In November I went to our Humane Society to see an elderly dachshund that was looking for a new home. When I arrived I was advised that a lot of people were also interested, and would I like to see what other dogs they had? Well, of course I would. I have to say that I was really surprised at how few dogs there were - I thought that there would be over a hundred at least, but there were only about 15 - 20, and a lot of those were 'holds - pending adoption'. I guess that this is a good thing, and I probably would have had a problem narrowing down my choices if there were too many dogs! So I elected to see a Jack Russell called Nico and was ushered into a small room to spend 'at least' 30 minutes with him.
This is us getting to know each other . . . . .
And oh my goodness. What a cutie he was. Very smart, very cuddly, and very Jack Russell. My parents have had 'Jacks' for years, so I knew that they were energetic and pretty much a big dog in a small body.
Poor Nico had been a family dog for 5 years and then handed in to the Humane Society when the family had a new baby. He had also been in the shelter for 6 weeks with no-one showing any interest at all. My heart was broken. Two days later after he had met my husband and our greyhounds, he came home with us.
And we love him to bits! He can get very excitable, but calms down quickly. He walks pretty well on the lead, although he does go crazy if he sees another dog, so we will have to work on that. As part of the adoption process you have to attend one of the training classes at the shelter, so last Saturday we turned up for the first session with Nico. Oh dear. It didn't go too well. Despite being very quiet and well behaved at home, he was a monster in class, and we were asked not to return!!!!
To be fair, we have been offered a more appropriate class that will help us to deal with his 'reactiveness' when meeting other dogs, but we find it rather funny that this little ball of fluff got us thrown out of class!!
We will return in February for the classes, and in the meantime we will enjoy him around the house!
Welcome Home Nico xx
Nico's reaction in class may explain what went wrong with the "meet the new baby" scenario--so glad he's found a good home with you!
ReplyDeleteYou may be quite right. I suspect that this was something that was already known, but probably not worked on and then when the baby came along it would have been intolerable. Sigh. We love him to bits so all is now good!!!!
DeleteIsn't it wonderful that so few dogs need homes? Our local SPCA (no kill) often has no dogs available for adoption. If only it was the same everywhere. We are lucky here in Canada, or should I say the dogs are lucky. Enjoy your new family member ♥.
ReplyDeleteThe hounds here certainly are lucky! I see some of the programs on TV from other countries and it breaks your heart :(
DeleteI am so glad that you found each other. Knowing the breed is such a big help. Every breed has their issues. He is adorable!!!! Best of luck with him.
ReplyDeleteThank-you! I find it funny how family members are all very excited and look forward to meeting him, but friends who only know JFT's by their reputations are concerned for our health and safety!! We need to have a 'bring your dog to work day' so that I can educate! But that would have to be a 'bring Nico to work day' so as not to traumatise any other dogs!!
DeleteNico is adorable and too funny that a small and innocent looking dog got kicked out of class. Glad he found a loving home.
ReplyDeleteHe has certainly settled in well with our two greyhounds, so I have high hopes for the future!!
ReplyDeleteOh, he is a cutie. Good luck with the behavior training! Gracie and I have tried several approaches, but she still gets totally hysterical when she spies another dog! (We were never even allowed in the training room at the shelter where I adopted her). This after FIVE years! We don't visit family much any more as they all have dogs of their own. I look forward to hearing your reports on how Nico and you do with training!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand your position - my Dad's JRT does not take kindly to other dogs either. And he is 10 years old. My Granddad used to breed them to protect the loft that held his racing pigeons, they were very cute as puppies and very good as guard dogs! I'll keep you posted on the training!
DeleteCute pup! I do think you're brave to take on a Jack Russell - but it sounds like you and DH know how to manage dogs. LOL - thrown out of class! Gotta love that.
ReplyDeleteHe is just such a difference from our laid back, nothing phases them, greyhounds! And at least with the new classes, we will have very low expectations!!
DeleteI think he became the newest member of your family before your husband ever met him. He is adorable and undoubtedly now he owns you!
ReplyDeleteI've no idea what you ::cough cough:: mean . . . . .
DeleteWhat a cutie! I just got a new puppy too & she's so much more "energetic" than my last one.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to my world! I have two Parson Jack Russells and although they look a bit different to Nico they have similar personalities. Our female often barks and pulls on the lead at other dogs, but strangely not all dogs. She has her friends! I can't really let her off in most locations, just in case and her recall is OK but not enough for me to trust her to stay out of trouble! We have tried everything. She's fantastic with people though, so we accept her quirks and take her on two long walks a day. The male loves other dogs but is getting a bit grumpy in his old age ( doesn't like to be disturbed). Overall I think they are great dogs, you will never be bored with a Jack Russell!
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