Wilf sat on the terrace as the sun was rising with an alert ' let's do something different ' look on his face. Off we went in the cool of the early morning for a walk by the river. No cars, no people, no bugs at this fresh, unsteamy hour. Wilf was able to gambol to his hearts content, his nose assailed by a million, new, enticing scents. Exotica, esoterica and erotica all sniffed and filed away . The canine version of a day in the reference section of the British Library. Whereas Wilfs little brother was of the "Where are they? Let me at them ! " school, Wilf prefers the " Hello. Got any sausages ?" style of greeting. This makes chance encounters with noisy humans much, much easier and altogether less stressful. As we walked back to the car I realised that there comes a stage in a dogs life when he's no longer a family dog but a family fellow. Wilfs now at the family fellow stage. Communication is well rehearsed, trust is absolute, boundaries respected and 'if it doesn't bother you, it doesn't bother me' the rule for a day out. The gentle joy of dog and family growing older together . Laughter and whimsy .
I know about the feelings you express today. That knowing that the relationship between you and your dog is different - it has moved into a new dimension - one of peace and comfort and trust and pleasure - of knowing and understanding each other without saying a word. It's wonderful, isn't it?
ReplyDeletehow very, very lovely....
ReplyDeleteYes I felt that with my previous dog Hamish as he matured, we had got to know each other so well. And now with new pup Bertie it's all about the joy of new discoveries as I watch his character develop and the bond of trust between us grows ever stronger.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Gail.
I know exactly what you're talking about! They just keep getting better and better! That really made me smile this morning.
ReplyDeleteThe lighting in that first photo looks as if Wilf was painted by Maxwell Parrish. While we're not up for the sunrise (Petey is burrowed under covers as I write this at 8:30 a.m.) we are enjoying those fresh cool morning and late evening walks before the August heat is full force.
ReplyDeleteYou described it perfectly. I know that transition (although I never realize as it's underway). Those years of having a "family fellow" are precious.
ReplyDeleteI also know about the different greeting styles. Wilf's style sure is the least stressful for his humans! We have both styles in our Duo...
The perfect companion.
ReplyDeleteSo well expressed - the life I wish for each of my rescue dogs in their new homes as well as the one I wish for those who stay with me. Shiloh (my current photo) may be here always....he, too, has become a neighborhood dog, meeting and greeting each on his rounds, receiving a skritch or two, then being on his way. A very cool Beagle.
ReplyDeleteI also know exactly what you're talking about Angus. We've had our dog Wendy for 11 years now and she is such an intricate part of our lives and "our history" that I cannot imagine her not being with us.
ReplyDeleteAs long as he doesn't lose all the family money while he's out gamboling...
ReplyDeleteoh....
Nevermind! :)
I live along so basically, my dogs are my family. I've had Shiver since he was a puppy. I'm the only human mama he's ever known and I know that he loves me with all of his heart. I feel the same way about him. And Chico!
ReplyDeleteI, too, feel very comforted reading about Wilf, his mannerisms and his being...makes life worth living with a 'fellow' like him around!
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