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| Rascal at 8 weeks old 2000 |
Almost 15 years ago we brought home our first Jack Russell Terrier. Both of us were full of trepidation and worry if we could handle one of these little balls of energy. Sure, we had seen My Dog Skip and the Wishbone TV series that had us absolutely hooked on JRs. We even met two sweet JRs right in our own hometown who happily resided in a florist shop window. Even though we were full of resolve, we still wondered if we were up to the task of being an owner of a Jack Russell.
When we located a breeder who had 4 puppies, we eagerly sprang into action and made arrangements to see them. Out on the edge of wine country, east of Temecula, we found the most beautiful dog in the world. One of 4 handsome puppies, my wife zeroed in on one named Oliver right away enticed by the fact that he was the 'runt' of the litter according to the breeder. He ran and played with a joy and abandon that soon won our hearts over completely. That day we took Oliver for a place in our home and heart and christened him Rascal.
When we located a breeder who had 4 puppies, we eagerly sprang into action and made arrangements to see them. Out on the edge of wine country, east of Temecula, we found the most beautiful dog in the world. One of 4 handsome puppies, my wife zeroed in on one named Oliver right away enticed by the fact that he was the 'runt' of the litter according to the breeder. He ran and played with a joy and abandon that soon won our hearts over completely. That day we took Oliver for a place in our home and heart and christened him Rascal.
Well, all those years later we did ourselves proud. We had been successfully trained by our first Jack Russell. He was such a joy to be with and gave us love and unquestionable devotion every single day of his life. He lived a long life although it will never be enough for us. Finally succumbing to the ravages of kidney failure, he was loving and devoted until the very end. We loved him so much and I don't think we'll ever get over his passing.
Now we must move forward and in 2 days, we begin the cycle once again. An 8 week old puppy awaits us and our hearts are full of joy, anticipation and love to welcome another little ball of energy into our home. Rascal, we will never forget you or everything you taught us about you and ourselves. Let's hope we can be half as good as parents to Gumbo as you were as a loving companion to us. Then we'll know we've succeeded and done right by your memory.
Until we meet you again over that rainbow road. We miss you little guy.
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