I have always had pets. My Mother and Father had a dog when I was born. He was a bitser called Baldy. I think Dad found him and brought him home. Once Baldy went missing for a week or so and we thought he'd come to a sticky end, then one evening he turned up at the door. His feet were bloody and we always thought someone had taken him but he had found his way back.
Maxi
Over the years there was a steady procession of dogs, rabbits, budgies and goldfish. When I married in 1970 I had a corgi called Sansy. I had to leave him with Mum mad Dad because my husband was a farmer and thought Sandy and sheep probably wouldn't mix too well. I hated leaving him but he was well looked after by Mum.
We had another series of dogs, kelpies, one in particular we called Tracey because she was born around the time Cyclone Tracey hit. Anyway, when my girls were little we got Tip a wonderful black kelpie/German Shepherd. He was a great companion. Then we got Maxi a Chihaha/Jack Russell. She was a real character. She'd lie on Tip's back on our verandah and watch. When someone or a dog had the audacity to pass by she'd bark and Tip would run down and clear the six foot fence. He had no intention of attacking anyone.
Bob is the first dog I've had that I have walked regularly. Maxi wouldn't walk on the lead and we always had a big backyard so walking seemed unnecessary.
Anyway, Bob loved his walks right from the first day. To my surprise he was very well behaved. He walked alongside me, didn't pull on the lead and when we came to the edge of the road he understood, wait and then would walk on when I said OK.
Now, I don't know if he just understood or if he had been trained. He still really enjoys his walks and loves to get out and sniff his way along. I call him the sniffer dog, he could earn a living at Heathrow. Especially if he had to sniff out food in the suitcases.
Here's Bob out for a walk in the snow.
Every time I go out with Bob I just feel such joy. He usually goes out with such purpose and nothing slows him down. Not even the snow. Having said that if it's raining he just stands on the porch and looks at me as it to say, "you are kidding". He has one of those tails with the long hair on the end. I call it his flag and it's always wagging.
Lately, Bob has been sick so he finds the walk a bit more difficult. He has a bad heart now and wants to go but can't walk as fast. I don't mind it just takes longer.
He is still determined that he is the master of the walk. We have to go where he wants to go. If I try to go in a direction he doesn't want to go, he just stands still. Believe it or not, I must be cracked because I actually ask him where he wants to go and he turns his head and points the way, every time!!
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