Jack Jodat is a true animal lover. He not only loves his dog, Charlie; he also loves his King beta fish, Echo. Jack says he enjoys Echo “because [he is a] very cute fish that enjoy[s] human interaction and [they] don’t bark every time they hear a noise!” By human interaction, Jack means Echo loves to be gently stroked and is content being in his tank in the kitchen because “he loves to watch [my] mom cook. My mom and I make the best chocolate chip cookies from scratch.”

Jack loves animals so much that he has started a neighborhood pet-sitting business. Jack’s main client is Congo, a 14.5-year-old Basenji. Basenji dogs were initially bred as hunting dogs from Africa. They are of medium stature and typically tan and white. Uniquely, they are both sight and scent hounds. By nature, they are elegant, poised, and independent.

Another unique feature resulted in a funny incident because they rarely bark, or in Congo’s case, can’t bark. Rather than barking, Basenjis produce an unusual yodel-like sound during distress. One of Jack’s favorite memories of Congo is when he released this rare yodel, not at another dog but at a random paper bag flying near him! Congo uncharacteristically went berserk over the bag.

Congo is a cancer survivor, so Jack knows how precious their time together is. Jack loves being with Congo, snuggling and cuddling, watching Congo eat, or going on walks. On walks, Jack is impressed by Congo’s relaxed demeanor. When asked if Congo has any friends in the neighborhood, Jack coyly replied, “Congo has many girlfriends in our neighborhood because there are so many girls here.  My own dog, Charlie, doesn't know how to get a girlfriend, but Charlie is underage, so that is okay with me. He is 7 in dog years, which I believe is too young for a girlfriend.”

Jack has also dog-sat for a sweet Shih Tzu in the neighborhood by the name of Gracie. Of Gracie, Jack says, “[she] is very fluffy, and I can use her as a pillow. She is very, very cute.” Shih Tzus are small fluff balls known to be affectionate with children.

While Jack loves watching other people’s pets, he dreams of having a cat. Unfortunately, his close Uncle Bill is highly allergic to cats and “wouldn’t be able to come over.”  So, for now, the Jodats are not getting a cat.

Jack is genuinely one of the dearest neighbors that loves our precious pets!