Mia's Story
Mia has filled my life with endless joy, light, and adventure—I truly can’t imagine a single day without her by my side.
This lively little ball of energy keeps me on my toes, transforming each day into a rewarding and exciting experience.
Many say Jack Russells are always on the move, but Mia is proof there’s more to them than constant activity.
Despite her high energy, she has a beautifully calm and affectionate side. Whether we’re out exploring new places or simply unwinding at home, she’s perfectly content in both moments.
Before she came home!
I'll be honest—I knew very little about Jack Russells at first. The few I'd encountered in the past hadn't exactly left a glowing impression on me.
When the chance to adopt a small dog came along, I didn’t hesitate. While Jack Russells weren’t my first choice, the rising costs of pets in recent years meant my options were limited. Still, I was excited for the journey ahead. Once I learned I’d be bringing Mia home, I dove headfirst into research. With just four days to prepare, I soaked up every piece of information I could find about the breed.
Looking back now, I’m so thankful I took the time to educate myself. Jack Russells are lively, high-energy dogs, and understanding their needs is absolutely essential. If you don’t provide them with enough activity and mental stimulation, trust me—they’ll find their own ways to stay entertained, and it probably won’t be the kind of “fun” you were hoping for!
Mia's new Beginnings! April 4th, 2020
Once Mia had a chance to settle in, we decided it was time to introduce her to our Rottweiler, Dexter.
Although Dexter wasn’t immediately thrilled about the newcomer, he gradually warmed up, and now they get along beautifully.
Mia was famished, so she eagerly polished off her meal. Potty training started immediately, and she's off to an impressive start—only two minor accidents indoors so far during her very first attempts!
She hasn’t barked yet and even made an effort to play with Dexter. However, Dexter is still adjusting to her presence. As the newest member of the household, she’s still a bit unfamiliar to him, and he’s cautiously warming up to the idea of having her around.
Throughout the day, I made it a point to take her outside frequently for potty breaks. I also gave her plenty of time to explore the yard, helping her get comfortable and familiarize herself with her new surroundings.
Once back inside, I introduced her to her crate. To make it inviting, I added her blanket and turned it into a fun experience by tossing treats inside, encouraging her to go in and out at her own pace. We also practiced with the crate door—opening and closing it, locking and unlocking it—allowing her to get used to the sounds and movements while staying relaxed and at ease both inside and nearby the crate.
When my bedtime rolled around (not hers!), I made sure to take her out for one last potty break before settling her into the crate. To ensure she stayed cozy through the night, I added a heating pad inside, since the Chinchillas in my room needed the A/C to stay comfortable. I also placed one of my shirts in the crate to offer her some reassurance with my scent and draped a thick comforter over the top to keep out the chill.
Mia greeted the morning bright and early at 7 a.m., ready to start the day. I took her outside for a quick potty break, and to my joy, she did both! I couldn’t have been prouder of her.
Still feeling a bit worn out, I tried to snuggle with her in bed to sneak in a little extra rest. But Mia had other ideas—she was full of energy and eager to play. After some time, I gently placed her back in her crate to see if she’d settle down, and thankfully, she did. She soon drifted off to sleep, giving me the chance to nap until 10 a.m. When I woke up, I felt so much more refreshed.
Even with her cozy setup, complete with a heating pad and blanket draped over the crate, she still seemed to wake up feeling a little chilly. That’s something I’ll need to address sooner rather than later.
To help Mia adjust to her new home, we kept things simple for the day. Despite the low-key approach, she hit an exciting milestone—Mia learned how to climb stairs! Curious as ever, she followed me and managed to take a few steps down on her own. It startled her at first, but with a little encouragement (and a few treats), we practiced one step at a time. While she was much more comfortable climbing up than going down, it was an amazing start!
Later, I let her explore the backyard at her own pace. Potty training takes patience, so I gave her plenty of time and space to figure it out. She had a blast dashing around, burning off her boundless puppy energy, and even found a few sticks to play with.
Throughout the day, I also worked on teaching her name—“Mia.” Every time she came to me when I called, I celebrated her efforts with treats and lots of praise. It didn’t take long for her to start responding, which made me incredibly proud. We also ventured out for her very first walk and a quick trip to the store. Since she’s only 8 weeks old, I carried her most of the way, but I let her walk a little to go potty and start learning how to follow me. The walk was short and sweet, focused on creating positive experiences with potty breaks, playtime, and reinforcing her name.
As bedtime rolled around, we stuck to our routine. I took her out for one last potty break before gently settling her into her crate. While she whimpered for a short while, she eventually calmed down and fell asleep. All in all, Mia was such a good girl today—a wonderful start to her new life with me.
This week, Mia has been such a sweetheart. She’s been letting me sleep in a little later than 7 a.m.—a small but meaningful blessing that I’ve truly appreciated.
This morning, after I got dressed, we started our usual routine. I took her outside for her potty break, brought her back in, and served her breakfast. Once she finished eating, her energy levels shot through the roof, and she was ready to play.
We had a lively game of fetch, which she absolutely loved. With every toss of the ball, she bolted after it, her tail wagging with pure excitement. It was the perfect opportunity to reinforce her name training and work on her recall skills. I’m happy to say it’s going so well!
During our game, I added a simple command: “Bring me the ball.” Each time she returned it, I rewarded her with treats or plenty of praise. After an exhilarating play session, we headed outside for another potty break, and then she happily curled up for a nap once we were back inside.
Later in the afternoon, after I finished some house cleaning, we went out again for another potty break. But Mia had her own plans. Instead of focusing, she decided it was the perfect time to zoom around the yard like a rocket. She dashed around the trees, completing lap after lap at lightning speed.
I couldn’t help but laugh—watching her run with so much joy was absolutely heartwarming. She really loves to stretch her legs, and I have to say, she’s impressively fast!
Of course, her impromptu sprint session left her covered in sand and dirt. A bath was a must before she could come back inside.
We’ve also been working on leash training—both on and off-leash. Right now, I’m focusing on teaching her to stay close and follow my lead. Treats have been incredibly helpful as motivation, and I make sure to keep her from straying too far. Today, we practiced walking up and down the driveway and along the sidewalk near my house. It’s a work in progress, but she’s doing great!
*TREAT TRAINING IS OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY*
Today was also a big milestone for Mia—she got to meet my chinchillas for the first time. To ensure everyone’s safety, I started by keeping Mia in her crate while the chinchillas came out to play. This setup also gave me the chance to clean their cage, something I make a point to do daily to keep their space fresh, especially since their enclosure is in my bedroom. At first, Mia was curious and let out a few whines, intrigued by the new sights and sounds. But before long, she settled down and even drifted off to sleep.
Once the chinchillas were safely back in their cage, I checked on Mia in her crate, which I keep next to my bed. I had made her space warm and cozy with a heating pad and a comforter, but despite my efforts, she still seemed a little chilly and was lightly shivering.
In the end, I couldn’t resist. At just 8 weeks old, she’s still such a baby. So, I decided to let her sleep in my bed. Of course, I made sure she went potty first before tucking her in beside me.
Mia hit 10 weeks old!
This week came with a fun surprise—Mia decided it was time for me to stop sleeping in! LOL. So now, we’re up at 7 a.m., bright and early to start the day together.
Honestly, having a puppy feels a lot like raising kids all over again. It’s a whirlwind of joy, responsibility, and boundless energy!
Since she sleeps in my bed, our mornings begin with a trip outside so she can take care of her business. Once we’re back inside, we usually snuggle back into bed to squeeze in a few more hours of sleep—until about 10 a.m. Thankfully, I’m not working right now, so I can soak up these moments to catch up on rest, especially since my nighttime sleep is often interrupted. This summer has truly been a blessing; it’s given me the chance to spend quality time at home with my kids during the day while also bonding with Mia when they’re at school.
By 10 a.m., Mia is ready for her second outing of the day. She’s doing so well staying in the yard and taking care of her needs like a pro. Afterward, it’s breakfast time! Right now, I’m splitting her meals into smaller portions to prevent overeating. Plus, the kibble pieces are still a bit big for her tiny puppy mouth.
This week, Mia has already had two baths and even got her nails trimmed! She handled everything like a champ, and of course, I made sure to reward her for being such a good girl.
Whenever our Rottweiler is outside, Mia loves tagging along behind him. But with the weather turning a bit chilly, we’ve been keeping her active indoors with games of fetch. She absolutely adores chasing the ball around the house!
In the evenings, we take family walks around the block with both dogs. These short strolls are perfect for Mia—they let her enjoy some fresh air, stretch her little legs, and burn off her endless puppy energy before bedtime. Since she’s still so young, we’re careful not to overdo it. Her tiny legs aren’t ready for long walks just yet. Always remember: **NEVER OVER-EXERCISE YOUR PUPPY!**
Once we’re back home, it’s the chinchillas’ turn for some fun. I let them out for their nightly free time, which usually lasts an hour or two. During this, Mia relaxes peacefully in her crate for some downtime. She’s such a well-behaved pup! When the chinchillas are done, Mia gets one last potty break before cuddling into bed with me for the night.
This week, we’ve been focusing on basic commands like “come” and “sit.” Next up, I plan to teach her “sit and stay.” For just 10 weeks old, she’s learning so quickly and making amazing progress. I couldn’t be prouder of my little girl!
Mia hit 11 weeks old, This is her week journey
This week began on a slightly different note, setting the stage for some memorable moments.
We started the day at 9 AM, greeted by Mia’s boundless energy. She decided it was playtime, so we got up, ready to dive in. First order of business: a quick trip outside for her potty break.
Once back inside, I fed Mia, made myself breakfast, and enjoyed a peaceful moment with my morning coffee. Shortly after, we jumped straight into her training session.
Our focus has been on treat-based training, working on commands like “Mia, come,” leash walking, “sit,” and “stay.”
At just 11 weeks old, Mia is catching on impressively fast. She’s doing such a fantastic job, and I couldn’t be prouder!
I feel so fortunate to have Mia in my life. She truly is the perfect companion, and I’m beyond grateful I took the leap to bring her home.
Today, we concentrated heavily on potty training. I made it a point to take her outside regularly throughout the day to build consistency. Little by little, she’s getting the hang of it.
There were plenty of laughs, too! Mia managed to get herself into trouble by following Dexter around and—somehow—getting peed on. Needless to say, she needed another bath. Oops! (LOL.)
In the afternoon, I had to step out to pick up some groceries. Mia went into her crate, and she’s adapting to crate training beautifully, entering it with minimal fuss now.
When I returned, I could hear her crying. I wasn’t sure if she had been crying the entire time or if she started because she knew I was back. Either way, I waited until she calmed down before letting her out.
*Pro tip: Always wait until they’re calm before opening the crate!*
Mia did have a small accident in her crate, but that’s perfectly okay. I took her outside immediately to reinforce that potty time happens outdoors.
**The routine is simple: out of the crate, then straight outside for potty time.** While it takes patience and persistence, consistency is key, and I know Mia will get there soon!
April 19, 2020
Today unfolded a little differently, though our usual morning routine stayed the same.
Like always, we started the day outside with Mia. To my surprise, a thin layer of snow blanketed the ground—an unusual sight for April. Although it wasn’t much, it was enough to make Mia’s first experience with snow truly unforgettable. Oddly, this happened long before her first proper winter snowfall!
Snow in April? Definitely unexpected.
Even with just a light dusting, Mia was captivated. She eagerly explored the yard, sniffing every corner with curiosity. Once she seemed satisfied, I decided to toss a small snowball her way. To my delight, she loved it! In true Mia fashion, she grabbed the snowball and bolted off with it, leaving me laughing at her playful antics.
After our snowy adventure, we went back inside, and I started preparing Mia’s breakfast. Normally, she waits patiently at my feet while I fix her meal, but lately, I’ve been adding a bit of training to this routine. We’re focusing on commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “wait” until her release word, “eat.”
She’s still learning, and while she can hold her position for a couple of seconds, she occasionally needs a gentle reminder. With consistency and time, I know she’ll master these skills. For now, we’re laying the foundation with patience.
Beyond her mealtime training, we’ve been working on other activities like playing fetch. Mia responds well to the snap of my fingers, which makes introducing hand signals alongside verbal cues much easier. During my lunch breaks, we squeeze in even more practice, and Crystal often joins us for some fun playtime. Frequent trips outside help keep Mia accident-free indoors, keeping her training on track.
By dinnertime, Mia settles into her familiar routine—she eats, heads outside for a quick potty break, then comes back in for a bit of play. While we eat, she stays on her bed, away from the table—a behavior I’ve worked hard to instill. It took some time, but she’s finally mastered it.
Around 9 PM, Mia goes out for her evening potty break and a quick run. Afterward, she settles into her crate for a nap while I let my chinchillas out for their nightly exercise.
Strengthening my bond with Mia remains a top priority. I actively work on reinforcing her name and basic commands, laying the groundwork for off-leash reliability. Our next big training goal is the “leave it” command—an essential skill for keeping her focused and safe, especially around the other animals in the house.
Once the chinchillas were back in their enclosure around midnight, Mia and I went out for one final potty trip before calling it a night. And just like that, another full, rewarding day came to an end!
This week, our mornings have settled into a comforting and enjoyable routine. By 9 AM, we’re typically up and heading outside to start the day. After a satisfying breakfast, Mia and I dive into an energetic game of fetch with her favorite ball—she’s always so refreshed after her morning nap, making it the perfect time to play.
Each day, Mia’s fetch skills get better and better. She’s improving at returning the ball to me, and I make sure to reward her almost every time—positive reinforcement truly works wonders! We also take regular potty breaks during playtime, ensuring a nice balance between fun and structure.
This morning, we introduced a new challenge: practicing patience during mealtime. When I set her food bowl down, she’s learning to wait instead of rushing in right away. Right now, it’s just for a brief moment, but it’s a huge step forward, and I couldn’t be prouder of her progress!
This evening, Mia continued to impress me with her calm demeanor. While I enjoyed dinner, she relaxed quietly on her bed, content and composed. Later, we headed outside for one last play session and a quick potty break before settling in for the night. When bedtime came, Mia peacefully snuggled into her crate without any fuss—even with the chinchillas nearby. After one final potty break, it was lights out for both of us, ending the day on a perfect note.
Today’s training session was full of exciting new milestones! Mia has always been eager to tackle the stairs, so I decided it was the perfect time to teach her how to navigate them safely.
There were a few heart-stopping moments when she almost lost her balance, but I stayed close to guide her every step of the way. With the number of stairs in our home, it’s crucial for her to learn this skill early to avoid any accidents.
Interestingly, Mia is already a staircase champion—when it comes to *climbing up*, that is. Watching her zoom to the top like she’s in a race is equal parts hilarious and impressive!
Later, we revisited her ball training, which happens to be one of her favorite activities. We also spent time reinforcing her “sit” and “stay” commands, especially during meal times. For just 11 weeks old, Mia is showing exceptional progress! Her ability to pick up commands so quickly constantly amazes me.
Our day wouldn’t be complete without a short walk. As expected, Mia paused often to sniff and explore—completely normal for a young pup still adjusting to the wonders of the outdoors. By the time we returned, she was ready for a long, well-earned nap.
In the afternoon, I introduced her to Shadow, my chinchilla. Using treats and the “LEAVE IT” command, I began teaching Mia not to chase or bother him. This is an essential skill for dogs—especially hunting breeds like Mia—to peacefully coexist with smaller pets. That said, even with training, dogs should never be left unsupervised with smaller animals, as their instincts can sometimes take over.
Each time Mia moved toward Shadow, I firmly said, “Leave it.” The moment she stepped back, I cheered “YES!” and rewarded her with a treat. She’s starting to understand that her smaller housemates are off-limits for chasing, which is a huge achievement!
Once the training session ended, I returned Shadow to his enclosure and took Mia outside for some fresh air. After such a productive day filled with learning and exploring, my hardworking pup was more than ready for another well-deserved nap!