Peanut

My dogs are really cute, at least I think so. Peanut is the newer addition to our family as we adopted him last year. He is now about 3 years old:

Peanut!

He is a Jack Russell/Rat Terrier and everyday he never ceases to crack me up! Here is some Jack Russell info:

Jack Russells ...
... are bred to go underground, following scent to locate and bark at quarry until they are dug down to or the quarry bolts. If they do not have an outlet for their natural instincts, they will invent new and fun jobs for themselves, which frequently include guardian of the world and/or their possessions and family, chasing cars, hunting birds, bugs or leaves, or endlessly digging in the soil.
... are a big dog in a little body. They have the same need (or more!) for exercise as a much larger dog... and the mentality to match -- they think they are at least 150 pounds, and are fearless, often challenging other dogs three times their size.
... are commonly known to harass, injure or kill other small pets, such as cats, birds, rabbits, mice, rats, etc., simply due to their strong natural hunting instinct. Raising a puppy with a cat does not guarantee the cat's life-long safety!
... absolutely need a securely fenced yard! Jack Russells will roam due to their hunting instincts.... even if left in an unsecured for a few minutes! You can let them out every day for three years with no trouble....but one day they will disappear and may never come back. Many JR's have been killed by cars by darting into the road in pursuit of a squirrel, cat, etc. They can also dig under, climb or jump over fences; some can climb trees and any height chain link fencing.
... can be very destructive if left unattended and unemployed! Most behavioral problems are due to a lack of companionship, discipline, activity and exercise. If you've only seen perfect, well-behaved JR's, they are ones that were lucky enough to be exercised, well socialized, and trained.
... require firm, consistent discipline. They are extremely intelligent, continue to test their limits throughout their life. More often than not, train their owners before the owner knows what has happened! This ability to train their owners can include displays of aggressive behavior. Their assertive nature must be understood and handled properly!
... are NOT as they are portrayed in the movies, on TV, or other forms of media. Those dogs are professionally trained and handled, and are very obedient only for VERY short periods of time. Celebrity dogs have their needs met by the trainer, and perform their jobs accordingly.
... require a long-term commitment to obedience, activity, exercise and entertainment... their unique character, intelligence and high energy level can frustrate you, will undoubtedly entertain you, and can bring you great joy (when they're happy!) or great grief (when they're not!). Jack Russell Terriers are always a work in progress!

Peanut certainly has some quirky behavior. First of all, we all think he is ADHD. However, upon further research, apparently every Jack Russell Terrier is. He also likes to howl. He'll howl for attention, when he wants to go out, and most hilariously when he has a ball in his mouth (thus, it is a cute muffled howl). He likes to rip apart stuffed animals and de-stuff them (our other dog Sophie who is a Jack Rat does too). One time, we left him inside and forgot about a tissue box that he could reach. Needless to say, when we came home, there were tissues everywhere as he had "de-stuffed" the box!!!!

The latest Peanut hilarity was just yesterday when I awoke to my mother screaming "Bad Peanut, you can chase them but not kill them!" You see, Peanut has a tendency to chase squirrels and birds. This apparently is Peanut's self-designated job. With no warning(normally we bang on the door to give them time to escape), one poor squirrel became Peanut's championed gift to us. As he tried to bring it inside, mom caught him! This happens to be unfortunant squirrel #3.

Peanut actually recognizes the word "Squirrel." He will run to the door in excitement and bark to be let out. In fact, I would say that he is obsessed with going out. He also knows how to jump and roll over. The jumping part is the scariest as I have watched him jump ten feet down to the ground from our deck.

He is a cutie and I would have to say that the quiet moments are the most lovable. He doesn't give kisses to just anyone, and I am one of the priviledged few. It's the moments when he is snuggling with me or sleeping at the end of the bed that I love. But I also love to see him and Sophie (our other dog) play tug-o-war. Overall, if you haven't met my dogs, you are certainly missing out!

Sophie (silly! she's really not mean!)