Dear Mark: I want to share a brief, true story about the day I met my loving friend, Chase. My family, wife and son, have always had terriers as pets. Previously, we have always brought home puppies, usually wire haired fox terriers. However, after the loss of our beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Bernie, we have fallen for those most mischievous but intelligent creatures. At my wife’s suggestion, we decided to rescue an adult. I looked for months on the Internet, speaking with scores of owners. Finally, we decided on Chase (see his attached photo). On the day of his arrival, I went to the Burbank Airport to pick him up in his kennel, shipped from Seattle. I saw his eyes gleaming at me through the screen. As I went to take him into my arms, I opened the kennel, and as I did, he shot through my arms like a football through a rookie’s. He started racing through the airport. I was hysterical, praying he did not run outside into traffic. Thankfully, he had it in mind to rush through security. I am right behind him screaming: “Chase, Chase!” I was just waiting to be tackled by the police. Mercifully, he heard his name and came to a halt. I grabbed him up and haven’t let go yet. Chase has, of course, taken over the house. I know now that we will always rescue our pets. They are just too special.

Miles from California