Three thirty in the morning . A sudden gust of Pyrenean wind blows a flowerpot off a ledge in the garden . It shatters with a loud crash . Wilf immediately on his feet . That unmistakeable ' I'm on alert ' bark . Angus wanders, barefooted, downstairs to let him out. The family fellow stands full square in the middle of the courtyard , head back, determined to let any passing intruder know that they have him to contend with . I laugh . He's deadly serious . Strange it should happen tonight . To the hour the third anniversary of our Italian drama. A detour in the quiet life of our family . The night I learnt the absolute truth in the saying " A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself " . Kicks, gun shots, ricocheting bullets all in a days work for these gentle lions .
Not many men write blogs about their dogs . The irrepressible, always mischevious , Taco loving Jack . A USMC dog handler in Afghanistan . A Royal Marine Corporal in Helmland with his battle buddy. Shame there aren't more . These are the sorts of mates you want to have in a scrum . This morning Wilf and Angus will share their secret memory over a croissant at the cafe under the arcades . A thank you for an old, still brave, friend . There will be much laughter .
I had to go back and read your Italian blog. I'm glad that you left everything online for all your friends to read. And I'm glad that Wilf is still around to protect you and your family! Give him a 'Good Boy!" for me!
ReplyDeleteWow ! that's one of those very very touching post you wrote, Angus.
ReplyDeleteThe photo of Wilfee and Digby together looking in the same direction is so beautiful too.
I let you with your brave friend, sharing your secret memory.
Have a peaceful Tuesday.
I cannot imagine what that night must have been like.
ReplyDeleteWilf, a shining example of 'we won't let the blighters drag us down'. Good, brave boy. Teena & Merlin xxx
We remember the valiant Digby and Wilf who protected you with no thought to their safety. Lovely to see a photo of the boyz together.
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Daisy,Bella & Roxy
Ah, the photos of those two sweet, brave boys. Thank goodness that horrific memory is receding, although still very painful, I'm sure. As you say, what more important friendship than yours with Wilf? You share it so beautifully, always, and we are grateful. We have shed some tears here this morning-for Digby, for Wilf, and for the pain your family had to endure. May peace forever reign in your quiet part of the world.
ReplyDeleteThe loyalty and devotion of the Boyz was at its finest moment during that horrific event. You have shown your gratitude by your devotion to them. I raise my glass to all of you!
ReplyDeleteBelated Happy Easter to you all!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos and a beautiful post. Whenever someone looks to Petey and says "he's just a dog," I shall immediately refer them to this post. I've been told that our dogs are here for us to understand how God loves us - completely, utterly and without judgement.
ReplyDeleteHappy "birthday" - so happy that Wilfie is with you and doing well - we love you and so glad you have such distance to what happened to you.
ReplyDeleteYour Souther Italian fan club Susanne, DAisy, Foxiie and Kiri
Dashing boys!!!!
Wonderful post. So much said in so few lines. We will drink a toast to survival & loyalty tonight.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of your two devoted boys. Strange about the pot shattering. May you and your family continue to find peace and contentment. Wilf is a remarkable protector; loyal, brave and true. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo of Wilf and Digby! What brave boys and the bravery still goes on! I read this blog every day. Some days there is much laughter, some days tears. There is something so beautiful about the love of a dog, especially when that love is given back so kindly in return. Thank you for sharing it all with us. Much love to you all!
ReplyDeleteWilf and Digby are family - present on Earth and watching from above; what an eery crash on a portentous day. Per his devotion, Wilf at the ready to go into the breach once again. Blessings to you all.
ReplyDeletetwo years ago when i first discovered this blog i spent days reading every single italian entry and comment... then all the archives and comments of this one. and to see the boyz together again. well.
ReplyDelete... it truly is another world to me. one where i come for the best that is life. unconditional love, loyalty, intelligence, humour, poetry lived, good food and wine! and wonderful, colorful characters.
it is a lovely haven in a far too busy and unusually crass world.
thank you for sharing your life and your little fellows with us!
knowing you is a simple joy.
love and hugs and a special big black nose kiss,
tammy j
Another one of those mysteri happenings to mark a portentous moment in your lives. Like the pilgrim when Digby died.
ReplyDeleteWe agree, it is lovely to see the two boyz together. Looking so calm -- but ready for battle to defend their flock.
Dearest Wilf, ever brave and noble to the core. Beautiful picture of the heroes, Wilf and Digby. DBH
ReplyDeletethis post sent shivers down my spine....your two brave boys...indeed all you really need is a furry coated champion by your side.
ReplyDeleteWell, you brought tears to my eyes this morning M'Ongoose. Please raise a glass of champagne to Wilf from me today.
ReplyDeleteDogs are very loyal.
ReplyDeleteI went to your Italian blog and read some of your posts on the horrific incident. I didn't expect that things like these could happen in Italy (we were there for one and half years)... maybe I am too naive?
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how traumatised everyone was at that time and I'm glad no one was seriously hurt.
Did the carabinieri eventually make any arrest?
The Missus
A very lovely post and I do not agree with a friend who said just the other day to me in so many words we should not value dogs as much as we do as they have no souls. I beg to differ!!
ReplyDeleteI for one am grateful that you do write this blog. I anticipate the antics daily. Those pictures are absolutely without a doubt priceless! Keep on going Wilf!
ReplyDeleteWith love from your decidedly winter-ish again Canadian pals,
Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker
I still have chills from reading the account about the break in, and I read it long ago! Wilf definitely has the heart of a lion, and I've never been surprised that he's still with you. He has more determination than many people.
ReplyDeleteI know of a few other blogs written by men about their dogs. The Thundering Herd, Shutterhounds, Genji's Corner, and A Dog's Journey are all written by men about their dogs, if you're interested!
A pitty we can't all join you, our hearts will be there. Carry on brave Wilf.
ReplyDeleteAmos
ReplyDeleteYour is the one blog that I turn to everyday no matter what is going on. I enjoy the glimpses into life in your corner of France that you share. I appreciate your views on dogs and their places in our lives and hearts. I marvel at the strength of Wilf and learn so much from him.
Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Susan
Salut, Wilf - and Digby. It's wonderful to be both willing and able to do one's life's work until the very end. Dogs are blessed in that regard. And we are blessed for sharing their lives.
ReplyDeleteJed & Abby
Wilf and Digby - heroes of your family. Love goes both ways.
ReplyDeleteOH MY! The crash of that flower pot must have been unnerving in the middle of the night! How touching for Wilf to present as the lion of the castle....he is such a wonderful boy. So glad the horror of that night long ago continues to fade...I pray for the continued safety of all under your roof! And the other comments here are so emotionally charged! I wouldn't miss your posts nor the comments of all that love you, both far and near!
ReplyDelete