Adopt

My name is GUMP!

Posted 8 hours ago

My basic info

Breed
Jack Russell Terrier/Chihuahua
Color
White
Age
Young
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Male
Pet ID
22244844-A069758

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

OTHER PETS: Gump is barrier reactive with dogs, meaning he may bark and growl when he encounters a dog through a barrier like a fence or gate. Without the barrier, though, he's as jumpy and excited as he usually is. He can be pushy with other dogs, though, and may be too much for some. He did seem more unsure around larger male dogs, but may do well with a dog that can match his energy. [Case-By-Case (Must Meet First)]

OWNER EXPERIENCE: Gump is still young with a good amount of puppy energy, and would do best with someone that can keep up with him and his athletic ambitions. Someone that has experience with energetic dogs will be the easiest fit, but someone that can be committed to learning and understanding positive reinforcement training will be ideal. [Some Experience]

KIDS: Gump was tolerant of handling, but was a little uncomfortable when feeling restrained. He's also got the heart of an athlete and may be apt to bouncing off of the nearest vertical landing, so he would likely do best around older kids that aren't knocked over easily. [10+ (Must Meet First)]

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Gump is ready to give 100% at any opportunity and will thrive with someone that can keep him active. He loves getting to run, and his vertical jump reaches an impressive height for his size. He's a dog that will do best with access to various types of both physical and mental enrichment to ensure that he doesn't try to make his own fun in the home. [Olympic Athlete]

VETERINARY CARE:
[Routine]

LEVEL OF TRAINING NEEDED: Gump is still at the beginning of his positive training journey, and will do best learning with someone who can offer patience while he adjusts. Positive reinforcement will help Gump not only learn his basic cues & skills, but also help him to bond with his new owner. [Moderate]

GROOMING: Routine brushing will help to minimize shedding in the home. [Minimal]February 4, 2026, 10:06 am
Shelter

Contact info

Pet ID
22244844-A069758
Contact
Address
627 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104

Their adoption process

Additional adoption info

Our shelter operates on a walk-in, first come, first served basis. The first step is to fill out an adoption application, answering some basic questions about yourself and your household. This will help the Animal Welfare Specialists facilitate the matchmaking process. Most adoptions take at least 45 minutes to one hour to complete. The Adoption Center is a busy place, so please be patient and allow yourself enough time for our process. THANK YOU!

What we will need to know when you adopt a new companion:

Other pets already living with you will need to be up-to-date on vaccination. This is to decrease the risk of spreading infectious disease from one animal to another.

It is important to understand that your new companion will be a member of your family. This can mean a
10-15 year commitment from you! Please bring along family members so we can make sure it will be a good match before you make a commitment. Also, if adopting a second dog, please bring your current dog with you---we can let them spend some time together and give you some suggestions on surviving the adjustment period.

Please be sure you have considered the financial obligation involved in caring for a companion animal. This includes routine veterinary and emergency care, in addition to food, supplies and training. The adoption counselors can give you an idea of basic costs involved for each type of animal.

Many animals adopted from shelters can require an immediate visit to the veterinarian. Because of the volume of un-vaccinated animals entering a shelter’s care, the risk of transmissible contagious diseases can be quite high. Kennel cough in dogs, and upper respiratory infections in cats are the two most common diseases that your newly adopted companion may experience. You must ask yourself if you have the financial means to care for your new friend, beyond the initial adoption costs.

BEFORE YOU COMMIT: Please be honest with yourself about the actual time you have to train, groom, and exercise the companion animal you have chosen. Some things to consider: Do you work long or erratic hours? Do you like outdoor activity? Who will care for your pet while you travel? Will your pet be the appropriate size when he or she is full grown? When adopting into a home with children: Are you adopting to teach your child responsibility, or are your adopting because you have a responsible child? Are your children comfortable around the animal you’ve chosen? Will YOU still remain committed to this animal when the children lose interest? Take the time now to consider these things and find the best match for your lifestyle!

We thank your for offering your home to a “pre-loved” companion. We hope he or she will be a wonderful addition to your family and your home!

Go meet their pets

Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
Thursdays 2:00 PM- 7: 00 PM
Closed Wednesdays, Sundays and holidays

More about this shelter

The Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center provides comprehensive animal control services and programs to our communities for the protection of animals, public health and safety, and the environment.

The Thomas J. O’Connor facility believes in providing a second chance to animals that are not reclaimed by an owner. Our center has a full-service adoption service, a service rarely offered through municipal animal control programs. TJO has an in-house veterinarian four days per week, responsible for shelter animal wellness and sterilization surgery. Adoptable animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and screened for other health concerns. Each animal is then placed into the adoption area to await a new home. Every animal is microchipped at the time of adoption.

Other pets at this shelter