As I approached the entrance of Islington's Farmer's Market this morning, I was greeted by an unusual sight. A tiny terrier, pretty as a picture, was seated in a baby pushchair, staring intently into the market entrance gate. This little lady is called Prudence and she is a 3-year-old Jack Russell terrier.
It turned out that Prudence, or Prue for short, was waiting outside the market gate for the rest of the family (owner's wife and baby daughter) to return from their weekly shop at the market, where dogs are not allowed. Prue was not to be distracted from her mission and, with a determination and single-mindedness so typical of Jack Russells and terriers in general, thoroughly ignored my camera and scorned my offer of a treat. Nothing would make her look away from the gate where her mistress and the baby would be coming from. It was heartening to see Prue to be so dedicated and loyal to her family. Her owner told me that Prue loves children and gets on fabulously with their baby daughter. You can certainly tell from this photo!
She is also very used to having her photos taken as her owners are both photographers and run an art gallery near Arsenal, where Prue spends most of her days.
In fact, Prue is so popular that she has her own My Space site, where you can see her play football!
Prue is such a lovely example of a Jack Russell, a through and through British breed, known for its fierce loyalty, bags of energy and plucky personality. Perhaps the most famous British Jack Russell of the moment is Chalky, the trusty canine sidekick of the TV Chef, Rick Stein.
To meet another Jack Russell, see Dillon.
More about Jack Russell: Jack Russell Club of Great Britain
