Jeff was our 2017 Calendar Cover Dog—Some Heroes Have Two Legs, Some Have Four
Rescue is often not easy, nor is it always speedy. But when you’re able to be a part of the village that saves a dog, any dog, but especially one like Jeff—well, then you get to feel like a hero. And it all becomes so worth it. The calls started coming late 2015 to Ohio’s Morrow County Humane Society. Passersby noticed a farm where a large number of Great Pyrenees—none in good condition—were running loose. Calls for help brought HS representatives to the farm, who, through sensitive negotiations, convinced the owner of the 11 Great Pyrenees to surrender seven. By this time, the news media had caught the story, and dubbed the group “The Ohio 7” and people were already following on social media.
NGPR agreed to take Jeff into rescue. He was completely feral, severely underweight at 80 pounds, riddled with infections, and suffering from a terrible case of sarcoptic mange. He had never felt a leash, never been in a house, most likely never felt a human touch.
The transfer was scheduled for January 9, 2016. It was no cakewalk. Capturing Jeff took 3 volunteers using a catchpole, who “herded” him—backwards—into a crate. Jeff was immediately taken into quarantine to treat his mange. Luckily, an NGPR volunteer was able to visit Jeff at the medical facility. Jeff was so terrified he’d immediately run to the opposite side of his kennel.
After days of just chilling Jeff started progressing to the point where he could walk on lead to the front door. It was time, so Jeff left the kennel to begin his new life. Miraculously, Jeff began to gain weight, grow his coat back, and learn—at last—what it means to be a dog.
Enter Greg Roy who had been following Jeff’s story on social media. Greg, who had adopted before from Mid-South Great Pyrenees Rescue, asked to meet Jeff. Again, it was no cakewalk. But Greg is not a quitter. Through persistence, love, and lots of patience, within two weeks Jeff bonded with Greg. It was a match.
April 17, 2016. Greg writes, “…I brought my boy home today. He’s officially adopted and in his furever home. He is such a gift…” Greg introduced Jeff to everything from the feed store, riding in a golf cart, camping, fishing and spa days to hanging out at the car parts store. Whew!
Jeff became a rock star. From a feral dog terrified of humans, Jeff was transformed into a happy dog who loves to meet people. The more the merrier! Who would have thought? He’s booked for media appearances, goes to rescue days, helps fundraise and enjoys the love of his best bud, Greg Roy.
Ten months later the same farm who had Jeff, surrendered his littermate, Mutt. He was in bad shape, too with the same skin conditions and also very underweight. After received much needed medical care, Jeff and Mutt were united and Mutt was adopted by Greg. The two brothers who had been so neglected, now lived life as pampered Pyrs. Sadly, both Mutt and Jeff passed away in 2020, but they lived their last four years of life together as beloved pets, where they were happy and cared for every day.
