My JRT has me on a mandatory health and wellness plan.
I've had a JRT for about two months now, and it's wild how much things have changed in that time period. (I know, I should have already had a JRT-compatible lifestyle, but in my defense, my family has always owned border collies and I'm happy to throw a ball or tug a rope ad nauseam, so I foolishly thought "how hard could it be?")
Here's a small sample of the before and after...
--I avoided exercise, maybe walking for 20m a day. Now my partner and I each walk 50 minutes a day and I'm getting back into yoga and stretching, because why not?
--I never had the time or energy to cook fresh meals and often relied on convenience food. My JRT barks at me any time I pick up my phone and mindlessly scroll, but loves watching me cook, so I'm cooking every night rather than relying on Doordash or the microwave. I'm also saving money as a result (though I'm gonna guess the hundreds I've already dropped on puzzle toys she solves in thirty seconds make that a bit of a wash.)
--My home wasn't gross, but it certainly wasn't super tidy. Now, I pick up anything that falls to the floor right away lest it become a JRT snack, and my laundry is done consistently to avoid my socks becoming new chew toys.
--I've had a chronic injury for literally a decade that benefits from consistent soaking/bathing. When I'm in the bath, my JRT finally stops barking, because she fears that if she gets my attention it will be The Dreaded Bathtime, so now I'm magically tending to old wounds.
In what ways did your life change after getting a JRT?
Disclaimer: Please do not get a JRT in hopes that they will become your personal trainer! I'm elated that my lifestyle is more in line with my goals as a result of caring for her, but truly, she is a delight and a FAMILY MEMBER and her needs come first. If you can't imagine yourself providing multiple hours of stimulation every day for a high-energy, high training needs dog, please don't do it!