As I write this, a tired little tyke naps in the chair beside me. Our boy had a good day. He played with the neighbor dog, explored the yard, and enjoyed some Southwest Cornbread Casserole at supper.
Three months shy of his fifth birthday, he loves car rides, chicken nuggets with fries, and visits with Grandma. He is fascinated by fire trucks, police cars, and motorcycles. Some might say he’s spoiled, but my mama always said a little spoiling never hurt anybody.
Although she never met our boy, I think she’d say that even goes for Jack Russells.
Three days after our first Jack Russell crossed the rainbow bridge, the little fellow with the mark we affectionately call “Jesus’ thumbprint” made his debut on my husband’s Facebook business page. Sir Walter Raleigh quickly became a regular at the dive shop.
Photo by Bob Hathaway (used with permission)
One of Raleigh’s first friends was a toddler who spotted “puppy” as her mother pushed her stroller past the property. She begged to stop, and now she’s a frequent visitor at “Raleigh’s shop.” Ask any of the regulars and they’ll tell you Raleigh actually runs the place. (He has a spot on the business web site’s staff page to prove it.)
Raleigh amazes visitors by retrieving toys as my husband calls out their names. He loves engaging customers in his favorite game, “kick.” The game starts with Raleigh behind the checkout counter with a ball, usually “orange.” He pushes the ball out from under the counter with his front feet, after which the other player kicks the ball into the display area of the store. Raleigh retrieves the ball, runs back behind the counter, and starts the play again. The game continues until someone eventually tires out or has to go home.
The dive shop shares a building with a boutique, and each owner helps the other watch their stores. A recent visitor to the boutique lingered at the counter after completing a purchase, looking around the room. The dialogue went something like this:
Owner: “Is there something else I can help you with?”
Customer: “There’s usually a little dog in here…”
Owner: “Oh, he went to McDonald’s.”
Actually, my husband went to McDonald’s to pick up lunch for a work crew. Raleigh went along for the ride.
Raleigh leaves an impression on nearly everyone he meets. Visitors often come in with a companion in tow, pointing out “that little dog I told you about.” An elderly man once spent nearly an hour playing with Raleigh, then returned with friends a few weeks later to play again. His wife explained that he spoke often of “that little dog” and insisted they make the two-hour round trip drive for another visit.
Our boy thinks everyone loves puppy hugs and kisses, thanks to the numerous friends who patiently endure his greetings. Christmas cards come addressed with all three of our names. He can hear a dish, refrigerator door, or potato chip bag from across the house, no matter how hard one tries to be quiet. In this house, no one ever eats alone.
Years ago, my in-laws gave us a plaque that hangs in our living room, a daily reminder that “A house is not a home without a Jack Russell.”
As far as we’re concerned, no truer words were ever spoken.
Copyright 2021 lifeatroomtemperature.com Sherry A Hathaway. All rights reserved.