Separated from his First Family, JJ Seeks a New One

Somewhere in Sioux City Iowa, someone is missing JJ. 

A pit bull/American bull dog mix, JJ was found last November as a stray in Sioux City. When his owners were unable to get him back due to the city's breed ban, Edina-based rescue group Secondhand Hounds stepped in.

Headed up by animal advocate Rachel Mairose, the group arranged transportation to Minnesota for the pup who was newly in need of a home and set him up with a foster family in December. Now it’s springtime, and JJ’s still looking for a home he can stay in for good.

Why JJ hasn’t been adopted yet is a mystery to his foster mom, Bethany Beilby. 

“JJ has to be the most wonderful dog in the world,” Beilby said.

At about a year-and-a-half and 60 pounds, JJ is dog-, cat- and kid-friendly. He is also house and crate trained. He plays well with others, both canine and humans alike. His two current canine companions are a 12-pound schipperke mix and a 60-pound American bulldog.

JJ plays so well with others, in fact, that he’s proven himself better at sharing his toys than most young children, not letting himself be bothered when a playmate steals his toy—he simply walks away to find a new one. This snow-white pup keeps his cool in all situations, letting smaller dogs run right over him and kids pet and pull on him. JJ’s standard response? Rolling over for belly rubs. 

JJ is a very chilled out dog most of the time, so much so that Beilby likens him to living room decoration. When it’s time to play, though, JJ is no couch potato.

“He doesn't know he is a dog most of the time,” Beilby said. “He thinks he is a decorative pillow on my couch. But when we go outside, I can throw his Frisbee or ball and he will run for hours playing fetch with me.” 

Given JJ’s gentlemanlike qualities, even at just 18 months old, Beilby is confident he’d do well with any family, young or old, with or without children. He charms everyone he meets. Beilby only hopes JJ will find a family who will lavish him with love.

“This guy truly deserves the most wonderful home–someone who will spoil him rotten just like he deserves,” she said.

Secondhand Hounds is a volunteer-run rescue organization dedicated to helping animals in need. Founded in August of 2009, Secondhand Hounds has matched 1,085 pets with their perfect human companions so far. 

If you’re looking for a gentle pup who won’t pull on the leash, you can fill out an adoption application for JJ on the Secondhand Hounds website. His adoption fee is $200, with $25 reimbursed for obedience class completion. The organization is also always looking for volunteers; volunteer applications are available on the website as well.