Can’t Catch Me
Racing may be where they win their championships, but for Jason and Lorri Jones with their three Jack Russell Terriers it is only about competing together as a family.
Written by Blair Townley; Photos Provided
Champions live among us in Lake County and though they are small, they are mighty in speed, energy and nature.
Lexie, Goose and Maverick are three Jack Russell Terriers in Leesburg that have taken the state and nation by storm with their over 100 combined championship wins in racing trials.
Genetics, diet and a dedicated training schedule attributes much to their success but owners Jason and Lorri Jones see that their desire to win and love from the Jones is their biggest motivator.
“They have that drive and will to win that you can’t put into a dog,” Jason states.
“Yet they are very good dogs that interact with us every single day and are part of our family.”
Born to Win
It was a trip that determined a destiny when Jason and Lorri stopped by a Jack Russell breeder’s home to look at newborn puppies.
Seeing an agility course in the breeder’s backyard, the couple learned from the breeder about the Sunshine State Jack Russell Terrier Club (a Florida-affiliated chapter of the National Jack Russell Terrier Club) of which the Joneses are now board members.
Lorri had always had an interest in showing animals and after talking with Jason they adopted their first Jack Russell, Lexie – Fox Cry Alexandria.
Lexie competes in the “Go to Grounds” trials where dogs go through simulated tunnels as if chasing rats and holds national titles in the 30 and 70 ft. tunnels.
“She is very focused when she is at a trial and is very praise-driven, obedient and sweet,” says Lorri, who mentions Lexie is also the 2011 Reserve National Under GTG Champion and the 2010 National Super Earth Champion.
Two years after adopting Lexie, littermates Goose – Jacks B Quick Goose and Maverick – Jacks B Quick Maverick (named for Top Gun characters) joined the family. They also became national champions in the 300 ft. straight tracks, similar to doggie drag racing with flats and hurdles.
A wrist injury almost ended the career of Goose two years ago, but with surgery and a year of recovery he returned to compete in the 29th Annual Nationals and was named the 2011 National Over Racing Champion.
Pets at Heart
Even though championships and accolades continue to grow for the trio, Lexie, Goose and Maverick enjoy an active and loving home life with the Joneses.
Training for local and national competitions happens throughout the year and combines treadmill running as well as exercising on the couple’s five-acre property.
“We don’t burn them out with training and try to incorporate tennis balls or toys to keep the training fun. Jason changes up the training so it isn’t the same thing for them all the time and heavier training happens a couple of weeks to a couple of months before competitions,” Lorri says.
Outside of racing trials shows the different personalities of each dog; sweet, six-year-old Lexie who loves people and is Jason’s shadow, goofy four-year-old Goose who has lots of energy but is calm during competition and laidback four-year-old Maverick who loves the couch but becomes energized when in competition.
“I love to race and am competitive but working with the dogs helps me have a better relationship with them. It’s a good bond you have with the dog when you compete,” Jason says.
The couple and their dogs will be competing in trials January 14-15 at the Ocala Horse Park and also on February 12 at the Tampa Fairgrounds. They regularly compete also in Umatilla and Lady Lake.
To learn more about the local and national clubs, please visit their websites at www.ssjrtc.com (for Sunshine State Jack Russell Terrier Club) and www.jrtc.com (for National Jack Russell Terrier Club).
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