Wilf trots along the lane . The rain gone and with it his arthritis. He turns right this morning , out along the top of the ridge , towards the edge of the village . A sun warmed stroll among the small , steep , patchy fields that funnel and arc down to the woods in the valley . Difficult land to farm but at this time of the year full of calves and their vigilant mothers . Here and there dappled splashes of wheat and autumn feed . A soft , mild , spot . Wilf can't see the lush landscape but he sits for a full five minutes head high , nose gulping the air , sensing the cows warmth . Content in his world of pared down senses. On the way into town for our morning coffee we come across Oliver lying happy and immovable in the middle of the road ; patiently waiting for his absent master . Something he's done every day since the funeral a year ago . I get out of the car to shoo him out of harms way . He doesn't move. Instead he wags his tail and rolls onto his back , sighing aloud with pleasure as his ears are stroked . This trusting old fellow clearly doesn't want for love . His faithfulness part of local lore . Love knows not what time is .
Old dogs, warm croissants, freshly picked peaches. Sunday mornings as they should be .
"Content in his world of pared down senses." I hope I do as well if/when the time comes. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHe does not want for love. Would that the same could be said for all of us.
ReplyDeleteSuperficially, on a cloudy day, after the rain, the landscape in those pictures does not look too different from parts of rural England - Rutland for example.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of your Sunday.
Cheers, Gail.
Where would we be without dogs.
ReplyDeleteSounds very relaxing.
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Daisy, kendra & Bella
Have a beautiful Sunday, Angus and sweet Wilfee.
ReplyDeleteThese old dogs can teach us so much about life. Gorgeous photos.
ReplyDeletex (for Wilf!)
And all's right with the world.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good day, isn't it. Praise and thanks.
ReplyDeleteA perfect Sunday in my book.....
ReplyDeletexoxo
Oliver's story is so touching.
ReplyDeleteDreamy, gentle days that seem timeless and are complete with life's special pleasures; well deserved by Wilf and his loved ones. A salute to Oliver and his faithfulness. DBH
ReplyDeleteThe kind of days we all dream about. Wilf is trying, as only he knows how, to assure you that the future will be fine.
ReplyDeleteMy Sunday almost mirrors yours Angus...Except this morning its old dogs, homemade biscuits, and freshly picked blackberries for a cobbler later. I hope the rest of your day is just as enjoyable and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteand we humans are superior because we speak? i don't think so. you know angus, we all know there will have to enevitably come the heartbreaking post. but until then and hopefully after, it is my beloved morning ritual to see that little face and know all is right somewhere in this world.
ReplyDeletei love the pic of him lying on his side, still with the hide! my zeke the pon used to do that. just got too tired, but not willing to relinquish it! brought a laugh to me.
tammy
I was bounced out of the comment section again. Maybe this one will work.
ReplyDeleteOliver looks cared for, I hope. He reminds me of the story of Haji, the Akita who would meet the evening train to watch for the return of his absent master.
The countryside looks beautiful. Ina in Alaska
I feel sad for Oliver, waiting and waiting.
ReplyDeleteThere's something so special about old dogs so full of love.
Tears roll down my face. Too beautiful and bittersweet for words.
ReplyDeleteI always feel like I walk into a little cocoon of rural life when I come to visit your blog. I always love tales of Oliver. It sounds like Wilf was feeling very good today, too! :)
ReplyDeleteYou, Wilf and Oliver brought tears to my eyes this morning!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Jo, Stella and Zkhat
Another beautiful post, Angus. Thanks from across the pond.
ReplyDeleteA bitter-sweet Sunday! The story of Oliver has Murray's Mom in tears!
ReplyDeleteWilf looks very restful in those photos!
take care
Clive & Co
What a fine dog Oliver is! Hopefully he will find another person to love. One who can return his loyalty and affection.
ReplyDeleteWilf's morning sounds heavenly. Wish ours was half as good. Our love to all.
Nothing better than a beautiful Sunday morning, isn't there? Beautiful post today! I am sure by the time you get this it will be Monday, but no matter, as long as Wilf is happy with his nose to the wind, that is the important part! Off to batten the hatches, we are due some thunderstorms this Sunday evening. Keep going Wilf, handsome boy!
ReplyDeleteWith love from your Canadian pals,
Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker
Dogs never forget a kind hand, do they?
ReplyDeleteSam
Simple pleasures to treasure...
ReplyDelete