Cécile describes her life with Jack Russells Heidi and Amigo
More than one in two people in France live with a companion animal, according to published interviews examining the deep bonds formed between owners and their pets. In an extensive feature published by lefigaro.fr, 62-year-old Cécile detailed her daily life split between Switzerland, Paris, and Sardinia alongside her two Jack Russell terriers, Heidi and Amigo.
Life with Heidi and Amigo
Cécile, une habitante de Paris et bénévole pour un club automobile en Suisse, a acquis son premier Jack Russell, Heidi, en 2019. Now seven years old and weighing 4.5 kilograms, Heidi possesses a smooth, dense white coat with brown patches and a distinct personality. “Heidi a un sacré caractère, c’est une vraie petite personne !” Cécile told lefigaro.fr, comparing the dog’s stubborn yet intuitive nature to her own five-year-old granddaughter.
The second terrier, Amigo, joined the household in August of the previous year at 15 months old. Selected after Cécile spotted him on the breeder’s Instagram account, Amigo was born with a disabled right front paw that lacks a pad and claw, causing him to frequently hold the limb in the air. Weighing 4.5 kilograms with a broken coat and a fully brown head mask, Amigo acts as a constant companion who spends his days on his owner’s lap. “Moins indépendant qu’Heidi, Amigo est un vrai pot de colle : il passe ses genoux ou à me suivre,” Cécile noted to lefigaro.fr, adding that the younger dog frequently rolls onto his back in submission when encountering other dogs.
Walking Routines and Travel Habits
Daily exercise forms the core of the routine for the trio, involving walks lasting one and a half to two hours every morning across mountain snow or beach sands. During the summer in Sardinia, the dogs swam in the sea every morning. On a visit to Pampelonne beach, where dogs are permitted under regulations originating from Brigitte Bardot, the animals joined Cécile and her grandchildren in the water.
In vehicles, the dogs remain secured in rear baskets without showing signs of motion sickness. “La France n’est pas un pays très ‘pet friendly’,” Cécile stated to lefigaro.fr, pointing out that dogs remain barred from museums, exhibitions, and specific pathways within the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Social Impact and Online Community
Ownership of the two terriers has altered Cécile’s daily interactions in public spaces. Amigo’s three-legged gait draws frequent attention from passersby in Paris, sparking conversations and new acquaintances. “À Paris, Amigo attire tous les regards parce qu’il marche sur trois pattes, comme un petit lapin Duracell ou Zébulon du Manège enchanté,” Cécile told lefigaro.fr.
Following her daughter’s advice, Cécile established an Instagram account for Heidi—@Heidi_Amigo_jackrussells—which has accumulated 12,000 followers. The platform facilitated connections with other Jack Russell owners, leading to meetups, themed photo sessions at dog-friendly tea rooms, and strong friendships rooted in a shared passion for the breed. Alongside these personal connections, Cécile maintains active support for animal welfare organizations, contributing to the SPA, the Brigade de protection animale, and Ramatuelle-based La Tribu de Sanka, which rescues mistreated dogs.
Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Information regarding legal disputes or financial data is based on available public records.