Jimbo the Jack Russell… The dog with the Napoleon complex
I didn’t really like Jimbo when we first brought him home.
At the time, we had an old Dachshund named Frank who was very easy to get along with, very easy to care for. Frank did not need supervision. He just had no inclination to push the envelope in any way. And this is what we were used to. We had no idea what was in store for us. Neither did poor Frank… nor our poor cat Peter.
But speaking of cute. This Jack Russell pup was the epitome of adorableness. But what an arrogant little brat he could be!
Peter was very protective of his dignity and enjoyed his daily walk across the yard to his own private latrine area. Needless to say, things would never be the same for Peter again. His dignity and smooth gait quickly turned to panic and a terrified run when Jimbo, lying in intriguing but patient waiting, knowing full well Peter’s daily routine, leaped from his hiding place and rushed the poor cat to the nearest tree.
I will never forget the look on Peter’s face as he looked with glee at the little tyrant bounding away. And, after a few deep swallows and regaining his now-damaged pride in him, Peter descended slowly and gracefully, swearing his true and undying hatred for Jimbo with every step down the path.
And I wish I could tell you that the relationship got better over time…but the only thing that got better is that Peter dug his claws into Jimbo enough times to keep him in line…most of the time anyway.
Now Frank was a bit of a different story. Jimbo idolized Frank, and Frank was like a doting grandfather to Jimbo, a little too doting, I always thought. For example, they would help each other with flea-biting sessions. Well, I tell each other, but it was mainly Jimbo who got service. He was clenching Frank’s foot between his sharp puppy teeth as Frank began to pick at fleas. However, if Frank wanted to stop, Jimbo would step on his foot. And poor Frank couldn’t stop until Jimbo let go!
So you can see why I had a hard time liking this dog.
But Frank adored Jimbo, and Jimbo followed Frank wherever he went. The two were inseparable, though Frank’s sweet disposition never quite disappeared on Jimbo. He has remained the dynamo tornado even to the present.
Frank and Peter are long dead and Jimbo is our only pet… now nine years old. You wouldn’t know it though. That’s one of the amazing things about Jack Russells, they don’t look old or act old. Being a short-legged Russell, he will still challenge any dog, no matter the size or stance. He’ll keep chasing every cat, rabbit, or squirrel no matter what time of day, and he’ll chase them with extraordinary youthful lightning speed.
How for me? I completely fell in love with him, although it took me a while to get to know him. While he is predisposed, and I suppose always will be, to what is aptly called the ‘Napoleon Complex’, this Little General, in all his enduring arrogance, has won my heart and admiration for being the most unique personalities and endearing that I have known. never known.
trisha adams
Jack Russell Terrier ‘Photos and Ticks’
www.jack-russell-terrier-pictures.com
