Thursday, May 19, 2011

Life with a blind dog .



Living with a blind dog is just like living with a two year old . There is nothing in life that makes a toddler or a dog happier than joining in with whatever you're doing . So it is that Wilf is loaded in the back of the car for an early morning expedition to the barbers . From the outside it looks as if the place is full but I'm shown straight to the chair . That relative rarity - a paying customer . The family fellow follows me in and trots straight towards a threadbare blanket stretched out on the floor between the sickly aspidistra and the table covered in dog eared copies of ' L'Automobile ' . The barber shops dog spot .

The wizened old farmers who congregate here , setting the world to rights each and every morning bar Sundays , are dog folk . While the clippers hum away the berreted retirees ask what breed he is, why he went blind and whether he's good at finding truffles . Through it all Wilf lies contentendly on the cool lino floor , listening to the voices and knowing he's the centre of this gentle attention . After a while the talk turns to the Dutch couple who have a summer home in the village. They've turned up in a fancy new two door Alfa Romeo . Much shaking of heads. ' Hollandais ! ' says the barber , stretching the word out slowly as if this might somehow explain why anyone should choose not to buy a sensible Peugeot or Citroen . As I lift Wilf into the back of the car he has a look on his face that says ' Time that you enjoy wasting , was not wasted ' .

19 comments:

  1. Ah, good old Marthe Troly-Curtin. I do love that saying!

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  2. As you say, it's the simple and everyday things in life we should, but sometimes don't, appreciate. Wilf has a grand life with you, and I guess as do you with him.

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  3. Wilf you have just given me a new outlook re my leisure time - thank you.

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  4. Well, how IS Wilf at finding truffles? We need to know.

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  5. And Wilf wastes no time charming everyone!

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  6. Next time I waste some time, I shall remember Wilf's saying and not feel guilty. Thank you Wilf, for another great saying.

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  7. I don't think you've mentioned truffle hunting...

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  8. Beautiful.....and is Wilf a truffle dog?!
    xoxo

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  9. I can't imagine anything more rewarding than spending time with a well behaved two year old. Just love the comparison. Stay cute and happy dearest Wilfie.

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  10. Funny how dogs can always seem to become the center of attention no matter where they go! It sounds like good medicine for Wilf! :)

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  11. Wilf, that's exactly how I feel about the hours I spend reading dog blogs :-)

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  12. I wish I could take my little dogs with me everywhere. I miss them even when I just go to the grocery store.

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  13. Wilf didn't get his hair cut too then?! I love how your village has accepted Wilf so whole heartedly and is such a member of the community.

    x (for Wilf!)

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  14. Mom wishes she could take us everywhere...but we are big and businesses here...not so dog friendly. So we settle for mom and dad working at home all day and being at our beck and call!

    Wags!

    Mr. Nubbin'

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  15. Having lived with a blind dog myself, I know too well of what you speak. Although, Edward... with his 20/20 vision, still loves to go with me everywhere, and is never happier than when he's the total center of attention. Apple has other things on her mind.... squirrels and chipmunks mostly.

    Oh, if only we could find Peugeots and Citroens here!

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  16. If only the rest of the world (Canada) would accept animals into shops, etc. The only ones allowed here are seeing eye dogs...shame really. Handsome looking boy today Wilf! Keep on going...

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

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  17. What an enjoyable way to spend time.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  18. Any time spent with Wilf is not wasted.
    We have been away too long. :)

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle and Maggie Mae

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  19. Wilf, in the barber shop, just fitting in like any other old fellow enjoying the camaraderie, is such a heartwarming picture. He enjoys the sounds and smells of the day whilst, in the chair, his young charge is getting his hair cut.
    Papa Wilf.

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