Nope, this is not what it might appear to be, so do not get any ideas (did I hear a “squeeeee”????)! The above featured creature is Jack. And no, he is not our new family member. Although the amount of time he spends with us, he might as well be. Jack belongs to my dear friend and neighbor, Diane. He is five and all Jack Russel. And I mean this in the BEST sense of this terrier kind! I have known Jack since he and Diane moved into our neighborhood two years ago and he and Nelson became buddies right away. Nelson, who never met a creature he did not love with utter abundance, was rather happy to have a furry friend close by, and Jack, well, let’s just say Jack tolerated the attention. Maybe it had to do with the fact that Diane almost named Jack Nelson, had it not been for her grand daughter intervening and insisting on the name Jackson.
As some of you know, Nelson was my true running buddy for most of his life. After we moved to the desert full time he stopped running with me during the hottest summer months and then eventually, a couple of years before he died, we hung up the running leash for good as he had become a senior citizen and started to enjoy gentle strolls through the neighborhoods and taking time to smell the roses. Meanwhile, I kept on running. By myself.
Enter a spritely little dog with a big heart named Jack. Jack has been running with me every morning since last October. Most mornings he sits by the gate of his owner’s front door, tail wagging, waiting for me to come get him. Or, when he stays with us, he waits patiently on the bath mat for me to finish brushing my teeth:
Did I mention he is a Jack Russel? And if you know anything about this breed you will understand what a joy it is to have him by my side while we run through neighborhoods and on our favorite trail. Whereas Nelson tended to run right behind my heels, Jack is mostly right beside or in front of me. The in front position is assumed at the very beginning of our runs and when a rabbit enters the field of vision (his, not mine!). The farthest we have run together is 7 miles but I have a feeling that Jack could be up for more and on a cool day I might try it out.
After we return from our runs, Jack usually jumps into the pool to cool off, which, at this time of year, means a water temperature around 60 degrees… Then he sun bathes:
Then we throw the ball up and down the street with a tennis ball launcher.
Then he goes back into the pool.
Then he sun bathes some more.
Then he gets his lunch of peanut butter (organic and smooth, thank you very much!)
Then he throws the tennis ball into the pool by himself, and jumps in to fetch it.
Then it’s time for the afternoon walk.
Then it’s time for a cookie (courtesy of David, the Softie!)
Then he plays with a soft toy in the house.
Then, then, then, then,… (all with a wagging tail)
Then it’s finally dinner time.
And then he collapses without shame:
And although he might move, he won’t move from his evening resting place:
Until the next morning, when a wagging tail greets you, with a dog ready to go attached to it.
Yeah! That!
Today’s Running Tip: Running with your dog!
Most dogs can easily run for several miles, but consider your own training when running with your dog. Start slow and short and build mileage over time. Runner’s World has great tips for getting your dog to run with you on a regular basis!
