We have a special affection for terriers (blush – we say this about every breed, don’t we?) but it’s tough to be down in the dumps with a terrier in the house. It seems to us that at least once in our lives, we should know what it’s like to live with a terrier. Their joie de vivre brightens the day, if not makes us laugh outright. They can be irascible, spirited, and never miss a trick. In short, you have to admire a dog for whom “nuance” has no meaning.
We look to the no nonsense people who, for generations, produced earth dogs, ratters and vermin hunters who worked, really worked. They valued respect, not ribbons, but a great many terrier has earned both.
“Ay, see the hounds with frantic zeal
The roots and earth uptear:
But the earth is strong, and the roots are long,
They cannot enter them.
Outspeaks the Squire. ‘Give room. I pray.
And hie the terrier in;
The warriors of the fight are they.
And every fight they win.‘
Ring-Ouzel
Show us your terriers (and name their breed)!
“Looking for Home” by Sandra Merwin
http://sandramerwin.com
http://horsedancerart.blogspot.com
Tux, Border Terrier, demonstrating “capable of squeezing through narrow apertures.”
We’ll say, wow!
I have had Airedales for 26 years. Once I had a tech who worked for my vet stay at my house to dog sit. When I returned he remarked that living with the Airedale was more like having another person in the house than a dog :-). This is Eli demonstrating some Airedale versatility. I have done conformation, agility, obedience, tracking, and field work with mine.
What a wonderfully descriptive thing to say about a dog! Thanks for the picture, Linda – Eli is wonderful!