Monday, February 21, 2011

1000




Out for our morning walk. A herd of seven hesitant deer bound across the lane ahead of us. No more than twenty metres away but as silent as wraiths. Wilf is nose down, savouring something enticing in the long grass, completely oblivious to their presence. By the time he looks up the deer are disappearing into the walnut groves. Seven white tails fading into the shadows.

A thousand posts. Maturity reached , illnesses cured, griefs overcome, unconcious risks taken. Along the way he's been poisoned by Italian hunters, had run ins with processionary caterpillars, lost a brother and fought armed intruders. He's developed a liking for coconut ice cream, drinking from the stream, and sleeping, on his back, in roadside verges. He's met Madame Bay and made new, absinthe imbibing, friends at the cafe. Every day he's been an uncomplaining companion. A thousand days is a fine gift of experiences, memories and laughter.

Our blogging days must inevitably draw to a close but what you start you finish . Whether the cancer grants us ten or a hundred more days our blog will continue to record the last stage of this shared, happy, never dull, journey. I would like to think that if you asked Wilf what he thought was the best time of life he'd reply " Now ! ".

54 comments:

  1. Congrats Angus and Wilf...Happy 1000 post.

    Stormy..

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  2. 1000 blogs of funny,sad and happy days! Well done wilf....
    Each future blob is a gift for us to share with our funny, furry friend.
    Thank you Angus,
    Bev and ROO X

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  3. Heartiest congratulations Angus and Wilf! You have granted us the gift of a life shared and all I can say is "THANK YOU!". My life would be so much poorer without my daily dose of Wilf.
    Wishing you many, many more happy, fun-filled days with your beloved Wilfey.
    Sending lotsaluv too
    MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

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  4. Congrats dear Wilf and Angus. We are with all the way. Love the 2nd picture. I stole that picture.

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  5. This, I think, calls for double coconut icecream and double jaffa cake portion. oh, and a little bit more of the croissant. Only now is real and exists, so W. IS RIGHT!

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  6. A thousand post, congratulations and to Wilf you know how to live boy.

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  7. A thousand posts, and every single one worth a read. Angus, that is some achievement.
    Congratulations, and fondest hugs to Wilf. May your remaining time be filled with laughter and coconut ice cream.
    Cheers!
    Gail.

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  8. I have more Wilf quotes in my favorite quote list than anyone else - PON profound. Your posts are gems in my days. Wilf on his back along the road is priceless as both he and Digby are to you. Thank you, Angus - you write so well and with such heart. Amazing how silent deer can be, isn't it?

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  9. Thank you, Wilf, for sharing your life with your adoring fans around the globe. While we take pride in teaching our dogs simple commands, you have managed to teach your global pack how to live life to the fullest. With the universe in such turmoil, it's no coincidence that a special little dog was given a vehicle to spread his wisdom to people all over the world.

    Congratulations on your 1000th post!

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  10. Bien sur les bons moments sont maintenant! A huge congratulations!Felicitations!

    I see Wilf is also a yoga practitioner, practicing savasana on the side of the road...

    Sante!

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  11. Congratulations on 1000 posts!

    Having chased, and caught, rabbits all her life our 14 year old lurcher cross suddenly decided to chase a deer last week. She was closing in on it but was then very surprised when it jumped 8' over a fence - rabbits don't do that! So even at 14 she is having new experiences. For her, at that moment, NOW was the best time too!

    Hoping we have much more wisdom from you, Angus, and Wilf.

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  12. Petey decided to go after a stag one very dark night recently, but thankfully has been blissfully unaware of the 7-foot alligator that's been sunning on the bank across the lagoon for the past three days...

    A thousand posts is truly an achievement and I agree with Gail, each has been a very worthy read and a wonderful start to each day. Can't wait for 1001.

    Thank you.

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  13. I stumbled upon the blog late in the cycle, but have savored every word. Wilf, you and the late Digby are furry heros to your "people". To the rest of us following your journey, you are an amazing dog with human-like qualities. Angus, I can't even begin to express how beautiful your words fit together. Thank you for sharing Wilf and Digby with us, I have my fingers crossed for more good days for your furry companion.

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  14. Congrats dear Angus and sweet Wilfee for the 1000ème post, and many thanks for sharing your beautiful love story. Because, it is really a story of love between a man and his dog. And félicitations to you sweet Wilfee, because, you fought and you win, day after day. Go on boy ! You make each of my day.
    Cuddles and lots of bisous.

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  15. Congrats!! And it is my hope that when Wilf is no longer with you that you continue to post - I always look forward to reading what you and Wilf have to tell us.

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  16. Beautifully said. I love the photo of Wilf on his back next to the road. I wondered if you ever join him? That would be a funny sight.

    I do think that Wilf, and most dogs, would reply to your question with "now". That's part of the wonder of dogs.

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  17. Congratulations Angus, I'm sure there were days you've struggled or wondered what to say but we've enjoyed every post. Thinking of sweet lad Digby this morning too. Here's to many, many more days for our lovely Wilf.

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  18. Congratulations! And come see.

    But please don't imply there is an end....

    xxx Joan

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  19. Thank you for sharing all of it with us. Happy 1000th post!

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle and Maggie Mae

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  20. I look forward to signing on to the blog every morning from here in Maryland. Wilf's thoughts are always a joy--sometimes bittersweet joy, but joyful nonetheless. THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking the time to share so many experiences--I love to vicariously enjoy life in rural France through Wilf's many encounters. My best wishes for a 1000 more precious entries! Hugs and tickles to Wilf. JoAnn in MD

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  21. Congratualtions and thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Every morning first thing, I read aloud your post to my husband and our 2 dogs. All the best to the handsome Wilf.

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  22. thank you for letting me walk alongside you both and seeing your friends life and humour along the way....may it never end...xx

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  23. I wish I could give you a thousand more!

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  24. With raised glass (or in my case, mug of French Roast coffee)I say: Here! Here!

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  25. Congratulations but I hope you won't finish your blog

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  26. Congratulations, M'Ongoose and a thousand thanks. See you tomorrow!

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  27. They have been 1000 wonderful posts, too! I sincerely hope that the blog will go on after Wilf has to leave you. I look forward to your gentle humor about life in France every day. It's one of the few blogs I have to read every morning before I go to work. Life in your little village will still fascinate me if Wilf's gentle commentaries on life aren't there.

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  28. Angus and Wilf,
    Thank you for letting us share those wonderful 1,000 posts. For myself and many of your faithful you have become part of our daily life.
    Doc

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  29. We love the pictures of you upside down on your back, Wilf!
    Happy 1000!

    Love ya lots
    Maggie and Mitch

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  30. Happy 1000th !!!!
    You are our morning ritual, we hope that your blog will never end.
    We all loved Digby and we all love Wilf.
    A blog like yours is so important to so many at this unsettling time in the world.

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  31. Happy 1000th post, Angus! Congratulations to you too, Wilf! We look forward to many more posts from you. Thank you for the great posts and we are happy for sharing with us your adventures.

    We also love you upside down post!

    Love,
    Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai, Wai-Max & Forgie

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  32. i know you dont want us to be sad but it's hard not to be... we had hoped you would continue to blog when wilf decides to join digby exploring a new uncharted territory, rug surfing the clouds! - you see, we are fond of you all, the village, the rennovations... the lot! please reconsider, plus we can't help think that in time there may be the pitter patter of new paws on the stone tiles... loves and licks xxxx

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  33. Enjoying every single minute spent on your lovely blog..and continuing prayers for a pain-free, sweet life for Wilf..be it 10 days or 10 years..he is magnificent.

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  34. A thousand posts. A thousand gifts. To all of us.
    Thank you, a thousand times over.
    Jake and Fergi and Family

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  35. Congratulations on reaching 1000!! Dear Wilf, read this with tears verging to fall, am sad to think that the blogging will end at some point. But for NOW we will continue to carry on, enjoying the ice cream and walks as long as "we" can. We are with you every step of the way, even if we are parted by miles and a great big pond. Keep going darling Wilf!

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

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  36. Now should always be best.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  37. It is always now, cause they can't remember before and don't know about what's next. Here's to 1000 posts from your corner of the world, most of us have learned so much from you and the PONS. Thank you so much.

    Zach's mom

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  38. One thousand posts - what a milestone to reach on your journey with Wilf. Long may your blogging continue, and we agree with Wilf about "now" being the best time,for "now" is really the only time any of us actually have.

    We love the photo of Wilf lying on his back. How wonderful to be so relaxed watching the clouds drift by or just snoozing without a care in the world.

    Sending Wilf lots of love and woofs,
    Riley (and his mum)

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  39. Congratulations on your 1000th post. A grand achievment.

    Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie

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  40. Angus!

    Reflecting on your 100th post, I could find no truer words than what you have done for Wilf and Digby:

    “Exegi monumentum aera perennius
    Regalique situ pyramidum altius,
    Quod non imber edax, non Aquilo impotens
    Possit diruere aut innumerabilis
    Annorum series et fuga temporum.
    Non omnis moriar, multaque pars mei
    Vitabit Libitinam.”

    “I've raised a monument no king shall claim
    Nor bronze outlast nor pyramid exceed,
    Which neither puny North wind nor toothed rain
    Nor the innumerable years' stampede
    Nor flying time can tatter to the earth.
    Not all of me will die.”

    Carmen XXX, Liber III
    Quintus Horatius Flaccus

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  41. Nice to meet you. We saw you over at Doyle and Mollies. Congrats on 1000 posts.

    Wyatt

    P.S. You are adorable!!

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  42. Good Evening Angus! In reading the comments this evening, my thoughts echo the sentiments that others have left--I will just add my congrats on your 1000 post and tell you how very much I enjoy reading the snippets of Wilf's and your life, and about the cast of characters that are part of your day!

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  43. Congratulations on 1000 posts. We wish you could have 1000 more.

    P.S. - If only we humans would just relax and enjoy the NOW more.

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  44. happy 1000th post, angus!
    thank you for the pleasure of reading your blog and experiencing the joyful adventures of wilf (and digby). it's always one of the highlights to my day, even if i don't always comment.

    the booker man and asa's mama

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  45. of course, the best day is NOW. dogs are wise. Wilf reminds us of that often.

    we hope that Wilf and the blog will continue on for many more posts - let's go for another 1000.

    so no more pups at the rickety old farm house? life is so empty without a dog...

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  46. Ah, Wilfee, you funny boy. I love you upside-down especially! Hugs to you and your folks always.

    Liz VB - OREGON

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  47. Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your inspirational life with us! I enjoy your posts immensely! May you have many more beautiful days together!

    Two Old English Sheepdogs and their Mom

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  48. Hearty congratulations on your milestone post. I start my days by reading you and feel as if Wilf, and Digby, have been my own in a way. I hope you always have a dog. And a blog. Much love to Wilf!

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  49. Your last words have done it again, Angus. Here we are crying! Congratulations on your 1000 post. We look forward to the next thousand. Thank you for sharing Wilf with us. Through your writings, we have come to know Wilf and love him as our own. We have also come to love the two extraordinary people who are his family. God bless you.
    People begin blogging for intensely personal reasons and stop for the same. We are saddened to think of a time when there will be no Wilf. Might there be a book? Either published or subscription, please. That way when the days go gray, as they often do, we can take down your book and join our family fellow for sunny days, delightful adventures and coconut ice cream.

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  50. I hope you don't stop blogging completely. Congrats on your milestone.

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  51. I have had no time to comment earlier but would very much like to congratulate you on your 1000th post.It is to many and also myself the first thing we look forward to in the morning... .Wilf, you and your blog have brought much happiness and as you can see from all the comments there are many who hope know you would continue to blog when wilf decides to join digby...but it may be very hard for you without your faithful companion......
    In the meantime.. here is too many more happy days...

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  52. First time I have been able to be on line in all this time. had to check on dear Wilfee. Congragulations on 1000 posts. You are a lucky man to have dear Wilf(and were to have his brother.) God Bless y'all and sweet, wise Wilf, our only Honorary Native Texan. He has the grit and gumption for that title.
    Many Hugs from all of us, The Texas Sundogs. and Jamie too.

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