Adoption Tails: Roxie & Jack Jack
A boxer/pit mix and a great dane mix come into the shelter, and together they find a forever home with Nikki Tennison, of Coleman, and her family.
When Tennison and her husband were ready to add a new friend, or two, to their lives, they decided to check out the local animal shelter.
“The adoption process was so easy!” Nikki said. “My husband drove to the shelter, loved the dogs, filled out the paperwork and they came home with him right then.”
Roxie the Boxer/Pit mix, adopted in 2016, and Jack Jack the Great Dane mix, adopted in 2018, both found themselves in a loving home, full of cuddles and attention.
“We adopted our dogs because there are so many animals in shelters,” Nikki said. “just waiting to be loved and we wanted to help that, even just a little. We love dogs so much and can't stand to see so many without loving families.”
And a loving family is exactly what Roxie and Jack Jack found. Along with two new furry family members Nikki and her family found themselves to equally as loving pets.
“Roxie is a total sweetheart.” Nikki said. “I've never had a more loving and loyal dog.”
Nikki said that she’s never met a more empathetic dog. That when her mother passed away, Roxie refused to leave her side.
“She can't stand it if you're sad or upset,” Nikki said. “She will demand snuggles until you feel better.”
Jack Jack was a big sweetheart too, Nikki remembers. He passed away in February of 2021 of cancer, but she remembered him as her big boy.
“(He) has a bark that sounded really tough,” Nikki said, “but if you came near him, the only thing you had to worry about was him licking you.”
When Roxie and Jack Jack came home, Nikki said that they both adjusted very well.
Even though they got along, Jack Jack was a sly one if his sister was sleeping in his favorite spot, the couch.
“He loved to lie on the couch,” said Nikki. “If Roxie was on the couch, he would come to us for attention, knowing she would come see us too. As soon as she would start to get off the couch, he would race over and secure his spot.”
From wonderful couch warmers, to emotional support animals, Nikki has never regretted adoption when she was ready to find her new furry friends.
“I will ALWAYS recommend adoption!” Nikki said. “So many animals are just waiting for a loving family.”
The Gladwin County Animal Shelter began operation in 1976, and is dedicated to serving the needs of the animals and citizens of Gladwin County. In 2020, the shelter cared for over 630 animals (despite challenges due to COVID-19), and continues to make every effort possible to ensure that all healthy, adoptable animals have safe and loving homes and the community practices responsible animal guardianship. Follow the Shelter on Facebook at facebook.com/GladwinAnimalShelter.
The shelter is always accepting donations, which can be dropped off at, or mailed to, 401 W. Cedar Ave., Gladwin, MI 48624. Volunteers can call 989-426-4579 or email gladwincountyanimalshelter@gmail.com to find out ways they can assist at the shelter.