Remembering Jersey Girl

Jersey was a dump-off dog. I live in a very rural area at the end of a dead-end road. I've had more than my share of animals left here by bad people who don't know or care enough to take their unwanted pets to one of the local shelters. I have another dog, Styx (aka Boo Boo--more about him in another lens) who was dumped in the woods just south of my home with 3 litter mates. I just don't understand people who do that. Everyone who dumps an unwanted pet to fend for itself should experience a few nights in the woods, alone, without food, shelter or clothing.

When I found Jersey, she was about six months old, underfed, shy, and pretty much afraid of everything. She especially feared anything with a handle like a broom or shovel, which was a good hint that she was mistreated. I was not sure she could be rehabilitated enough to be a good dog. She was not aggressive, but she would cower and shake a lot.

But you know what? Jersey turned out to be one of the most loving dogs. And she was loved by so many people. It amazes me how many lives she touched. She was one of those "once-in-a-lifetime" companions.

Over the 15 plus years Jersey and I were together, we managed to get in her favorite activity, walks in the woods, almost every day. When she was younger, we would go as much as 6 miles. This meant that while I did 6 miles, Jersey more likely traveled 10+ miles as her nose took her on many wandering side trips.

I credit Jersey with teaching me a lot about the woods and wildlife. Her senses were so much more acute. And if I paid attention to her, I learned a lot about what was going on in the woods around me.

And Jersey was fast. No man or animal could keep up with her. Once she had it in her mind she was going somewhere, you were invited to follow but you had to go at her pace, full tilt.