I didn’t really like Jimbo when we first brought him home.
At the time, we had an old Dachshund named Frank who was very easy to get along with, very easy to care for. Frank didn’t need supervision. He just had no inclination to push the envelope in any way. And this is what we were used to. We had no idea what awaited us. Neither does poor Frank… nor our poor cat Peter.
But speaking of cute. This Jack Russell pup was the epitome of cuteness. But what an arrogant little brat he could be!
Peter was very protective of his dignity and enjoyed his daily walk across the yard to his own private latrine area. Needless to say, things would never be the same for Peter. His dignity and his smooth gait quickly turned to panic and a terrified run as Jimbo, lying in scheming but patient waiting, knowing full well Peter’s daily routine, sprang from his hiding place and ran the poor cat to the ground. nearest tree.
I will never forget the look on Peter’s face as he gleefully watched the little tyrant hopping away. And, after a few deep gulps and regaining his now-damaged pride from him, Peter descended slowly and gracefully, swearing his true undying hatred for Jimbo every step down the way.
And I wish I could tell you that the relationship got better over time… but the only thing that got better is that Peter dug his claws into Jimbo enough times to keep him at bay… most of the time anyway.
Now Frank was a slightly different story. Jimbo idolized Frank, and Frank was like a doting grandfather to Jimbo, a little too doting, I always thought. For example, they would help each other with flea-biting sessions. Well, I say to each other, but it was mainly Jimbo who received service. He clamped Frank’s foot between his sharp puppy teeth as Frank began picking at fleas. However, if Frank wanted to stop, Jimbo would step on his foot. And poor Frank couldn’t stop until Jimbo let him go!
So you can see why I had a hard time liking this dog.
But Frank loved Jimbo, and Jimbo followed Frank wherever he went. The two were inseparable, though Frank’s sweet disposition never quite disappeared from Jimbo. He has remained the dynamo tornado even to the present.
Frank and Peter are long dead and Jimbo is our only pet… now nine years old. Although you wouldn’t know. That’s one of the amazing things about Jack Russells, they don’t look old or act old. Being a short-legged Russell, he will continue to challenge any dog, regardless of size or posture. He will continue to chase all cats, rabbits or squirrels no matter what time of day it is, and will chase them down with extraordinary youthful lightning speed.
How for me? I fell completely in love with him, although it took me a while to get to know him. While predisposed, and I suppose always will be, to what is rightly called the ‘Napoleon Complex’, this Little General, in all his enduring arrogance, has won my heart and my admiration for being the most unique personalities and sweethearts I’ve ever met. never known.
trisha adams
Jack Russell Terrier ‘Pictures and Ticks’
www.jack-russell-terrier-pictures.com