Jake
Pay It Forward
When the handsome Golden Retriever formerly known as Anikan arrived at the ASPCA in 2006, he was tentative and shy like any homeless pup might be in similar circumstances. But he quickly warmed up to our Adoptions Team and demonstrated his love of toys and top-notch tricks. Sit, down, stay and come—he knew his commands like a pro, and all at the tender age of just one year old.
Thus it came as no surprise that potential adopters instantly fell for Anikan’s effortless charm. Lisa and Jay Sands of Manhattan certainly weren’t immune. They adopted the pup—now known as Jake—on November 28, 2006, and quickly made him feel comfortable and secure in his new forever home on the Upper East Side.
More than two years later, Jake is a treasure for the Sands as well as their friends and neighbors. “Jake has never met a stranger—man or beast—he didn’t like,” Lisa says. Among his favorite activities is swimming in the kiddie pool at the dog park—who says city dogs miss out on the joys of nature?!
But this get-along doggie isn’t just about fun and frolicking. He has a community service side, too. “Jake has given back to his animal community by being a foster brother to a rescue cat and two shelter dogs,” explains Lisa. “He made them feel welcome in his home and showed them the ropes.”
This selfless pooch has been there—he knows what it’s like to be homeless and shows deep empathy for his orphaned, four-legged friends. According to Lisa, “Jake’s trusting, gentle, generous nature calmed his foster siblings in their new environment and helped them all eventually get adopted into loving, forever families.”
She adds: “We all love Jake so much and are grateful the ASPCA kept him safe until he became a part of our family!”