Browse ›
A white and tan Jack Russell Terrier walks through a flowery meadow followed by a line of yellow ducklings. 3 / 36

The Jack Russell Marched Through the Meadow With a Very Long Tail Behind Him

AI imagejack russell terrierducklingsmeadow

The meadow is peppered with daisies and tiny purple blossoms, and a scruffy white and tan Jack Russell Terrier is walking through it with his head lifted and his eyes ahead. Behind him, in a long, wobbly line, come the ducklings, each one hurrying to keep up. A fence and a few farm buildings blur into the misty morning in the distance.

Jack Russells are alert, energetic dogs, and their instinct is often to dash around. Walking calmly at the front of a line of ducklings takes a lot of self-control. In nature, ducklings follow their mother in a line, a behavior that helps keep them close and protected. Young ducklings can follow whoever they see first, which is why people who raise them are careful about handling. Dogs and baby birds should be introduced with caution, and a pet that is too excited can injure a duckling without meaning to. Ask your vet for advice about safe interactions.

Here, though, everything is orderly. The terrier looks proud and a bit serious, like a tour guide who has done this route many times. The ducklings follow without complaint, bobbing and peeping over the grass. Wildflowers sway as they pass. It is the kind of small, unhurried parade that makes a regular morning feel like something worth remembering. By the time they reach the far fence, the little ones will probably be sleepy, and the terrier will be ready to guide them back at the same careful pace.

More from this collection

All 36 →
A red wire-haired Dachshund sleeps on a striped rug beside a row of yellow ducklings.The Dachshund Fell Asleep, and the Ducklings Lined Up Next to His NoseA silver-gray Weimaraner lies on a blue plaid blanket beside a staggered line of yellow ducklings.The Weimaraner Lay Down, and Six Ducklings Settled In Front of Him
A white Samoyed sits beside a frosted window as a line of yellow ducklings perches on the sill.Snow Fell Outside, and a Samoyed Had a Row of Tiny Window WatchersA fawn and white Bulldog lies on a gray couch with a pile of yellow ducklings snuggled against his chest.The Bulldog Looked Outvoted. The Ducklings Had Chosen His Couch Spot.A black and white Border Collie peers at a line of yellow ducklings standing on a dusty windowsill.The Border Collie Gave the Ducklings His Famous Stare. They Looked Outside.A cream Chihuahua in a leather collar sits in a metal wheelbarrow beside a line of yellow ducklings.The Chihuahua Sat Up Straight in the Wheelbarrow, Like She Was in Charge