The story of Jesse: A rescue dog’s life
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Hi! My name's Jesse. I'm a 12-year-old rescue dog. I sure wish I could tell you about my early life, but the truth is I don't remember. You see, dogs don't remember the way hoomans do. We really just view time as when we are with you, and when we are not. In my younger years I did have a favorite hooman, but one day she was just gone. The other hoomans I knew said she had "died and gone to heaven." But what did that mean? I once heard that all dogs go to heaven, so would I go there with her? When would I get to go and how would I get there? I was perplexed. Next thing ya know, they scooped me into the car for a ride. Woooofie. I do remember how much I love car rides. But the next stop, not so much. The hoomans took me to a new place and just left me there. It was a scary, unfamiliar place, with strange people and strange smells, and it was so loud, with so many other barking dogs. Is this heaven? If so, where is my hooman? I mean, the people there were nice enough. They knew my name, fed me and gave me a warm, soft bed. They tried to make me happy with toys and walkies, but I was terrified. I didn't believe this place was heaven and I knew it was not home. So, I just laid on the floor with my nose in the corner, waiting for my hooman to come for me. Then one day two nice ladies came. They talked to me with kind voices and petted me with gentle hands. But then they were gone, and I just gave up all hope of ever feeling happy again.
But guess what? The very next day, the lady came back. She said she was taking me home. She put me on a leash, put me in the car, and took me for ice cream. Oh, I forgot how yummy ice cream is. Then she took me to a new house. It had new, strange smells and people and cats. But the lady said not to be scared anymore because she is now my fur-ever mom. She gave me treats, took me for long walkies in the woods, let me sleep in her bed, let me eat cheese and peanut butter and fresh garden "veggables," brought me toys, and showered me with endless snuggles, kisses and love. In the beginning I was afraid of everything: the cats, new people I met (especially men) and many random objects and sounds. It took me a while to feel safe and at home, and to trust that my new hooman would always come home to me. But now I know I have the best life in the whole world. This is heaven. Even if I am still afraid of the toaster.
In 2025, 5.8 million animals were taken in by shelters. 4.2 million of those cats and dogs are adopted annually. Jesse was one of the lucky ones, and I was even luckier to find him. I stopped by the Huntingdon County Humane Society to drop off pet show flyers and I found the best friend I could ever wish for. On Sept. 19, 2026 at 1 p.m., Lake Raystown Resort and the Huntingdon County Humane Society will be hosting our 14th annual pet show at the LRR Marina Tent. All pets are welcome to enter, with a $5 (minimum, extra is most welcome) entry fee/pet. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories, plus we'll be featuring a basket raffle. Cash only, please. All proceeds go directly to HCHS. Please come meet Jesse and "waise the woof" with us while raising funds and awareness for our fur-ever friends at the Huntingdon County Humane Society. And as Jesse likes to remind all hoomans, "Please adopt, don't shop."
For pet adoption information, if you are interested in becoming a member or to renew your current membership, contact the Huntingdon County Humane Society by calling (814) 643-7387 or emailing hchs.manager@gmail.com. Follow on Facebook or visit http://www.huntingdonhumanesociety.com/.