Barely seven. It's just getting light but it's already hot . We head out of the front gate past the two cows peering dreamily over the fence and head towards the village pond . At our approach a cohort of sleepy frogs leap, one after the other , from the shade of the grass into the cool water . The sound of their splashing and croaking a simple and unpretentious pleasure . The synchronised swimmers of the animal world . I walk four paces ahead. Wilf follows on behind, legs stretched out ahead of him . The assurance that comes from knowing that someone is there, clearing the way . " Come on , come on , stop ! Quick-quick-quick, Stop !" - that constant flow of reassuring commands that owners of blind dogs soon develop.
Home through the sunflower fields. A time for intense snuffling and concentration . For breakfast ' the font ' gives Wilf some cheese and honey on toast. Polish dog, Swedish breakfast . Happiness all round. He licks his nose no less than nineteen times . A record ?
What time is the best in a dogs life ? The mad, getting to know you antics of puppyhood ? Races across the beach when young ? The solid routine of maturity ? Or old age when the trust built up over a decade becomes absolute? For a dog every day is the best . But if laughter is a guide then I guarantee you that days like today are absolutely the best that a dog , or his owner, could ever hope to enjoy .
Here's hoping for many more happy days ( and nights!)
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written, Angus.
ReplyDeleteI always say there is only one thing better than a puppy and that is an old dog. They age like wine getting better and better. That is why it is so hard when they leave because you connect more and more.
ReplyDeleteMmmmm. I do like the sound of cheese and honey on toast!
ReplyDeleteHope Wilf and his family continue to enjoy his old age for a good while yet.
We noticed Wilf striding out with confidence. All times of life are just perfect to the loved dog.
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella
I'm not sure either what part of a dog's life I enjoy the most--I just know that I don't like the ending.
ReplyDeletecuddles from ischia susanne, daisy and foxiie
ReplyDeleteYour last paragraph touched my heart. A day does not go by that my "crazy boxer clown" Maggie Mae does not make me laugh. :) What a blessing it is for all of us to share our lives with these wonderful animals. Hugs for Wilf.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Love,
Janelle and Maggie Mae
A perfect day for a man and his dog. Here's wishing you many more.
ReplyDeletex (for Wilf!)
Wilf has a lesson for us to use in our own lives. Individual moments are beyond compare. Beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteyou are sharing our terrible heat. today is blessedly overcast here but the high temp is still to be 102 degrees. this summer started in may and has been brutal and seems to have no end.
ReplyDeletewhich makes posts like this one especially appreciated... for its sheer beauty and humour and well... it's beloved little polar bear star!
special hugs,
tammy j
You said it perfectly. For our dogs, every day is the best. What a wonderful day you had with Wilf. I can see the bounce in his step in your photos.
ReplyDeleteAngus,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your beautiful words.They were a great way for me to start my Sunday.
Now I will leave my computer and enjoy my dogs!Susan
Someone said she didn't like the ending of the dogs life, but you know, we can learn a lot from how the dog ends it. Wilf carries on with a spring in his step, can't see, diabetes, cancer, but he carries on in mostly good humor. My Scottie Otis was the same as Wilf, blind, deaf only his sniffer worked well.He carried on too.
ReplyDeleteBless them for what they show us.
Jo
Just ask a dog what his favoritest thing is, and it's whatever he is doing at the moment. A lesson to learn!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this lovely message to start the day.
xxx Joan
A dog's favorite day? Today. Wish we were always as wise.
ReplyDeleteThe best days, to all dogs, are the days spent with the humans that they love. The best days, to humans with dogs, are those days spent with their dogs. It's a win-win for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI love his strut today and that look of satisfaction on his face! I don't think I can pick a favorite phase in a dogs' life, each one gets sweeter as time goes on, but after they're gone, you realize that every day was precious.
ReplyDeleteWilf
ReplyDeleteEvewy day is the best as you and I know
Thewe is aways something to enjoy and tweasuwe
I would have loved seeing all those satisfied licks
smoochie kisses
ASTA
I've never really thought about the best times in a dog's life. Something to ponder...
ReplyDeleteAh yes, my dad's young beagle, who isn't blind, loves to do that quick-quick-quick-stop thing too, when he goes for a walk. My Shiver doesn't care for walks at all and tries to get me to carry him while Chico loves them, but he zigzags all over the place.
Be here now. - Ram Dass
ReplyDeleteWe struggle, Wilf is!
Love to all.
With love, each season is the best season.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I didn't know Wilf in his younger days, I dare say this time in his life is filled with nothing but happiness :) To watch in walk with pride (pic #1), and dream with such peace (pic #4) I can't fathom what is better than that!
ReplyDeletePats and snuggles to Wilf!