Chief K-9 Security Officer

Gooby was rescued from a shelter fundraising event held at a local mall in Arizona back in 2017. At the time, he had already been returned twice. He was a very nervous young dog who needed training, patience, and confidence building. Our founder Maria just so happened to be at the mall that day. She heard his story, saw his soul, and brought him home.

Our other founder Jenna & Gooby were basically teenagers together at the time. Between the late night snacks & midnight walks it didn't take long for Gooby and Jenna to form an inseparable bond. Somewhere along the line he was no longer Jackson the family dog, he was Gooby, Jenna's right hand.

Since then, Gooby has grown from a nervous puppy, to a confident and protective adult, and now into the steady, dependable senior he is today. Watching him grow and evolve over the years has been one of life's greatest privileges.

Around the rescue, Gooby has earned the title of our Chief K9 Security Officer. No visitor goes unnoticed, no mischief is uninvestigated, and no unattended food or pants are safe for long. He also plays an important role in helping our kittens learn how to interact with dogs. His calm, predictable temperament makes him the perfect teacher.

Gooby is excellent with kittens. He has a protective instinct over them and responds attentively to their cries. As they get older and inevitably find an interest in antagonizing him, he is also great at setting healthy boundaries. He'll first give them clear body language to back off, then a growl if they don't take the hint, and finally a full bark or snarl if necessary. It's just enough to teach respect without ever causing harm. After that initial introduction phase they'll share a nap together, play and occasionally even get into a little mischief. His gentle guidance has helped countless kittens build confidence and necessary caution around dogs before finding their forever homes.

As for more of Gooby's personal life. His first companion was Delilah, another rescue dog. While it was a slow burn at first, they really loved each other. Later, Saturn became his first feline sister. Since then, the rest of The Matriarchy has joined the family, making him the only brother among seven sisters. Somehow, he's managed to keep everyone in line while remaining everyone's favorite big brother.

Whether he's supervising kitten introductions, making his security rounds, or faithfully following Jenna from room to room, Gooby is a vital part of the Matriarchy. His journey is a reminder that with patience, consistency, and someone willing to believe in you, incredible things can happen. We truly can't imagine a rainy day without him.