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"Happiness always looks small when you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and at once you learn how big and precious it is."
Maxim Gorky

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

All you need is love.

Imagine a dog who has never seen the out of doors...
A dog who has spent her life in a 2 X 4 crate to be bred...
A dog who wasn't even given a name.
Abused on many different levels.
Then you can imagine this girl...
She now has a name.
Emma.
Just over 4 years old.
My daughter and her boyfriend have taken to fostering her after she spent 4 years as a puppy mill.
Emma is part of a group of Jack Russell's in Ontario who are rescued, fostered and then adopted into homes.
She's still quite timid, but with time and patience Emma will one day have a normal life.
The Jack Russell Terrier Rescue Ontario group takes on dogs who have been ...
abandoned (quite literally thrown out into the street),
mistreated and abused.
Sometimes they are relinquished by their owners because of unforeseen tragedies and illness.
Jack Russell's are prime targets of the underworld of puppy mills.
They became quite popular through the media and were a 'trendy' dog to own.
Many people didn't realize what they were taking on and after getting to know the breed, had to give them up.
A lot of people don't realize the energy and intelligence of these dogs.
They do poorly in shelters because they need stimulation and exercise.
Many shelters are underfunded and cannot give these dogs what they need. 
Therefore, a high number of JRs end up going stir crazy,
develop behavioral problems and/or end up being euthanized.
By the JRTO organization, finding foster homes, they learn to be in the real world and socialize better.
Then, their chances of being adopted into a 'forever' home, are much greater.
Aja and Paul are working with Emma to ensure she receives the life she deserves.
I have known a few JRs and know that they are full of love for those willing and ready to receive it...
So, if you know of someone who is considering owning this breed, tell them to research and...
DO THEIR HOMEWORK!!
Also suggest to them to look into fostering or adopting a rescue JR.
For more info and education have a look here...
In the meantime...Emma is doing well and winning over the hearts of those around her.
Her 2 other sisters have since been rescued from 4 years, breeding,  in 2 X 4 crates as well.
Modelling the new sweater.
Getting comfy on the couch.


6 comments:

gz said...

lovely dog!
You have to show you are pack leader though-as with any dog. They have so much energy they can be 'bossy' and overindependant!

Stone Angel said...

what a tale - I feel heartbroken and happy all at the same time. Treating animals poorly is a horrible crime. I am so happy for this little dog, or god for that is what they are.

Ashley said...

so sad.. but so happy that your daughter has taken her into their home.

She sure is a sweetie!

Our dog, a weimaraner, went through quite a few homes before us. I really agree that people need to do their homework when it comes to breeds. Dogs are all so different.

Cobalt Violet said...

This made me want to cry!
Such a little doll.

farmlady said...

Where was I?? I missed this post completely.
Your daughter and son-in-law are really good people. Thank God for organizations that help these little guys out.

the wild magnolia said...

So happy she is rescued. So sad she was ever mistreated.