Although we have four children between us, Tom and I will never have our very own bundle of joy. Pets (what else?) are not us. Specifically, they are not Tom. Whilst I’m fine with cats, heck I even gave the kiss of life to one of mine after she was hit by a motorbike (sadly her internal injuries were too severe to save her), it’s dogs I really love.
My favourite family dog was Zorba (Ma’s Greek Island period), an absolutely adorable miniature dachshund who could melt the stoniest human heart. We also had Rima, a dazzling red setter, who liked nothing better than to sneak up on unsuspecting visitors and goose them and, briefly, Sam a naughty standard dachshund. Sam came to us for a trial run when his old lady owner was finding him a bit too energetic. He shot through the house, eating soap, drinking from the toilet and jumping up the curtains before racing outside to gobble some bread left on the lawn and crunch a few snails. Then he got a bit above himself and tried to stop Dad coming in the house, growling at him furiously, soapy snail-green slobber foaming from his mouth, and that was the end of the trial.
These days I mainly meet dogs on my run. I have had the odd bad encounter with scary farm dogs, and, of course, Dorothy, the Jack Russell who bit my bum so thoroughly that I had to get patched up at hospital. But I’ve also met some lovely dogs like Ben and Whisky who got to know me before their owner, wagging their tails when they saw me approaching (actually, they were probably laughing). My absolute favourite though, because I’ve always wanted one, is Max, a beautiful and gentle rescue greyhound who loves a fuss.
Since I can’t have my own dog, reading about other people’s rescue greyhounds is the next best thing so I was very happy to support the Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare kennels at Hersham, Surrey by buying a copy of Hounds at Home a new collection of true stories about adopting and living with greyhounds, by Victoria Kingston and Hilary Johnson. It’s available from the Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare website (£4.50 plus £1.50 P&P) and describes the ups and downs, the funny and the sad of adopting a hound needing a home. There are some gorgeous photos – Darius with stegosaurus is irresistible - but it’s the stories that are so touching and one or two of them sent tears streaming down my face. If dogs are you, you might like it too.
Comments
We can't have pets, in spite of loving both cats and dogs, because we were only going to be living in Bangkok for two years. If we'd know it was going to be seven (it will be in two years) we would have got one, enjoyed it and brought it home via quarantine.
While we've been in Thailand we've discovered that Daughter's asthma and excema is entirely down to cats... that is NEVER going to stop her owning cats, I'm afraid.
It's such a shame, Chris, that you can't have pets, but supporting a cause as you have is the next best thing (and one which doesn't involve walking in the sleety dark in February, muttering about 'bloody dogs').
Grumps is clipped by a woman who also looks after rescue greyhounds and she and other helpers take several of them for walks near Noirmont a lot of the time. Beautiful creatures, I'd love one.
As you know I am a cat person but if I had the space I would have a dog as well - no question. I really like houndy type dogs, they are quiet, well behaved, elegant and gentle. Max sounds like he could melt lots of hearts. Thanks for the link to the WGF website.
Jeanne x
My friend has a rescue greyhound - what a sweetie she is. No squirrel is safe, though if she is in the yard and off-leash. She's fast!
Too bad you don't have a dog. Condolences.
Sad that dogs are a no no for you Chris. You'd be a lovely catch for one:-)
Posie, it's funny how cats adopt people, that's why I prefer dogs really - I love all that slavish devotion! Lucky brother!
Lucie, oh gosh, someone else for you to look after. But it's good news your dog is doing so well despite her problems, poor thing.
Jane, I wouldn't have expected anything less - it must be all go in your house. Full marks to you for getting so much writing done when you're surrounded by children and pets!!
Pauline, yes, I always feel a touch envious when I read about you taking your two for a walk in the balmy night air. Not much chance of me doing either here!!
Debs, it is a lovely read isn't it? Poor Grumps might have his nose put out of joint though if you came home with a new 'baby'!
Jeanne, yes your cats are lovely and it's easy to see how fond you are of them. Sadly even a gentle dog wouldn't convince Tom... especially when he read about Sam!
Fran, neither does my landlord!
gaelikka, oh, I'll check out the site and watch your blog to see if a dog appears!
Rob-bear, your Miss Sadie is adorable-looking... and obviously has you wrapped round her little paw!
LBD - said with feeling!! Has Brown Dog been particularly naughty lately? Or devoured any freshly-baked cakes or new cushions? I do miss your blog - do come back when it's safe!
Fp, well worth it - do buy some tissues too!
Lane - hehe! You have made me smile! Condolences to your parents re the loss of Harold - there's a section in HaH about losing beloved pets and it had tears rolling down my face. Lots of funny and sweet stories too.