Welcome to Terrier Trials! WOOF!!!, says Sevyn Spots!
Sevyn (pronounced like “Seven”) is an 11 year old female Jack Russell Terrier who travels and makes friends–mostly human–wherever she goes. She’s a black and white spotted Jack with a broken coat (it’s a perpetual bad hair day) and a big bark for a small dog. We’ve been friends since I brought her home a few days short of her 3rd birthday. Her favorite foods are: everything (bonus points if it’s stolen off the table). Her favorite TV show: Meerkat Manor. Favorite color: Purple, although animal scientists might argue on that one.
The Human is the thirty something year old found at the end of Sev’s leash. Shockingly her favorite color is also purple and she doesn’t like cream cheese or cooked carrots. The Human generally prefers books to TV and according to Sevyn, she’s a traitor who giggles at lol cat memes.
So why a blog about terriers and terrier trials?
I’d heard about Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA) and terrier trials from a family member when I first took Sev home and thought, sure, why not? We won’t win anything, but I’ll get to talk about terriers all weekend and it will tire the pup out.
I noticed right away that no one really shows up to trials with just one Jack, nor is there an instruction manual for how to show your terrier. Note: You may actually come home with a ribbon from your first trial—we did! As a bonus, your terrier will be happily exhausted the Monday after a show.
When you have a terrier, you know that living with them can be a literal terrier trial at times. Who knew Jacks could open the fridge?! Now that I have a “geriatric” Jack I can look back and point out what we did that worked as well as a few things that I regret. We’re also still learning–even at 11, Sev is a very active dog.
I’m going to touch on some basics about showing for those who are interested, but maybe just didn’t know how to get started Whether you show or not, this is a blog for those who love terriers and their antics. Sevyn will occasionally chime in with her views–she’s loud and opinionated as any good terrier should be!
As I sit here with my loyal four-legged buddy snoring at my side, I’m reminded that the dog doesn’t care if the ribbon is blue or green—or if they get the gate. The best part of having a terrier by your side is that the journey will never be boring!
Impressive!