Love is creation raised to a higher degree
- Toyohiko Kagawa
I often hear people say "oh him? he's just a pet"
or describe a puppy a simply "pet quality". So what does that really
mean? Well to me it means an individual who has a unique set of characteristics
that give it such strength of inner character it can accept anything life can bring
it's way. It is a dog capable of loving unconditionally, without reservation or
hesitation, and accepting that same kind of love in return. It is a dog who's
temperament is stable enough to forgive the "mistakes" of their
owners and who's eyes are so soulful and charming they can convince anyone to
forgive them theirs. These "pets" are the weekend warriors who keep their
families safe from invading squirrels and mice with the same gusto their working
ancestors kept their owners sheep safe from foxes. They can wake you in the
morning with a kiss, swim in the lake and run in the grass all day long, fall
asleep at your feet on your lap in the evening, and protect you from the
creatures that lurk in the dark as you sleep. They do all this with such joie
de vivre one can not help but be energized. They carry the unique ability to
captivate a heart and enchant a soul. They will be remember long after they are
gone and spoke of with such fondness that anyone listening would think they
were hearing the memoirs of the greatest dog to ever live. These dogs may never
set foot in a competition ring but they will be unreserved champions from the
day they set foot in their homes. They
will hold more secrets and comfort more tears and will always know just when
and where they are needed. They will bring such joy and lead their families into
such great adventures. They are the embodiment of love and what it is to live. Yes
being "just a pet" is by far the highest of callings and an
accomplishment of very special individuals. Any dog can win a ribbon but it
takes a truly unique individual to win a heart. We are lucky, and proud, to say
that many of our terriers have gone on to be "just" somebody's pet
and watching them and the life they share with their new families brings me no
greater joy. Whether your terrier competes in national agility, wins
championships at dog shows, or is the king of the couch it is the bond you
share with them that makes me proud and the love you share is one of the
greatest rewards of being a breeder.
