Jack Russell Story Jack Russell Story
Story Name: Stewart-an Angel sent from Heaven
From: Jean Gallagher
My Jack Russell Story:
Two and a half years ago I was all set to get married. I was fitted for my gown, Reception Hall booked, everything. Until the "intended" groom not only backed out, but took off running!! Needless to say, I was devastated. I slowly sunk into a deep depression, and because my "intended" and I work together, it made matters all the worse. Everyday I would lie in my bed staring at the ceiling. I could no longer eat and dropped 18 lbs from my 120 lb frame! I had two modes: work and sleep. Period.
Then one day my sister Carol called me to ask if I could help her find a dog for her son. Having always loved the Jack Russell Terriers, (even though I had never owned one) I called a friend of mine who was a respected Jack Russell Breeder. Sue told me that they didn't have any puppies for sale, but the had a 10 month old male "rescue" puppy and that we could see him if we were interested. The very next day I drove my sister and her son over to see this little dog. At first we were greeted by all of Sues' JRTs'!!! Oh how wonderful they were! Just beautiful and full of life! (something which I myself was currently lacking) Carol asked which one was the rescue dog, but Sue said he was in a crate and would get him out for us. After waiting for a few moments, Sue walked outside carrying a white JR who had only one brown patch around his right eye. He looked very scared and withdrawn. She told us that his name was "Victor", but he did not respond to it. Carol and Jeff tried to play with "Victor" in the yard, but he was busy doing his own thing! My sisters' son finally stated that he wanted a "bigger" dog. Sue picked the little dog up and walked us to our car. As she held this sad looking JR in her arms, I turned to look at him one last time and our eyes locked! I walked up to Sue and took "Victor" into my arms...I whispered "hi baby" to him and he licked my face. I then handed him back to my friend and my sister and I left. I couldn't stop thinking about him for the rest of the day. At 8:00 p.m. that evening, I called Sue to tell her that I wanted the dog. She was very excited. (never mind the big "no pets allowed" statement on my apartment lease!)
The next day I went to pick my little dog up and he just jumped from the rear of my Blazer to the front! Leaping seats in a single bound. (I was only going a few miles, so I didn't bring my crate) I rent the upper level of a huge Victorian Home in a very charming town...so the first thing we did was go for a walk. (Sue informed me that he was not house broken) As soon as "Victor" climbed the stairs and entered his new home, he went into the living room and pee'd on my hardwood floor! I simply said "NOOOOOO!!" and took him outside. That was it. He's been house broken ever since. The next thing was his name. He didn't respond to it. I started calling out different names as they came to mind and he would promptly ignore them. A few days later I called out "Stewart!" He stopped what he was doing and turned to look at me!!! I called out "Stewart!, Come!" He ran over and started licking my face until I could no longer breath!!!
We found each other that day.
(oh yes, because I was such a good tenant, my landlord just took one look at me and said, "Oh sure! I'm not going to be the one who takes him away! He's welcome to stay Jean...but for you and you only!!!)
As I lay in bed with my little dog that night, I realized something was happening. I was coming back to life. Stewart made me laugh. Stewart made me take him out for long "walkies". Stewart protected me. Stewart showed me unconditional love. I looked up and whispered "Thank You Mom". I knew at that very moment my mother had sent my little dog down from the heavens above to save me. She couldn't be there for me, she couldn't hold me in her arms and tell me that everything was going to be alright......so she sent Stewart to watch over me. And watch over me he did. He saved my life.
I love you Stewart.