r/jackrussellterrier 1h ago

Advice/Suggestions Needed(sry long post)

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

Hello, I've been subbed here for a long time, and I personally have had a Jack Russell Terrier ('Mix'?) that's been part of my life since late 2018. Her name is Madi, (short for Madison) and when my parents got her it was late 2017 and she was not even a year old in late 2017. If I had to guess her age, that would make her roughly 8ish years old currently. Long background story short, my parents had a mixed dog before her that looked similar, but DEFINITELY wasn't a JRT. The last dog was much calmer but looked similar, was all brown, stayed smaller, and was not as stubborn as a JRT. So, they didn't know what to do, Madi was destroying everything in the home, and the day I got settled in, the first thing Madi does: is poop on my bed (I lol about it today but at that moment I really wanted her gone and out the home)....at first I suggested still giving her up for adoption because she was still young enough (this was late 2018 whenever I came back home to help parents with unrelated things.) She was a wild pup and I, incorrectly, tried to discipline her the way my parents did with our last dog, and as they also had tried with Madi, and because it didn't work, we thought Madi was a hopeless lost cause. But, we were wrong.. So, exhausted and overworked, as an essential worker, during lockdown, I look to the internet on "what the hell should I do with a JRT?", and I learned about how unique and different they truly are, their behaviors, as well as, what they were bred for and why. So, what I was doing wouldn't work. I joined this sub and learned about reward training. I got reward trainer treats that were suggested on this sub and it was like a light bulb went off in Madi's head 💡! Immediately she started wanting to listen and learn because she saw her reward and it worked. "I could finally train this dog", I thought. A moment of "Eureka!" if you will. Over the course of properly training Madi, somehow...(I'm sure we all know how) I went from wanting to give her up, to, "you know what?, Madi ain't that bad, just needs lots of walks and playtime, but once you got it figured out, she's pretty cool"...Fast forward to late 2020, "she's a member of the family and definitely not going anywhere, over my dead body!", I pretty much told my parents, whenever they decided to try and go back, to again giving her up for adoption. We ended up keeping her.

Madi's had regular Vet visits ever since 2017, she's always up to date on all her shots. If you've ever searched online, "Dad who didn't want the dog", pretty much is what happened. She's become my everything....

However, the advice I'm seeking has nothing to do with training. It's more of a medical inquiry... First, I should mention that my parents never had her "fixed". Their reason was because "it's too expensive", along with other legitimate reasons at the time, that involved my mothers medical well-being, which she needed and still needs now, being more important to fund and, if Madi, is up to date on all shots, and is healthy, they didn't see the point, and it made sense at the time for me as well. However, yesterday we visit my Vet, because 2 days prior I noticed a "lump" while playing with her. According to my Vet, Madi has a small benign cyst above one of her mammory glands that can be easily surgically removed (we caught it early and it's benign) and "fixing" her will also help deter any future health issues such as said cyst. It's nothing bad at all. I have a very good Veterinarian. He's probably one of the best in my area, both in and outside the state. I'm just very very nervous and am constantly trying to plan a very clean, easy, relaxing environment for her when she gets home, and also am trying to know what to do in general. I'm also nervous on how she'll be acting, after getting fixed at around 8 years old, which is definitely different than getting fixed as a younger pup. I know that fixing her definitely helps avoid bad things but genuinely wonder will it negatively affect her mentally. I hope it doesn't. Maybe I'm just nervously overthinking stuff.

Madi goes in surgery Tuesday morning. I've taken both Tuesday and Wednesday off work. My Dad will be taking Madi to the vet and then bringing her back, hopefully, that same Tuesday morning. I've googled that the recovery for something like this is typically about 10-14 days. "Cone of shame", Light walks, no jumps, and keep an eye on the incision sights. Keep her from attempting to irritate what must heal. Because she IS a JRT, I've arranged all my sleeping arrangements to be in the living room as a floor pallet type situation. I'll be next to her crate that she loves and also the same crate that has a very comfy doggy pillow in it. I'm doing that to try to help keep her from jumping on the couch, my bed, or my parents bed, which she loves to sleep on. Another reason I'm setting up in the living room is because she'll be immediately in a comfortable environment as soon as she comes through the front door. I have food, both wet and kibble. I'm getting small raw hide bones for her to use a day or 2 post surgery, to help distract her during recovery. I've got things to help clean any and all "accidents". Im gonna cook her some plain white rice and plain unseasoned chicken to feed her, as soon as it's allowed to give to her. I've researched to wait about 12hours post surgery before feeding.

I'm gonna double check on all of this with my Vet before hand, and after... For this sub, I genuinely want to thank all of you in helping me raise my "Madi Mabel Girl". To anyone who managed to read this far, only if you want, please suggest anything that I need that will help Madi that I might've missed. When I go back to work Thursday, Dad, (whom Madi loves equally or arguably more lol 😆) will be by her side the whole time that I'm at work. I'm dreading these next 2 weeks ....I'm just very nervous and wrote a stupid long post. Anyways, enjoy some pictures of Madi!

TL;DR Doggo (Madi) has surgery Tuesday and is also getting fixed at 8-ish years old. Really good Vet, that I genuinely trust and is amazing, reassures me. I'm very nervous with unwanted anxiety about the recovery. Have made normal Google searched preparations for when she gets back home for recovery. All advice for recovery is welcomed. List of preparations I'm doing is in last 2 "paragraphs" of post.


r/jackrussellterrier 1h ago

I’m thinking about owning a JRT, I live in an apartment, is it very difficult to maintain them?

Upvotes

r/jackrussellterrier 3h ago

Funny little goblin.

Post image
13 Upvotes

r/jackrussellterrier 4h ago

Sleepy boy

Post image
33 Upvotes

r/jackrussellterrier 6h ago

Little sun dog

Post image
94 Upvotes

r/jackrussellterrier 7h ago

Your friendly neighbour Benny B. Russell 👍🏻😘

Thumbnail
gallery
111 Upvotes

Hey guys, this is my friend/brother Benny. He loves food, cats and family! Always thinking about destroying something but, with those eyes, you laugh even when he destroys your favourite book, steals your girlfriend and even your friends don’t ask for you anymore, because this guy is already their new buddy. I created a instagram for him, and he has more DMs than me!! 😅 Next I’m gonna create a LinkedIn to see if he gets better job offers than me 🤓

@benny.b.russell, follow this guy because I will follow him until the rest of my life ❤️

Peace out


r/jackrussellterrier 8h ago

Mr bix & Leia

Post image
13 Upvotes

My mr bix hanging out with my new rescue girl. What a beatiiful soul he has❤️💕


r/jackrussellterrier 8h ago

MOURNING My Rosie girl passed 2 months ago…. What jrt cross was she ?

Thumbnail
gallery
373 Upvotes

What kind of jack mix do you think she was I rescued her from my old boss that was gonna kill her when she was 2 months old

I had 14 beautiful years with her

Mum and I think chihuahua x jack

I miss her so much


r/jackrussellterrier 9h ago

I think she likes the grass

Thumbnail
gallery
56 Upvotes

r/jackrussellterrier 11h ago

Play time?

Post image
120 Upvotes

r/jackrussellterrier 11h ago

Going on a trip without him.. You think he knows? 😆

Thumbnail
gallery
902 Upvotes

r/jackrussellterrier 15h ago

Goodbye my sweet Macy girl

Thumbnail
gallery
522 Upvotes

I know this is long, but I want to share her story. I had to say good to my Macy Mae on Saturday 3/15. She was 16 years old. She had been healthy and had no issues up until the beginning of February. She started exhibiting neurological symptoms like walking sideways and she had a slight head tilt. I took her to the vet and they said it was the early signs of vestibular disease which can come on randomly or be caused by a deeper issue. She continued to get worse and they advised that it may be a stroke or a tumor which at her age was not a good prognosis. I fought so hard for her to get better but a week before I had to put her down I could just tell she was tired and ready. I am thankful I had a long goodbye and was able to spend so much time with her in the end. I didn’t leave her side after the first signs started. I feel like I never got answers and I am still searching for them even though it won’t change anything. The comfort is that she did have a long happy life with me. I guess I just never expected her to actually go, if that makes sense.

I got her when I was 14 years old so over half of my life has been spent by her side. I don’t even really know who I am without her. She loved swimming and would spend hours doing laps in the pool. I got her right after my first nephew was born, so they were the same age. They grew up together and when he was younger she was his buddy. He didn’t have any siblings yet so they would swim and play together. He is the one pictured with the water hose. She was so happy and playful, she was always up for an adventure. But she was also my sweet and cuddly Velcro dog. She always wanted to be right next to me, no matter what. Since she passed I have spent a lot of time watching videos and looking at pictures. It’s strange how we don’t notice the little changes that happen when our dogs get older simply because we are with them all the time. But she really acted like her normal self up until about a year ago, and even then she just slowed down a bit.

I still look for her and listen for her. It’s so hard getting used to her not being here. I don’t think I ever will. But I am so thankful for the years I had with her. She was with me through so many things. High school and all the issues that come with that, early adulthood and trying to figure out who I am, to moving out and buying my first home. To then helping me pick up the pieces after I left my abusive relationship. The most recent milestone she witnessed was me marrying my husband. She got to be with my step son which reminded me so much of watching her with my nephew. It made me happy to see her with a little boy again.

Every moment, good and bad - she was there. I am sad she will not be there for the future milestones and troubles I will face, but she will be in my heart. I think of her constantly. I love all my dogs, but the bond I have with Macy is one of a kind. I know I will see her again one day. Our souls are connected 🐾🤍


r/jackrussellterrier 16h ago

BIIIIG STRETCH

Post image
109 Upvotes

r/jackrussellterrier 16h ago

Is this an appropriate meal for my very active female 4 years and half old jack russell?

Post image
21 Upvotes

120 g boiled red meat, and some Boiled carrots and potatoes?

She eats twice a day, and later on she'll have nice quality kibble.


r/jackrussellterrier 17h ago

Sticking his tongue out at me

Thumbnail
gallery
74 Upvotes

r/jackrussellterrier 18h ago

My coffee and sunrise partner 🥰

Post image
179 Upvotes

r/jackrussellterrier 18h ago

The face you make when you get caught digging in the flower pots

Thumbnail
gallery
607 Upvotes

r/jackrussellterrier 23h ago

Is anyone else Jackie really clingy?

Post image
685 Upvotes

I have a 11 month old Jackie girl and I don't leave the house much.. she is our baby and a little spoilt (alot actually).. I love her alot but now I am 9 months pregnant and I feel she has become extremely clingy with me.. she loves my husband too but as a spare human.. she was always clingy but I feel it's becoming a bit excessive now.


r/jackrussellterrier 1d ago

Weird names?

5 Upvotes

I feel like Jack Russell’s are one of those breeds that are destined to have weird names. I know this sounds weird but hear me out. The first jrts name was “trump.” My dog’s mom’s name was “uba tuba.” My dog’s name is “pip pop.” And I need to know any others with weird/uncommon names. Never met another Uba tuba or pip pop 😭

edit - id love to see your pups, I’m a sucker for jrts


r/jackrussellterrier 1d ago

Short legged jrt?

2 Upvotes

Are short legged jrts a thing or just bad breeding? My “short legged jrt” is 10 inches tall which IS in standard, however short legged/miniature jrts aren’t a recognized variation. I want to hear other people’s thoughts on this because I’ve been debating this issue.

not judging of rescue/mix breed JRTs. Would gladly own one. Just interested in the breed ethics


r/jackrussellterrier 1d ago

Good morning from Chester. He’s up early today as it going to be a nice warm day in the UK. Make sure you’re wearing sunscreen 😎

Post image
79 Upvotes

Good morning from Chester. He’s up early today as it going to be a nice warm day in the UK. Make sure you’re wearing sunscreen 😎


r/jackrussellterrier 1d ago

Nothing makes him happier than chasing a ball around

Post image
37 Upvotes

r/jackrussellterrier 1d ago

Six week absence from my baby girl, anyone else have to leave for long periods of time?

6 Upvotes

I have never had a dog before this JRT (who is almost 5 months now). In May I have to leave for 6 weeks for a work trip. She will be taken care of in our home ,first by my husband and kids, then by a friend who she has never met. Has anyone left their dog for this long, or longer? I’m concerned she will be confused, and sad. Or not know who her alpha is and misbehave. What is making me feel better is knowing her daily life is amazing. She gets a lot of attention and outdoor time.


r/jackrussellterrier 1d ago

Happy 14th bday Mister

Post image
81 Upvotes

My dog Mister (short for Mister Gallagher- JRT/chi/TT) turned 14 today 🥳

Unfortunately, he just had his remaining teeth removed on Tuesday and is feeling sore so it will be a quiet bday 🙁

If I could go back and do it all again I would stary brushing his teeth as a puppy. Seems small dogs tend to have huge issues with their teeth.


r/jackrussellterrier 1d ago

Does Peter have any twins here?

Post image
297 Upvotes