Sunday, March 6, 2011

A tantara of joy.





Five o'clock in the afternoon and a group of German pilgrims in matching red cagoules straggles through the village. Perhaps sixteen of them in total. Most walking in smiling, chattering pairs, but two at the end walking alone. Are the solitary ones deep in contemplative thought or have they argued with their colleagues ? Wilf rests his chin on the bar of the garden gate and listens to them go by. All, bar the two at the end, wave. For some reason Wilf doesn't bark . Something in their demeanour that says they're not a threat. Saintly pheromones perhaps ? As they leave the village the frogs in the pond burst into a croaking tantara of joy. Another hint of summer.

It's hot. Not warm but hot. With the sun setting Wilf follows me down the hill to the roman road. A shade dappled, well trodden, path. No surprises along this route to challenge our blind family fellow. Just the familiar scent of badger and deer. When we reach the stream he stops. First he stoops for a leisurely drink, then he slowly paddles along the waters edge, then finally he settles down on the bank for a refreshing nap. A scene so natural and peaceful it could almost be straight out of ' Wind in the Willows '. Another reassuring sign that he's coming to terms with his loss of vision.

Wilf sits in the garden with me while 'the font' heads off to the vets to find out the symptoms of Lens-Induced Uveitis. The head of practice on duty. The kindest, gentlest of professionals. His advice - " You'll know if he develops it ". As we set off on this new, unexplored, stretch of the journey it's so good to have an experienced, common sense, vet alongside. We'll worry about the things that are worth worrying about and forget the rest.

19 comments:

  1. You are right Angus, at this part of the journey having a knowledgeable, caring and compassionate vet is paramount and makes so much of a difference. I've noticed that a couple of your visits to them have been on a Sunday--The vet offices here are typically only open a half day on Saturday and never on Sunday...But I'll have to look up Wilf's eye condition--The start of Tanner's eye problems began with 'anterior uveitis.'

    I hope your evening is just as peaceful and tranquil as your day!

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  2. Wilf looks like he is thoroughly enjoying life.

    XXXOOO Daisy, kendra & Bella

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  3. My favourite miniature polar bear in the world - love what you are doing for your family fellow - Mr. Ongoose and Madame!!!!!!!
    I am so glad that you enjoy every ray of sunshine together - hope Wilf's love story is developing....
    Love from Southern Italy Susanne, Daisy and Foxiie

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  4. The thought of Wilf snoozing next to the bucolic stream makes me smile.

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  5. Happy Sunday sweet Wilf, you are so cute drinking in the river, enjoying sun and hot weather.
    AmitiƩs to you Angus and the Font.

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  6. The sun shines here too and it is very restorative (although our chill factor is pretty strong) Makes me hopeful for warmer days to come.

    I invite you to check back at my blog because I added a box under the header picture which contains a link to photos taken at the start of Iditarod by our Anchorage Daily News. There is a wonderful Scottish musher taking part in his 2nd Iditarod appearance, Wattie McDonald, of Stonehaven. A few pictures were taken of McDonald flying along the trail in kilt and with the Scottish flag proudly flying. He is quite a character, we think you would enjoy! Here is the like to his Iditarod web page.

    http://www.iditarod.com/race/musherprofiles/musherbio_345.html

    Have a lovely Sunday!

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  7. Some of the best advice ever from your vet. Don't worry right now - wait and enjoy each day as it comes. Sending much love to Wilf from northern Michigan.

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  8. That last picture is beautiful. I think that is my all time favorite picture of Wilf.
    Also, thank you for the pictures of green grass! Everything is frozen here and we are getting 10 more inches of snow tomorrow.
    I love to see pictures of Wilf enjoying the sun!

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  9. This vet knows what he is talking about. :)
    Happy Sunday to all!

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle and Maggie Mae

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  10. Wilf looks so content. we like this vet so much better than the other stuffy one. he gives you good advice!

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  11. Wilf
    I know that wif the help of this kind Vet, you will manage this newest challenge as you have all the west. That stweam looks so inviting and wefweshing. I can't believe it's hot thewe. We awe having a gloomy gwey , wainy day hewe. only the showtest of walks to do my business. booowing.
    You look content and happy
    smoochie kisses
    ASTA

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  12. I am glad to hear that you have such a kind and wise vet. :)

    The thought of pilgrims passing by your house seems so foreign to me. We'd never see anything like that here!

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  13. New camera? Beautiful photos today. So interesting that Vilfee knew that the pilgrims were not a threat! Enjoy your naps today, Wilf.

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  14. I've been following your blog for awhile, but I think this is my first comment. I love your dog and am so sad that he has health issues...
    but happy that you both enjoy the present and don't dwell on what
    the future may bring.
    Tank's Asst.

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  15. Even with all of his ailments, Wilf's life is enviable. What dog wouldn't enjoy a walk through the country, sipping from streams and relaxing on the banks with his beloved family member. Quality of life...superb!

    The two pilgrims at the end are the ones too winded and worn out from the hike to walk and speak at the same time.

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  16. You walk looks like a great trip!

    Wags!

    Mr. Nubbin'

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  17. I believe Wilfee dear is enjoying his life to the fullest. A Casanova when his girlfriend makes an appearance, resting when he feels like it, and the love of his flock. (So glad you do not take him or ask advice of the-uh-will be nice-snotty vet.)
    I also believe that his sense of smell helps him ammensley with his blindness. Besides, he has a "guide person".
    Love to all

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