Underfoot: Jack Russell Phoebe keeps close to owner Philippa Davison-Jacques.
Photo by
Daneka Hill
Three days of showjumping doesn’t happen by chance. Mooroopna resident Philippa Davison-Jacques was the events manager for the recent Northern Victorian Show Jumping Club World Cup Festival. As she criss-crossed the ground, handed out ribbons and organised staff, she was constantly followed by a tiny, quiet friend. The little dog was quickly nicknamed ‘Philippa’s shadow’ by competitors.
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How did you get Phoebe?
I’ve had her female line for about 40 years. I was given my first Jack Russell when I was seven — we’ve bred the odd litter here and there from them. I got Phoebe through a friend who’d taken a puppy from me previously.
How old is Phoebe?
About 10. She’s had two litters — both about three puppies big.
Inseparable: Philippa Davison-Jacquesand Phoebe watch competitors in the recent World Cup qualifier event in Shepparton, before heading off to solve a problem at the other end of the grounds.
Photo by
Daneka Hill
Does she have a job?
She’s the horse truck dog. She knows when the truck and float are getting ready to go. She’s also a great mouser and keeps the mice issue down and will chase the odd rabbit. Her great-great-grandmother was a very, very good hunter.
What’s she like?
She destroys all balls except for a Kong hard ball with bouncy edges on it. She comes everywhere and loves being with people. She can be like a cat — the cuddles and attention need to be on her terms.
Ol’ dog: According to Philippa, Phoebe has always had a ‘grey’ look around the eyes, which makes her look her age.
Photo by
Daneka Hill
Where does she spend her time?
In our Mooroopna house in town mostly, but she also lives on the farm in Mooroopna North with the horses, chooks and cats.
Does she get along with the livestock?
There are about 20 horses on the farm. She just loves being around the whole environment.
Keeping it in the family: Philippa’s seven-year-old daughter, Alexis Jacques, is the owner of Phoebe’s puppy, Sparkles.
Photo by
Daneka Hill
Any other dogs in the family?
She lives with her daughter — Sparkles — who’s my daughter’s dog, and two red heelers.
Why do you keep Jack Russells?
They are very much companion dogs but they’re also great little hunting dogs. Back in the early ’80s we had an awful mouse plague and I had a Jack Russell who’d catch them, crunch them and move on instantly. Catch, crunch, go — again and again.
