Saturday, June 11, 2011

Still kind .







A damp , grey , overcast day , the temperature hovering in the mid teens . The frogs in the village pond shocked by this change of weather and uncharacteristically silent . They spend their day lined up against the gentle warmth of the low brick wall that skirts the footpath waiting until Wilf draws near before they hop with a gurgle and splash into the water. You have a feeling that they're just going through the paces . They clearly don't see the old fellow as much of a threat . He's lost nearly a third of his weight and now ambles slowly along , saddle backed , head down in the grass . Late in the afternoon a large van arrives . A parcel . Inside a wonderful picture of a bright eyed, bushy tailed Wilf . A reminder of earlier days . A gift from a talented , caring lady called Elizabeth in Alaska. Much laughter as we try to get Wilf to pose, unsuccessfully , in front of this image of his younger self.

Dog blog land . A place where people are still kind and an old fellows footsteps echo .

22 comments:

  1. Beautiful gift - he still is the most beautiful polar bear around. Wilfiee how I would like to hug you - but you have the Font and Ongoose - your cosmos - lying on the feet and sharing precious moments... My patterdale Foxiie is 13 1/2 and my godchild said the other day - when he leaves I will send you an ambulance immediately to get some help because you will be desperate...- she knows how I feel about him - I share your melancholy - living in the moment is the best we can do.
    Love Love Love from Southern Italy Daisy, Foxiie and Susanne

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  2. Lovely picture of a love dog.
    Yes, those who say the blogosphere is a rude and aggressive place have clearly not visited our warm-hearted corner.

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  3. How kind and how wonderful. People are kind, on the whole, given the chance.

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  4. The kindness of strangers often takes us by suprise. It is there in abundance, thank goodness.

    Dear Wilf so sweet.

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  5. You did well to get him to pose Angus! What a lovely gift, how sweet of Elizabeth. Have a lovely weekend. Sue x x

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  6. Very true. A thoughtful gift. Wilf is legend around the world.

    XXXOOO Daisy, kendra & Bella

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  7. What a lovely picture of sweet Wilf, it is exactly him, with his pink tongue and white polar bear furr, so kind from Elizabeth.
    And, no, you aren't right Angus, Wilfee poses very well !
    The view from the village pond is simply gorgeous, it reminds me of Monet's pictures, gorgeous !
    Have a beautiful day Angus, and don't forget to give the sweet boy, lots of cuddles and bisous for me, please.

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  8. What a beautiful painting! We're sharing a painting on our blog today too!

    Love ya lots
    Maggie and Mitch

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  9. A most wonderful picture indeed. People are kind. Our love to dear fluffy.

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  10. A terrific gift. And, yes, dog blog land is filled with some of the most special people.

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  11. While the painting is wonderful, it is the subject matter that is so inspiring! Isn't it wonderful to have friends around the globe, connected by our deep love of our furry family members?

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  12. What a great picture of Wilf! I love how cute he looks in front of it, too. That must have been a fantastic surprise! I have to agree, the people I've met through the blog are some of the kindest and most understanding anywhere.

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  13. Handsome Wilf looking very dignified, beautiful portrait,a special kindness personified: all make my day any day.DBH

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  14. So glad to see the lovely portrait with the handsome muse. My goodness! the picture got to the rickety old farmhouse very quickly! Elizabeth is a dear friend. She has a big heart and is as beautiful on the inside as on the outside.

    Enjoy the picture for years to come and give the family fellow a big hug from me please. Maybe a taste of coconut ice cream too.

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  15. Adorable photographs. Such a sweet gesture from Elizabeth. Wilf is clearly pleased.

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  16. When he's laughing, Wilf still looks like a young, dashing fellow.
    You know, our Wilf is a dog of a thousand faces; you haven't caught a photo of him smiling with the new picture in the background. Maybe Madame Bay will stop in by in one of her creations. That should do it.

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  17. I am utterly falling in love with that big black nose. Wonderful painting and poses by Wilf, particularly the third - oh, so dignified :). I agree with Bouncing Bertie - we are have a gentle, "warm-hearted blogosphere" :).
    @Mitch & Maggie - your painting is lovely! And so are you - yes, never once did I believe you earned the trust to be "off-leash;" a friend has a very senior Airedale girl who, despite her age, still has chutzpah - and a leash :).

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  18. wilf has brought us all together. we are no longer just strangers commenting on a blog. we are so much more! i love the picture, elizabeth. and somehow wilf captures all his gentlemanly wisdom and humility in his expressions as he "poses" with it. plus...
    finally! i love to see his eyes show in his little face. thank you ongoose! love and hugs all around.
    tammy

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  19. Wilf is a special little pup, just as his brother was. I have been following since your move to Franch and love to hear of Wilfs continues adventures and life. I pray for him and know that you are making his life as comfortable and wonderful as possible.

    The blog world is full of suprises, and this is a beautiful example of the kindness of strangers. I love the painting.

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  20. Those pictures made me smile. Wilf - you are a wonderful old fella.

    Smooches
    Julie Q

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  21. What a charming gift! I adore the the photos of Wilf in front of his likeness. His chin up in the air, as if he is quite proud to have had such a portrait made.

    Cheers Wilf!

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