Thistleridge Kennels, Texas Jack Russell Terrier Breeders

Wendy Palmer
Burleson, Texas

(817) 773-5537

Members of the J.R.T.C.A.

Thistleridge News!

December 31, 2007

Cson with her camera, and me in the dirt working with Sparkle (in the hole) and Shiner (you can see his butt, he's catching the dirt coming out of the hole!) What a way to finish out the year!

When I woke up this morning I just couldn't believe the year will be over in just a few hours. It's amazing how time flies! What a year it's been. I've been so blessed this year in so many ways. In my job I've learned more about the human race, both good and bad, than I ever wanted to. In my personal life, I've been blessed (or cursed, haven't figured out which yet haha) with my male equal, who has taught me things about myself that I never knew existed within me. He's also taught me what it feels like to be around someone that has no filter on what comes out of their mouth, so as I said, my male equal! With the terriers, everyone has remained healthy and happy. I was blessed with three beautiful, amazing litters that all went to wonderful homes, and while I was expecting to keep a little girl or two, I was not expecting the joy they would both bring me during an emotionally trying time in my life, a time that has caused me to wonder how an animal that brings so much joy to so many people can be so blatantly mistreated and abused, and how others can just look away and pretend it's not happening . I also was not expecting the addition of a Pit Bull into our pack, but what an amazing journey of recovery, learning, and healing he has been for me. I have always been in awe of the canine spirit and the resilience they show both physically and mentally. I've witnessed it many times in the animal control field and after doing rescue for all of these years. But I have not started with a near corpse before, right off the streets, and watched it flourish before my very eyes in the way that Saint did (scroll down the page to see Saint's story if you haven't read it before). To see an animal be so forgiving and have the will to live and the strength to survive changed me in a lot of ways, both in my respect for canines and for this misunderstood and feared breed of dog. He touches everyone he meets, he is truly a wonder. Every day when he looks at me with those huge yellow eyes and I see the love, affection, and respect he shows to everyone, both human and canine, I thank God that we found each other in that churchyard on that beautiful spring day.

I also was not expecting to add a new adult male terrier to my group, but Jeeves has been such a joy. I can't thank the Roth's enough for sending him to me. His puppies with Sunny were so funny and such a pleasure to raise. Even though they were unexpected, they came at a time when I needed to have something small to put my focus on, and also at a time when I needed to see the joy that a puppy can bring to people. When you deal with the kind of violence and neglect that I do as a Cruelty Investigator, it's amazing to see the differences in the way people see animals. If I didn't get to see the love and care that people give to the animals that I bring into this world and the ones that I train, I don't know if I could do it at all. Every day I wake wondering if I really can. Fortunately I know that I can do it for the animals. All I can do is try to put an end to as much suffering as I can and to do the very best job possible to put the people that cause such misery into the same hell that they have created for these animals. I guess when it comes down to it, even saving one from suffering is enough. Because I've learned the hard way, I'll never save them all.

The last month has been both hard because of these issues in dealing with the things in my job, and a welcome relief because those very issues have given me time off that I've needed to reflect on the things that matter most to me. I've been so busy and on the go with work, the business, the puppies and all the things that go with life, I've neglected the things that bring me the most joy - my dogs, my friends, my family. The past month has allowed me to make some of those things a priority and to realize that I have to make changes in my life to allow for more of what makes me remember why I do what I do. I have had the joy of spending a lot of quiet mornings with John watching the sun come up (or being hit in the face with freezing rain haha!) over the lake and waiting for that first sound of ducks in flight, and hours of seeing nothing at all, but sharing junk food and hot chocolate and laughing and just enjoying being together doing what we both love. I've been able to see bald eagles soar and hunt, a beautiful and awesome sight that I have not had the priviledge of seeing before. I've seen wild hogs rooting, deer grazing, and heard coyotes calling on these mornings on the lake. When people think that hunting is barbaric or something that an animal lover could not possibly do, these are the things that remind you how wrong and misinformed they are. It is the respect you learn for nature and the animals you hunt and the circle that is life that makes us true conservationists. You don't hear the stories of awe and respect for animals and wildlife coming out of vegan mouths very often. I can honestly say that I've spent many, many pre-dawn mornings in the woods and on the water during my life and I am yet to see someone out there just enjoying the view or sitting in a duck blind in the freezing cold just so they can see the world wake up.....

Me and my "Coot" - not my proudest hunting moment, but one I'll always remember (Thanks John!)

Last weekend I got an excited phone call from Cson about Mick's son, Chili. His owner, Dawn Weiss in Illinois (who besides Chili has some very beautiful working Jack Russells) had heard of sightings of a red fox out by her sister's house, and Chili, true to his heritage, got to it before Dawn even knew what was happening. I am so proud of both of them, congratulations and what an amazing Christmas gift for both Chili and Dawn!!

Dawn & Tim Weiss with Chili (son of Mick) and their first red fox

Yesterday we ended the year with an an incredible finish. I finally was able to get out with the terriers. There were awesome, active settes everywhere, but it was a beautiful day, so I guess the animals were smart like us and out enjoying it. I always find a million excuses not to get the dogs out, and mainly it's because I am working or feel guilty because I feel like I'm neglecting responsibilities. Yesterday reminded me that this is one of my important responsibilities. A terrier in it's prime that isn't hunting is not a terrier. It becomes a housepet, or a kennel dog, or a frustrated, destructive pain in the butt. I remembered very vividly yesterday why I keep these dogs and have dedicated most of my adult life to breeding and keeping true working terriers. I'm ashamed of myself for letting other things get in the way of that. I owe it to my dogs, myself, and the terrier community to reestablish that as a priority or there is no use in continuing to produce and keep these dogs.

David Day with my dog Shiner and Cson's girl, Sierra

From the normal perspective, this would not have been a successful hunt, but for me and Cson, it was exactly what we wanted. It was the chance to be out with the dogs and see them do what they do best, and to be with people that we love and respect and who do their very best for working terriers. It is rare that I am impressed by people and the way they keep their dogs. A beautiful, ornate kennel facility is a wonderful thing, but terriers are dogs for working folks, not for the elite and wealthy. They should be able to survive and thrive in the weather and the elements. David and Mitzi's kennel setup was a testament to this theory. Their dogs are well kept, consistent in type and temperament, and proof of what I have always believed in. Anyone with money or desire can build a fancy kennel and can buy a good dog, a winner in the ring, a beauty to look at, a producer of those things. It is my belief that when you add a dog to your breeding program - either by keeping your own or adding it from outside - it is to make improvements to the breed. By that I mean improvements in every way, not as a ribbon winner. When you look at the Day's dogs at Daydream Kennels, you can see five generations of improvement. They started with good dogs that work and have nice temperaments and good conformation, and the most flexible and amazing chests I think I've felt in a big group like that. They stayed true to what they liked and worked with what they had, very rarely going outside, and you can see it in each generation of dog. I was reminded why I respect the breed so much and how truly natural their instinct to enter the earth is. Sparkle worked, as usual, like the seasoned dog that she is. Her son, Shiner, went into the ground, marked like a champ on scent, and showed nothing but the desire to work with and for me the entire time. It was his first time in the field and it was the confirmation that I needed to prove to myself that I am breeding a methodical, well-tempered hunting dog that needs very little training, only the opportunity and ability to use it's skills and instincts the way it was meant to. It was also confirmation to me that my dogs really are total dorks! Cson and I say it all the time, but wow, did Shiner ever prove it to everyone on this day. One of his favorite things to do is kick up dirt and chase it. You can only imagine what a thrill it was for him to be at the opening of a den with his mother in it kicking out huge mud clods. Shiner was in dork heaven. He chased and ate so much black mud he was exhausted by the time we headed home. When I wanted him to check a hole, all I had to do was put my hand in it and pop a little dirt out and he wanted to go right in and see where the heck it was coming from. What a little joy that dog is. To look at him, he's just a tiny, puppy-looking hairball with a squirrel tail. But to know him, that's a different story. He is the epitomy of what I want in an intact male, and has generations of proven, sound, well-tempered, working terriers behind him. Whenever I look at him or Sparkle, I know that I can't take responsibility for the wonderful dogs that they are, only for continuing to try and use Karen McCarthy's wisdom and contributions to the working terrier as a whole and making sure I stay true to it as well. I have a lot of people to thank for the wonderful dogs that I have aquired and bred over the years, and Karen remains at the top of the list. Her terrier-like, stubborn ways taught me a lot about making my own decisions and not worrying about anything but what I am responsible for. As has been said a time or two in my presence, "Well behaved women rarely make history" and I'll always see her as a pioneer. As for Shiner, he loves everyone - men, women, any dog - is loyal, obedient, and entertains himself easily (obviously!) I think the smile on my face in the photo below says it all.

Me and Shiner watching Sparkle dig down in a tight earth

Hey! Anyone seen the scissors? I can't see from under here!! More proof that I should be forbidden from having rough dogs.

Maybe if I squinch up my eyes a little more and shiver they will feel sorry for me. This was the point where poor Sierra went from patient to Princess...

The only time Sparkle found anyone home, it was a huge earth with many entrances and big enough that Sparkle could practically walk through it. When she opened up and started baying, I stuck my nose down, and wouldn't you know, the first thing I smelled was skunk. Sparkle is an obedient dog, and I was able to call her right out, but oh my goodness, was she mad. You can plainly see it on her face below!

David with a VERY disappointed Sparkle! Fortunately every minute is a new day for Sparkle so she got over it!

The day, as usual, was way too short and it flew by. We are close in proximity to David and Mitzi, which is so fortunate, so we'll get the chance to go back at the end of the month. In the meantime, I'll probably be trying to pick the black dirt out of my crazy dog's coats until then! I think 2008 is going to be an incredible year! Do better than I've done and remember what your dogs are for and what life is about. It's not the big things that you'll remember, it's those little moments that take your breath away, and that make your heart smile and burst with joy. Whether it's the sound of a terrier baying, first hunting light and the sound of ducks in flight, chasing dirt clods, or a the smell of leather of a brand new Coach bag (yeah, I'm still girly in spite of my tomboy ways), don't pass up the little opportunities because you can't get them back once they are gone.

(L) Now where did I put that dirt clod??? Maybe it was one that I ate already..... (R) Me watching my tiny wonders and trying to figure out where they keep their huge hearts.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

November 2007

As usual, summer came and went way too fast. It was so busy and so eventful it almost feels like I missed it! The months of June and July were full of growing puppies and dogs in for training. There was very little time for socializing! I've also started construction on a long awaited new kennel that should be done anytime now (I hope!!). This summer was also full of loss, both human and canine, thankfully none in my household, but many I considered part of my family. Harley lost his best buddy Kramer, my friend Janet lost our little Cleo and her old dog Cookie, along with her dear mother, Daisy. Siegfried, the sire of my very first Thistle Ridge litter also went recently. My heartfelt condolences go out to all of my dear friends, Tina, Janet, and Sharon, for their losses. It's amazing how fast time goes and how precious it is. These things remind me how little time we actually have with our dogs, their lives are so short in the grand scheme of things. It's hard to believe Harley is almost 12, I can't even stand to think about it. Along with losses came new additions. I was blessed with a gift from Carol and Gary Roth, Jeeves Jones, who is the littermate to my Dash. He is a really cool dog, and gave me a very unexpected, but beautiful, litter with Sunny. Those little guys are just about ready to go home. I also kept Sporty's last little girl and named her after Janet's mom, Daisy. It only seemed appropriate because Daisy had the grit and tenacity of a terrier. I knew it would be her name the day I found out about the loss. I also kept another girl, very unintentionally, because even though Sporty's daughter is awesome, her granddaughter is her all over again. I never thought there would be another Sporty, but this little girl is it. I named her "Chigger" because she got under my skin.

Daisy in the front and Chigger in the back after running the lure at the SWJRTN Trial in November

And here's my Chigger by herself

Summer also brought changes at work and a promotion to Animal Cruelty Investigator. Talk about a rude awakening. It's amazing how truly horrible people are too animals. It's been a huge adjustment for me, and makes me appreciate my dogs and my clients that much more. Somehow in the midst of all the craziness of the summer I managed to meet someone and have not run him off - yet - although there are days I'm surprised to hear from him! I know it's bad when my own dad tells my mom not to get her hopes up!! He's something else, and I feel so lucky that we found each other. We'll see how much longer that goes, but I've already set a post-divorce dating record of four months so that's progress haha! He cooks, he cleans, he builds things, he also has a dog named Remi, and he puts me in my place. And he has all the cool hunting stuff. I'd say that makes for a keeper. Now if I can just get my act together.....

Me and John

Happy Holidays and Happy Hunting! I haven't had the terriers out yet, but I shot my first duck (only took me three years!) so this season

has already been great for me!

June 2007

Whew, what a winter!! Leader of the Pack is back in full swing and things at Animal Control are as busy as can be. We have been earning our keep this year! I took a much needed vacation (way too short as always!) in April and haven't had a chance to do much of anything. I finally figured it was time to do an update, especially since we have new puppies today! Yea Valentine and Shiner! Vali delivered six beautiful puppies like a champ this morning. When I woke up there were five clean and nursing puppies and one on it's way into the world. I wish every delivery could be so simple! I'm just hoping Sporty will do the same as her daughter. She's going to hold out as long as possible, just like always. I'm hoping for news sometime tonight! Of course I have a current tear jerker rescue story, only this time it's not about Jack Russells. Back in March I was working my one day a week that I spend in the field as an Animal Control Officer (what I do the rest of the week is uncertain according to my boss) and I got a call on a dog that was in very bad shape lying in a church yard at a big church that has a school. This is not an abnormal occurrence in my line of work, unfortunately, but it definitely left a mark on me. I went to get the dog, and it was an adult American Pit Bull Terrier (which is over half of what we pick up in the city). The kids were all gathered around and worried about him. He weighed about 25 pounds and was so pitiful. I put the leash on him to get him to walk with me, and he stood up and then just fell back down. He was so starved and emaciated that he didn't have the strength to walk. I picked up this big headed dog with huge yellow eyes, and when I pulled him to my body, he looked up at me with his big soulful eyes, put his big knot head on my chest, and let out a huge sigh. I swear it was relief. I could feel my heart break into a million pieces as I put that dog on my truck. I'm tough and I try not to let things get to me because if I did I'd either have to quit my job or end up with a hundred dogs. Needless to say I don't bring them home from work with the exception of Jack Russells that are accepted into our foster program, and who all move along to foster homes or adoptive homes. Anyway, the dog's holding time went by and I went to see him every day. Everyone at the shelter fell in love with this pitiful dog. He was almost dead but he always had a wag for us and would use all of his strength to hoist himself up so he could meet you at the kennel door. His time was up at the shelter and we don't have people beating down our door to rescue pits, there are just way too many in general, and a lot of them are sick. This dog was not sick, just starved, and miraculously did not have heartworms. It didn't take much to convince myself that he was coming home with me instead of to the big grassy field in the sky. I took him out to the little building where our offices are to get him ready to go, and within a minute he was eating coffee grounds, a taquito wrapper from Whataburger, and anything else he could get into his mouth before I grabbed it. I don't know what it is about that dog, but you can see how special he is the minute you meet him. A few months have passed, and he is now a very healthy, very happy and well-behaved member of our pack. I named him Saint after Saint Jude, the patron saint of lost causes. The pictures of his transformation are below. It has been very amazing and rewarding to watch him flourish. His long-term fate has not been determined. If the perfect person comes along for him then I'll know it's meant to be. Otherwise, I guess I have a pit bull for the Jack Russells to push around! Other than that, nothing real dramatic to report. Hope everyone has an excellent summer, and if you are in Texas, try not to float into the Gulf with all this rain! One last thing, if you love dogs and charms, you have to check out this store benefitting Russell Refuge http://russellrefuge.org/charmstore.php. I received my charms today and they are BEAUTIFUL!!! And also very reasonable! And best of all, the proceeds go to help the little homeless Jack Russells that Dale Mountain keeps at her beautiful refuge in New York. UPDATE 6-5-07, Sporty had five beautiful puppies today by Woody - three boys and two girls (see available page for pictures).

Saint the week he was picked up

And here he is ten days after I picked him up. He went to the JRTCA AGM with me and Cson

This is him now, 33 pounds heavier than he was 2 1/2 months ago! Amazing what a little food and TLC can do!

Thanks so much to PBRC for assisting with his neuter.

Remi at Bark in the Park with the Ft. Worth Cats this year. She's a fine representative for the City of Fort Worth, don't you think? Guess I know how she feels about working for a living!!

Got Gophers?? If you've never seen a Jack Russell shoot you the finger, now you have! Obviously age has not mellowed Harley!

Fall 2006

Not too long after my summer update in June, the Jack Russell world in Texas, and throughout the United States, got thrown into a tailspin. Two hundred and seventy dogs were seized not far from Fort Worth and it turned out to be someone in the JRTCA. In a nutshell most of the dogs were Jack Russells and while the SPCA placed a lot of those dogs, Russell Rescue ended up with about 50 of them. Because of the sensitivity of the situation and lack of foster homes in Texas, there was a need to get the dogs transported to the east coast. For some crazy reason I volunteered to be the person to transport those dogs to Maryland, and somehow talked Cson Johnson into going with me. What happened during the weeks following the the seizure profoundly changed me, and I know everyone involved feels the same way. I won't rehash the details, they've been written about, published in True Grit and on the internet, and debated. One thing is for certain, the dogs involved suffered the greatest, and the ones that weren't euthanized and are still going through both physical and mental challenges. I received an e-mail from Cson today that recounted the past three months with her rescue dog from the seizure. Cson is one of my best friends and we talk often, so I know the struggles she has been through. The placement today was truly a success. There were days we debated whether or not he should be euthanized. We just didn't know if he would be placeable or if he could truly be a happy and whole little dog. Well, as with most things, it looks like it has worked out. There was a special person for this special dog, as there have been for so many of the others. Godspeed to the family that has taken Sprout aka Riley into their home. I know that everything happens for a reason, and I hope that this wonderful family can continue the amazing progress that Cson made, and help him continue to become a whole dog. I wish I had a before photo (I have one somewhere, just don't know where at the moment there were SO many). But the photo of what he looks like now speaks wonders. He looks almost "normal" and I am so proud of the breakthroughs he has made because of Cson and her wonderful family.

"Sprout"

I also had a very special dog come into my life because of the seizure. I named him Captain Jack Sparrow. You see, Captain was missing a foot due to a kennel incident, and he looked kind of like a pirate because of the peg leg. He also was missing an ear, was deaf, and without most of his vision. We thought he was about 10, but later found out he was closer to 16 years old. Once I got him home, his decline was pretty rapid and his little body just gave out. He lived out his last few weeks in the peace, quiet, and comfort an old dog like him deserved, and when he told me it was time, I did the best thing I could for him and held him while his last breath passed through him. Even though he was just here for a short time, his absence is greatly noticed every day.

Sparkle, Captain, and Harley

Despite the rough end to the summer, the fall has been outstanding. Late September brought the Oklahoma Trial and it was a great trip. Cson and I hit the road again and got to see a lot of good friends that have been greatly missed during my break from showing. October came in a whirlwind and once again we were back in Maryland for the JRTCA National Trial This time it was all fun (and we flew!!). I saw a lot of old friends and made some new ones, and was thrilled to meet and spend some time with the Crawfords, who are responsible for the club we know as the JRTCA. My puppy, Shiner, got to be the travel dog of the week and took his first airplane trip and participated in a huge puppy class at the trial. He was excellent and proved to be what I hoped for in a puppy. He may never be a show dog but his temperament is amazing and his drive can't be beat. I think he'll be a good cross of his mom, Sparkle, and his dad, Phoenix.

Shiner at the JRTCA National Trial

Me and Cson at the National Trial with "Dixie" - one of the dogs from the Seizure that lives with Jennifer Carr in Connecticut

November came on just as fast and we were back in the car and traveling to East Texas for the Southwest Jack Russell Terrier Trial. Due to poor grooming on my part and some crappy preparation with my dogs, this trial did not bring me much success in the ring. But my Border Terrier, Emily, did outstanding even with no grooming and her tail being down, winning Reserve Colored Terrier both days. I have since started working on grooming her and am taking her to handling classes. We'll see how she does with some owner cooperation!! We also got to do our first bit of hunting for the season, and the dogs had a ball. Unfortunately, a mouse was the most exciting thing we stirred up, and my precious Sparkle decided to swallow it before anyone else could get a piece of it. The East Texas trial and hunt resulted in the placement of Fez, my little red male that had been hanging around since his birth in May of 2005. Joanne, who is the proud owner of Thistle Ridge Sparkle (a pup from Liza and Woody - not to be confused with my Sow's Ear Sparkle), fell in love with Fez when she came to pick up her pup many months ago. When I realized the affection she had for him, I quickly began trying to get him a place on the ranch and thank goodness it worked! His name is "Quez" now, and so far so good. Below are some photos from the hunt, my favorite one is of Joanne's Sparkle in the Kubota. That is a well trained Jack Russell, she will not jump out of that thing but sure does bounce around a lot! I'm hoping the red dog will be as obedient, but I'm not holding my breath.

Thistle Ridge Sparkle spent her short life in East Texas with Joanne Hammond, Brad Dawkins, and Quiz at the Dream2B Ranch. You'll be missed Sparky.

Which way did they go ??!! Remi looks for critters in a brush pile with the terriers.

Happy Hunting and Happy Holidays!

Summer 2006

Wendy with Sparkle & Phoenix's puppies, Shiner and Squirrel

Winter and Spring had me on my toes this year with puppies and changes at work, but I think things are finally starting to settle down a bit for the lazy days of summer! We had puppies everywhere for a while, but all but one of the little devils have gone to their new homes. I've got one female to place and she is a doll. She is one of Liza and Woody's pups. I also have a litter due (HOPEFULLY!!) at the end of August that I've been trying to get forever. Duncan and Dash were bred again this past week and I've got my fingers crossed that all will go well and we'll get some great pups out of this breeding.

I couldn't be happier with Sparkle's puppies. They are exactly what I had hoped for, tiny, hairy replicas of their mom and dad! Honor and Mark, the proud owner's of Squirrel and the reason I went through hell to get this litter finally bred, wanted a Sparkle, and boy did they get her! The only difference is the markings, but otherwise they are just about the same dog! I am guessing that Shiner must take after his daddy because he's a pistol.

I've had a new addition and I am so excited about her. My friend, Jody Walston, got out of Jack Russells and into Border Terriers a few years ago and I have been wanting one ever since. She called me not to long ago and wanted to move a female and share ownership of her, so of course I jumped at the chance. Her name is Blackfox Emily and she is a really beautiful girl. She just turned a year old and I am working with her trying to get her ready for the ring. She needs some grooming and then hopefully I can get some good photos up of her. We are planning to breed her to Jody's imported blue and tan male, and I am VERY excited to see what comes of it. She is a really lovely little bitch.

I've actually taken some time to do some fun stuff, both dog related and non dog related over the past month. I judged terrier racing at the Gulf Coast spring trial and had a ball! I got to see a lot of old friends that I'd lost touch with over the years and get reconnected. They helped me to remember all that is wonderful about showing Jack Russells and it gave me a much needed break from work and puppies! I have also been doing some fun stuff with the girls, and will post pictures below. I'm trying to remember the positive aspects of being single! It's working haha!!

I'm hoping for a summer hunting trip at some point, if I can slow down on the social scene for a bit, and will post photos and results of that as they come. So far it's been a great summer for me and the dogs, and we hope it will continue! Best to you and yours and Happy Hunting!!

Wendy and the Thistle Ridge gang!

Myself and Tina Rosado kicking back at the Gulf Coast Terrier Trial in May.

Wendy, Sarah, Woody, and Remi at the Fort Worth Cat's Baseball Team's Annual "Bark in the Park" Fundraiser for Cowtown Loves Animal Shelter Pets. Thanks to Mike Forrester for helping us pull this together!

Wendy, Vicki, Jill, and Randy Rogers at Wolfdance Memorial Day '06! Thanks to our Buddies Tim and Karen for getting us backstage with the bands! It's nice to see how the other half lives ;)

Vicki, Jill & Wendy with Stoney Larue at Wolfdance Memorial Day '06

Mia, Wendy, & Honor at Honor's bachelorette party, June '06. Honor is Squirrel's new mommy!

Our favorite Cat!! Obviously it has to be an awfully big cat to be a friend to all of these terriers!! Thanks, Dodger, for the great night out at the ballpark with all of our four-legged friends!!

Squirrel & Shiner Squirrel looking cute!!

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