Brigid jumped the fence yesterday

[IrishAyes]

I always knew she might, but I happened to be the accidental inspiration. The fence is only 4' tall because that's plenty for old chows, and I never intended to get another dog big enough to scale it. Well, Brigid's 17" tall - seems to have stopped growing like a weed now - and she's 2" taller than what Wikki lists as the standard for her 'broad' breed. The slight mottling on her right ear would've disqualified her from the show ring anyway, and I don't bother with that. But her extra 2" is unfortunate so far as the fence goes. Always before, I'd leave both dogs in the yard if I had to step outside the gate a few minutes and remained in sight.

But yesterday I went out to take something to the neighbor on the corner, and suddenly there was Brigid running circles around me. Fortunately after her brief romp she jumped back in my arms and I carried her home almost crying with relief. Give her another 6 months or so and she'll have me trained to a T.

The fence is the old fashioned wire kind with a scallop top, also known as rainbow from the 1920's. It was the only thing I ever wanted for this old house, and it took me 2 years to track down a source that still made it on special, once or twice a year when they had enough orders to justify a run. So there's absolutely no way of extending the height. The company told me they wouldn't be making them much anymore, and that was almost 6 years ago. Plus I'm not in any shape to shell out a king's ransom for more fencing, which would have to be at least 7' to hold her. The dogs have a quarter acre to run around on, minus the house footprint, but if I only let her loose when I'm out and put her in a smaller covered pen when I went indoors, you know how well that would go over.

Today she set up a great roar at a cat across the street but she didn't even offer to jump the fence. I'm hoping that she will stay put so long as she can keep me on heel!

BTW, while I'm at it, Brigid seems possibly stronger inch for inch than just about any dog I ever had, which never before included a terrier. (She's a terrierist.) Not bad for a starving little 3-mo-old my dog rescue friend brought me. She's spayed and microchipped, of course; I hope and pray that along with food and family location she'll stay put. The microchipping won't hold her back, but people have been warning me to be extra careful when there's a dog sale at the county fairgrounds, because a lot of pets 'disappear' around that time. One thing for sure, if that ever happened to Brigid, her first visit to the new vet would tell the tale. Nobody local would buy her because this place is so small everybody knows everything about everybody.

[Auntie Bush]

1. My JRT was backing up and crounching down getting ready to jump the 4' wire fence.

I didn't have the money for another row of fencing and taller stakes...so I put a lot the stick branches weaved into the top of the fence. Looks funny but makes it look a couple feet taller. She fell for it as she's never tried to jump it again. But I do have to explain to people why there are sticks on the top of the fence. I was going to run a row of yellow surveyors tape across the top to really establish the height...but wasn't necessary and I was happy I didn't want to have to look at it. The stick/branches blend in with the woods so don't look too bad. Plus I didn't put them up near to the house and ruin my view. She doesn't try to jump it there but she could.

[IrishAyes]

3. I might have to try sticks for awhile if she ever jumps again

But so far, even with lots of temptations, she hasn't since I agreed to stay inside the yard too.

[Granny M]

2. We always called Sam the Welsh Terrorist.

Terriers have incredible spirit which makes them a bit difficult. That said, after raising two Airedales and a Welsh, we're addicted to the terrorists.
The Airedales were especially good at getting out - sixth sense for an open door or gate.
Terriers need lots of walking.
Good luck with Brigid - give her a kiss from me.

[IrishAyes]

4. You betcha.

Out of loyalty to past dogs, I almost hate to say this - but Brigid might be the smartest of the lot. Certainly none braver, not even the rotts and dobies and chows. I was so proud of her when firecracker season started. We stood in the yard and every time someone shot off a bottle rocket or anything else noisy, no matter how far away and clearly not headed toward us, Brigid rushed the fence in a protective fury. Poor little Molly wedged herself between my feet and just shook. Brigid was clearly afraid on some level but it didn't stop her in the least. It was the only time I ever saw her in earnest vicious mode. She's run the fence barking warning before, but her response to fireworks was pure attack.

When I think of the people who abused and starved her the first 3 months of her life, besides other anger issues I remain amazed that they denied themselves such a priceless treasure. She's not a careless barker either; when I go out and tell her not to bark at somebody, she generally stops and remembers. It would probably be different even if those designated persons tried to come in the yard, though. Certainly in the house! I thought after my beloved chows died I'd never dare sleep with an open window again, regardless of how low-crime this area is. But now I do again, because all I need is an alert, and both dogs sleep together in a big spindle baby bed right next to me. Ain't nobody gettin' to mama!

[Granny M]

5. She sounds like a wonderful girl.

Sam behaved the same way on fireworks nights. And thunderstorms got the same treatment.

Love to Molly and Brigid. Good doggies!