JILL AND MIKE HAYES
with Max, Natasha, and Winchester

The American Dog reports

When Jill and Mike adopted Max, a Basenji mix, 17 years ago from a kill shelter, he was a “skillful counter surfer, hunter, and all-around troublemaker,” as Jill describes. Nowadays, the couple keeps an eye on their old blind dog, but Jill says he still gets around. “We recently took him to the beach and he started running on the sand. It was crazy! I think in people years he would be like 120 or something.” So, they make sure that when Natasha (their 2 year old Lab/Border Collie/Pit mix) and Winchester (their 9 month old Wirehaired Pointing Griffon) play tug-o-war, Max is safely out of the way. When they rescued Natasha, she immediately had an operation to fix her broken jaw and puppy teeth. Natasha was wary of the Hayes’ intentions at first, but has grown to trust them. “Natasha is so calm; she learns so well.” Jill thinks Natasha’s best tricks are “say your prayers” and “peek-a-boo.” Winchester is the bravest and craziest of the bunch. “He loves anything we do: hike, canoe, swim, camp, etc.” Many times, during their final potty break, they find Winchester swimming laps in the pool; afterwards, he starts hunting crickets. “They are part of the family. They need the same care as a child…and more exercise.”