Mark and Sally

OWNER  NAME  Joan, Mark and Paul

LIVES  Barrow

DOG NAME BREED AGE Sally Jack Russell 9months

DID YOU HAVE DOGS WHILST GROWING UP? Yes

Suzie, was a Jack Russell, Maltese cross.  We got her when I was 9 or 10.  Until I was 24 (Mark) when she died.  She always had a bit of a weak heart, she was the litter runt.  She would have fits which got worse as she got older.

WHY DID YOU GET A DOG?

We have cats for over twenty years.  Now my mam gets very worried, about Blackie a 19 yr cat, where the cats were, like If they were getting run over.  So with a dog we know where it is, plus it is company and we can take for a walk.

DID EVERYBODY IN THE FAMILY WANT A DOG? Yes

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR DOG? 9 months

WHERE DID HE/SHE COME FROM WAS YOUR DOG A RESCUE?

A farm in Stainton. 

TELL ME ABOUT IT

Saw an advert in the Northwest Evening Mail with puppies for sale.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT SPECIFIC BREEDS THAT ARE TARGETED AS DANGEROUS?

I don’t know if there is such a thing as dangerous dogs.  I think it is when they are owned by someone who wants to be dangerous.  Like want a macho image.  There are dogs that are working dogs like security dogs that need to be but are under control.

IS HAVING A DOG HOW YOU IMAGINED IT TO BE?

Pretty much.  She is much more boisterous than our old dog Suzie.  Although that was a long time ago.  She is very good.  Lots of positive points.

WHAT ISSUES (IF ANY) HAVE YOU HAD WITH YOUR DOG?

Not many issues.  She is different from our other dog.  As she is younger she was mouthing and biting a lot but not so much now.  She has more sense of not to go to far.  She can be a bit destructive with furniture.  She was at the vets last week because her mouth was bleeding.  She had bit a big hole in the skirting in the kitchen.  She had a splinter in her mouth.

HOW DID YOU CORRECT THEM?

Going to obedience classes with Elite K9’s Farah.  We have learnt the off command which is really helpful.  Sally came to expect a treat everytime though.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER PETS?

We have a tortoise, we have had Tommy had for fifty years! He may have been 10 then!  We still don’t know if he is a boy or girl.  Sally was ok with him before hibernation but he is waking up now so don’t know how she will be now.

HOW DOES THE DOG SPEND HER DAY?

She often goes out for a walk in the morning when we get up.  I may take her round the block.  My brother will often take her up to the Abbey.  She will then have her breakfast.  She will then play with her toys and go in the garden and wander round.  Have a bit of a sleep.

In the afternoon take her out for another walk or a drive in the car if we go out.  When we are watching tv she will play with her toys from her cardboard box.  She will have her tea about 6pm and then go to bed about 9pm in her box with a blanket in the living room.  She would yelp if she needs anything but usually sleeps through.

WHO GENERALLY WALKS THE DOG?

We take it in turns.  It depends on who is at work or available.  My mum can’t walk really far so that is limiting. 

WHAT IS HER FAVOURITE ACTIVITY?

I think it is playing with rope tug toys.  Running up and down with it. 

WHERE DOES SHE SLEEP?

In the living room.                                                                

WHO IS THE DOG MOSTLY FRIENDLY WITH  IN THE HOUSE?

She is friendly with everybody.  She probably is more so with me (Mark).

 TELL ME A FUNNY INCIDENT INVOLVING YOUR DOG

She loves going under the bed clothes and peeps her head out.  Plus she is always in the flower pots digging up the crocuses which drives Mam mad!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW DOG OWNER/OR PEOPLE THINKING OF HAVING A DOG?

I would advise them to get one.  You have to be patient with them.  They are very rewarding.  Think of the breed and where you live and what you can cope with.