WEBMASTER'S NOTE: Incredibly, Dale has single-handedly rescued, rehabilitated, and given refuge to more than 300 Terriers over the years, which speaks for itself (and her husband!, a DVM). For more than two years, I have been telling Dale we should talk about that aspect of her "work" on the J-R WebSite, but the idea of "taking credit" for it never really appealed to her. Finally I have convinced her that many of you might be interested in a series of stories on these rescues. Series? There are so many stories she can tell, that it should be a book! ByTheWay, they are success stories, with happy endings - not always easily achieved, and homes were found for all ... since even the "unadoptable" ones found a home- with Dale herself, and among the members of her much extended family and her own motley crew.
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arrived here from New Jersey one evening - in the arms of a lady who had really loved him, but was told by her husband that she could not keep the dog. (actually, she had another choice, but that's between her & Him, and that's all I'm gonna say about that!)... Anyway, Scrappy had been living in a crate on most days, when she went to work, and it was probably better for Scrappy in the long run to be in another home, where he could receive more attention, a "total" reception, and certainly, more freedom. A rough coat, and quite handsome terrier, Scrappy at first mourned for several days, but then spent the remainder of his days here at Russell Refuge living up to his name, and in true Terrier fashion, making the most of his new situation. It was clear to me that he needed a real Terrier home, as Scrappy is definitely NOT one of your slipper carriers! It happened that an old friend had phoned to say that she had lost her Jack Russell to old age... and, was there one perhaps that needed somebody who had already been broken-in?! ... She emphasized that she was sort of partial to rough coats, and ideally, wanted another dog that had a real "Terrier" attitude. (Sound like anybody I know?). Well, whether you file such stories under C for Coincidence, or T for Telepathy, many times down through the years, things just click like that! Doesn't always work-out of course. With Terriers especially, it's not so much a matter of the dog meeting your expectations. As most seasoned J-R veterans can attest, they have this inherent ability to modify their surroundings, of which you are an element! And in a few words or less: this doesn't always rhyme with expectations. Also, allowances have to be made for behavioral adjustments, because lets face it, "rescue" dogs have a History, and frequently it's not a pretty story. Adoption takes a certain level of commitment, and not everyone is prepared for that either, but more often than not, an investment in love and patience pays off. Times when it doesn't, those furry little faces find their way back to Russell Refuge. In Scrappy's case though, it happens that Carol and he were made for each other. And at the Holidays, I received a card from Carol with the latest photos - showing Scrappy surrounded by all of his toys, and lounging quite royally by the fireplace. In his newfound world, he has not one but two ladies in waiting (handmaidens) to dote on him! He now gets to jog 2 miles daily, and he goes to agility classes, and has a choice of vehicles for those daily rides. He has the run of a very large home in the Connecticut suburbs, on several manicured acres, complete with English (of course!) gardens. And quite the country squire - if not to the manor born, then to the manor adopted! - lately he's taken to dressing the part, in a smartly checkered coat, and a titled collar (altho the nameplate says: Spike). So, he's made a complete transition from his crate days, and has a whole new identity now. Happy landings!, and happy trails, Scrappy (I mean-- Spike!) ...