Last month I had one of the worst days of my life.
This is Olivia. My love for Olivia is total, absolute and unconditional (rather like my love for Alan Alda !). She was one of a litter of nine we were given to home. Dad is a Newfoundland and Mum a shepherd dog of sorts. Olivia was the one left after the others had gone – possibly because I would hide her when people came to view and choose. There was just something about her, her gentleness, her way of looking at me, she is just up there with my first Brittany, Jack. A couple of weeks back I took a load of the dogs out for their morning walk and, of course, Olivia came too. We were walking back towards home down the hill and Olivia was beside me …….. then she was gone ! I didn’t worry the dogs often continue the walk alone coming home shortly after. However after an hour, two hours, three hours there was no sign of Olivia, all the others were back and I started to get anxious. At lunchtime there was still no sign and I was worried. Four o’clock I was in tears and by seven I was almost hysterical. I had driven round the roads, combed the ditches, checked a large wild pond up the road, rewalked our routes, nothing. I sat up to 1.30am checking the gate every half hour and Ernst sat up until 3. I hardly slept a wink and when I did I dreamt that someone had taken her and wouldn’t give her back because her collar was too tight ! I was back down at the gate at 6, no sign. I then composed and printed posters to flood the area with, stating on the poster that she needed medical attention – this to persuade the person who may have found her, to give her up and not keep her. At 7am I decided to take the other dogs for a walk in the hope that one of them would find her. We all went to the gate and, there was Olivia sitting there wagging her tail quite happily ! I was so happy I cried even more. Of course I couldn’t tell her off, I had to congratulate her and make a fuss of her to ensure that, heaven forbid, if she did it again, she would not be wary of coming home. The joyful email went out to friends who had offered to give up their day to help the search if she wasn’t back. Many people asked me where she was, well, durrh, she hasn’t told me yet !!! Oh, I checked her collar straight away and it was not too tight !! Phew !
Dogs do that sometimes, just go off, probably after an animal, sometimes just a bit of wonderlust – we once found one of our dogs happily lodging with our neighbour who is 500 metres down the road ! – and when they come back it is so tempting to tell them off but we cannot because they won’t understand why we are angry and will certainly think twice about coming back another time if a good scolding is what awaits them. A huge hug and a biscuit is the best thing for them …… and a slug of something alcoholic is best for you !
Talking of going off – see what I did there ?! – our dogs seeking homes have been ‘going off’ like hot cakes ! Pixel has gone to a great home (with a rather dishy owner !) living in a mobile home near the sea. He has made friends with everyone and goes round with his owner whilst he -owner not Pixel ! – effects repairs on his and other camps.
Orphee had just the time to unpack his bags before he had to pack them again and he has gone off to a wonderful life in the mountains.
Oukle, who, quite honestly we thought would be difficult to home, was snapped up within days and has gone to a home where space and love have no boundaries.
A Poorpaws event to bring to your attention:-
Come to a lovely afternoon tea in equally lovely surroundings ! Sandwiches, cake and FIZZ all for 7.50 with the added bonus of the opportunity to SHOP !! Great second hand clothes, some designer, all in fab condition at great prices. You have friends / family staying ? Great bring the ladies and leave the gents to look after the kids and prepare the evening barbeque ! Please email to reserve, either to me or to one of the emails on the poster as, sadly, places are limited.
Whilst we are on the clothes theme (boy am I good at this ‘linking’ thing !), I will be running the usual second hand clothes stall at the Montcuq vide grenier on 25th August and would be grateful for any ladies clothes you want to dispose of. Bags, shoes and accessories also welcomed. Just get in touch with me to arrange collection.
More dates for your diaries ! If, like me, you are a fan of The Stanley Sisters – and if you don’t know them yet you will be once you have heard them sing – then you need to know that they will be appearing at Le Boulve Garden Party on Friday 12th July, Chateau d’Aix Marche Gourmand at Saux on Wednesday 17th July, Fete de St. Laurent Lolmie on Sunday 4th August and the Tournon d’Agenais Marche Gourmand Friday 9 August. Catch at least one or more of the dates, you won’t be disappointed.
That’s it, must dash Wimbledon awaits ! Some great new players coming through !
Sue x