Malta, a small but mighty group of Mediterranean islands, is known for its rich history — including the fabled story of a cliff-diving canine superstar: Titti.
Several years ago, Tricia and I had the pleasure of seeing this Jack Russell Terrier as she practiced synchronized diving with her human dad, Carmelo.
Her fearless leaps off cliffs into the crystal-clear waters of St. Peter’s Pool became an internet sensation. This video I made of Titti and Carmelo garnered over 200,000 views on YouTube.
St. Peter’s Pool: A Maltese Gem
St. Peter’s Pool is a natural seawater pool carved into the cliffs of Marsaxlokk, Malta. The pool is surrounded by rocky cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Tricia and I also harvested wild asparagus nearby, as we learned to do with our good friends in Croatia. Wild asparagus is a delightful spring treat, that goes well with white wine, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes.
Jack Russell Terriers: An Important Discussion
I have been a staunch animal-welfare advocate for a long time. I would often give my allowance to the local animal shelter when I was a kid (after a small deduction for candy).
Therefore, it is very important to me that I mention the pros and cons of Jack Russell Terrier ownership.
Titti was a Jack Russell Terrier. For anyone thinking of adopting one with the aspirations of training her to be the next canine-diving Olympian, there are some important things to take into consideration.
Pros of Jack Russell Terrier Ownership
- High Energy: Jack Russells are great companions for active individuals. They love to play and explore and require plenty of exercise.
- Intelligent: These dogs are quick learners and can be trained easily. They often excel in agility and obedience trials.
- Loyal: Jack Russells are known for their strong bond with their families and can be fiercely protective.
- Playful: Their playful nature makes them excellent companions for children who are old enough to handle their energetic antics.
Cons of Jack Russell Terrier Ownership
- High Energy: While their energy can be positive, it can also be challenging for less active owners. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
- Barking: Jack Russells can be prone to excessive barking, which can be a nuisance for neighbors. One of our neighbors has one and it will bark ferociously with its nose underneath the fence every time we pass by.
- Digging: These dogs have a natural instinct to dig, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of opportunities to do so safely.
- Training: While they are intelligent, Jack Russells can be stubborn at times and may require consistent training.
- Aggressive: They can also be quite aggressive with strangers and other dogs.
If you’re considering a Jack Russell Terrier, please do your research and be prepared to meet their needs. With proper training, socialization, and exercise, these dogs can make wonderful and loyal companions. However, too many of these brilliant dogs are sent to animal shelters because they are difficult to manage.
To learn more about Jack Russell Terriers, dive into the website for the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America.
For some adorable images and videos, and to connect with other Jack Russell owners, explore and engage with the Reddit Forum.
To learn more about Titti and Carmelo’s synchronized diving, check out Tricia’s blog post.
See you at the cliffs of St. Peter’s Pool! 🙂
Share your thoughts…