Jackson, a 1-year-old Doberman mix, was recently brought to the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society by two out-of-town visitors who found him wandering near Neah Bay. He was obviously very ill.

Although severely dehydrated, weak and unable to eat, Jackson was a sweet dog who quickly won over the staff at the shelter. He stayed at the shelter overnight but it was clear he was going to need more advanced care.

“He’s the kind of dog that you immediately like,” said staff veterinarian Dr. Suzy Zustiak. “He had clearly been through a lot and we knew we had to figure out what was wrong and do everything we could to save him.”

Jackson was taken to Olympic Veterinary Clinic in Port Angeles where a variety of tests were performed. None of the tests indicated what was wrong with him. His health was declining so the decision was made to perform exploratory surgery to see if a partial blockage or other obvious malady was causing his health issues. Surgery showed there was no blockage and nothing to indicate what the issue was.

He stayed at Olympic Vet for several days and was given various antibiotics, steroids, anti-nausea medicine and an appetite stimulant. As a last ditch effort, his steroids were increased and he finally started eating a little.

“The staff at Olympic Vet was awesome,” said Mary Beth Wegener, executive director of the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society. “They worked with our vet and staff to solve the mystery and give Jackson a chance at a happy, healthy life.”

Fast forward four weeks and Jackson is a lovable, happy boy, gaining weight and ready to be adopted into his forever home. OPHS currently is taking applications for him. His adoption fee is $150 which includes his neuter, rabies vaccine, microchip and a free health check at a vet.

The Olympic Peninsula Humane Society is able to provide animals like Jackson with advanced medical care thanks to Jerry’s Fund. Jerry was a springer spaniel that came into the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society several years ago as a very ill puppy. Because he was ill beyond the shelter’s ability to provide treatment, the staff called on the public to donate funds for his medical care. The public responded to the need; however, Jerry died before he could be treated.

Thanks to donations to the fund, the shelter had the money necessary to treat Jackson, however, the fund is now nearly depleted and donations are needed so that the shelter is ready for the next animal with serious medical issues.

To make a donation, stop by any Kitsap Bank or the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society and mention that your donation is for Jerry’s Fund. The shelter is at 1743 Old Olympic Highway. You also can donate by calling 457-8206, by mail, OPHS PO Box 3124, Port Angeles, WA 98362, or through www.ophumanesociety.org.

The Olympic Peninsula Humane Society has maintained an active presence in the community since 1947. The society shelters and cares for animals of all types.

A private, nonprofit corporation, the society is financed primarily by private donations and gifts. About 2,500-3,000 animals pass through the doors of the facility each year.

For more information or to volunteer, call 457-8206.