I’ve had a bit of a day. I don’t think I want a dog now!?! Today after the excitements of the last couple of days I was really, really looking forward to a fun day at the Shrewsbury Dog Trust. Even the husband was getting into the whole idea. I packed a picnic and after the requisite stop-off at the council dump, he knows how to treat a girl to a magical day out, we set off. Parking the car cheek by ‘growl’ in a field, it seemed to me as if evey car had a dog in it. Alright I know the invite said dogs welcome, however... I looked at every variety of owner and dog and thought the world has gone mad. What are we all doing when there is so much hunger in the world, so many dispossessed travelling the planet for a space to call their own and the assurance of a daily meal, not a lot to ask. Pampered pooches, the latest must-have accessory, as seen on the television were thick on the ground. In the shade of a tree we sat, my mind awhirl with the magnitude of what I was going to say to himself after all this time of whinging and moaning about wanting a dog. The sight of dogs in the kennels, some resigned to being peered at by these strange folk called human beings that some had every reason to know weren’t all they were cracked up to be. I walked back to the car with a heavy heart thinking and ultimately saying to himself would he mind if we had a rethink?
We go up to my old township on the north west coast of Scotland in September and know that in a heartbeat my wonderful chum Iain would
find me a dog. Without the merest hint of my wishes, we will go and see how things pan out. My last much loved dog chose me and maybe, just maybe, it may happen again, this time a Scottish dog from a much loved friend? Lettice was such a special dog, she will be a hard act to follow...
find me a dog. Without the merest hint of my wishes, we will go and see how things pan out. My last much loved dog chose me and maybe, just maybe, it may happen again, this time a Scottish dog from a much loved friend? Lettice was such a special dog, she will be a hard act to follow...
Like you, my dog picked me. At the shelter there was one dog jumping up and down, endlessly, when he saw me. I went back a second time and he was still there so he came home with me and we've been happy as a clam (how happy are clams?) ever since. Maybe in September a dog will choose you. Wouldn't that be great?
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling it will happen exactly as you say, so I am going to take a step back together with a ‘Be Patient’ tablet. Not my usual MO however time will tell?
Delete‘Happy as a clam’, now that’s an expression I’ve never heard before!
LX
I don't think you're quite ready yet. Plus the dogs trust is not where I'd go I must be honest. I think once you're really ready the right dog will materialise, whether in a kennel or from a friend. Plus you are right, there is a lot of need in this world, in our country never mind the world but we can only do what we can do and you're already doing 'your bit' to save the world, I don't believe a wee dog would be taking anything away from that. He/she would be adding another dimension to your life and as you plan to 'rescue' a dog what better way to do it. I think its like they say on the planes, put your own mask on first or you won't be able to help anyone else. I take that to mean look after yourself first then you will be in a position to help others so if/when you get a dog you will be helping yourself to more exercise, saving the NHS, keeping your blood pressure down, also saving the NHS (and god knows someone needs to save the NHS just now!!) it would keep you company (possible saving of your mr!) it would love you and in return you'd love it unconditionally - this saves noone but makes you all very happy!! It will work out - I just know it! xx
ReplyDeleteWhat words of wisdom lassie, thank you for all of that. I will see how things pan out, all the while not rushing in and trying to engineer them into happening, that’s my usual way... leading the charge as it were! A little light circumspection... ooh err, get her!
DeleteLXX
Enjoy your trip up here...and the right dog may find you
ReplyDeleteYou live there to, lucky girl. And yes, I do think a dog will be part of our lives, just got to wait, yesterday just didn’t seem right somehow?
DeleteLX
Pirate misses his dogs deeply..but at 80 he doesn't want another...he just makes friends with lots of other peoples' dogs!
DeleteAnd I think you want a dog as much as ever, but are scared to the bone of queering the deal some how. Just sit back and watch. It will happen.
ReplyDeleteOh wise woman, somehow from that far, you have sussed me out. You were so right about Audrey, who is doing well and has totally accepted us moving. You said just that, all the way along, so I salute you.
DeleteLX
Hello, Lettice!
ReplyDeleteI've lost touch with your blog for a while, ever since you were about to up and leave the seaside. Can't think why I've not searched until now, but I've been reading your posts since your move which has taken me quite a while. Your cottage looks adorable, and I hope the gorilla-rope-hedgehog-home will be occupied this winter. I love the idea of a feather duster to guide bees/wasps from where you don't want them to where they would be happier - yesterday one wasp was scanning my bookshelves but I mentioned he'd not find any pollen or nectar there, not even in the gardening section. Eventually, he made his way out via the patio doors, but had I thought of using a feather duster (which we have, used for it's original purpose sometimes, more often totally forgotten) it would've made it easier for the wasp and for me.
Have you found a hairdresser yet? I have a good one, but boy, having one's hair done to look like it's not been done is expensive!
How lovely to live in Ludlow. Yes, I live by the sea and love it and wouldn't live anywhere else, but I think of Ludlow as being a bit like Totnes only not quite so hippy (Totnes, you might already know, is twinned with Narnia). But they are both foodie places and there is a food shop there - although I've not yet visited it - were they don't use plastic, you take along your own containers, and milk is sold in milk bottles ... remember those?
I shall now try and look in more often!
All the best to you and your husband in your new life in Ludlow. At least you won't have to watch those intrepid swimmers day in and day out, all year round.
Margaret P
www.margaretpowling.com
Good to have you back Margaret. Husband loved your quote about the hairdressers. The feather duster works well as the Wrenery has a high roof, open on three sides so they get in and can’t seem to find their way out. Our old trick of glass and card doesn’t work as neither of us are 7’ tall. The feather duster gently shows them the way without hassle or hurt. A milkman was the first port of call, I now have organic milk and eggs delivered. I even managed to find a very stylish old milk bottle carrier. The first hair appointment was a huge success, so my hair looks in great shape with just that hint of just-got-out-of-bedness I like! The plastic problems I am working on, always having lots of fabric bags stuffed down my left knicker leg.
DeleteLudlow is a joy, the cottage is, or will be super when we get things sorted. Lots to do, money to spend; eventually worth every penny as it is a little piece of the countryside smack in the middle of town... what is there not to like?
LX
I have a dear friend who regularly goes there to see a relative, and she says what a lovely town it is. We've been there once, but over 20 years ago. I shall make a note to look in at your blog more often! Your blog always brings a smile to my fizzog!
DeleteWe went to Dartmouth today - you'd not have liked it, it's on a river by the sea, ha ha!
Margaret P
www.margaretpowling.com