Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Wednesday morning.





Wilf sprints ahead . Pausing only where the lane coming down the hill crosses the lane running along the valley . He's safe. Cars here in deepest France Profonde a rarity . What tractors there are trundle past at dawn and at dusk . The concept of a morning rush hour beyond comprehension . That's not quite true. The receptionist at the old folks home lives in a steep roofed house by the crossroads . She's always late . Racing past the rickety old farmhouse at two minutes past eight on her way to work in the little market town. Three minutes past five coming back home. Regular as clockwork - but late . Her little black Citroen doing 90 in a 30 zone . I used to think her mad. Now I've got used to it. Rush hour France Profonde style.

From a distance it looks as if Wilf is rubbing his back on the soft grass verge. Close up it's clear that he's drifted into a gentle sleep. The sound of snoring, the breeze in the leafless branches, the woodpeckers hard at work on the stump of an old elm. Warm sunshine. He finally picks himself up, shakes the grass off his coat, and trots off. The enervating power of a quick nap. This week his breathing rougher . Doors presenting more of a problem . Some days , most days , lucid. Others confused. The melanomas spreading. Our slowing daily routine . Little, everyday things that will be missed. Details too small for a diary but just right for this dogblog.

24 comments:

  1. A restorative roadside rest. The pause that refreshes. Very sweet scenes of a happy dog who lives to the fullest every day.

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  2. Dear Wilfy, I often envy his ability to slip off to sleep wherever he is when the weariness takes over.

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  3. The photos of Wilfie asleep on the road did make us smile. We are glad that he is still enjoying the small stuff, and that hopefully the good bits of the day make up for the tuff stuff.

    Smooches to you Mr Wilfie.

    Julie and Poppy Q
    xxx

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  4. Funny photo ! Wilfee seems to be so quiet and happy.
    Even if we all know the truth...
    Have a peaceful Wednesday in France profonde Angus. Lots of bisous for my beloved Wilfee.

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  5. We had a chuckle at the pile of fur next to the road post. So cute. Nothing wrong with being slow....as you reminded us with Kendra.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  6. Love the photos -- hold on little polar bear we love you - susanne, daisy, foxiie and kiri

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  7. The lovely slow days of beautiful Wilf. He brightens ours with every post.

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  8. I greatly admire Wilf's ability to fall asleep anytime anyplace! We should all be able to drift off on the side of the road if we feel like it. Wilf leads a charmed life, even if he is slowing down!

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  9. Oh Wilf, you bring such joy to my day. Thank you.

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  10. I once heard a sermon about gratitude. The message was simply, think of the very smallest thing you are grateful for -- a breath, a ray of sunlight, a drop of rain on a parched leaf. That's what this journey with you and Wilf speaks to. The blessing of gratitude for the sound of a polar bear snoring on his back by the side of the road.

    Joan

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  11. How great that you live in a place that Wilf can drift off to sleep on the side of the road and not be disturbed.

    Cindy

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  12. every comment left here hits the mark.
    we all love him so.
    to live where there is only one crazy driver! heaven on earth.
    thank goodness you do live there. he is freer than he would be other places.
    soldier on sweet little bear. you are teaching us the true value of life itself.
    hugs and a special tummy rub,
    tammy j

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  13. Everyday is special!

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  14. I love Wilf! I know that sounds a little over the top ~ don't even KNOW this dog...but your writings and your photos have made it so. I think of him often...And I am grateful that you decided to DO this dogblog for the "small details." It promotes even MORE and deeper gratitude for our own beloved furry companions in this journey here. I thank God for creating DOGS - man's best friend indeed. unconditional love. You are Wilf's happiness. thanks for writing. just wanted to say....

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  15. Your photos make it look idyllic and safe enough to take a nap anywhere. Wilf lives each day with such joy. I understand about the small things - we've already lost a few so we truly understand. We humans mourn them but our dogs know how to find joy in what they can do. Thanks for your inspiration.

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  16. Fingers crossed the lucidity trumps any confusion, pain, etc. That's my wish for today. Wilf looks like he is on a rather grand mission bottom photo. He's determined! Perhaps back to the house for some coconut ice cream? Keep on going Wilf!

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

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  17. Thank you for your loving words about this sweet little beastie and his gentle owner. We read you daily here in San Francisco and send warm hugs to you both. You make our day!

    Shelby and Jakey Boy, the rescued Springer

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  18. Somethings I see during the day remind me of Wilfee and I think about him, call these my walk-around prayers, for more days for Wilfee, more croissants, more ice cream. My thoughts are when it is his time, that he can drift off quietly, at home, at night, with both of you there.

    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  19. Thank you for sharing those details with us. Restful photos of Wilf :) as I listen to my crew snore.

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  20. Thank you for sharing him. Beautiful photos. Hugs and rubs and peaceful happy times for the boy.

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  21. Thanks for sharing Wilf with us. My day is not complete with out his antics. Do you think he could be any cuter?? I don't think so! Enjoy your time with this precious little bundle of love.

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  22. When you're moving inexorably in a direction you don't want to go but can't change, every day you can dig in your heels and slow the journey is a victory. We're wishing Wilf as many more victories as possible.

    Jed & Abby

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  23. I am catching up after being out of town with no internet service! I love what Jed & Abby said.
    My heart hurts....for all of us.

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