Do you know the old game called Jacks? The one where people toss little "jacks" around and take turns picking them up? Well, it is not spelled the same, but that game is the story of my life.

Until a few months ago I was bounced around from home to home, just like the jacks in the game. I will never understand why, but from the time I was just a pup I was passed from one home to the next. I lived with my first family a while, then moved only to be passed again and back where I started from. I did not get to go for walks and all my energy just stayed bottled up inside. The only time I got to play was when the people would tease me with a laser light. They thought it was funny to watch me chase something that did not even exist. I did not think it was very funny though and I started getting so nervous that when I could not find the light to chase I would chase my own tail. At least it was real and I could catch it.

Then one day my favorite uncle said "enough!" and took me to live in his house. I really like it there and the best part is my sister lives there too! It is freaking awesome! We play and wrestle and chase each other around the yard. We have our meals together too and, although Sis and I both eat the same variety of Merrick mine always get a little something special. You see, when I came to this house I was very skinny, I had upset stomachs all the time and my coat, well lets just say it left a lot to be desired. My favorite uncle took me to the vet and they figured out I have a condition called EPI. It sounds scary but EPI just means that my body is missing enzymes that make it possible to absorb nutrients from food. Without it no matter how much I eat my body was slowly starving to death. Now, a teaspoon of powder is sprinkled on every bowl of food to help me get all the good stuff from it and since I started taking it I have gained weight, my coat has become shiny and my stomach does not get upset anymore. I like to think of it as the parsley sprig fancy restaurants put on people’s dinner plates, except that’s just for looks but I really need this stuff to keep me looking like the handsome guy I am.

And there are no laser lights allowed – not ever. Things are so good for me now it is almost hard to believe where I have been. Then I see a reflection or something shiny on the floor and I want to chase it so bad it all comes crashing down on me again and I have to be reminded not to chase things that aren’t real. It’s hard but with reminders I’m getting better. Plus I have learned how to do lots of other stuff that is good for me. I understand when someone tells me to sit, and lay down; I take treats ever so gently people are always amazed. They think just because I’m a big guy I’m a brute but I actually have a refined side to me. Yes sir, my life has definitely turned a corner. I am living on easy street now but I know, as good as it is, this is just a temporary address for me. I will be moving on soon, but this time I am okay with the idea because it won’t be like all the other times. When that moving truck pulls up and my stuff gets loaded inside I will be heading to the very last home I’ll ever have. My uncle has promised I will only leave when the perfect family finds me and my sister said he always keeps his word. I listen for that truck every day. Oh well, that’s ok, I will be right here when It arrives.

The enzyme powder Jax needs costs about $23 a month when purchased online. This article will provide detailed information on this life-long, controllable condition.  http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/EPI

Jax attends VGSR events in the Tidewater area. If you are an approved adopter who would like to meet Jax contact your caseworker or you may contact me directly at  cbbrewster@vgsr