I would like to adopt!Number: #1
Picture: 
Name: Spark
Species: Jack Russel terrier .X. Fox terrier (wire hair)
Personality: When the word ‘energetic’ comes to mind, a simple person may think of one running. If they were a little more creative, perhaps they might conjure a body flowing with energy. But, although rare, occasionally some will sum up the most precise definition in three words: Jack Russell Terrier. Throughout history the short-legged fiends have been known for reflexes as sharp as their barks, noses more powerful than each of the senses put together, a stocky build heavy with muscle and enough to determination to make the most challenging tasks seem basic. The dogs appealed to many because of the variety of traits they carried, but were mostly sought after by hunters. And even though some of these features have been bred out over time, a young dog called Spark is a picture of terrier beauty.
His survival is not dependant on hunting nor is it necessary, but the sport of it is what drives him. Spark has a habit of throwing himself at anyone who enters his territory or a two meter radius of himself, in frantic mix of excitement and warning. Like most dogs the thought of intruders presents many opportunities. Cats, birds, people and other dogs pass by frequently, the subjects of these barking fits. But they are not the only ones to be hunted. Extra precaution is taken when disposing of food scraps. A bin top left ajar, crumbs under the door, frying pans unsupervised; all susceptible to being raided, violently chewed up and licked clean. Although Spark is cunning when it comes to obtaining the scraps, his mind doesn’t stretch far enough to cover up the crime. It’s quite frustrating for the poor dog, to be pinned with the blame and taking punishment for something the humans have no proof of.
With soaring spirits, Spark generally keeps an ecstatic mood. He is overly confident and has no shame in himself. Once setting his mind to something, he can become so determined that you’d have to hold him down to stop him. Spark’s vocabulary simply doesn’t include “no”. When pursuing a task, even an everyday one, he puts effort and confidence into it, even managing to enjoy himself though it may be dull to others. Maintaining a purely positive attitude, most dogs and humans are attracted to him and his warmth. Spark gets upset with negative situations, and not wanting to make things worse, he removes himself from the situation as quickly as possible. Usually Spark doesn’t act on impulse, unless he knows it won’t impact the majority of people or it’s food related.
Not surprisingly he is naturally athletic. Outrunning lawn mowers, cars and even occasionally cats, the young dog seems to find the height of entertainment in proving his agility to others. Once, after several afternoons of being locked inside whilst his owners holidayed and building up energy, Spark burst outside and set after the first thing that twitched, which happened to be a bird; it was taken by surprise, not feeling the lightweight vibrations or catching a dog figure in the blur he appeared to be, and was draged to the ground before it could escape. Spark held onto the bird's wing with such a force as it tried to escape, he was pulled upward and nearly took flight. Luckily it gave in, caressed with excited licks instead of the more likely fate that most small animals fall victim to. Although the tough little terrier is capable of inflicting damage, he has no desire to. Most cats don't appreciate being tackled and licked about, but onlookers coo and comment about how adorable it is, which usually encourages Spark.
He doesn't get angry or participate in fights, resulting in a low temper that is rarely stirred. When something needs doing he'll do it, and when someone wants his opinion, it's plain and truthful. Instead of festering over his faults or boiling over jealousy, Spark is grateful for what he has and doesn't expect the world to stop for selfish wants; but it does anyway. Oppportunites and gifts alike come his way, only envy, snide thoughts and bitterness are given to those around him. Spark doesn't realise it but his intentions are always for the best and that is why he avoids those feelings. Although his attitude to life is simple and joyful, Spark has his share of lows too.
Being pushed away when all you want to do is show them how much you love them. Trying so hard to keep up with the world but you just can't. Feeling lonely, even though you're surrounded by people. Building up courage to try agian, and then getting crushed.His personality is not bi-polar based, but sometimes there are times when even the happiest of us curl up and cry. It's only natrual, especially as it subsitutes his lack of anger or a way of venting it out instead.
Likes: He has a unique fondness for children of the human kind. Their playful and cheeky antics compare to his own, often resulting in lots laughter from the kids as well as their guardians. Not only do dog and child share the same characteristics, but understand each other thoroughly. With a fresh mind open to new ideas, cleansed with innocence but curious and daring, the mind of a child is literally blooming with imagination that walks alongside feisty playfulness. Matched to an open minded and simply happy dog, many great memories can be made.
If there's something that gets the Spark in a groove, it's music. His feet simply find it irresistible and start to shake at even the mildest beats. Shudders flicker down his back causing his torso to sway and swerve from side to side, bobbing his head in spasmodic movements, whilst shaking everything else about like there’s no tomorrow. It’s quite a sight actually, to see such a quirky dance coming from a little dog with a lot of spunk. Sometimes when he’s in the zone, the shaking intensifies to more complex and graceful movements, Spark may even close his eyes. Although he favours all genres, anything with a catchy rhythm and a touch of Staccato will get Spark swinging. And he’s persistent with it too! A good groove could get him dancing along for quite a while, even after the song has finished.
Dislikes: For such a cheery little character, he usually tries not to show feelings in ways that could inflict pain or tension, which is quite hard. As living beings we all have to vent our emotions in some way, and that includes anger, sadness, grief and denial. Instead of portraying true feelings or even acknowledging them, he often builds up a lot of hurt inside, acting as if it’s not there. As if nothing’s there. Spark‘s habit is not out of pride or a figure he’s trying to live up to, but something much deeper; In everything he does, the intentions are always to benefit those around him, those he loves. Hiding emotions is something he despises, but also believes that nothing can be done about it. Unfortunately even the best of us have our weaknesses.
Background:It was a box; a big box, with big brown walls. My littermates squealed and pushed each other over with gleeful ecstasy, because today was the day that the world would open up to us. I could sense from Mama that something great was going to happen. We had never been away from her so long, but I didn’t care. This was great! I kept falling into other puppies, especially because our box tilted every now and then, but we were all too happy to care. The worst thing that had happened to any of us was being smacked and scolded if you urinated inside, so what could be worse than that? This was all just one big adventure for me. I just knew that where I was going would be even better than where I came from. Everyone seemed to think so. Maybe Mama would be waiting when I get out of this box? Yes, I thought she would. I thought she would want to see the world to. Ow! The box flung aside and my leg started to hurt from being pushed against my brother. I scuttled up and jumped over him, excited to see a shaft of light peaking through. Pretty soon the whole ceiling lifted up, and my eyes started to burn. Why was it so bright? We all blinked warily for the first few seconds, but the atmosphere transformed in a heartbeat. It was frantic, joyous and pushy; everyone wanted to scramble over the wall. Their attempts were useless though, as I could see, when every puppy tried at the same time. So I sat back and just watched. A hand shoved its way through the new entrance, poking around the puppy kisses and nibbles that greeted it; the hand was coming for me. I squealed, feeling the tight constriction as the chubby child squeezed my stomach. I was whisked away from the dim lit box in less than an instant, squirming and exposed to a foreign environment. New sounds, sights and smells bombarded me, a feast for the senses. The girl grasped on tighter, presenting me to another human impaitently.
“Mummy, mummy! I want this one, I want it, I want it, I want it!!” She said in desperation.
“Are you sure darling? That one is quite... plain. How about that brown one?”
The girl’s face turned red with defiance as she moaned “NO! They’re stupid! I want this one!”
Her mother was hesitant, but finally gave in to stop her daughter making a scene. “Okay, say thank you to uncle Tom darling.” She sighed.
I heard no ‘thank you’, just a loud snort as I was carried off.
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It's been four years since that eventful day. I can't really remember much after we drove away in the car, except that I was beyond excitement as well as words. The girl (whose name turned out to be Jenny) curried her brush through my hair and pondered at what names to call me. She tickled me and giggled to herself with such affection, not a care in the world. I warmed to Jenny the same way, forgetting Mama and the puppies and the box that had been all I ever knew an hour ago. She told me about her neighbour’s garden, friends at school, the news and how we were going to have so much fun together over the years. I regret believing that. It’s been such a long time since we played. The first few weeks I came to stay with Jenny and her family, everything was about me; attention came left, right and centre, undivided for anyone else to catch a share of. Everyone wanted to take me for a walk, or feed me, but mostly they wanted to touch me. In the span of a month I had smelt and felt so my hands that I couldn’t keep track of who was who, so I decided to greet everyone in the same playful manner. Jenny strutted around like a princess, taking measures to make sure everyone on the block knew about her prize.
I grew comfortable with this treatment, very comfortable. It was quite a blow to me when I realised people started to care less and less, including Jenny. They were all captured by a new baby down the street, brushing me away like dust. Sometimes I didn't go for walks for months on end, and more than ocasionally the family forgot to feed me. It lead to a scavenging habbit, because I'm constantly hungry. I haven't drunk clean water for a long time either, mostly just from stale puddles or dripping pipes. Since Jenny bought me home all those years ago, she grew up. More pets came, many of them also left. The girl is one for crazes, fads, and she's had many over time; an obsession with dolls, then flowers, followed by hairstyles and magazines. Currently she is into boys, sometimes even bringing them home. I like the boys and most of them like me back, though I've never met the same one twice. Jenny just scowls at me if I approach her. I don't try to anymore though.
And that is where my life is up to. The suburban children are my family now, since receiving constant rejection from my adopters. But I know how busy they are, and it’s easier to forgive and forget than have expectations, from them especially. If there’s anything I’ve learned it’s never to expect humans to have... routine. They’re constantly changing, so I change with them. Simple as that. I still get up to adventures now and then, especially when I’m not looking for them. My whole life has been one big adventure; I mean
is one big adventure. Hopefully a long one at that!
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