours of being surrendered, Jake was enveloped in more love and care than he had known in all his 13 years. “He is insanely sweet and seeing him breaks our heart, but from here on out it’s only love and the good life,” the sanctuary expressed.
The Road To Recovery
The following day, Jake attended his very first vet appointment, and as expected, his health was found to be in a rather precarious state.
Regrettably, the array of issues was extensive.
Source: Uncle Neil’s Home, A Farm Sanctuary
According to the sanctuary, Jake’s list of health issues was extensive. He suffered from severe osteoarthritis in all four limbs, enlarged elbows, muscle atrophy, cracked teeth, dental disease, hearing loss, conjunctivitis, and several masses on and beneath his skin. In addition, he showed signs of possible laryngeal paralysis, had bladder stones, a mass on his testicle, and various neurological deficits. Notably, Jake had never been neutered. Recognizing the urgency of his condition, the sanctuary immediately began treatment.
Within just a few days with his loving foster family, the spark in Jake’s eyes was back. He finally had access to pain relief and many of his conditions were being managed. For the first time, he was truly cared for.
“Jake needs surgery for the mass on his right testicle and to remove bladder stones. During the procedure, we’ll neuter him and biopsy the mass, and the doctor will also remove the bladder stones. Later, he’ll require dental work for his two cracked teeth,” Uncle Neil’s Home shared on Instagram.
After his first surgery, Jake is healing, happy, and thriving in his foster home. “He is doing amazingly well in his foster home. We’re hoping for a foster fail,” Feldman remarked. You can follow his inspiring recovery on Instagram at @jakeypals.