Thursday, July 7, 2011

The sweetest and most glorious day .




Peak French holiday season . The village filling up with vacationers and their dogs . At the old widows house a French couple with a friendly young Westie that is desperate to be let out to play with Wilf . It sticks its nose and paws under the fence and whimpers in frustrated anticipation . Next door , in the converted garage where the lady professors from Ohio lived , a Belgian couple with one of those long haired Chinese dogs . Tiny body and its pink beribboned hair all piled up on top . Clearly it's never been socialised . It stands behind the gate snarling and yapping at all who wander by . I call an inquisitive Wilf back before he has his nose bitten off .

Further down the lane at the cottage owned by the Swiss couple a white Maltese . His name is Hugo , the same as Madame Bays ' good for nothing ' son in law . Hugo is the sort of dog that scurries away and hides , unconvincingly , behind the oleander bush at the front gate when he hears us approaching . Then when we've walked past and are at a suitably safe distance , he trots out into the middle of the lane with a look on his face that says , " Good riddance . I 'm the boss around here " .

Add to this a quick chat with Brunhilda at the gate house to the chateau and several brief encounters with Kelly the hover dog and Wilfs morning has got off to an exciting start . Safely home he settles down on the front doorstep for a chew and a restorative doze . A look on his face that says that for him this is the sweetest and most glorious day he's ever known . There again PON's think that about every day .

23 comments:

  1. The cast of dogs is almost as exotic as the humans....

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ah, all those friends, new and old, to meet and sniff must be glorious for dear Wilf.

    x (for Wilf!)

    ReplyDelete
  3. If only we could all live in the moment like Wilf!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What an interesting walk, the ones who don't get the chance play, the ones too scared to play, the ones too cross to play....what an amiably little chap Wilf is compared to all that. Have a good day Wilf.

    ReplyDelete
  5. A authentic dog fest! Keep on keeping on - have many more glorious days sweet Wilfee - love from Southern Italy - Susanne, daisy and Foxiie

    ReplyDelete
  6. The people who think dogs are all the same should go on a walk just like this one, or read your post!

    I missed your post yesterday, I hope everything has been resolved, and were no more 'hidden treasures' during the digging--And I hope you and Wilf are enjoying your Thursday!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wilf strides through them all, a king among dogs, he just knows he has got the measure of the other pooches. Stick with me he seems to say "I will show you life as it SHOULD be lived"

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love that second shot, especially because I imagine Wilf's amusement at Angus once more on his belly on the floor, trying to capture Wilf's bemused expression!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ooooh, Petey is right, how did you take the third picture Angus, were you really lying down on the road ???? Thanks for sharing !!!
    Have a beautiful end of Thursday Angus, and sweet Wilfee.
    Bisous to my beloved boy.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I always love how well you convey Wilf's sweet and gentle nature! I can well imagine what an exciting and satisfying morning it would be for him, our girls would feel the same way!

    ReplyDelete
  11. lordy. never thought of madame bay as a mother-in-law!! ;)
    my day is always made by this kind of sweet and glorious post. i can take the sad ones... but oh to revel in this one! one day at a time!
    maybe i should take up lounging around and chewing on rawhide!
    i dearly love my friends in the france profonde!
    let's see, can i fit in just one more exclamation point.
    tammy j

    ReplyDelete
  12. Once again Professor Wilf has a life lesson for today: learn to live and celebrate the moment and do not think about what was or will be!

    I am sure that Wilf will have sweet dreams tonight after all his encounters!

    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ah Wilf...so many friends, so little time...

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wilf understands perfectly. We dogs are blessed with (almost) everything we do being our absolutely favoritest thing!!! Barking? Chewing? Sniffing? Tummy rubs and tickles? Snuggling with our humans? Squeaking toys? Treats? Yep!!! All our absolute favorites!

    Jake and Just Harry

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wifl is right! It is the sweetest and most glorious day! Wise thoughts dear Wilf! Keep on going Wilf.....lovely boy!

    With love from your Canadian pals,
    Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wilf is a complete dog - he and his brother fought off bandits, showing courage in defending their home; he remembers his brother by resting well in Digby's bed, he keeps track of his ""flock" with his nose and heart if no longer his eyes, and he shares his largesse of a life well lived, well loved, with visiting dogs and humans alike. We are blessed at your ability to interpret for Wilf and yourselves the wonders & eccentricities of southern France - and PONs in particular. SO nice to hear of a walk, a treat and a rest. Have a wonderful day (what is left of it for you).

    ReplyDelete
  17. Live for the moment - something we should learn from our canine friends.
    I'm so glad to see Wilf is still soldiering on and enjoying life.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oooooo new kids on the block! And completely ignorant of Wilf's international standing.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

    ReplyDelete
  19. We hope you have many more sweet and glorious days this summer Wilf!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh Wilf...we have been thinking about you and wondering how you've been sweet boy...

    Sounds as if you are living life to the fullest!! Those hoomans have no idea what moment livin' is...

    Kisses,

    Scruffy Lacie and Stan

    ReplyDelete
  21. Wilf is so wight taking the good out of evewy day..not being bothewed by the silliness of those bwatty and suck up neighbow dogs. he knows he's the best and doesn't have to pwove it
    enjoy the west of youw day deew Wilf
    smoochie kisses
    ASTA

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love the photo of Sir Wilf on your header. There he is with bed head and sleepy eyes, greeting us all with today's adventures. I could look at that photo all day!

    Kisses,
    Stella and Jo

    ReplyDelete
  23. Sweet Wilf. I am glad to hear your village has visitors of the canine type! Everyday is such an adventure for your boy. Wishing you all many more days of grace! xo

    ReplyDelete