Page last updated on Saturday, March 31, 2007.
Shadow on the left, Jack on the right
Jack (known as Jack Jack to OBG) and Shadow came to me from OBG on Oct. 2, 1999 and April 27, 2002, respectively. Both together and individually, they have brightened up my home and brought never ending pleasure to me and anyone who comes to visit. It's not possible to stay in a bad mood with those two around. They're so cute, playful and snuggly that they brighten you up no matter whether you want to be or not. They've always gotten along well together, but several months ago I found myself sad at leaving them behind when I went to work. So, I visited the Olde Towne Pet Resort in Springfield and checked into doggie day care.
Well, the boys have been going there ever since and they love it!!! We started with 1 day a week and recently changed to 2 days. Not only have I seen a change in their attitudes and mannerisms, but it's a great way to control their weight with all the exercise they get! Jack was always on the cusp of being overweight and Shadow had been creeping up. Not only have they lost weight since going to day care, but I've had to increase their food because they (especially Shadow) were starting to get too thin!!!
I've seen several differences since the boys have started day care, especially in Jack. Jack used to be very aggressive with larger dogs and is much less so now. Shadow frequently wanted to play with Jack before but Jack was happy just to snuggle on the couch with Mom. Now, Jack is much more open to playing with Shadow and sometimes even instigates it. It's cute to see Jack get ready to play ... he stands very straight with virtually every muscle in his body on alert! He stands cheek to cheek with Shadow and they wait to see who makes the first move. For Shadow, he just really likes going to day care. I don't see the differences in his attitude and mannerisms like I do with Jack, but Shadow is always happy to get into the car and readily goes with the workers when we get to day care. When he realizes that's where we're going, his eyes just light up and his whole body looks happy. The folks at day care seem to enjoy Jack and Shadow as well. They talk about how cute they are, how they like to snuggle, how they warm up to other people. One woman who had taken her dog to day care for the first time, stopped me that night and thanked me because my dogs had been so friendly to her dog. She even introduced me to her dog as "Shadow's Mom".
Jack was my first cocker and the smallest dog I'd ever had. So he was my baby. When I got Shadow, he was great, but I still thought of Jack as "my baby". Well, over the last 9 months or so, I've become aware of some of the distinct differences between them and have really come to appreciate and fully enjoy many of Shadow's traits. Jack is my little imp ... he's cute, short and stocky, and his tail wags his entire body ... he bubbles. Shadow is tall and slender with long legs. And his mannerisms are adorable! He is so expressive with his legs. He reminds me of a horse. When he wants to play his pounces his front legs, whips his head around to look at you, and is just very expressive with his body. He also loves cuddling on my chest. We'll sit there for an hour or so some times. People ask me how I can breathe! It's very easy when you have a loving soul like Shadow so near. They are both so very different but so very much alike ... they're both full of unconditional love and companionship.
They've also become TV stars! There was an episode of National Geographic Ultimate Explorer that aired Feb. 8 about people and their dogs. The segment on "pampering your dog" was filmed at Olde Towne Pet Resort and, there in the day care shots are Jack and Shadow!!! They got 2 seconds of their 15 seconds of fame!!! Of course Mom has a copy that she shares will all who will watch! Jack and Shadow continue to be the lights of my life ... and of all who come in contact with them. It's amazing to see them welcome friends of mine as if they're family.
Thanks, OBG, for all you do and for giving me the opportunity to have Jack and Shadow in my life. The photo I'm sending along with this note was taken in Dec. 2003 ... how can you resist them!
Diane M February, 2004