I parented my Jack Russell Terrier, Jake, for 14 years. There was no one better at transitions than Jake; he moved 6 times in 14 years and lived on both the east and west coasts! Jake not only stood by me for each career transition but also taught me much about life and life transitions. Here is some of what I’ve learned from my Jack Russell Terrier, Jake:
- Slow down and accept each day as a gift and a new and precious adventure.
Whether Jake’s soaking up each bit of sunlight the day holds, licking snowflakes off his face, running on the beach chasing birds or just taking a long and luxurious nap – Jake reminded me to slow down and enjoy each moment before it passes!
- Don’t forgo routine – it is important and purposeful and a measured accomplishment!
Jake stays with his disciplined routine-no matter what has occurred in his life to alter it – from waking up daily at the same time for his morning biscuits – to alerting me to the mailperson; from insisting on his daily walks- to his long stories of displeasure when I travel or when meetings interrupt his routine; from his early-bird special dinner – to his nighttime snack before bedtime.
- Loyalty & paying it forward should be relentless for those who have remembered & aided you.
Jake often stayed up long hours past his bedtime as I pounded my laptop keys; he routinely rolled up by my feet to keep me company. I can always count on Jake to greet me by the door, no matter what time I came in. Each evening, as I routinely checked each door lock, Jake walked by my side before we both retired.
- Home is where the pack lives.
Jake lived in a 4500 square foot home with acres to roam to a 1500 square foot apartment – his bliss was measured with whom he resided, not where he resided.
- With patience, long-term reward will emerge.
Jake once tossed his beloved red ball (affectionately called the baby) over a city balcony; he sat patiently watching from above as each party on the balcony went down to search for his ball. Weeks and months past – the countless new toys that continued to fill Jake’s basket brought him short-term pleasure but
no solace. One day, nearly six months past the incident, while walking Jake on a different route, Jake began barking hysterically and pulling uncontrollably. There, behind the tire of a parked car, a glimmer of red rubber appeared – Jake’s beloved ball! Jake’s lesson: Be patient – settling may be acceptable and necessary in the short-term but sticking to your long-term convictions will ultimately prove victorious!
Pets are loyal, listen intently and do not care about job titles!
Jake was often cited in Michelle’s articles, blogs, lectures, and workshops. This article was first published in 4/20/2009. It was published again in 2/20/2019. Jake’s lessons, like the little dog with a huge personality, are remembered often and are timeless.