Ross came home from work at McDonald’s early yesterday.
He said: “Happy Mother’s Day! Here’s your present.”
And handed me this:
This puppy’s been hanging out in the McDonald’s parking lot for days. They’ve been feeding him French fries. They can’t find an owner. We have no idea how old he is or what kind of dog (or mix of dog) he is other than he looks like some sort of terrier. And so, apparently at some point as they were feeding him Happy Meals, my child said, “I BET I CAN GET MY MOTHER TO TAKE HIM.”
His name is Spot. He lives here now. But you knew that, right?
Read my latest Charleston Daily Mail column.
Sandy says:
Been there and done that. My daughter chased a puppy down 460 last summer, barefooted. And yes, Max lives here now.
On May 11, 2009 at 3:27 am
Kathie says:
Me got our Max, or he found us, when we found him sleeping in our bushes. All of ours are strays. I think there is come kind of dog code, like there was for the hobos during the depression. Our house is marked in some way “Sucker lives here. Come in and stay forever.”
On May 11, 2009 at 3:51 am
Nancy in Atlanta says:
Yep, Ross knows you well!!! My daughter did that with a cat 24 years ago! She was 15 and working at Domino’s Pizza – the poor cat was getting pizza from them and Chinese food next door. Diane said we “had” to take her in or she’d be hit by a car. Kitty turned out to be pregnant – with one enlarged eye – but she was with me even after Diane left for college. She moved to Maryland with me, and we have many delightful Kitty stories!
Sleepless in Marietta – again.
On May 11, 2009 at 3:57 am
beekudzu says:
That’s how we got 3 of our 4 pets. Well, actually, the cats just showed up on the back steps and one of the dogs just walked in the front door when we opened it one day. But, like you, we couldn’t say no.
This makes me even more secure in the knowledge that you’re a nice person.
On May 11, 2009 at 4:12 am
anne says:
Lucky Doggie to be in your family!!
On May 11, 2009 at 4:26 am
Kathleen says:
Spot looks like a fox terrier to me. We have two of them. Over the years we have had many stray animals as pets. I always said that animals spread the word, “Need a place to sleep and some food? Want to be loved and pampered? Go to that clay colored house!”
On May 11, 2009 at 4:31 am
Sheila Z says:
OK Spot not Pocahontas. Do we have to wait until June to find out who Pocahontas is?
Spot can be the rat/squirrel chaser. Tell him the chickens are off limits. Spot, you are neutered aren’t you? Your mission/assignment is to protect Coco from the rat dog, send his hairy little butt packing! Spot has now justified his presence and earned his kibble. Sounds like a farm expense to me.
So how much did you son win on his bet. Not exactly fair when he knew the odds were stacked in his favor.
On May 11, 2009 at 4:43 am
CindyP says:
What says “Happy Mother’s Day” more than a pup that needs a loving home!! Just when you thought you had to WAIT for the next pet to arrive, the kids are helping ease that feeling of restlessness and bringing home pets one by one, so your anxiety is lessened giving Spot and #9 your attention……what wonderful kids you have!
On May 11, 2009 at 4:57 am
Diane says:
I am pretty sure he is a Jack Russel terrier. We had one when I was a kid. Very bright and smart dogs. Your farm will be a great place for him to live. They are active dogs. I could not resist keeping him either. lol.
On May 11, 2009 at 5:01 am
trish says:
try working at a animal hospital.
i got both my babies as strays. one just showed up on the doorstep at work one morning in a cage with a little blue collar, but no identification, about 3 months old and a little pit bull looking. now he looks more like a hound dog.
strays are the best. i think they appreciate it more.
On May 11, 2009 at 5:08 am
jenn says:
:snoopy: He’s adorable! You have such a kind heart, Suzanne.
On May 11, 2009 at 5:15 am
Fencepost says:
He looks like a happy dog. Or maybe that look is because he knows he’s just found a home.
Either way, does that kid know you or what?
On May 11, 2009 at 5:21 am
FidLdd says:
Jack Russel terriers are alert and very busy. He will probably help keep those ewe’s where they belong.
So new kitty is #9 Then you could say Ross gave you a 10 spot for Mothers Day. Lucky Mom Lucky Dog.
On May 11, 2009 at 5:27 am
Ulli says:
What a precious face! Looks like he has some Jack Russell in him. He’s a lucky dog!
On May 11, 2009 at 5:35 am
Lisa says:
Sheila echo’s my thoughts-please tell me he’s neutered and you don’t have to worry about him getting cozy with CoCo. He is the right size to keep Rat Dog off the property!
On May 11, 2009 at 5:48 am
Amy in West TX says:
We have a Cairn Terrier mix that ran into our garage last October. I swore I wasn’t going to keep him, even put up signs, hoping to find his owner. He has a new owner, me. :happypuppy:
On May 11, 2009 at 5:52 am
MissyinWV says:
Congratulations Spot! He is one lucky puppy.
On May 11, 2009 at 6:17 am
Ang. says:
Certainly a terrier! Keep an eye out when he is near the chickens. I love terriers to pieces (I used to raise Jack Russells) but they are awfully hard on the small animal population. Enjoy him!
On May 11, 2009 at 6:20 am
wildcat says:
Suzanne, have you thought about starting a nonprofit animal rescue? Then you could solicit donations to help care for all of the animals on your farm! :yes:
On May 11, 2009 at 6:33 am
Angie says:
Definitely terrier, looks like a Jack Russell. Also, you probably don’t want both Spot and the chickens/ducks free-ranging at the same time. Trust me, I speak from experience.
On May 11, 2009 at 7:02 am
becki says:
What happened to Blue?
……..and about the new addition…..
That photo in the fenced pasture is a set-up. The real addition is a homemade pasta maker/roller. Comeon, folks. Do you really think Suzanne would feed company (or family and she understands we are all family) anything less than homemade?
And what if it rains or ices over?
She’s be up the creek without a pasta. Or something like that.
On May 11, 2009 at 7:07 am
maryann says:
You just might with training be able to teach Spot to round up the sheep. Most of our animal that we have are either rescue or strays. Sometimes the kids didn’t find them, friends that we have are police officers and we have ended up with a few strays from them. Right now we are down to 3 dogs and 1 cat and hopefully to stay at that level.
On May 11, 2009 at 7:07 am
Amy Lynn says:
Spot looks an awful lot like our Rat Terriers. We have one and my mother in law has 2 of them. They look a lot like that. They are also very sweet, friendly and loyal little buggers. And wonderful farm dogs. My Rat Terrier is happiest on the farm and no where else. LOL I think you may have a wonderful new friend and protector of your animals. Ya you!!! :shimmy:
On May 11, 2009 at 7:13 am
BuckeyeGirl says:
Yep, looks like a Jack Russell or a Fox Terrier to me too… I thought he’d get named “Micky-D” since he was begging for Big Mac Snacks!
:woof:
Oh, and about Pocahontas… I didn’t see a promise about when it’ll get announced, so I’m resigned to opening to the blog every day with a little frission of suspense till possibly June when she arrives at the farm.
On May 11, 2009 at 7:18 am
Itsme in Wi says:
Is he neutered?Probably want to take care of that before you have little white rats…………..eeerrr ummmm medium sized white rats running around :heart:
Happy Mothers Day!
On May 11, 2009 at 7:20 am
Mim says:
Oh, how thoughtful. LOL If he has terrier in him you will have to watch him around the chickens.
On May 11, 2009 at 7:20 am
Christine says:
LOL, Spot is one lucky pooch.
On May 11, 2009 at 7:30 am
Caryn says:
He looks a bit like my rat terrier but he could also have some jack russell too.
I am happy for spot…is he neutered???
On May 11, 2009 at 7:45 am
JOJO says:
:happypuppy: This is one lucky dog! You have a heart of gold!
On May 11, 2009 at 7:51 am
Bev says:
Good for you (better for him to have a safe loving home)….he looks adorable
On May 11, 2009 at 7:52 am
Claudia W. says:
Jack Russell! Love them! Crazy frantic dogs, but very entertaining and loving…you will have hours of entertainment with Spot! Ross knows you well, of course how could you say no?
I have a Jack Russell mix, I love my dog so much!
Congratulations on the new family member!
On May 11, 2009 at 7:53 am
Beth Brown says:
Suzanne – He’s a very lucky dog! He’s sure to be VERY entertaining as any dog with Jack Russell in him can be! BTW, you probably don’t remember early on in your blog I wrote about getting goats and I was actually going to purchase a wether from the Clover’s family? Anyway, I was surprised this morning with our first baby goat from our mininubian, Bella! I post a picture on my blog. oneoldgoat.blogspot.com
Just wanted to tell you — and thanks for taking in Spot!
Beth in PA
On May 11, 2009 at 8:00 am
Anita says:
Jack Russell by the head shape – he’s guaranteed to keep you entertained. Ours makes us laugh every day.
On May 11, 2009 at 8:08 am
Carol says:
Aww! Lucky Spot! I’m sure he’ll be very happy in his forever home! Congratulations, and Happy Mother’s Day (a little late)! :happyflower:
On May 11, 2009 at 8:13 am
Leah says:
Now it’s Weston’s turn! Wonder what he’ll bring home? :dancingmonster:
On May 11, 2009 at 9:03 am
Ms E says:
I think Spot has hit the jackpot!
On May 11, 2009 at 9:25 am
Joanna Wilcox says:
I love terriers, have three myself but they don’t mix with farm animals, bred to kill small fuzzy critters. Maybe Spot will behave himself.
On May 11, 2009 at 9:29 am
Elise S says:
Really good point about small fuzzys for a farm owner to consider
On May 11, 2009 at 10:45 am
Gail says:
Looks like a Jack Russell. They have a high prey drive and cute as
he is, he might go after your chickens. First thing of order…neuter that boy! CoCo will have fun keeping up with him!
On May 11, 2009 at 9:46 am
Elise S says:
Spot looks like my Jack Russell, very likely he was out for a jaunt and got himself misplaced. My jack loves to run and explore. High energy and very very smart, then they flip into a cuddly couch potato.
On May 11, 2009 at 10:42 am
cgReno says:
Oh, better explain the rules to that one, soon. No chicken chasin’ would be high on the list, and then there is the kitty game of chase….
I have one that looks alot like that and all of the above have called it, Jack Russell terrier, lots of energy, and high prey drive…….Lucky Spot!
On May 11, 2009 at 11:06 am
catslady says:
Another awwwwwwwww. My house is known too except it’s mostly cats lol.
On May 11, 2009 at 11:14 am
Estella says:
Ross really knows his mom!
Spot is lucky to have you.
On May 11, 2009 at 1:19 pm
monica says:
I am suprized that you have not complained of people peaking in your windows. we have been good. Laundry is done, dishes washed, floors mopped, & beds are made. Garden is planted (& sprouted!). we need to know what the new critter is!!!!
On May 11, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Susan says:
You are so sweet to take Spot in. :heart: I guess Ross knows it is impolite to say no to a gift. 😆
On May 11, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Sheryl says:
Awwww! So cute! Jack Russels are so hyperactive! They run at top speed all the time, hopping up and down on the spot and they are so smart!
On May 11, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Lisa in California says:
So you have two new additions to the farm…spot and (soon) pocahontas. I would have taken him in too! You are a wonderful animal person. :purpleflower:
On May 11, 2009 at 2:26 pm
KentuckyFarmGirl says:
He’s so lucky to have found you Suzanne! I also have a weakness for strays. I have 3 new stray roosters! I blogged about them on my blog today.
On May 11, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Donna says:
Ohhh he looks like my Fox Terrier I got for my 16th birthday! I said “I want a dog or diamond ring”. The 35 dollar pup, from a Mexican farm, was cheaper…but I got alot more out of that pup, as far as love, than that stupid ring. LOL They love their tummy rubbed and ice cream…but don’t feed them candy or sugar – their teeth will rot, the won’t eat, then die. NEVER give them chocolate, as it can kill them. Spot looks adorable!!!!! What a sweet sweet son! :snoopy: :snoopy: :snoopy: :snoopy: :snoopy:
On May 11, 2009 at 3:16 pm
sunnid755 says:
oh dear, isn’t he just the cutest thing? Some things are just meant to be. There’s a whole lotta love in the world to spread around and it sounds like he sure needed some.
On May 11, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Kacey says:
You are such a softie! Ross knows you too well! :yes:
On May 11, 2009 at 5:25 pm
SuzieQ says:
:snoopy: What a wonderful Mother’s Day gift!! A fur coat full of love.. :snoopy:
On May 11, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Lana says:
Bless you, Suzanne!
On May 11, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Sandra Leigh says:
Perfect! I was just raving about your blog last night. I told my dog-loving daughter I would send her a link, and I know she’ll love both this post and your new puppy. https://chickensintheroad.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/snoopy.gif
On May 11, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Jodie says:
I just lost my 18 yr old Jack Russell terrier last year. You can ship him over to Texas if you don’t want him. I just adopted a dog named Goat at the North Texas Irish Festival in March. He’s now called Seamus Shortcake… long story. Anyway, google Jack Russell terrier and read the bad dog stories. They are a HANDFUL. Careful around the cats and chickens. Love to go to ground after small animals … but will keep your area free of vermin (rats, mice etc.) oops that’s the cats’ job. You might need to keep him inside and train him… or put in a dog run for safety of other 2 and 4 legged animals. Fox terrier had some of the same traits as do rat terriers. They are terriers… a bit of a terror at times. :snoopy:
On May 11, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Sharon says:
The advise from #54 is very good. Looks like some or all Jack Russell and they are noted to chase, hunt and destroy. We are on our third one and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. Tully is our baby, 8 months old, and his name means “ruler of the people”. Oh, so true! They do need some disipline, but make wonderful family dogs. The rooster sounds like he could give Spot some good lessons on respecting the rest of the flock. I’m just kidding. I wouldn’t let it come to that. Love him a lot and he’ll return it 10 fold!
On May 12, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Jane WV says:
Have you ever considered guinea fowl..I just received my first pair tonight..They are supposed to keep all insects eaten. and they wont eat your flowers or garden stuff..They dont scratch like chickens do.. The only thing is i will have to keep these penned up for a couple of weeks.. If they were newly hatched (keets) I would be able to handle them and tame them.. and they are nice looking birds(I think)
On May 12, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Winifred says:
Ahh bless! It was his lucky day too.
On May 18, 2009 at 4:22 pm