Happy Hunting Grounds Memorials

This page is dedicated to the Jack Russell Terriers that are no longer with us. If you would like to have us post a memorial about your lost friend, please send it to .

Posted August 29, 2009

Fax Simon

For thirteen years and two months, Fax enriched our lives and brought joy into our home. Born on March 15, 1996, Fax joined our family over Memorial Day weekend in 1996. He was a true Jack Russell Terrier. As a pup, he challenged us over and over. He could chew anything, run like lightening and jump higher than anyone could imagine possible. But, he gave so much unconditional love to us. In fact, we adopted him, in part, because he was the only puppy in the litter to jump on my husband's lap and shower him with "kisses".

There are many, many wonderful memories. Personally, I love to think about Christmas morning. There would always be a pile of wrapped gifts for my two sons and heap of wrapped gifts for Fax. Intuitively, Fax would head for his presents and would tear off the paper to examine each and every present.

For the first nine years of his life, Fax was full of energy. He loved to have guests in our home and he was a wonderful host always making everyone feel welcome and special. It was hard to imagine that by age nine, Fax would develop arthritis and show down considerably. However, in many ways the last years of his life were very fulfilling. He stayed very close to my husband and me and when we both retired in 2007, Fax became inseparable from us. We enjoyed him so much and he gave meaning to every day.

We knew the end was near in early spring of 2009. Fax's mobility deteriorated dramatically. We tried medications, chiropractic intervention and everything that was recommended by our veterinary practice. Finally, Fax moved into hospice. A wonderful vet visited our home weekly and gave us concrete suggestions to make Fax's life more pleasant. Up until the end, he retained a good appetite and a strong Jack Russell personality.

Finally, on July 13, 2009, it was time to part. Fax left us surrounded by a family who loved him on our screened porch, which he enjoyed so much. Since loosing him, our home has been so empty. We miss him and the joy and vitality that he brought to every day.

We'll cherish the memories and recall with true affection, this wonderful dog.

Fax's family included Matt, Jake and Eddie.

Posted February 21, 2009

Java Boy

It's been just 8 days since that dreaded day, and at times I, a grown man, still feel like a 10 year old boy, overwhelmed with emotion. Our loyal friend Java, a 5 year old JRT, had to be put down on Friday, February 13. It was a heart-wrenching decision, but our vet said it was the best thing we could do. There is a huge void in our home and hearts without our four-legged family member. He was so loving and affectionate, and just such a good boy. He never chewed up anything, or even snapped at anyone - ever. You could take a bone out of his mouth and he would look at you with those eyes as if to say - "please can I have it back?" Even in his passing, his consistently good nature and unconditional love continues to affect me in such a way that inspires me to be like him. Imagine that, learning such a profound lesson from a creature that is supposed to be "lower" than us. Java - you're my boy and I miss you tremendously.

DG / Connecticut

Posted January 5, 2009

Blackland Windstorm

It has taken me nearly a year to put this down and share it with everyone. I got my first jack in 1997 and thought she was the most wonderful thing I had ever seen next to my own 2 kids. I was quickly enraptured with showing, training and studied everything I could get my hands on for a year and half before having the first of 6 litters. My sweetheart performed well and kept us in stitches at home with her crazy antics. She had the cutest way of cocking her little head at us when she was confused or on the trail of any small creature. She was nicknamed Houdini for she was adept at escape. She was also the prettiest dog I have ever seen. Unfortunately, after 9/11, like a lot of folks, we found ourselves with no jobs. And not many prospects stemming from the IT market taking such a hit. Showing and any breeding program we were trying to establish came to a screeching halt along with membership dues. My love affair with that world came to a close. Along with 3 other dogs, we had 2 jacks - mother and daughter and we spayed them both and we all officially retired. We moved out to the country and the jacks really enjoyed the wide open spaces and doing some hunting. We did put up a backyard fence for those lazy days. Unfortunately my girl was very brave and very protective. One night at the potty break before bed, the Thursday before Halloween last year, the coyotes that live in this area wandered onto the place. My dogs all went bonkers. Barking and screaming, I had to wrestle them in. But there was only one that wouldn't come as I tried to get them. She climbed over the fence to fight and was snatched up and taken away. The vultures led me to her remains the next morning. My husband found her collar and tags a few feet away.

It is with a heavy heart that I try, in vain once again, to let my girl go and announce that Blackland Windstorm of Windy Hollow Kennels is no longer with us. Thank you to all of you who knew us and welcomed us with open arms during our time of being in the JR World. It was a truly remarkable experience.

Terri Coggins/Windy Hollow Kennels

Posted September 20, 2008

Uno

My bestfriend and the only thing I wanted for my 19th birthday, just this little dog I had my eye on at the pet store. Learning what this JRT I named Uno would become was unimaginable....his love of life, so smart and the charisma, blew everyone that knew him away. What a character he was!!!!!Then this past Easter was the day that would change everything. Uno just loved to sit on top of the backrest of the couch. He loved being outside, going for walks, rolling in the grass and basking in the sun and when he couldn't he was content in just being able to watch the people go by and wait for whoever wasn't home to get home.

That day began with a loud thump that came from that room with that couch that Uno loved so much. My parents rushed to see what is was yet nothing seemed to be out of place but there was an odd noise coming from behind the couch. There he was, so vulnerable and helpless having what we would soon find out was a seizure. How do you swallow something that seems so painful for your bestfriend and companion. Immediately, the vet put him on medication (Phenobarbitol) and we were told after many many tests maybe its epilepsy or maybe an allergy...what are you feeding him? Over the next five months Uno would have a seizure or two, every six to eight weeks. It didn't seem too bad and I had read thats lots of dogs have seizures the same way.

So why was this past Monday so different? In his usual spot on the couch while watching tv after not having had a seizure in over two months, there he was going through one of the worst ones he has ever had. One after another they came, my poor little guy had suffered more than 8 seizures in about an hour, we rushed him to a nearby animal hospital which helped get him through the night. He was pumped so full of medication that night and then sent home on Tuesday morning. He continued to suffer from yet another seizure every hour, it seemed like torture for him. How could my parents and I watch him endure such pain and suffering? Though we kept up hope and made yet another visit to the vet where we tried something new, his body could not handle it all and he continued to have seizures and our hearts broke forever. How could this be happening he is only 5 years old, what happened to out spunky, crazy, little guy? He was no more, he was drowsy and emptied of life, looking at him he was not that same dog we knew, he was hurting bad inside. ITS NOT FAIR! After 36 hours of seizing we decided his life was too precious to make him suffer this way. I had to put my baby to sleep on September 3 and now my world just seems so empty. Holding him while he took his last breath was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I lost my bestfriend that day but I know now there is no more misery for him and he would have wanted us to remember him with all the laughter he caused and not the tears. I hear it gets better as the days pass but I do thank you for this opportunity to share my story with many others in my situation, your stories really helped me and I hope mine helps too.

He is in a better place now and I have the memories of him in my heart forever.

Love Always,

Maija ( Mommy and Daddy)

Posted May 14, 2008

Willomoor Tack - "Lumberjack"

March 20, 1990 - May 10, 2008
Best Friend and Companion

Sadly, after a very lengthy 4 year struggle with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) (dementia), Willomoor Tack was euthanized on Saturday May 10, 2008 at the age of 18 years and 2 months. As his condition worsened in recent months it was very difficult to watch him decline and struggle with the advanced effects of this brain disease. He was a great companion for nearly twenty years and lived a great life.

He was blessed with tremendous athletic ability and intelligence as those that remember him will recall his exploits at racing, high jumping, agility, obedience and go-to-ground. His awards included three National agility titles and seven reserve titles in agility, racing, and obedience, an unbeaten high jump record and numerous other awards. He was also able to learn many complicated tricks as we would perform these on numerous occasions at trials, schools and elsewhere. My favorite award is an engraved trophy cup for "Best All Around Companion" - an award that considers several events (tricks, retrieval, agility) of both dog and handler. In the end this is the award that really has meaning as he was a great companion and some of my best memories of him did not involve awards. I trained and worked him hard for competition, but the trials I viewed as fun time for us. He lived every day on the edge and was very devoted. He demanded my attention. He sat on my shoulders when I walked and my lap when I sat.

He was involved with a number of action commercials, a promotional film, a billboard, and photo advertising. He excelled working on camera, where he had a great reputation for difficult shoots. In his later retired years, he enjoyed walks in the park (chasing squirrels) and lounging in the sun. For all his accomplishment and ability, I still thought him best at negotiating more than his fair share of the recliner, and space on the bed. While he is greatly missed and it is tough to say good-bye, I have countless priceless memories and feel very fortunate to have owned him and spent so much time with him, for which I was greatly rewarded.

Posted May 14, 2008

Natty

Natty, was our first Jack Russell. Natty was given to my daughter Christmas 2006 and she died November 2007 a month before Christmas. I inherited Natty after my daughter moved out to attend school. (I knew that was going to happen) so I became a grandmother. We got so attached to her that it just broke out heart when she passed. Natty was my riding buddy when I would go into the office. I had a 2 hour commute and Natty would attend doggy day camp while I worked. I miss my riding buddy and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her including the people who worked at the day camp "Best Friends". Natty's play friend was a Great Dane. They were adorable. She is dearly missed.

We miss you Natty!!!

Posted November 12, 2007

Skip

Skip was my little Jack Russel Terrier he was my best friend. I got him for my seventh birthday my mom and dad said they were going to shop for birthday presents. They came home and said they couldn't find any good presents all they found was a really cool beanie baby. They came up to me and set him in my lap and I yelled ah!!! He's alive!! He was so small that he was actually smaller than a beanie baby. My dad took him out side in our front yard and picked him up and he posed for him - it was awesome. He was solid white with brown circles around his ears and a black eye that looked like he had been punched. He was so cute. When he got older he used to sit in his water bucket. Cause I gave him so many baths.

But sadly on September 10 he died. We don't know what he died from and we will never know. I miss him so much that I think about him everyday. I will always love and miss him for the rest of my life because I'll always remember the little dog that was my dog Skip.

Anna

Posted February 9, 2007

Blue

In Loving Memorial

I do still think of my best friend, Blue, every day. My heartbroken is still aches because I miss her so much. She was perfect and smart. All my family loved her. She and I had wonderful life together for almost 15 years. My Vet tried to save her kidney at hospital, but after three days at hospital her kidney failed. I was upset and cried. I could not live without her. She was so special to me. She was my first Jack Russell Terrier. I loved her so much like my precious child. She liked to go under the ground. She chased bunnies and birds in the yard. She killed rats. My Aunt and Father told me that during their trip to visit in Kentucky, Blue chased and killed a mouse in a fireplace at the farm in the winter. She got black dirt on her face and body. My father had to give her a bath. Another time she chased and killed a mouse in the basement. She was a good catcher. In 1996, she won two blue ribbons in Go-To-Ground class (show) after my Father died a few months later. She loved walking, playing, chasing me and I chased her in the yard. She was much fun and she made me laughs. She made me so happy and I made her happy. If I was sad, she would be sad. After I gave her a bath, she ran round in living room and dinner room with happy clean. She loved to have my hands massage her neck and back to relax. She rubbed my hands as telling me please massage her neck or back for her.

Blue became deaf about two years ago. I touched her for her attention to me because she could not hear. It could be age-related. I was born first deaf in my family history. She was more like me. I keep many nice pictures of her. I always feel very close to her. I miss her sorely. After she died, I had a dream of my father. He looked at me with his smile. I wondered why he smiled at me. I think he probably wanted to let me know that Blue is with him in the heaven. She will always be in my heart.

Jane

Posted June 15, 2006

Corbu

Rescued March 30, 1998 - Passed from this earth June 11, 2006

Corbu was the best dog one could ask for. He was so smart and loving. He had a heart of gold and would protect his family at any cost.

Keith's brother found him running around the neighborhood and knew that this was the kind of dog that Keith wanted. Corbu has been with us ever since.

Corbu was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure in November of 2005. His heart was so large that it looked like a grapefruit within his rib cage. He got really sick on Tuesday, May 16th and we thought that we would have to put him down. Fortunately, our vet, who is the best, was able to change is medication and he was back to his old self. She told us that he was a very sick little dog with a lot of spirit. She was up front and told us that he only had weeks to months to live. We were heart broken.

Corbu passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2006. He waited until all his family got to see him. He passed away from this earth at home with us right by his side. He made sure to let us know what was happening. He fought to the end.

We are so grateful that we were able to be home with him and comfort him during his passing. We knew that it was coming but it was still very hard. There are many people who lose their dogs because of accidents or other freak things. We were lucky enough to know what was going to happen and prepare. However, no matter how much you prepare it still hurts.

Corbu will always be Daddy's Buddies and Mamma's Son.

We love you with all our hearts. You may be gone from this earth, but your memory and spirit will live on forever in our hearts.

Love always and forever,
Daddy (Keith), Mamma (Angela), Roxy and Toby

Posted June 5, 2006

Chloe

Our Jack Russell Terrier named Chloe was hit by a truck on 25 May 2006. She had (as we found out later) irreparable damage to her pelvis.

Chloe fought to the end to stay alive. She wanted to live, but she was just too damaged.

She loved to chase the John Deere, the water hose, the weed eater.

She loved to play ball with the kids.

She was a loving dog and a wonderful companion. We will miss her.

The Lowder's

Posted April 19, 2006

Jasmine

March 21, 1993 -- July 20, 2005.

Long eyelashes, a fuzzy face and a Buddha belly. The pee-pee sit, the big sigh and the shoulder snooze. Bird catcher, sun worshipper and pillow hog. Gentle, fierce, fragile, strong, loving and loved.

Rest in peace, Mee Mee. We miss you.

Mom and Dad and Sissy

Posted June 17, 2005

Milo

Milo came into our life July 4th weekend last year and has been our constant companion ever since. I have always wanted a JRT and although my husband wanted a "big dog", he fell in love with this little dynamo as hard as I did. Milo went biking, walking and kayaking with us. He was 100% energy, but was happiest sleeping in our laps in the evening. He was all I could ever want in a Jack Russell and was the sweetest, happiest, handsomest dog you could ever find. He was great with the children and caught all of the voles and moles around the garden. This weekend he slipped out of the gate while my husband was unloading lumber and made a beeline for our neighbor's agressive pit bull next door. He didn't turn around to my yelling and his curiousity was his downfall. It took three men to pull Milo out of the jaws of that horrible dog. True to his indomitable spirit he was alert and awake all the way to the emergency clinic, and because of that, we thought he would be okay. It came as a terrible terrible shock to find that his internal injuries were too terrible to fix.

It seems so wrong that we should only have this wonderful dog for one short year, and I despair of finding another as terrific as he, but it helped to find this memorial page today and realize that we are not alone in our grief.

Milo is buried out on our friend's farm near a pond, where he can catch all the voles he will ever want.

Posted March 18, 2005

Riley

My wife Anita and I got our little Riley last April 2004. She was the best little buddy we could have ever asked for. She went everywhere with us. Slept with us a lot. When we played baseball we had her in the dug out. She was the team mascot. My wife also took her to work every single day. This puppy was loved and cared for beyond belief. On Mar.05/2005 our lives changed forever when Riley jumped out of my wife's car and bolted right for the street. I was outside and little Riley would always come running right to me, but this night was different. She just had to run on the street. Unfortunately a car ran a stop sign so he could rush in front to another car to get ahead of it and Riley never saw it coming. I was at the side of my house and couldn't really see, but I could here my wife yelling Riley!! Riley! And then Oh no Riley! I ran up and Riley had been hit. But being the tough little Jack she was she sat back for a moment, looked at us at let out 2 little rufs to say good-bye. I have never seen something look so scared in my life. My wife quickly grabbed her and we rushed her to the hospital. The hospital gave us a room and an oxygen mask for the little Riley. But it was too late. She had her leg broken and the some skin was off of it right to the bone. I was hoping she was just in shock, but when the vet came to the hospital he said she was gone and had suffered too many internal injuries.

Riley was one of my best friends, and as a 30 year old I feel no shame in saying that. My wife and I are just devastated. It's the first dog we ever owned and we spent so much time with her that she quickly became a part of us. That little puppy just wanted to love everyone she met, and even some of my friends who are in their 30s were crying after I told them. That was the effect Riley had on people. Whoever met her fell in love with her in a second.

We are going to get another for sure, and we are actively looking already. But I know there will only be one little Riley. The best pal my wife and I ever had.

We miss you little buddy. We always will.

Posted February 19, 2005

April

April - 10/2/03 - 12/15/04

April, affectionately known as "Sissie girl", was born on October 2, 2003 along with her brother, Buster, to my "mom" JRT, Sophie. She brought so much joy to my heart. Even after she was first born, she was the independent one. While Buster would cuddle up close to Sophie for warmth, April was scooting around the whelping box being independent. As she grew, her personality deepened. She loved being outdoors. She loved chasing squirrels and actually caught one, only to be bitten in the foot. In her short life, she also suffered a severe case of pancreatitis, but she fought her way back to good health.

April and Buster were inseparable. They played together all day long. April loved to taunt Buster, who would play fetch with a tennis ball for hours on end. She would grab the ball before he could and just run around the room or yard with it. She didn't really care about the ball. She just liked to tease Buster with it. She would always let him take it out of her mouth.

April (along with Buster and Sophie) slept in my bed and would cuddle down by my legs to stay warm. She was very loving. Her favorite treat, it seemed, was orange sherbet. She came up right onto my lap every time I had it because she knew she would get to have the last bit each time.

I was always told JRTs were free spirits and April definitely was. She would slide out the front door more than once to get a chance to run. I always managed to get her back safe and sound. That is, until December 15, 2004. She got out along with Sophie & Buster. Sophie & Buster were scooped up safely but as April came back across the road, she was hit by a car that did not even stop.

My sadness is deeper than I can comprehend. Even though I still have Buster & Sophie, which I am very grateful for, I miss Sissie girl so desperately already. She filled a place in my heart that only she could fill.

Thank you April for being everything God created you to be. I will miss you every day for the rest of my life.

Dawn Miller

Posted Janaury 22, 2005

Boo-Boo

How could we know, that day we walked into the Humane Shelter, that we would be coming home with such an adorable pup? How could we know she was a "Master Thief of Hearts"? In no time flat she stole ours.

As a child, and as an adult, I've had several dogs, and I can say without question that Boo-Boo was the best and brightest, and absolutely the most loving....definitely the cutest! An 8 week old, beautiful white and black bundle of energy who had us trained in no time! Smart, funny, and game for anything--our beloved Boo. Was there any food she didn't LOVE? Any game she didn't know? Any heart she couldn't steal? Any contraband she couldn't find? Any thing she wouldn't try? No, not one.

Sixteen years later, due to a congenital heart defect, and old age, we had to put our precious baby down. No one can imagine the hurt we feel, unless they've been allowed the privilege of "being owned" by one of these precious gifts from God.

Since that day, we've learned much about Jack Russells....it seems Boo was one of the more mellow types.......never barked for no reason, never dug a hole, never tried to run away. She totally and completely claimed us as HERS, and wasn't shy about showing us how much she loved us in return. How lucky I feel that we went into THAT shelter, on THAT day, and came home with THAT pup. It was meant to be. Our lives literally revolved around her well-being.

Now she's gone, and the days and nights are very hard to get thru. I am feeling the need for another pup to fuss over, and she has totally spoiled me for any other kind of dog.........it's gotta be a "Jack", or nothing at all.

The next pup will have a awful big "collar to fill"........somehow, I think the mighty "Jack" will come thru with flying colors!

Goodbye, my precious, my Baby Boo.
Marcella & Woody

P.S. A few years back I made up a couple songs about Boo--used to sing 'em to her quite a bit. She didn't care that I'm not much of a songwriter!

My puppy, my puppy,
My puppy is the greatest ol' pup that wuz!
My puppy, my puppy,
Is white & black, polka-dot, covered with fuzz!
My puppy, my puppy,
My puppy is my very best friend because-
She's MY puppy, Boo!

Mama need a puppy to pet-
Mama need a puppy to pet-
She shore am smelly,
Mama pet it on the pot belly!
Mama need a puppy to pet!

The End.

Posted July 23, 2002

Maggie and Boomer

We can't seem to accept the fact that they're gone. They should be chasing birds through our yard or barking at the mailman. When I'm working from home, they'd seem to know when I was on the phone because that's when the barking would start. While hosing down the patio or washing the car, Boomer would yelp & bark at the water, biting the nozzle into submission. When food wasn't finished, they were always close by to help clean up. This was their home & we miss them dearly.

Maggie loved her tennis ball. She ran after it with lightning speed. Friends would always ask, "When will she stop chasing the ball?" And I'd respond, "When your arm falls off." It didn't matter if we were in the pool, eating dinner, watching TV, or working outside; catching the ball & bringing it back was her favorite thing to do. On trips to Lake Powell, all the kids loved to play with her. She'd scamper up the rocks or swim way out in the water, eager to do it all over again. When opossums walked on our walls, it was always Maggie that was impossible to coax back into the house. At Jack Russell field days, she was a happy participant in the go-to-ground & usually finished first or second in the races.

Boomer was always #2. I purchased him from a breeder after a sales call & brought him home to an alpha female, anxious to show him the ropes. He rarely chased the ball, only doing so to tease Maggie. He never brought it back to us, just ran around Maggie while she feigned interest. As soon as she noticed the ball on the ground at his feet, she'd grab it, bring it back, & the game would resume. Our daughter & Boomer were the closest. Every morning before breakfast & everyday after school, she had to see him, pet him, & give him a kiss. She'd put her blanket on him or put him in her stroller & he never seemed to mind, even when she ate some of his dog food.

But, the unexpected happened when we left for the lake on Wednesday. We didn't bring the dogs because we were staying in a hotel, I had a seminar to attend, & my wife & kids would be going to a museum. So, we left the dogs in the yard, which wasn't unusual. Soon after we left, coyotes jumped our 6 foot wall & killed our little dogs. Rather then ruin our trip, our neighbors told my parents who met us at the door when we came home. I picked-up the dogs from the shelter on Sunday to bury them in our yard. We placed their collars, some pictures, & a tennis ball in the grave. We've been crying since we got home, but carefully placing the dirt around their little bodies & filling up the hole by hand, brought out even more emotions.

We're devastated. The kids realize that Boomer & Maggie are gone, but they don't really understand that they're gone for good. We can't imagine finding two dogs that will ever replace them. We feel guilty about leaving them outside, but as everyone knows, these are dogs that love to run around, explore, & take charge. We'll always love you & miss you Maggie (12/31/94 ? 7/17/02) & Boomer (4/26/95 ? 7/17/02).

Posted May 14, 2002

Riley

Riley, my baby girl, and Amos' sister passed away on January 14, 2002, 7 weeks and 1 day after our lil man Amos. Riley was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease the same day Amos, through an ultrasound, was found to have an inoperable mass in his stomach. Amos was such a little fighter, the mass was not even detectable through palpation by our very experienced Vet. Amos died in my arms, at home, two days after the diagnosis. It was almost as if he thought "Well, the jig is up, Mummy and Daddy know now, so I don't have to keep up the good fight."

I know that Riley died of a broken heart. When Amos died, her will to live and thrive left with him. Riley was 12.5 years old, and my golden girl.

Riley was a beautiful little doe-eyed Jack. Extremely intelligent, she could learn a trick in 3 pieces of cheese. She also did great "impressions" of dachshunds, beagles, and grizzly bears. The only toy she ever needed was a tennis ball, and she was game for it right up until she passed. Riley died in my arms, at home, giving me kisses until she no longer could.

I'll never forget the moment I laid eyes on Riley. She was only 7 weeks old, and when I picked her up and cuddled her in my arms, my heart was lost to her forever. I was gobsmacked, totally bowled over with the love I felt for her. I had absolutely no plans of getting a dog that day, almost 13yrs ago, but apparently God had other plans. My favourite picture of Riley and me is the day I got her. In the picture, I am walking in a field alone, my back to the camera. The significance is what you don't see. During that walk, I'm cradling Riley, as she slumbers in my arms, mine, forever.

Riley was with me through some of the toughest times of my life. She taught me responsibility, committment, and brought structure to my life. When she was 2yrs old, we got Amos. Those two little Jack Russells brought me more love and happiness than words could ever express.

Riley and Amos were my joy, my love, my LIFE for almost 13yrs. This is Riley's memoriam, but to speak of them separately, without acknowledging the other, is like talking about Mutt without Jeff, Batman without Robin. Riley and Amos were inseparable, and totally in love with each other.

Riley and Amos were my little "caped crusaders", the best guard dogs, attention getters, and comedians in the world! We were a totally devoted trio, so much so, that my neighbours barely recognize me without them!

The following is Riley's memorial printed in the Toronto Sun on January 27th, 2002.

RILEY LIBBY CLARK
August 23, 1989 - January 14, 2002

My dearest Riley
Our time together stretched before me, like a glorious rainbow...
I denied myself how quickly such gifts come and go.
But oh, how I cherish them now, just the same.
It was my actions, not words that held you close Riley...
They were my truth, my love, our language.

Now...The facts of life don't matter so much
To everything, there is a season.
We had our time, we three, our halcyon days.

Amos has been waiting for you Riley, to bring you home.
It was Heaven on Earth, the two of you at my side.
How I've loved you both - Tempus fugit
Until we meet again,

Loving you always, Riley & Amos
Your Mummy, Daddy, and ALL who loved you. xxxooo

Posted May 14, 2002

Lucky

I am in tears right now after reading every memorial posted on your website. So many of those stories brought back memories of my first Jack Russell, Lucky. Unfortunatly he wasn't so lucky.

I aquired Lucky from a friend who bought him solely because "he was so cute" at 8 weeks old. Soon she realized what owning a Jack Russell actually entailled. When he grew up with no training and no discipline, she grew to hate him. This led to unspeakable neglect and abuse because she just didn't feel like dealing with him. Finally after 5 months of watching this poor dog self desruct, I talked my parents into letting me take him off her hands. My parents are dog people so I've had dogs all my life and after telling them the stories of the abuse this dog went through everyday, it wasn't hard to convince them he deserved better.

He came into our life at 8 months old and was a complete terror. He was not even housetrained. We spent a great deal of time working with him and going to obedience school and after 1 year he was just about normal. I was 19 at the time and he was "my dog", not my parents'. He still had his quirks like trying to escape if given the opportunity, but was still the best dog ever and we had a real bond. My parents had 2 other dogs at the time and I loved them, but I had never even imagined feeling so close to a dog. He was my whole world.

It was a tragic day April 14, 2000. I was brushing my teeth before work and my mother had her weekly company over for coffee and they weren't always careful about the door being shut. That was Lucky's favorite time of the week because his chances of escaping were very good. When my mother shouted the familiar "Jocelyn, go get your dog, he got out again!" it didn't phase me, he always just ran back to me when I went outside. Well, on this day as soon as I walked out the door, a utility truck was passing by our house and over my beloved dog. I watched my dog die. He died instantly and felt no pain. I can still say that was the saddest day of my life and not a day goes by that I don't think about him and all he taught me. I am now living on my own and recently adopted a female Jack named Maggie who eeriely resembles Lucky by the tri-color markings on her head and I love her to death. The first thing she learned was to stay away from the door unless she's on a leash! I'm not going to lose another best friend so tragically. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my heartbreak with others who have felt the same pain.

Jocelyn Guild

Posted May 14, 2002

I remember the most loyal companion. I remember an irrascibility and an energy that knew no bounds. I remember the excitements before long runs--- the licks on the toes, and waking up at night and seeing her head on the pillow next to mine. And when she snored.... crushing adorability.

Cella--- best bud.... I will miss you and revere you. Your spirit is totally infectious. I must assure that for my next JRT my fence will meet a JRT's will. (invisible fence just inside of a chain link fence--- no chance for digging or climbing).

I love you Cella...

Ultra

Of course, everything has the begining and the end. And when we have tragic ends of our beloved pets, we always feel the responsibility and take the blame upon their death. It hurts, because we cann't save our wonderful dogs. We also have very sad story about our unique JRT. Ultra came into our lives on 6 July 2000 at age of 8 weeks. We were looking for our JRT in all over the world, so trip to Finland wasn't too long. There we found the most amazing JRT (for us) and the name Ultra was really like she was. She learned fast - we could teach her anything we set to mind. She was like our shadow, watching for our every movement - hoping and expecting to be included in every thing we did. Ultra was fast in agility, irresistible in the dog shows and unstopable in the hunt. Everywhere she was the first and the best. She was over just the dog - she climbed the trees and had strange love for water. She could swam for hours in the sea and then learned to swam under the waves. It looked a little strange, but not dangerous. We tryed to protect her for such dangerour things as cars, aggressive dogs and angry people. And how great was the pain, when Ultra ... drown in the beavers' hunt. We still don't know how it happend exactly, but most probably she chased the beaver under the water too long - until she get to deadlock. She tried to swim out of water, and there was just a metre until the air... There was no wounds on her body, so just the passion to hunt didn't let her to evaluate the strength. And hunters found her too late - beavers' holes in that situation were very complicated. We lost our wonderful Ultra, but she died in the hunt, in action she liked mostly - as truly working JRT. Now she is buried in the grove on the seaside, and we hope she can see the sunset to the her beloved sea...

We were greeted not by the breeder, but by Amos. At 4 months old, his character was complete. He barked, cajoled, protected, grinned, and ultimately deemed us worthy to be on the property. Riley was smitten. This said alot, because being a Jack, you all know that it's always black or white. Jack's either love other dogs, or they just simply don't.

My husband, myself and Riley fell in love with Amos instantly, but not before he fell in love with us first. That afternoon, what had started as a "stop-in" visit, turned into three hours of talk and Jack Russell stories. Amos wasn't for sale. Allen was too much in love with Amos, as were his two young daughters. We left late that afternoon, with a roll of pictures of Riley and Amos, my husband and I holding him, snuggling him, LOVING him. Amos had a firm "paw-hold" on our hearts.

Two months later, we received a call from the breeder. Allen knew that although he loved Amos with all his heart, that the little dog, with all of his deformities, would not last long living on a fast pace farm. He wouldn't get the care and attention he so richly deserved. The breeder asked us if we were still interested in the crippled little dog with a huge personality.

We picked up Amos two days later. He and Riley had a joyous reunion, and resumed what was to be the most beautiful, loving relationship between two dogs I have ever seen. We didn't know at that time, but they were brother and sister, only a litter apart.

Amos came into our lives and changed them forever.

We had a memoriam printed in the Toronto Sun, on November 27, 2001. It reads as follows"

Amos Clark April 15 1991 - November 25 2001

Our faithful friend, our loving companion.
Never has a heart and soul so huge dwelt in such a tiny body.
We were blessed when you chose us, and we have loved you without reservation.
Our time together has seemed so short.
Wait for us dear heart, will you please?
We'll be seeing you again, little man.

Loving you always Amos,

From All Who Loved YOU XXXOOO

How does one little dog change a life?

Well, Amos figured if Mummy or Daddy let you into HIS home, then you were fair game to be loved. And if you didn't succumb to his outlandishness, he'd just continue to work his magic until you DID love him. No one every left HIS home without loving him.

When Amos died, his soul still worked.

He worked his magic to make a man get in touch with his feelings and cry for the first time in 30yrs. That man was his "daddy", who is now my ex-husband. But Amos' passing allowed my ex to cry and talk about things he'd never talked to me about when we were together. My ex and I continue to work on a new "friendship"....

Amos' passing brought an estranged father and his daughter together to share about things they'd dared never speak of in almost 42yrs. Amos only lived for 10.5 years. He came into our lives so quickly, and left just as fast, like a shooting star, but one always remembered.

It took one little dogs birth, life and death to build so many bridges back to so many humans.

You see, my father was the breeder, and I am his daughter. And Amos still continues to work his magic.

This is my memorial, my testimonial to a little crippled dog who wasn't supposed to live, but DID....And I must tell you all, Amos lived the high life for 10.5 years, and was loved, coddled, cuddled, snuggled, kissed, and generally spoiled all-round rotten from the moment we ever laid eyes on him.

We are bereft without him. Please visit Amos' memorial site at www.rainbowsridge.com/residents/Amos001/resident.HTM

Blessings and Peace

I would like to add my two jack russells to the memorial listing. My first jack was "Popeye". He was "my little man". He was so much my buddy, always overwhelmed with joy to see me even if i was gone for 2 minutes. He was a jack through and through. He had just the cutest and most endearing little traits anyone could ever ask for in a unconditional loving buddy. I would also like to add "SweetPea" my little female jack russell to the list. She was the quickest, spunkiest, hunter i ever had the pleasure of knowing. If it was moving, she was taking after it, and more times than I wanted, she caught her. She kept every snake that had the unfortunate fate of trying to set up home on our property, off, (dead). She could jump a 6' privacy fence if her quary made it over it. Feisty was her middle name. Both of them have left this world, but not my heart. There will always be a large part of my heart occupied by the many memories if have of both of them. There isn't a day that passes, that I don't think of them both and smile or shed a tear. I am happy to announce that just last week I made room in my heart for my new Jack "Max" He comes from the show circuit and is one and one half years old. (i have knicknamed him "Mad Max") He is a joy and I am totally in love with him. I hope to be his partner for many many years. thank you for this chance to express my memories

Mary

Posted October 13, 2001

Lucy

Lucy left me sometime in the early morning hours of Aug. 27, 2001. She had been my constant companion since Dec. 24, 1994, when she arrived looking more like a mouse than a dog, her big bright eyes, freckled ear, and a dozen brown hairs on the tip of her stub tail. We still don't know why she had to go, why she became so sick so fast, or why her indomintable spirit refused to let me know that she was ailing until she was so nearly gone.

Up until the last three nights of her life, we'd spent fewer than a handful of nights apart. She went with me everywhere -- to work where she would sit placidly in my lap as I worked on a computer or visit with coworkers; to the beach where she chased water birds and crabs, and ran from waves until she was exhausted; to all family gatherings, where she was my youngest child, the baby I could spoil endlessly.

Her scolding bark told me good-bye every morning as she shook her latest toy so hard that her feet bounced off the ground. Every evening she was waiting at the window, watching for my car in the drive with her little ears perked.

She hugged with her whole body, snuggling against my neck, responded enthusastically to every request for a kiss, and loved with every tiny bone in her little body.

She played endless games with anyone or anything that was willing. I still sit to the side of my chair to give her room to crowd in.

We fought hard to keep her, and I shall always remember telling her to get better, get stronger, and that I would be back for her. I left her my favorite sweatshirt to sleep in, and I now wear it in her memory, but there's nothing to replace the feel of her little body in my arms. There are pictures and precious memories galore, but I cannot understand why she had to go so soon.

I can only trust that the Lord who blessed me with her love and companionship for such a brief time will reunite us some day, for it would not be heaven without her.

Good-bye Lucy. I'm trying hard to let you go, but you'll live in my heart, my mind, and my dreams forever.

Angela "Momma" Leonard
Mount Airy, NC

Posted October 13, 2001

Mickey

We said goodbye to our beloved Mickey yesterday. He was our first pet and will always be special to us. He was a loving, active, friendly, tenacious and thoroughly enjoyable friend. He loved to swim (in circles, clockwise) forever. He loved logs and sticks much bigger then himself. He loved chasing balls, playing wall ball, running with friends and snuggling. He became protective of me when I was pregnant with my first child and loved to just lay over my large belly and be kicked by the baby. He was very accepting of the first and then second child. He knew his job and he did it well. He was never mean and never bit a soul, although he did like to play tough when we invited it. We will forever remember his beautiful face, perky ears and vertical wagging tail and wonderful spirit. We love you Mickey.

Allyson, Andrew, Kim and Bud
Chicago

Posted July 26, 2001

Sidnee

We lost our best friend to illness. I held her in my arms as she drew her last breath. I have never known such unconditional love in all of my 46 years. She was always happy to see us; she adored my husband, but when he was not around she was my very best pal. She would cuddle up and just hang out with you; she followed us through all our daily tasks; saw us off at the door each morning and was happily waiting when we arrived home in the evening.

She loved to play ball, but that came to an end as she got sick - and this was one of strongest indications that we were losing our "Sidpuppy". She slept with us for six of her six and one-half years. Each night we got "Sidlicks", then she would move about the bed finding her spot. She woke us up to more "Sidlicks", and ready to start her busy day. Those beautiful big eyes, and that constantly wagging happy tail.

In an ironic way, it seems that Memorial Day was a tribute to Sidnee - she was born on Valentine's Day and left us on Memorial Day.

The most wonderful things I will remember about Sidpuppy were her personality and her playfulness. But those warm cuddles will never be replaced. She brought so much happiness and warmth to our home - and to our lives. I am so grateful that she was a part of us, and has left us with memories and a zillion pictures that she was either the center of, or managed to be a part of!!

Sidpuppy, we will always love you - we will NEVER forget you - you will live on in our thoughts and our memories -- and you were one of the best things we have experienced in our lives. We miss you and our hearts are saddened. Life will go on, but will not be the same without you bouncing around.

"The Mommy Person & The Daddy Person"
The Nalley's
Louisville, Kentucky