Saturday, March 19, 2011

Every day is a good day.



That most French of all institutions. The barbers. Three stern faced old farmers sitting on fraying wicker chairs by the far wall. All of them in blue cotton smocks and wearing berets. A local version of see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. Another old farmer slumped in a sun faded, once red, leather armchair by the cash till . Two others with their walking sticks, in the dark corner, between the sickly rubber plant and the store room door.

Wilf follows me in. I'm shown straight to the barbers chair. That rarity. A paying customer. While I explain that I don't want my hair cut ' too short ' the family fellow carefully sniffs boots and sabots. Odour of working farmyard. Satisfied that these are 'dog' people he settles down by the table covered in old copies of Paris Match and a battered car magazine promising highlights of the 2009 Geneva motorshow. He gets tickled behind his ears. Uninterrupted by our arrival, the patriarchal conversation ebbs and flows around him. The price of wheat, the new mechanic at the Renault garage, the President, the two 'mad' old women who own the restaurant that doesn't open for lunch or dinner. From time to time Wilfs brow furrows as he listens to what's being said. This is a dog that enjoys company.

On our way home a walk by the stream. He passed a lot of half dried blood earlier this morning . 'The font' alarmed the tumours spread to the stomach. A paddle in the stream some insulation against the uncertainties of life. The everyday annoyances of age and sickness fail to dent his happiness. Who knew innocence could be so engaging ? Every day for him is a good day.

23 comments:

  1. Wilf's listening to the music of the creek. A worthy passtime.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

    Hope you weren't sheared too closely.

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  2. Every day a good one - what a perfect philosophy we all should adopt.

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  3. Yep, everyday a good one! Carpe Diem!

    Sometimes I think that knowledge itself can be self-defeating. But then again, without knowledge, there can be no 'choice'. :)

    Sending lotsaluv to you all. I know it can't be easy.
    MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

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  4. great pics of the old guy by the stream...
    beautiful to see you and Wilf enjoy each and every day...
    xoxo

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  5. You are so right Angus, every day is a good day, and every day is truly a gift that you have all treated that way! Thank-you again for sharing Wilf and your journey with all of us!

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  6. I'm loving the 'two mad old women who own the restaurant that doesn't open for lunch or dinner'!

    Dear Wilf is enjoying every moment with you Angus. Each day is precious, as is each moment.

    Sweet sweet photos.

    x (for Wilf)

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  7. That sounds like a perfect day.
    Love to you, Wilf.

    Wyatt and Stanzie

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  8. I love that Wilf decides the farmers are OK guys because of the smell of their shoes! We all know this one thing. I get to smell pickup trucks by the feed store and I know those people are OK too.

    Cheers, Wilf!

    Kisses,
    Stella

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  9. Enjoyed the story of the visit to the barber shop. The reading material in the shop sounds a lot like our local tire shop tucked away in a corner of a nearby strip mall. While waiting for summer tires to be affixed one can enjoy being sassed by the staff, catch up on (very) old issues of the Tundra Times and make new friends among the waiting area! Looks windy!!

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  10. Wilf and his stream! Such a beautiful affirmation of life and song.. Rocks and all.
    You will continue to be open with us about Wilf's health, won't you Angus. It will be a bit less painful for us that way.

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  11. Sweet Wilf and family - I hope your fear of the stomach does not turn out to be true - wishing you happy polar bear days in southern France Love fromSusanne, Daisy and Foxiie

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  12. It sounds like another idyllic day in rural France! I am on my way to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air here, myself. I love how Wilf's gentle wisdom reminds me to enjoy life!

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  13. Angus, the photographs of Wilf that you took last Monday and have displayed this week have been precious. God willing, may you, the 'font' and Wilf enjoy this upcoming Tuesday.

    Old farmers can be interesting souls. We purchased some greens from one here, who looked up at our perfectly blue sky, and said, "Rain's a-coming." I believe it will. Our prayers are with you.

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  14. Good night sweet Wilfee, lots of cuddles.

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  15. Lovely days spent meandering and listening; no worries and gourmet food you are a lucky boy Wilf.

    Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie

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  16. dogs don't know to worry. they just know that they are here now and that is all that matters. maybe we humans could learn a lesson from them.

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  17. What a beautiful place to spend time with your favorite fellow. :)

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle and Maggie Mae

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  18. Yes it is Wilfy...yes it is. Bless you dear boy!
    xo J~

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  19. As long as Wilf is comfortable and is able to enjoy his outings, life is still good.

    Jed & Abby

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  20. Well that sounds like an altogether satisfactory outing from Wilf's perspective. I do hope the haircut turned out OK too!
    Cheers, Gail.

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  21. I wish I lived in a place that allowed dogs pretty much everywhere like you do. I'd bring my dogs everywhere!

    The ever-wise Wilf. One can learn a lot from him.

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  22. That was indeed a GOOD DAY. Wilf is amazing, he just marches on without looking back. My Sunshade was dx with cancer in November 2010, and she is fighting a good fight herself.

    I'm not sure if you have heard of Yun Nan Bai Yao, it is very good at stopping bleeding especially for cancers in the blood vessel such as Hemangiosarcoma. There is also a book by Dr. Dressler the Cancer vet, and he has a lot of good info in there on natural substances that you could incooperate into our cancer pup's care to slow down growth or metastasis. I have the book in PDF, let me know if you want a copy or would like to share notes.

    Wishing Wilf many many more good days!

    Elaine, Sunshade & Jaffa

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