For the Love of Jack

For the Love of Jack

How to Love a Jack Russell

After the writer and her husband lost both of their dogs within a year of each other they were both hesitant to bring another one into their home. The heartache of saying goodbye was just too much pain, especially for Jim. For everyone who's shared their home with a dog knows the compassion and endearment we feel for them and the loss of them can seem unbearable.

While taking a month off from work and responsibilities the couple traveled to Europe with two close friends to engulf themselves in an adventurous journey to celebrate life. While on a wonderful trek of exploring and remembrances, the author realizes her life is not complete without a dog by her side. The overseas vacation brought past images back to her and it was then she knew she had to bring her husband on board with her insatiable need for sharing their home once again with a canine companion.

After falling in love with the many Jack Russells they were witness to, and some they personally encountered, the author made up her mind this was to be the breed they would seek out and welcome into their home. Sharing their life with two dogs at a time had always worked well, so the decision was made to do the same again. The excitement and newness of a Jack Russell was one neither was prepared for. All the previous dogs they had shared their life with were relatively mild and endearingly, lazy.

The journey of bringing two nine week old Jack Russell puppies home and the adventures the owners would encounter were lessons in patience and captivating endearment.

The transformation of sentiment from raucous puppyhood to revering adult has made it all worthwhile. This has been a never ending lesson in love.

Susan Sanders Susan Sanders lives with her husband Jim, and their two Jack Russells, Millie and Mouse in rural Missouri. She helps run the family owned commercial masonry construction business. She is a passionate animal advocate who loves to travel and is an avid outdoors person.