Today is a Very Good Day !! Dear old Ben our ancient Labrador who has been missing since Friday, turned up at the kitchen door at 7.30 this morning (Tuesday) – there were tears after bedtime ! I really had begun to fear the worst, he came out on a walk on Friday, as ever not far from his little pal Nervous Nick, and, as usual, they decided to continue the walk after I had turned for home. Usually they turn up in a couple of hours and no worries, but on Friday Nick came back but no Ben. After a couple of days without news I thought he had either had a heart attack or worse, or had got disorientated. Posters were put up everywhere, with the help of good pals he went out on Facebook and I put him on chienperdu.org. Nothing. Nick was a bit lonely and just sat in the garden looking at me as if to say “well, where is he ?” I turned the question back, “you were the last one to see him, you tell me !” Ben lived most of his life in Portugal with an elderly woman who kept him tied up 24/7 because she was worried he would knock her over. (Durrh what is an old woman doing with a pup ?!). Then the lady died and her daughter in law brought Ben over to France. Subsequently that lady’s Mother got cancer and she had to move long term to Paris and asked me to take in Ben. He is a delight, so gentle and loving and just loves lying around in the garden in the sunshine. He took Nervous Nick under his wing when Nick came to us as a very frightened puppy and Nick was his shadow. Gradually, over the years the balance has swung the other way and Nick looks out for Ben – though obviously not very well !! Anyway Nick’s happy, I’m overjoyed, but poor Ben doesn’t yet realise that his day long walks are over, he stays in the safety of the garden from now on !
We have had two dogs brought to us over the last week, one black and white young dog found in Le Boulve and a little Border Collie pup found on the Cahors road. Both are out there on social media and last night I had a call from the Border’s owner so she will be going home tonight, phew, a very lively little Madame !!
Our clothes sale at the Montcuq Vide Grenier went brilliantly ! It was a l o n g day starting at 4am for me but even earlier for Ernst. We had so much stuff, thanks to you lovely people, that we had to borrow a bigger van. Finding out after we had loaded everything that it didn’t lock, we (I !) decided that one of us would have to sleep in the van at Montcuq to make sure nothing was stolen. Luckily Ernst offered and when I turned up at our pitch at 5am he had unloaded everything ready for me to set up. The best of best pals turned up at 6am, thank you Sophie and Lesley, followed shortly by Danielle and Patna. We worked like stink, the clothes were flying off the table and rails – we keep prices ridiculously low so everyone gets a bargain and we don’t end up taking much back – and before we realised it, it was time to pack up and go for a well deserved drink. Result ? 940.20 euros, an amazing, blow it out of the water record ! This sum is split 50/50 with Danielle, of La Mere aux Betes, who is a tremendous help to every and any one with an animal problem, I couldn’t go on without her. So, to all those who donated and bought THANK YOU !!
We are getting prepared for our second hiking trip in Japan and are very excited. I’m a bit nervous about meeting bears but it didn’t happen last year and Walk Japan assure use there have only been five sightings in 25 years and no worrying moments whatsoever. Hmm. However what is worrying us more than furry friends is getting there for our friends Simon and Jackie who are coming with us. Ernst and I fly out on Friday 13th (!), Toulouse, Munich, Tokyo. Jackie and Simon fly, same day, Heathrow, Vienna, Tokyo. However, a splinter group of the eco warriors are intending to close Heathrow on the 13th with drones ! No chance of changing flights as they are discounted and you have to be on each flight of the package. So, we are keeping everything crossed.
Lots of adoptions this month, all the little dogs have gone, just have to keep hoping for the ‘non accessory’ types.
Remember the show those Were the Days ? Well there are to be repeat performances, with longer dancing time at the end, on Friday 27th September and Sunday 29th, at the Salle de Fetes in Montaigu. I’ll get the booking details and add them. Don’t miss it, a great evening ! Ok, here are the booking details, book on www.twtd.fr.
Sue x