We’re breaking into our “behind the patterns” series to bring you an introduction. At the end of the day, like you, Dave and I are dog lovers first. Our pack is the backbone of everything we do, and truly the reason earthdog exists at all.
If you don’t know much about our story, the short version is this. We’ve lived with a pack of at least 10 rescue dogs for the past 30 years. For many of those years it was closer to 17, and more recently 13. Most have been special needs in one way or another.
meet whigs
Since losing Jack in February I’ve been holding his place for another Jack Russell in need. I know I’ll never get Jack back but it feels important to me to honor that spot with another JRT…this is the first time we’ve been without one in about 20 years. Apparently our pack needs that jolt of chaotic energy and love to function correctly.
I saw a broken coated JRT with a local rescue who had been brought in from a hoarding case. The dogs had been living out in dirt pens somewhere in Texas before getting rescued and were parsed out to a number of different rescues. We got through the rescue’s gauntlet and brought “Wicket” home a few weeks ago.
He’s been renamed Whigs and he’s a little champ who’s a bit rough around the edges but is settling in beautifully and learning the ropes, with the help of the beautifully kind and welcoming Iz and Billie. At some point in his life (which is somewhere between 3-6 years) his lip sustained unknown trauma so he either looks like he’s constantly smiling or snarling on one side, depending on how you choose to see him. We like to think he has a party side and a business side.
Right now he’s making full use of our acreage and spending a lot of time hunting and not listening to when it’s time to come in. Since he’s the smallest dog we’ve ever had (13 lbs) I’m in constant fear of him getting out of the yard (even though Dave has gone around and repaired anything that might be problematic) so a Fi collar is on its way to alleviate that fear. I’m so grateful there are so many products on the market today that make living with dogs so much easier (side note: we’ve made collars to fit Fi’s for many customers…reach out if needed).
Stay tuned for more Whigs’ antics as he settles in and we get to know him more. For now please give him a warm welcome!
It’s really important to me to say this clearly. Whoever comes into our home is never a replacement.
We have always believed the best way to honor the dogs we’ve lost is to open that space to the next dog who needs it. From the outside, it can look like it happens quickly. For us, the decision comes down to a few simple things. Do they like other dogs? Can we meet their needs? Will they be happy here?
if the answer is yes, then we give it a shot. It does not change the grieving process. It does not make us miss them any less. But it does mean another dog is safe, and it brings a little bit of joy and new energy back into the house. And sometimes, that matters more than anything.
Thank you for being here and for supporting what we do. It allows us to keep doing this, for dogs like Whigs and all the others who came before him.