Update from Tom and Jaye on their Texter dogs
Having two generations of Airedales (both from Texter Terriers) provides an enjoyable challenge in that there is seven years (7-human years) between their ages. Both are females, and the oldest, the alpha-female, is 84 in human years (12 in dog years). The youngest is now 35 (5 in dog years).
Imagine for a minute an 85-year-old and a 35-something going out into the yard to play ball. No contest. Not with these Airedales. Our two Airedales play twice a day. It is intense play. Full contact, play. When the older Airedale (Cheers) lets the younger Airedale know she is ready to play she will signal by “telling her” (telling the younger dog) with a series of sharp barks, while dipping her head under the younger dog’s belly. When that happens, playtime has begun, wherever, and whenever it occurs.
An active chase usually ensues, invariably inside the house, and it goes room-to-room, and turns into a game of hide-n-seek. As the dogs get worked up, they cackle loudly and run at full speed around the pillars in one of the rooms of the house. You would never know there was an 85-year-old versus a 35-year-old playing together, having this much fun.
The younger dog is not an easy play mate. She is a bull. And she can play pretty rough. She (Jazz) uses full contact, body-slamming moves. We adult (humans) know enough to get out of her way. But we enjoy watching the action as it is so much fun to watch how serious they are about their play-action, as they enjoy playing. Of course, if the “play” begins to crescendo out-of-control to what might be a bit tougher than we think is “safe” for an older dog we “blow the whistle” as any competent WWE referee would do in any sanctioned, sportsman-like, sparring.
These are great dogs. We enjoy living with the every day, and we thank God we have them.
Tom & Jaye Holiday
(owners of Cheers and Jazz)
11930 Wexford Club Drive
Roswell, GA. 30075
