Our Lion

In 2009 I found Tjommie in an animal rescue facility. It was during a lunch break that Nella, a good friend, and I decided to go the SPCA. Both of us normally couldn’t bear to see all the animals but that day in July was different. I was thinking of getting a dog for my husband and I wanted to surprise him. According to him I have my two cats, so he wanted a dog, preferably a German Shepherd.

The lady showed us the “medium” sized dogs. Our yard was not big enough for a large dog. There were twelve dogs, two in a cage. The dogs, mostly poodles made a hell of a ruckus with all the barking when they saw us. My heart ached for all the dogs.

Just when we decided to leave, I saw him. He was sitting still in the shadow and just looked at me with those dark eyes. It was a Jack Russel terrier and about three years old. His coat was white with black. I was allowed to pick him up. He was trembling in my arms when we walked around a bit. My heart was his instantly. The lady told us he was abused. I was horrified! How can anyone do that to a helpless animal! Why in the first place did they decided to have a pet! I was totally hooked and the decision was already made for me. His coming with me! This is my husband’s German Shephard.

I wanted to “test” him to see what his reaction would be near cats. We had two cats and it was important to me that they bond. She took us to a fat marmalade cat lying in the sun. He didn’t even look at “marmelade”! Good boy. I hoped it would stay like that. Hehe. I knew there will be lots of coaching introducing him to our two cats.

The animal experts said that the Jack Russell terrier has the heart of a lion because of their fearless nature. My husband wanted a big dog. Well, now he has a lion!