Published: May 02, 2008 01:52 pm         

Terrier misses her dog-park days

DANVILLE — A visit to a dog park in Florida changed the life of one local terrier.

“She just had a wonderful time,” Maggie’s owner, Dr. John Mason of Danville, said. “It matured her and made her better.”

Before that, the pup was aggressive to other dogs while she was taking a walk. When Mason took the leash off, “she was best friends with every dog in the park,” he said.

They went at least three times a week.

Not only did Maggie Anne enjoy the outing, but Mason liked chatting with other dog owners. It also gave him a chance to educate people about Maggie and her background as a Glen of Imaal terrier.

That positive experience got Mason wondering if a dog park would be a hit in the Danville area.

“If we mobilized people, I think we can get it done,” he said. “I think it’s something the community would really enjoy.”

Even now, several months later, Maggie’s ears perk up when Mason asks if she wants to go to the dog park.

Mason has contacted the organizers of Dog Day in the Park — which will be June 14 at Ellsworth Park — to see if he could set up a table to get people’s ideas about starting one here.

In the meantime, 16-month-old Maggie has to be content with walks on a leash.

To many people, Maggie might look like any other terrier. But a closer look shows the unique characteristics of a Glen of Imaal terrier — the bowed legs, strong hindquarters, long body and bright, intelligent eyes. Some have a docked tail.

Maggie is a brindle color, and weighs about 30 pounds. The breed, which doesn’t shed, has a double coat — a wiry layer on top and a soft wool underneath.

Mason brushes her every two or three days and gets her groomed every three weeks or so. Even after brushing, the coat soon returns to its unruly look.

The breed traces its history to Ireland, specifically Glen of Imaal in County Wicklow. Like other breeds of Irish ancestry, the Glen was bred to rid the home and farm of vermin, and hunt fox and badger.

The breed was recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1934, but development of the breed slowed during World War II. By the 1970s, the breed began making a comeback.

Mason had a Kerry blue terrier, another Irish breed, several years ago. When that pet died, it took 20 years before he was ready for another dog.

One day, he and his wife, Donna, were in a store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago when a dog came running through the place.

“What is that?” Mason wondered. The owner said it was a Glen of Imaal, but added, “Don’t get excited. You’ll never find one.”

Mason tried to contact some breeders, but nobody responded immediately. A daughter-in-law, Lisa, used her contacts in Atlanta, Ga., to find a breeder in England.

The breeder put the 12-week-old puppy onto a plane for the trans-Atlantic trip to her new family.

“She’s a delight,” Mason said.

Even his wife, who wasn’t sure at first, has become a fan. “We both laugh at some of the things she’s done,” Mason said.

The dog knows to go to her kennel when Mason says “bed”; she knows to wipe off her feet when she comes indoors; and she can sit up for treats.

When Mason sits down, she takes that as a cue to play, goes to her toy box and selects a toy. However, the play is one-sided, as she doesn’t like to let go.

“She’s always doing things that make me laugh,” he said. “I’m just crazy about her.”

“She’s a very intelligent dog,” Donna said, joking that she doesn’t even brag about her own children the way she brags about Maggie.

Like most terriers, Maggie requires a fair amount of attention, Mason said. If she doesn’t get her exercise, she gets cantankerous.

Mason retired as a physician in 1999, so he has time to devote to Maggie’s training and socialization.

Not every person is suited for life with a terrier; the breed can be feisty and energetic. But, it looks like Maggie Anne and her American family are a perfect match.

FYI

— If you’re interested in a dog park and would like to share your thoughts with Dr. John Mason, e-mail him at jcmjr1506@aol.com

— For more information about the breed, visit the Glen of Imaal Terrier Club Web site at http://www.glens.org

POOCH PAGEANT

Mark your calendars for June 21. That’s when the first Poochie Pageant will be held at McFerren Park in Hoopeston. Registration is at 9 a.m., and the parade will be at 10 a.m.

Categories include formal wear, swimsuit and talent. Entry fee is $10.

The pageant is part of the Drivin’ the Dixie Days.

If your dog has a special talent or looks cute in clothing, sign up now. Deadline is June 7. Call the Hoopeston Chamber of Commerce at 283-7873 for an entry form.

Contact Mary Wicoff at 477-5161, send an e-mail to mwicoff@dancomnews.com or write to Commercial-News, 17 W. North, Danville, IL 61832.