Seagull Experiences
Seagull Experiences
Dear Seagull Limited,
There is a persistent myth amongst dog owners, the legend of the perfect dog. Different breeds and personalities, but perfect for a specific person. It's been six years since I found my perfect dog and I don't think I can ever thank you enough for breeding him. I'm not generally a sentimental person, not overly enthusiastic or effusive. I would never participate in a doggy wedding and I've never spoken in baby talk to any of my dogs. Only one of them has ever had a cutesy sweater and a cutesy name and those were completely my mother's fault. But I find myself firmly of the belief that Callahan the JRT is a part of my soul, my very best friend ever (although let's keep that from my boyfriend...)
My mother and I experimented with dogs throughout my early childhood. We had a Newfoundland/Chow mix, a Pug, et cetera, before we arrived in the terrier grouping and we've never really strayed since. As small, tough women, we immediately felt a kinship with the scrappy terrier. As soon as I moved out of her house into an apartment of my own in a different state, I spent three months alone before I could stand no more and started looking for local terrier breeders and rescues. I saw your classified ad in the paper and although I lived a good hour and a half away, I felt it worth the drive if it yielded a new friend. Even though I got lost on a muddy, unnamed country road and was half an hour late getting there.
I went in looking for a smooth-coated female like my last terrier but that was not in the cards. I had no sooner stepped into the pen with the puppies than a rough-coated male, no bigger than my boot at four weeks, trotted over to me and refused to let his littermates near. Truly, it was a classic case of dog picking owner rather than the other way around. I couldn't take him home with me immediately, of course, but the next two weeks flew by. His name even came to me in a dream, a Gaelic name that translates loosely to "small, belligerent one."
Since then, he has become my perfect companion. He learns any command I ask of him with ridiculous ease, ruining me for less intelligent dogs down the road, and even commands I never set out to teach him! I recently discovered that he's taught himself the commands "get up!" (from my lap or legs, so I can stand) and "eat!" (not a single clue how he got that one, as it's not something I say to him, but testing revealed that he does know it.) He defies his terrier nature enough that even on the infrequent occurrence of being off the leash, he doesn't leave my ankles without the command, although I can see him quivering to chase something down. Callahan goes wherever I point, seeming to read my mind to know where I want him to go exactly. He's completely trustworthy alone in the apartment, loose with all the doors open. The pup's moved eight times with me, through many states across the nation with not a single complaint.
I've never had such a perfect dog and I fear I never will again. No other dog could be my Callahan, not in a million years. So I'm enjoying it while I can, appreciating every moment I have with him. And I am appreciating you, because without your breeding program, he never would have come into being. I'm awful at keeping in touch with people, quite absent-minded, but even if we never communicate again, I want you to know how thankful I am to you for my faithful JRT. He means the world and more to me.
Cristina Love
Denver, Colorado (for now!)
Seagull Callahan
Hello ALL!!
I saw all the wonderful stories on the website about everyone's beautiful dogs and I wanted to share mine and Chief's story as well. He is a big boy now, a full 10 pounds..LOL he is long and solid muscle! he doesnt look like the other jacks in our complex (there are several) , as you can see from the recent pics -- he still looks like a puppy and people tell us all the time "AAWWH what a cute PUPPY!!",, we laugh and tell them he is actually a year and half old now. Im sure he stayed rather small because his mother was petite herself. BUT on the other hand, being small has not held him back one bit!! He is the fastest dog at the dog park for sure, he out ran a whippet! He gets going and his back legs are going so fast they look as if they are tucked under his body passing up his front legs,, he looks like a rabbit!! He can jump from floor to my chest in one HOP! and IM 5'8... We should have named him bandit because you leave an empty water bottle or a sock laying around and its game time!! He was rather hard to train at first but he has become quite obedient in recent months and is the absolute joy of my life!! He still doesnt enjoy the water one bit but after he gets out of the bath he enjoys the way he feels but he isn't your typical water loving JRT...he digs so fevorishly its as if he is trying to get to China through the couch cushion,,, he is hilarious and I cant imagine a day without him! Thank you so much !!
Somer Hatch and Seagull Chief
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Debbie:
Thanks for the puppies!! I haven't found email pics of Nitro yet but I will look.
We named the brown and white puppy "Nitro Jr". Wife was not ready to let go yet. We love the name.
The tri color is "Skye"....named for the Isle in Scotland that my family is from.
Tom, Martha & Eric McLaurin
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Seagull Nitro & Seagull Skye
The McLaurin Family
Pearland, TX
Seagull Nitro & Seagull Skye
The McLaurin Family
Pearland, TX
Hi Debbie!
It's official......baby's name is "J.R." He went for his first vet visit today and got a clean bill of health. The only thing he mentioned was that his testicles have not descended, but as young as he is they may yet. So, fill me in on what that means. Nothing to worry about I'm sure!
He got 2 shots and will go back on Apr. 2nd for his next checkup. One of the Dr.'s there has 2 Jack Russell's so we'll request her now that we know. She wasn't there today anyway. But, I thought that would be neat.
J. R. weighs 2 1/2 lbs. today. We got him some Purina One puppy food which he gobbled right down from his new bowl. He got a new bed and a new lambkin playmate/doll which is about his size and he might like to snuggle with. Tomorrow I'm going to get him a rope toy and some other things.
He cried on the way home , but quieted right down when held up to look out the window! Then he curled up for a nice nap and was ready to go again when we got home. He didn't like his crate last night so he spent the night with Lincoln and slept soundly until 3:00 at which time he went outside and did his business like a nice dog. He went right back to sleep and I woke them up at 6:30 this morning! Although he's enjoyed his new bed today off and on and we switched to a wire crate he likes better, he's planning to sleep with Lincoln again tonight!! Imagine that!
As I write this he is napping on the love seat in my sitting room next to the computer. And he's "puppy dreaming".....wonder what he is dreaming about! He met the dog next door , a Lhasa Apso...and he likes her, but Lucy isn't too crazy about him.....she's an "old lady". He also met a few neighbors today who all think he's very handsome! Everyone in PetsMart and at the vet "gushed" over him , too.
Thank you for trusting us to love one of your precious puppies. I assure you he is already a member of the family and he has us all wrapped around his paw. He'll be one spoiled dog....BUT, he's learning a few little commands like....no, quiet!, enough!, night-night, good boy. He's very smart already!
By the way, he got a cute red collar, too!
Attached are a few pictures....hope you don't mind!
Updates to come soon!
Lincoln is also making a photobucket.com page to host the pictures on. Try this link: http://photobucket.com/albums/y7/jabermouth7/
Seagull J.R.
Lincoln & Claire Gray
Houston, TX
Good Morning Debbie,
Just wanted to tell you that J.R. is adapting well to his new home. Today is the true test as we are all back to school and work. I am going to see him at lunchtime to play and go outside for a few minutes. Then Lincoln will be home by 3:00. I'm sure he's crying right this minute in his crate, but hopefully , he'll get accustomed to it soon. He still sleeps with Lincoln at night, but in his bed in the crate during the day. When we are there we just leave it open so he can come and go.
He got a new ball yesterday like a tennis ball only smaller and we had so much fun playing ball. He really caught on fast! He brings it back already!!! (Doesn't always let go, though!) He also got a new rope chew and LOVES to play tug....just growls and growls.
He likes to please us and is doing very well potty training. He's such a pleasure to have around.
We've been having a great time! Claire took pictures to school today to show her teacher and classmates her new puppy.
I'll "talk" to you again soon and send more pictures soon!
Gail
Seagull J.R.
The Gray family
Houston, TX
Debbie:
We finally got some pictures of Kelby that Ben liked. Kelby is such fun. We totally enjoy him. He sure keeps us laughing! The only time he barks is when Ben leaves the house. He stands at the door and barks a very high pitched bark. Also stands at the bathroom door when Ben is in there and barks. We've become very attached.
Thanks,
The Logan's
Debbie,
I wanted to give you an update on Bella's puppies. After three days of wet nursing the ups I decided that I would work with Bella to take them on as a Mom. After a day of "intense" training and some tenuous moments she got with the program and has been a wonderful Mom. The pups are just over 5 weeks old and almost weened and acting like Jack Russell. I have attached a couple of pictures and will try to call you to catch up. Also if you get a chance to update and send a pedigree for the pups I would appreciate it. Finally, i wanted to thank you for all of your support during this process - I am not sure we would have made it through successfully without your help.
Steve Bate
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Good Morning:
Wanted to send you one of the pictures we took on Sunday. Korbel is doing great. The ride home went well- he slept most of the way. He has really taken to his new home and does a good job of being a puppy. He actually slept through the night last night. We will be taking him to the vet today in order to start his shot schedule. Larissa and I thank you again for all of your help. You made getting our new "baby" a very enjoyable experience.
Take care,
Ray.
Seagull Cambridge
Debbie,
Just wanted to let you know that so far the puppy is doing great!
Once I got her home yesterday, we went down by the pool and she made about 20 new friends. The pool area is all fenced off so I was letting her run around off her leash and she decided she wanted to go swimming so she just ran and jumped in. I went to jump in after her, but she just swam from one end to the other and climbed up the steps and got out. It was the funniest thing.
She slept like a log last night—didn’t wake up once, and she hasn’t messed up in the house yet. She does exactly what everyone else does. If we are lying around watching TV she’ll lay on the couch and sleep. If people want to play, she’ll run around full of energy. She’s perfect.
I just thought I would let you know how her first night went. You were right, she is a special dog. I will try to keep you updated, and I will see you on the 24th.
Thanks again,
Paul
Hey Debbie!
Cambridge and Oxford are doing well. Cambridge loves her big brother and is following him around all the time. I think he gets a little annoyed at her sometimes, but they always bark and growl it out. We had a little problem of Oxford always stealing her chew sticks, so Cambridge decided that when her chewy is taken away that she can chew on the sheetrock. She has quite a personality....ALWAYS happy and rarely backs down from Oxford. Her whole body wags when she sees us first thing in the morning or when we get home from work. They have learned to stay outside during the day, since we are showing the house. And the best thing is that Oxford now sleeps in the kitchen at night with Cambridge and not in our bed. We have found a house that we are buying and it has a large backyard that the dogs will really enjoy. I have attached a few pictures for you.
One question: When do girl dogs typically go into 1st heat and at what age do you recommend they get spay?
Hope you are well. Take care.
Allison Ball
Seagull Cambridge playing in the yard..
Tim & Allison Ball
Too tired to tug?
Who is winning?????
Seagull LeLu Dallas
Hey Debbie,
Toby and I finally got some photos avail to e-mail to you of your grand daughter, she is the most beautiful thing! Also, wanted to let you know that we did receive her paperwork in the mail today.
THANK YOU, everything is wonderful, she only has one more puppy visit at the vet in three weeks and she will be done. We can't thank you enough for her, hope you enjoy the pics. Write anytime,
John n Toby
Thought you might enjoying seeing a couple of your Jack Russell puppies growing up.........they will be a year Feb. 12th and we'll call and bring them by. They are certainly smart and loveable.
Sincerely,
Pauline Leeman
Debbie,
We are all one big happy family now. Cambridge is doing really well. She slept 41/2 hours straight last night. I was happy about that. She loves her crate and willingly goes in it to sleep. She is following Oxford everywhere and even barking at him occasionally. She already heads for the back door when we say "outside." I have attached a few pictures.
We love her and I think she kind of likes us too......she LOVES Oxford. Thanks again Debbie for producing such wonderful dogs!
Allison Ball
"What is this stuff?"
Debbie:
Hello. I am writing to just say hello and let you know how my dog, Chester, is doing. You helped us do some training for him about 10 months ago. Chester is doing wonderful! He fills our lives with joy every day. I have had him for about 13 months now, and it is amazing to see how much of his personality has really come out around us. And as you told me, he sure does like to train us more than we think we train him. We have him so spoiled, it is almost ridiculous!
He is very well behaved, minus the typically Jack Russell traits that typically can be kind of nerve-wrecking. But all-in-all, I do not think I will ever love another breed of dog as much as I love JRTs. I would swear that just by looking into his eyes, he has more thoughts and brains than some humans! He is doing well on the leash. He likes to test us, and kind of do his own thing every now and then, but when I stop, he will stop. When I say heel, he begins moving again. The "stay" command still doesn't work to well if I go out of his line of sight, though.
He still is definatly not off-the-leash material yet. If he runs out the front door, he is off and running and exploring and thinks it is the most miraculous thing in the world. Some other owners have mentioned that it takes a few years until they will really listen to your commands, and stick by your side in an outdoor situation. Since I live in the city, I just really don't trust the environment around him is safe enough to allow him to do that either.
We never continued with the crate. He would not warm up to it, due to I think his previous owner used the crate as punishment when he was a puppy. He still likes to pee by the door when he gets really anxious when we leave. We have talked to the vet, and they think there is a pheromone that we can purchase that will help ease his anxiousness, and suggested that might stop the peeing at the door when we leave.
Chester has also had his first run in with a cat. The cat won. He had a nasty bite on his shoulder, but luckily it was just a minor puncture wound and not a thrashing or a tear. And for days after, this cat kept coming back to tease him, and sometimes the cat would charge him in the back yard. But, luckily no further harm has occurred, and the cat stays away from the backyard now. I have so many stories of him, and will spare you the time. I still want to thank you for help training him the fundamentals, and teaching us much more about JRTs. Chester is a blessing to us all and is one of the best things to happen to me. The joy he emits is unmeasurable.
Thank you again for helping us train him. I hope all is well, and your JRTs are doing wonderful as well. I am sure Chester misses running around with them and playing. If I were a JRT, I am sure I would miss a place where I could run around that much. If I had pictures of him here at work, I would send some to you. But, alas, I do not. Again, I hope all is well. Cheers,
Seth Moran
Hi Debbie,
Just wanted to wish you a belated Merry Christmas and happy new year. Thought you might enjoy the attached xmas pic of me and my JRT's. Daisy is still doing great. Still extremely shy but quite the hunter. Last month she caught her first possum and her first squirrel. The bad news is I have a "doggie door" so she brings her "kill" into the house through the dog door. Yikes!!
Take care!!
April Cash
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for your Christmas wishes, I hope you're enjoying the holidays too. We were out in the hill country for Christmas with Kip and we almost stopped in. I've attached a recent photo of him swimming in Canyon Lake this Christmas. I am writing as we are interested in having another Jack Russell as a friend for Kip. Kip has been such a fantastic dog to us, we love having him so much.
The older he gets the better he gets, his personality is really maturing in leaps and bounds now- I'm sure you'd be proud if you could see him. So I think we want a female (is this best, rather than 2 males- of course not for breeding as Kip is neutered), who is broken coated and has colour (preferably tri-coloured) on her face and also body. I realise this description is very specific and we are willing to wait as long as necessary to get the girl we specifically want. I have been checking your web site periodically, but I thought maybe you could email me if you have a pup you think might fit what we are looking for.
Thanks for your help and breeding beautiful dogs! We're looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Melissa and Marc van Maanen
Debbie,
Just wanted to thank you for the puppies. I am already becoming emotionally attached!!! The longer I have them the better I like them. They are both really good looking dogs. Still haven't got names yet but we're working on that.
We made it through the first night of being house dogs with no mishaps. I am still having to coax them back into the house from the backyard. I'm sure it won't be long until they start demanding to be let in. The girl slept in our laundry basket and the boy slept in their crate last night. Thank you so much for the puppies. I hope you and your family have a great Christmas, because these dogs have already made mine!!
Most cordially,
Ben Sinclair
Seagull Strider
Debbie,
We have enjoyed Strider so much. He is the smartest dog we have had. He is also more dog than we have had. I knew we were in for a different ride when he was a puppy and I gave him his first chew stick in preparation for a car ride. He promptly left and buried his chew stick. Later during training he would look to see what the treat was before deciding whether or not to comply with the command.
He has been such a great match for young and old. He is playful, fun and energetic with my son yet sensitive and calming with elders. He seems to know just when to jump into an elderly lap and snuggle. He travels really well in the car. On weekends he runs and keeps up all day in the pecan orchard. During evenings he sleeps under the covers alternating between my son and my dad. He has gotten out of dad's huge back yard (1.35 acres) in San Antonio on two occasions. (He excels climbing fences when a lady passes . . .)
It was such a long ride back to Austin for work and school on both occasions. The first time he was gone for three days. The second time he was gone for two. Both times he would not let neighbors pick him up, only returning to the welcoming arms of dad's housekeepers. Doug has created a duplication ready Lost Dog/Reward flyer to take with us every weekend when we travel with Strider. Doug thinks it is not a matter of "if" Strider will get out again but "when".
I know we got to take him home earlier than you had projected because he was breaking out each morning to go play with the horses. Do you think this is just part of his personality? We don't want to change anything about him but work really hard to keep him within fences of sites where we travel. I am grateful we had a chip implanted when he was a puppy but know that is no guarantee of return if he escapes again.
So far he has taught us more than we have taught him. We feel so fortunate to have crossed paths with you and Strider. We look forward to growing old with both of you. Warmly,
Randie Fraser
Doug is attaching a recent photo.
Seagull Haliyard (Tate)
Thanks Debbie,
I hope your Christmas was wonderful and your New Year all that you hope it to be. Tater is wonderful and spoiled so rotten that he stinks, at least that what I tell him all the time. We have finally became big buddies. I really do thank you for giving us the opportunity to give him a home.
Kevin Mahr
Seagull Scrappy
This is a picture of Scrappy ! He is sleeping in peace on the way home from the airport in Anchorage.
Thank you so much for a special pup. Tia is so pleased and they are like two peas in a pod, he is spoiled and treated just like another child in our family.
Thanks,
Theresa Halpin
Homer, Alaska
Seagull Nick
Always be careful when moving,
you may get a surprise when
you open a box!
Hi Debbie,
This is Darren Donaldson (who bought Seagull Brooke), she is doing very well and Java her pup (who we bought from the Florida couple) is also doing well.
Denise and the dogs are in Phoenix now, I will be moving back myself at the first of the year to be with them permanently. I found your web site and wanted to drop you a line. Brooke has become a very outgoing little JRT now. When we first got her she was very shy, but it has now been 4 years and she warms up to
everyone. She is also a hunter I have seen her catch birds feeding from her food dish. She still is very independent and wants attention on her terms only not mine or Denise's. However, she is the sweetest and best behaved dog I have ever had. I was reading your web site and I noticed Seagull Elliot was sold to
a Austin family and then I thought you might want to know that Brooke is doing very good. I was telling Denise I want to send you some digitial photos of them. Anyways I hope you and your family are doing well, and the next JRT I get will come from you even if that means I have to travel to TX from AZ.
Take Care,
Darren Donaldson
Debbie,
This dog is the funniest thing! Gavin and Gayla said I should have the camera ready more often. I would have to live with the camera in my hands. He's lightening fast and will run down the stairs at mock speed and get about half way and jump the rest of the way. He is doing much better on potting training, but still hates the kennel.
He is a people person. He will sleep all night long as long as it is next to someone. He wants to be right up against you.
His favorite place to rest is in the bean bag chair. He will get all of his toys at one time in the chair and then decide which one he wants to chew on. He will flip upside down in the chair, roll of the side, and climb over the top. He is king of the mountain when it comes to that chair.
We are really enjoying him and I gave a lady at the ball field your web site and e-mail. She will be from Deer Park also. She may contact you. I have been taking Dude for walks to get him used to the leash.
I have had more people tell me he is not a true Jack Russell, because he is not wild. I told them that is why I went to a special breeder that knew her dog and told her what our family was looking for. I have 2 neighbors that I didn't know had JRT. They both work all the time and they started telling me how bad their dogs were. I told them this is not the dog for working families. I had one man tell me that his JRT didn't look like mine. His dog had smooth hair and a different shaped face......
I can't believe how uneducated some people are when they go to buy dogs. No wonder there is so much bad dog talk out there.
Well, we love our Dude and I will try to get the camera out more and send more cute pictures of him.
Talk to you soon,
Paula
Seagull pup
Angee Berry states:
"There's nothing I'd rather be doing on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon than be at Seagull Kennel's Playday with Scooter my Jack Russell Terrier. If you want to meet some great people, let your dog compete in some fun exciting activities that are well organized then...go to a Seagull Kennel's Playday! Debbie Ruetenik & Kailee Carver, owners of Seagull Kennel's, are the most knowledgeable people I've ever met when it comes to training and breeding Jack Russell Terriers. They are definitely someone you need to meet!
Nautique
A visiting 'reindeer,' that sometimes thinks she is a JRT!
Debbie,
We had such a good time visiting with you and your dogs last night. Thank you for everything!
It was the right decision, but we were sad to leave Casey with you. I know she will straighten out and make someone a wonderful companion. We don't give up easily, but she was more than we could handle right now.
We especially enjoyed seeing and petting the puppies. God makes all - well almost all - baby animals cute, especially Jack Russell puppies.
We will keep in touch. We would love to come to one of your playdays or visit you during the day sometime.
May God bless you and ALL your furry friends!
Shane
Hi Debbie!!
Hope this finds you and everyone at Seagull well!! We were browsing the site to see if there was any news of any changes going on, and of course we had to write.
We have arrived in PA, everyone is adjusted to their new home and loving our big yard to play in. Turns out, Oscar doesn’t think his “little sister” is too bad. She makes a good playmate, sleeping buddy and chew toy when necessary. Every once is awhile you might see him raise a lip to her, it’s generally when he thinks she’s overstepped her “boundaries” as second in command to running the household. But all in all everyone is doing quite well!!
....... Should be interesting, and I know Oscar and Lucy will like having “Dad” at home to play more!! Do you think we’ve spoiled them enough yet? We bought a new bed the other day and one of the “down sides” was that iti s too high for Oscar and Lucy to jump on. Yes- they sleep with us (sometimes). Goodness, I never thought I would see the day Danny would let that happen. But we really do love these little creatures!!
We have given Oscar another haircut. Not nearly so snazzy as his last J but it went ok. We’re amateurs and I know we need practice, and thank goodness Oscar isn’t too vain yet! Lucy sat and watched, and I swear she would have laughed if she could have!! Debbie, she is so smart! She has learned sit and down already and if I could just get her to pick up on the potty training thing that fast she’d be darn near perfect!! Oscar has sit, down, roll over and play dead. Not exactly JRTCA sanctioned skills but we think they are just as good as stay. That is the new one- he seems to get it, just ignore it!
Ok- only one question for you! As we looked on the website for available puppies- because you know we can’t come for a site visit without looking at that page, I wondered if one of the puppies that was pictures on there as still available was the other puppy we liked so much? She was tan and white and I wasn’t sure, from the picture, if that was her or not! Every day since we came home, we have kicked ourselves for not brining them both home… L So I was just asking… just in case…
Well- it’s time to get some supper going. Again, I hope all is well. We think of you often and hope that one day we’ll get to see our Seagull pals!! Let me know on that puppy, and next time we write I will try to have some good pictures to send to you!!
Much Love,
Jackie (Danny and Oscar and Lucky)
Steve & Becky Carroll state:
"Buffy had her first Vet visit Thursday and she is in good health and received her shots and had her toe nails clipped. We gave her a warm bath, as you suggested. She has another appointment in 3 weeks.
She either sleeps in one of our laps or goes to her carrier to take a nap. We are having a hard time finding any chew toys small enough for her little mouth but have purchased some of the little rawhide chews like you were giving your dogs. She does most of her chores on a training pad. She is eating real well and prefers the canned dog food at the present time. She is filling out and gaining energy by the day. She started growling and barking a little today.
We want the thank you again, for the opportunity to have another Jack Russell family member around our house. She is the most precious pup we have every had."
I think the cat is winning.....
Freddy and Daphne
Just wanted send you guys a short note to let you know the puppies are doing
great. Dr. Matthews said they were in excellent health and condition. They
have really become a part of our family in the short period of time we have had
them. They love to play with Marshall and Jenna in the back yard, take long
walks (they both do great on leashes), and take rides in the car. They are both
great watch dogs, but sometimes I think they feel as if they were pit bulls, ha,
ha!!! I will send photos in the next week to show you how well they are doing.
Thank you for adding to our family!!!
Aenea, Marshall and Jenna Marburger
Katie loves puppies!
Hi Debbie,
We are having so much fun. We were trying to think of Brittish names on the way home,since JRT's originated in England. We were thinking and Tim said, Oxford, and I started crying....so it stuck. I think it is a great name since JRTs are so intelligent. He slept the whole way home. We went later that night and got all his necessities and supplies. He slept about 2 hours and then lots of whinning, I took him outside and then he slept another 4 hrs and woke me up at 6:30am.
When we went to church yesterday, we left him in his crate with the door open and then the crate was inside a 2 ft play pen fence. Guess who was missing when we got home? We found him asleep in a pile of laundry in our room. He didn't mess on anything. We still don't know how he made it over the fence as little as he is, but then again, he is a JRT. He must have climbed on top of the crate somehow. He really is a good dog.
Last night he only slept 4 hrs, so we are all a little tired today. He took a 3 hour nap yesterday, so maybe he wasn't tired last night. Do you think the shot made him sleepy? Is he supposed to take long naps during the day and be able to sleep at night also? Today we went to the vet and she did a fecal exam that was negative and gave him some heartworm medication (Sentinel). We go to the vet next week to get all his shots.
I guess that is about all. We are taking him to Houston this weekend to visit his grandparents (my parents). It should be a fun trip.
Talk to you again soon. Thanks again.....we love him so much.
Allison Ball
Seagull Oxford
Roger & Jerri Johnson state:
I would like to take is opportunity describe our experience with Seagull Kennels.
The initial experience with Seagull was really a trial experience in trying to replace a Dalmatian that I was about to loose to old age. I believe the experience was an interview on both parts. My position was to determine if a JRT was right for me and whether Seagull was where I wanted to buy one. I had contacted several private parties, but was still unsure of my position. The interesting thing was that the people at Seagull were just as interested in determining whether I was aware of what I was getting into and that I was a good candidate for one of their dogs. I think both sides found a common bond.
I found that the kennel was exceptionally clean and the dogs were extremely well cared for. The examples shown to us were outstanding examples of the breed and interaction with the people helped get a good idea what we were in for.
The adoption process was well structured and a complete review of the dog's linage was reviewed for my basic understanding plus a review of the registry process at one year of age was covered in detail.
Since Sylvester (Sly) has become a part of our household, my experience with Seagull Kennels has continued. Not only are the dogs well socialized before you receive them, but the socialization process continues with periodic fun days which are put on by Seagull to continue the socialization process plus help those who are interested in showing their dogs, have an opportunity to gain exposure to what is required.
All in all, we are extremely pleased with our experience at Seagull and would strongly recommend the experience to anyone who is bent on the experience of having a JRT.
"Rastus" Komondor at 8 months
Debbie,
Just thought I would let you know how much we love Dude! He is such a great dog. He has already learned to sit, lay and come. We are working on shake!
He loves to chase squirrels in our backyard and has been very successful at treeing several. We even shot one with the bb-gun and the squirrel began to bleed and Dude went nuts. Once he is focused on something it would take the jaws of life to get him away from it.
He does really silly and funny things at home that makes us laugh and is a delight to have around. Of course, Gabby just tolerates him now but still can't stand him.
He loves to sleep right next to my bed and if I get up to go and check on the kids or anything, and I do mean anything, he is right there with me.
Thanks for knowing your dogs so well!
He is a perfect fit!
Paula Gardner
**Oh I almost forgot to tell you..... we went to the farm to see my relatives. We took him with us. He saw the cows, about 200, and went nuts, before we knew what had happened he had them all rounded up in a neat little huddle, so when he thought he was finished, he jumped into a huge pond and went for a swim before he fell over dead tired!
Shannon Wilkerson:
Hello all at Seagull,
I just want to give everyone there an update on this little guy. The change in him has been dramatic. When Petey first arrived, he seemed very depressed. It was quite obvious he missed you terribly. Within a week, he came out of his shell, and is now the most playful, fearless, energetic, and intelligent dog I have ever known.
If I leave for more than a couple hours without him, my wife will look out the window and see him heading up the driveway to find me. I have two other dogs that Petey seems to get along with just fine. However, he seems to be trying to assume the role of alpha male over Buster, who has been here the longest and is the largest of the three. Go figure!
Around 8-10 days after his arrival, I put Petey outside to "do his business" and I received a phone call immediately after. After 15-20 minutes, Petey was nowhere to be found. He finally showed up an hour later. I couldn't find a single mark on him, so I suspect he was hunting rabbits out in the field.
When I go to work, Petey comes along and spends his day playing with my in-laws' dogs. The first two days, he was terrorized by their Pomeranian, Squeaker, who cornered him on the porch and barked incessantly for 2 days straight. On day 3, the tables were turned. I heard a bark that I didn't recognize and looked over. Petey had cornered Squeaker! My father-in-law and I nearly busted a gut to see that little Pom finally getting a taste of his own medicine.
Petey is not completely fearless, though. Our cats still rule the household, and he steers clear of all three of them. The strangest thing about it is the fact that he is most terrified of my daughter's tiny kitten, Buddy. This little guy might weigh 1-2 pounds on a heavy day!
I recently discovered, by accident, that Petey LOVES to play Frisbee. My kids left one laying in the yard, and I absentmindedly just picked it up. Next thing I know, he's right there, ears and tail straight up, ready to go.
At this moment, my new friend is sleeping peacefully right by my desk while I write this e-mail. You have helped us add one more lovable member to our family. I can't tell you enough how much that means to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you...
Petey in Lexington
Hi Debbie,
Just touching base to let you know that Cowboy is doing great! He has grown so much, Wade and I can't believe he's 10 months old already - wow, how time flies. It seems like just yesterday we picked him up and brought him home with us. Cowboy has really brought so much joy to our home and Wade and I are so blessed to have him.
When I last took him to the vet, he weighed in at 13lbs. He passed his check up with flying colors and is quite the flirt with the ladies at his vet's office. All the girls come out of the woodworks to say hi to him and it is so funny to see him with them. He's also a star patient because he is very still for all his shots and is so cooperative and brave. I'm always so proud of him when we leave the vet!
He's also a good little guy at home too, but he still pushes his limits. There are some things we let him get away with now than when he was younger, but there are also some things we're not budging on. For example, once he was tall enough, he started drinking out of the toilets. That's pretty much been nipped in the bud, but he still tries to get a sip now and then. The funny thing is, he's barely tall enough to reach...he hangs on the toilet lopsided and tries to drink from an angle - it's actually quite funny. He is just the greatest little guy.
Wade and I were married last month and are expecting our first baby. We're very excited and are looking forward to having another animal in the house, seeing how playful Cowboy is with our neighbors kids.
I've attached a pic of Cowboy at 6 months. You can't tell really well in this pic, but he has this patch of hair on the top of his head that just will not lay down. We call him Little Don King because of this, and I like to give him a mow-hawk when he gets a bath...It's too cute. Hope all is well with you, Kailee, your dogs, and horses.
Take care,
Laura, Wade, and Cowboy
Seagull Cowboy
Just thought I would let you know how Patches is doing.
Our little terrorist is GREAT. She is a Momma's girl. But, she is ferocious. She loves to deer hunt. Birds, squirrels, deer make her no never mind. "Let's just go hunting Mom."
We never stop laughing at her. The best treat for her is an ice cube across the floor. She is beginning to develop spots on her back and 1 ear. We could not love her more than we do. I have some pictures of her hunting that I am going to send you.
She has made into a beautiful girl. With her half black face she looks like she is wearing lipstick. I will send the photos as soon as I get the printer going. Molly had her cancerous tumor removed from her right back leg and is doing great. She is Patches buddy. Prissy finally stopped having "middle child syndrome".
So all is well here!
Jo P Armstrong
Dear Debbie and Kailee:
We are having a lot of fun with Bonnie. She is right under foot all the time or on top of your foot!! She howls and whines when she is in her crate or playpen. First night I let her howl about two hours, gave up took her out of the crate and to bed with us. She quieted right down and went to sleep!!
We have had lots of nice comments from our neighbors. Lots of suggestion and advice too. All well meaning and good. All in all, we are all doing pretty good. Will keep you posted on her progress. Have your heard from the lady from Houston with Bonnie's sister? Wonder how her first night was? We took Bonnie to the Vet on Tuesday. She checked out really good. Got her puppy shots, a worming with another to come in two weeks.
Thanks for the great puppy.
Helen & Jim Pierce
The elusive Fox....
Hi Debbie!
Baby is still baking...she's due May 15 so we're excited for her arrival. Cowboy is just wonderful, an absolute ball!!
He's definitely been my protector, even more so, since I've been pregnant - so he probably has an idea something's brewing with me because he doesn't like when people play rough with me and he likes to lay his head on my belly. I think he is going to be a wonderful "big brother" to this new baby. We are not able to thank you and Kailee enough for him, he has just been the greatest.
I don't know if you remember, but a while back, he had fractured his growth plate by falling off the bed during the night. He is just fine now, and the fracture was small enough that no surgery was needed, so, with some rest it healed on it's own.
Hope all your JRT's are doing well. Wade and I often say that the day we picked up Cowboy, we should have gotten his brother also - because, we've had such a great time with Cowboy. Maybe next year, when the baby is older, we'll be able to get another JRT...I'm going to keep my fingers crossed! I've got some pictures of Cowboy that I have yet to scan, but as soon as I do, I'll forward them on to you so you can see what a handsome guy he's grown in to.
Take care,
Laura
"Who's mouth is bigger....?"
