From the Land of the Misfit Dogs...

CA POPPY wrote:
Jackson seems to have a nice coat, more evidence that he had been taken care of before he fell on hard times. There is the chance that something happened to his original family and you know how that "free to good home" scenario goes. He might have ruined his teeth trying to get out of some kind of enclosure. If he's missing a canine tooth, AZpops can tell you all about doggie implants. :B It's so fun seeing Jackson enjoying his new digs.

Jackson's coat was shedding like crazy and very dry when I looked at him at Animal Control last week - obviously from extreme stress and not-so-great food. After bathing him and brushing him, along with him relaxing in our home, it's starting to improve rapidly. A decent kibble is helping too (for boxers, I feed Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream). I bought a Zoom Groom yesterday (a type of soft curry comb) and he LOVED being rubbed down with it! It will help distribute the oils in his skin and bring out the shine. Once his gut settles down, I'll add fish oil to his diet, which will further help his skin and coat, as well as his heart.

Yes, I figured that Jackson was probably penned and chewed on the wire out of frustration and boredom. His gums are overgrown too, from lack of care. When he chewed on a Nylabone yesterday, he left a little blood behind. That will improve as his overall health improves, and he gets his teeth brushed regularly (haven't tried that yet, but will soon!). Maddie's teeth, while not worn down, were in terrible shape when we got her too, and within a few months, they were nice and clean. Her gums bled when I first started brushing her teeth, but got better over time. Brushing and appropriate chew toys were what we used. The vet was amazed that she improved so much without getting a dental.