One of the "séquelles" that remain after the two-dog attack on Smokey (years ago!) is that hanging tongue. Read about another, in today's story.
une séquelle (say-kel)
: aftereffect, aftermath scar, legacy
Une séquelle est une lésion qui persiste après la guérison d'une maladie ou blessure. Mot également utilisé lorsque l'on parle d'une conséquence plus ou moins lointaine qui est le contrecoup d'un évènement, d'une situation. A séquelle is a lesion that persists after the healing of an illness or injury. The word is equally used when talking about a consequence, more or less distant, that is the aftershock of an event or situation.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
Dog Therapy
In the parking lot not far from the sea, the sky is barely visible beyond a canopy of parasol pines. The tall thin trees slant permanently and I sometimes wonder if it is the aftereffect of the wind, forever blowing on them?
"Look, Smokey, there's a friend!" I say, when we encounter the first hikers on our 20-minute parcours. Only, as our parties pass each other I notice the impersonal looks on the hikers' faces. As their black Labrador pauses to sniff Smokey, I smile at the different members of the group, but each set of eyes is glued to the path.
I tug on Smokey's leash, careful not to delay the hikers. "Maybe they've got other things on their mind," I explain to Smokey. You know how it is on a hike, some people are quick to offer a cheery hello, while others are lost in thought—and still others have invisible signs marked "Do Not Disturb!"
Farther along the sentier, we spy a trio of women. A little white dog is trotting alongside the ladies, who are already waving their hands and puckering their lips, in one warm extended greeting.
"Isn't he nice!" the women remark, as they bend down to pet Smokey. Their encouraging words are touching.
"It is wonderful therapy," I admit, telling the women a little about Smokey, who benefits so much from these friendly encounters. As I talk, I feel myself relaxing.
"What is her name?" I ask, smiling at the little dog with the long white hair.
"Etoile." The three women have that gentle confidence that comes from being a veteran aunt or sister or friend or caring co-worker. I feel their affection. With a spring in our step, Smokey and I walk on. Au revoir, we say goodbye to "Star" and her twinkling entourage.
Next, we pass a bulldog who hops along, all but dragging his stomach with him. Walking alongside the wobbling gourmand a young couple is lost in a bubble of love. The lovers wake briefly when the bulldog and the golden retriever exchange growling menaces. Yanking our respective leashes, the couple and I take a moment to exchange a friendly "no worries" greeting.
For the rest of our journey it is people-only encounters and I notice how some hikers can't resist reaching out to caress Smokey while others keep to themselves. Occasionally I notice a look of distaste, and I remember to pull out my tissue and wipe my dog's slobbering face. He can't help it, all that frothing at the mouth is just one of the séquelles of the attack he endured as a puppy.
Heading down the hill toward our car, I see a couple walking toward us. I quickly reach for the tissue and clean up my dog. Noticing some of the slobber is dripping down my pant leg, and another bit is dangling from the cuff of my sleeve I quickly brush the two together. Beurk!
"Il est magnifique," the woman with the red hair cheers and her partner, who reaches to pat Smokey on the head, assures me this is so.
I hear the woman repeat her words, adding a few more for good measure, "Il est magnifique, comme sa maitresse!"
The extra generous words take me by surprise and I can't help but be moved by the manner in which strangers reach out to one another. I have to wonder, Why us?
As the strangers walk off, I bend down to examine Smokey's crooked face, as I caress his golden chest. It is easy to see why he is so loved. And suddenly, I feel a little lucky about how, once again, some of that love has rubbed off on me. It's another of those gifts that our animals bring us: connection with the world out there.
To comment, click here. I'd love to read your thoughts about your animals. How does your cat or dog or… behave with other animals? Has your pet ever led you to a friendship? Healed you of a wound, internal or external? Click here to leave a comment or to read one.
* To read about Smokey's attack, click here.
Have you read A Dog's Life by Peter Mayle? Click here to read the reviews.
French Vocab
parcours = training course (for walking, jogging…)
le sentier = path
une étoile = star
au revoir = goodbye
une séquelle = scar, aftermath
beurk = yuck, gross
Il est magnifique = he is magnificent
comme sa maîtresse = like his mistress
An unusual place to write a story about quitting wine, but when my dear cousin-in-law gave me the poster, I couldn't help but smile to myself. Book update (and thanks for asking me to check in! I began chapter 2 on Friday and will continue this evening. When "blocking" the book in my head, various scenes, so vibrant and memorable, floated naturally to the surface of my mind. If each of these scenes is a chapter, this means the book will go forwards and backwards in time (i.e. the Prologue begin in 2013, while Chapter 1 unfolds in 2002. Chapter 2 opens up in 1994, just before our wedding…) My question to you now: Do you find it bothersome to read a book that goes backwards and forwards in time?
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Bonjour Kristi,
Lovely story today. I have followed Smokey since he was a pup and the “attack”. He’s a very special boy – I have a 7 year old sheltie who had a stroke a year ago. She wobbles when she walks and gets acupuncture once a month, but is a very happy girl. My other dog is my walking companion.
I like the back and forth books. Sarah’s Key comes to mind. Write what works for you!
Tish (Powhatan VA)
Bonjour Kristi,
Lovely story today. I have followed Smokey since he was a pup and the “attack”. He’s a very special boy – I have a 7 year old sheltie who had a stroke a year ago. She wobbles when she walks and gets acupuncture once a month, but is a very happy girl. My other dog is my walking companion.
I like the back and forth books. Sarah’s Key comes to mind. Write what works for you!
Tish (Powhatan VA)
Chère Kristin.
Je voudrais bien faire une promenade avec toi et Smokey et moi et mon chien, un labrador noir! I’d love to be your neighbor and go for walks every day. We could have so many adventures for you to write about! Strike and I also encounter people who are non-dog lovers, but our favorites are the dog-lovers who love to reach out.
A book that goes back and forth is fine as long as I know what the time is. It’s easier for when you get to go back to reading after a break. 🙂
Chère Kristin.
Je voudrais bien faire une promenade avec toi et Smokey et moi et mon chien, un labrador noir! I’d love to be your neighbor and go for walks every day. We could have so many adventures for you to write about! Strike and I also encounter people who are non-dog lovers, but our favorites are the dog-lovers who love to reach out.
A book that goes back and forth is fine as long as I know what the time is. It’s easier for when you get to go back to reading after a break. 🙂
Kristin, what a lovely post that is. I send a hug to you and a pat to Smokey. I have many great stories of my pets through the years, but must share a short one about Sadie, whom we call our “nurse cat”. Whenever any if us are sick, sad, or in pain, Sadie is right there to offer her quiet comfort and love. When our youngest daughter moved permanently to France, I returned from the airport and went into her empty room where I sobbed my heart out. Sadie was right there to comfort me. She looked so sad, too, and I know she misses Darci very much. The first few times she heard Darci’s voice via FaceTime on my iPad, Sadie looked everywhere for her. She even looked behind the sofa! Months later, when Darci returned for a visit, Sadie actually cried out and ran to her! It was so touching.
Kristin, what a lovely post that is. I send a hug to you and a pat to Smokey. I have many great stories of my pets through the years, but must share a short one about Sadie, whom we call our “nurse cat”. Whenever any if us are sick, sad, or in pain, Sadie is right there to offer her quiet comfort and love. When our youngest daughter moved permanently to France, I returned from the airport and went into her empty room where I sobbed my heart out. Sadie was right there to comfort me. She looked so sad, too, and I know she misses Darci very much. The first few times she heard Darci’s voice via FaceTime on my iPad, Sadie looked everywhere for her. She even looked behind the sofa! Months later, when Darci returned for a visit, Sadie actually cried out and ran to her! It was so touching.
Hi Kristi,
We, too, have an emotionally challenged bestest pet Friend named Whitey. Hew was a rescue Cat, a stray that we took in after seeing him starving and getting picked on by other cats. Whitey finally got used to people again and we moved (flew him) to Arizona and all was well. But then the Spa Guy came and there was a commotion out back with the Guy scaring Whitey by knocking an iron sculpture off our porch, and maybe it hit Whitey – we dont know -with all kinds of commotion – and he left the gate open so Whitey ran away for hours.Now he is scared to death of people again, except for Us (for 3 years now!sigh!) Quite heartbreakings and difficult when we have overnight guests.. Our pets do remember, don’t they?? Trama is much harder for them to forget, no?
I too, don;t mind you skipping back and forth – it’s all great reading that I so enjoy! bestest, Marie
Hi Kristi,
We, too, have an emotionally challenged bestest pet Friend named Whitey. Hew was a rescue Cat, a stray that we took in after seeing him starving and getting picked on by other cats. Whitey finally got used to people again and we moved (flew him) to Arizona and all was well. But then the Spa Guy came and there was a commotion out back with the Guy scaring Whitey by knocking an iron sculpture off our porch, and maybe it hit Whitey – we dont know -with all kinds of commotion – and he left the gate open so Whitey ran away for hours.Now he is scared to death of people again, except for Us (for 3 years now!sigh!) Quite heartbreakings and difficult when we have overnight guests.. Our pets do remember, don’t they?? Trama is much harder for them to forget, no?
I too, don;t mind you skipping back and forth – it’s all great reading that I so enjoy! bestest, Marie
I never realized how much I would learn by having an “indoor” dog (Millie.) Our family always had an “outdoor” dog when I was growing up. The intimacy of a dog in your home and the closeness of that environment has taught me so much and I now know that I missed out on many lessons in the past by not having a dog indoors. I now worry over many things I did and did not do with my outdoor dog. But the past is the past and I can only learn and grow from my present experience. Millie and I age together and we teach each other. I want to learn to be as accepting as she is with me in my relationship with others.
I never realized how much I would learn by having an “indoor” dog (Millie.) Our family always had an “outdoor” dog when I was growing up. The intimacy of a dog in your home and the closeness of that environment has taught me so much and I now know that I missed out on many lessons in the past by not having a dog indoors. I now worry over many things I did and did not do with my outdoor dog. But the past is the past and I can only learn and grow from my present experience. Millie and I age together and we teach each other. I want to learn to be as accepting as she is with me in my relationship with others.
Our Labradoodle, Aries, was attacked by two adult Boxers as a youngster playing on the beach. He is now nearly 6 years old and even though we have taken great care to help him realize Boxers are lovely dogs, he continues to this day to growl and attempt to attack Boxers. This morning on the beach we were having a lovely walk when a couple approached from the other direction with their young Boxer.They were carrying a stick which I thought was a leash attached to their dog. When Aries saw him, he immediately tried to attack. I was so glad I had made the decision to leash Aries when I saw them before he realized who was approaching. This avoided a full on attack, but he was very verbal! The canine memory is long and strong.
We live in Victoria, Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada. We are really enjoying your blog and have a French tutor who comes to the house for 1 1/2 hours every second week. This keeps our ‘older’ brains working and is lots of fun. When you don’t use a language learned in school so long ago, it is difficult to keep it fresh. Thanks so much for your delightful stories.
Our Labradoodle, Aries, was attacked by two adult Boxers as a youngster playing on the beach. He is now nearly 6 years old and even though we have taken great care to help him realize Boxers are lovely dogs, he continues to this day to growl and attempt to attack Boxers. This morning on the beach we were having a lovely walk when a couple approached from the other direction with their young Boxer.They were carrying a stick which I thought was a leash attached to their dog. When Aries saw him, he immediately tried to attack. I was so glad I had made the decision to leash Aries when I saw them before he realized who was approaching. This avoided a full on attack, but he was very verbal! The canine memory is long and strong.
We live in Victoria, Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada. We are really enjoying your blog and have a French tutor who comes to the house for 1 1/2 hours every second week. This keeps our ‘older’ brains working and is lots of fun. When you don’t use a language learned in school so long ago, it is difficult to keep it fresh. Thanks so much for your delightful stories.
Kristi…you are inspiring me to get started on one of the things on my bucket list that I have been thinking was “too hard” and keep putting off….Well time isnt on my side anymore …so maybe I had better get with it (I want to write a memoir for my kids and grands ) If I know you are on the same journey, maybe that will keep me going (once I get started that is) I think back and forth is fine as long as we know “when” ….Good luck (Bon chance) Keep hammering out those words for all of us !!!Love them !
Kristi…you are inspiring me to get started on one of the things on my bucket list that I have been thinking was “too hard” and keep putting off….Well time isnt on my side anymore …so maybe I had better get with it (I want to write a memoir for my kids and grands ) If I know you are on the same journey, maybe that will keep me going (once I get started that is) I think back and forth is fine as long as we know “when” ….Good luck (Bon chance) Keep hammering out those words for all of us !!!Love them !
Opps, so sorry Maureen. I really am not judgemental at all. I was just expressing what my European friends had told me. I am totally aware that there are friendly and not so friendly in every nationality. I myself am perhaps too friendly most of the time, being aggressive is so far from who I am you wouldn’t believe it. Sorry I ruffled your feathers.
Opps, so sorry Maureen. I really am not judgemental at all. I was just expressing what my European friends had told me. I am totally aware that there are friendly and not so friendly in every nationality. I myself am perhaps too friendly most of the time, being aggressive is so far from who I am you wouldn’t believe it. Sorry I ruffled your feathers.
Now I feel really bad. First my friends are Swiss-German and second I never did say the German hikers were not friendly. If I were to go into the whole description about heads being down, it was explained to me that they were very concentrated on what they were doing. The French “laisse faire”? and the Italians “Que sera, que sera”. I at the time was terrified that I was going to fall off the narrow trail.
Now I feel really bad. First my friends are Swiss-German and second I never did say the German hikers were not friendly. If I were to go into the whole description about heads being down, it was explained to me that they were very concentrated on what they were doing. The French “laisse faire”? and the Italians “Que sera, que sera”. I at the time was terrified that I was going to fall off the narrow trail.
Joie, please do not feel bad. It is easy to misunderstand one another via email or in the comments box. If your comment were expressed in a stand-up comedy room, here in France, the audience would have giggled. My husband (Chief Grape) loves to listen to Rire Chanson (the radio station) and the comedians are always poking fun at we earth dwellers across the globe, whether we be American, French, German, Mexican, You Name It… As Maureen says, there are all sorts of us out there, within our appellation 🙂
Joie, please do not feel bad. It is easy to misunderstand one another via email or in the comments box. If your comment were expressed in a stand-up comedy room, here in France, the audience would have giggled. My husband (Chief Grape) loves to listen to Rire Chanson (the radio station) and the comedians are always poking fun at we earth dwellers across the globe, whether we be American, French, German, Mexican, You Name It… As Maureen says, there are all sorts of us out there, within our appellation 🙂
Cathy, So glad you brought up indoor and outdoor dogs. I would love to hear more comments on this topic (as one of the members of my family would like our dogs to transition to Outdoor Dogs….
Cathy, So glad you brought up indoor and outdoor dogs. I would love to hear more comments on this topic (as one of the members of my family would like our dogs to transition to Outdoor Dogs….
Beautiful story, and as always beautifully written. Your posts are always uplifting, (even when the subject might seem as if it should not be). Just wanted to let you know that I so often recognize myself in the events and moods you describe so well, and it reassures me that other artists and mothers wrestle with and enjoy many of the same things. Thank you!
Beautiful story, and as always beautifully written. Your posts are always uplifting, (even when the subject might seem as if it should not be). Just wanted to let you know that I so often recognize myself in the events and moods you describe so well, and it reassures me that other artists and mothers wrestle with and enjoy many of the same things. Thank you!
Regarding indoor/outdoor dogs, growing up our collie/German shepherd mix (looked like collie), was strictly an outdoor dog. And our cats were indoor/outdoor. Now that we live in coyote territory, everyone is recommended to keep their cats and small dogs indoors in all the time.
I agree with Cathy. I feel like we missed so much bonding with our dog being strictly outdoors. We have loved having our cat indoors. He is truly a member of our family. I don’t know if we’ll ever get a dog (a second cat is more likely), but I would want it inside now.
Regarding indoor/outdoor dogs, growing up our collie/German shepherd mix (looked like collie), was strictly an outdoor dog. And our cats were indoor/outdoor. Now that we live in coyote territory, everyone is recommended to keep their cats and small dogs indoors in all the time.
I agree with Cathy. I feel like we missed so much bonding with our dog being strictly outdoors. We have loved having our cat indoors. He is truly a member of our family. I don’t know if we’ll ever get a dog (a second cat is more likely), but I would want it inside now.
Kristen, in November of 2009, my husband died from cancer. I already had two very nice dogs, but two months later, I acquired a beautiful german shepherd pup. Few months after that, a miniature poodle, a year after that, two more poodles, one miniature and one standard.
Looking back, I understand,now, why I bought (also rescued during this difficult period of time) all of those dogs. I was learning how to train service assist dogs, and my idea was to teach others how to train their own. By that time, I had 9 dogs, including a few that I’d rescued, and was working with to find them homes that they deserved.
I got sick that winter and was miserable. Have a special child who needs constant supervision. I was desperate one day for a nap, very miserably sick. I knew that if I could just lay down for one or two hours, I’d feel better. I went to my child’s room, where she was playing, so I could hear her if she needed me. I lay down and crashed into deep sleep. Awoke 2 hours later, looked around for my daughter. I saw all 9 dogs, sleeping next to the bed I lay in. It was the most comforting thing that had happened to me in a long time.
Dogs do bring comfort, and acceptance.
Kristen, in November of 2009, my husband died from cancer. I already had two very nice dogs, but two months later, I acquired a beautiful german shepherd pup. Few months after that, a miniature poodle, a year after that, two more poodles, one miniature and one standard.
Looking back, I understand,now, why I bought (also rescued during this difficult period of time) all of those dogs. I was learning how to train service assist dogs, and my idea was to teach others how to train their own. By that time, I had 9 dogs, including a few that I’d rescued, and was working with to find them homes that they deserved.
I got sick that winter and was miserable. Have a special child who needs constant supervision. I was desperate one day for a nap, very miserably sick. I knew that if I could just lay down for one or two hours, I’d feel better. I went to my child’s room, where she was playing, so I could hear her if she needed me. I lay down and crashed into deep sleep. Awoke 2 hours later, looked around for my daughter. I saw all 9 dogs, sleeping next to the bed I lay in. It was the most comforting thing that had happened to me in a long time.
Dogs do bring comfort, and acceptance.
I soo do not believe in “outdoor” dogs! Unless they are hunting dogs and live in a pack and in some stable with a bunch of other *(presumably happy) animals.
Plus, I believe we, as humans, miss out so much on LOVE while distancing them to the outdoor conditions. And of course I myself own a (perfectly trained and very well travelled) dog, and to just compare the situations, I know some people (and their dogs too) who prefer to keep them outdoor. Even with the best food and care those outdoor dogs miss out soo much in life! Just as we do.
Maybe it worth training them better? They are trainable at any age. Just more love and compassion for them — and with some training and treats, of course (they don’t “work” for free:-) a dog could be even patient enough with… our wiping their paws (if that is needed to keep the house super-clean).
Here’s my point illustrated professionally:
“The worst thing you can do to a dog that is an indoor pet is turn him outside,” warns Gorton. “Imagine how you feel when you have been locked out of your house for just a short time. Trying to make an indoor dog into an outdoor pet is a form of abandonment and cruelty, and your pet’s health will certainly suffer.”
http://www.everydayhealth.com/pet-health/does-your-pet-belong-indoors-or-outdoors.aspx
Does Your Pet Belong Indoors or Outdoors?
“..They are animals born to be part of a social structure, a pack or a family, yet this is denied them. They spend their lives on the outside, looking in. ..” http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/why-outdoor-dogs-are-miserable
Why “Outdoor Dogs” Are Miserable
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/695233243/Dont-give-up-Dogs-trainable-at-any-age.html?pg=all
“Dogs, cats & other people: Don’t give up: Dogs trainable at any age”
Dog trainer Matthew “Uncle Matty” Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series “WOOF! It’s a Dog’s Life!”
I soo do not believe in “outdoor” dogs! Unless they are hunting dogs and live in a pack and in some stable with a bunch of other *(presumably happy) animals.
Plus, I believe we, as humans, miss out so much on LOVE while distancing them to the outdoor conditions. And of course I myself own a (perfectly trained and very well travelled) dog, and to just compare the situations, I know some people (and their dogs too) who prefer to keep them outdoor. Even with the best food and care those outdoor dogs miss out soo much in life! Just as we do.
Maybe it worth training them better? They are trainable at any age. Just more love and compassion for them — and with some training and treats, of course (they don’t “work” for free:-) a dog could be even patient enough with… our wiping their paws (if that is needed to keep the house super-clean).
Here’s my point illustrated professionally:
“The worst thing you can do to a dog that is an indoor pet is turn him outside,” warns Gorton. “Imagine how you feel when you have been locked out of your house for just a short time. Trying to make an indoor dog into an outdoor pet is a form of abandonment and cruelty, and your pet’s health will certainly suffer.”
http://www.everydayhealth.com/pet-health/does-your-pet-belong-indoors-or-outdoors.aspx
Does Your Pet Belong Indoors or Outdoors?
“..They are animals born to be part of a social structure, a pack or a family, yet this is denied them. They spend their lives on the outside, looking in. ..” http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/why-outdoor-dogs-are-miserable
Why “Outdoor Dogs” Are Miserable
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/695233243/Dont-give-up-Dogs-trainable-at-any-age.html?pg=all
“Dogs, cats & other people: Don’t give up: Dogs trainable at any age”
Dog trainer Matthew “Uncle Matty” Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series “WOOF! It’s a Dog’s Life!”
.. speaking of “wiping their paws if needed”
🙂 I am smiling now remembering my dog’s attitude, body language and muzzle expression 🙂 when she gives me her paws to be wiped or washed. She just stretches them out one by one, and absolutely has no problems with anything like that (for all those years I have been doing that.. and much more with her and ON her).. She isn’t even surprised any more, I guess, if I come up with some OTHER yet idea for her to learn. She just looks at me with the expression “what do you want me to do NOW?” And she is always ready to learn, and ready to please. That is intrinsic to their nature — we just need to remember about this fact — and use it to make our lives together more enjoyable.
.. speaking of “wiping their paws if needed”
🙂 I am smiling now remembering my dog’s attitude, body language and muzzle expression 🙂 when she gives me her paws to be wiped or washed. She just stretches them out one by one, and absolutely has no problems with anything like that (for all those years I have been doing that.. and much more with her and ON her).. She isn’t even surprised any more, I guess, if I come up with some OTHER yet idea for her to learn. She just looks at me with the expression “what do you want me to do NOW?” And she is always ready to learn, and ready to please. That is intrinsic to their nature — we just need to remember about this fact — and use it to make our lives together more enjoyable.
Beautiful story, Kristin! Books that go backward and forward in time are brilliant, and I believe it takes great talent to be able to lure the reader into such a narrative. The first book that comes to mind, when I think of the forward-and-backward weaving story, is The Time Traveler’s Wife, which is one of my favourites. Best of luck! Your work is always such a pleasure to read!
Beautiful story, Kristin! Books that go backward and forward in time are brilliant, and I believe it takes great talent to be able to lure the reader into such a narrative. The first book that comes to mind, when I think of the forward-and-backward weaving story, is The Time Traveler’s Wife, which is one of my favourites. Best of luck! Your work is always such a pleasure to read!
Back and forth is how we think after all. so yes, it is a fine literary style. Dogs are wonderful ice breakers and if a hiker does not want to be drawn in … no worries … the dog’s feelings aren’t hurt. I love taking our Westie, Bijou and our Shih-Tzu, boomerang out to explore the world and all of its creatures.
Back and forth is how we think after all. so yes, it is a fine literary style. Dogs are wonderful ice breakers and if a hiker does not want to be drawn in … no worries … the dog’s feelings aren’t hurt. I love taking our Westie, Bijou and our Shih-Tzu, boomerang out to explore the world and all of its creatures.
I adore my dog. We have a perfect relationship, always delighted to see each other, even after a short shopping trip. She often comes to me when I am painting to tell me how much she loves me, and I tell her the same! After 7 years I can’t imagine life without her. We also meet all sorts of lovely people out on our walks who stop to talk and tell her what a ‘grand nounours’ she is. I think that’s the word for a teddy bear. She wakes me in the morning with a gentle nudge, and at night sleeps on my yoga mat by my bed, her calm breathing, the most soothing sound to go to sleep to. Her name is Barafu and I feel it is an honour to share my life with this most lovely of souls. Incase you are wondering, she is a Bernese Mountain dog.
Thank you for your sweet story, as always told with such sincerity, and wisdom. X Karen
I adore my dog. We have a perfect relationship, always delighted to see each other, even after a short shopping trip. She often comes to me when I am painting to tell me how much she loves me, and I tell her the same! After 7 years I can’t imagine life without her. We also meet all sorts of lovely people out on our walks who stop to talk and tell her what a ‘grand nounours’ she is. I think that’s the word for a teddy bear. She wakes me in the morning with a gentle nudge, and at night sleeps on my yoga mat by my bed, her calm breathing, the most soothing sound to go to sleep to. Her name is Barafu and I feel it is an honour to share my life with this most lovely of souls. Incase you are wondering, she is a Bernese Mountain dog.
Thank you for your sweet story, as always told with such sincerity, and wisdom. X Karen
Lovely story… I’m an animal lover too. We’ve had dogs, cats, birds, a horse, a hamster named Georgette and a snake named Fang, rabbits. I can’t really say no to pets. My son even brought a French college student home from the beach when we lived in Santa Barbara. He had money enough for school and a little food but no home. Rob asked if he could stay with us. “Sure.’
My Sheltie, Ladd, made many friends everywhere we went in Santa Barbara. Everyone loved him. From Julie Child to Stewart Granger…Jonathan Winter and someone on ‘Dallas’ whose name I can’t remember. Now I have a rescue cat. Or more accurately, she has me. Wrapped around her adorable little paw. She isn’t very friendly except to me, and that is sometimes conditional.
Look forward to the next installment!
Lovely story… I’m an animal lover too. We’ve had dogs, cats, birds, a horse, a hamster named Georgette and a snake named Fang, rabbits. I can’t really say no to pets. My son even brought a French college student home from the beach when we lived in Santa Barbara. He had money enough for school and a little food but no home. Rob asked if he could stay with us. “Sure.’
My Sheltie, Ladd, made many friends everywhere we went in Santa Barbara. Everyone loved him. From Julie Child to Stewart Granger…Jonathan Winter and someone on ‘Dallas’ whose name I can’t remember. Now I have a rescue cat. Or more accurately, she has me. Wrapped around her adorable little paw. She isn’t very friendly except to me, and that is sometimes conditional.
Look forward to the next installment!
What a beautiful place you have to walk with Smokey!
What a beautiful place you have to walk with Smokey!
oh my, what a beautiful little cove! is that someone’s house in the upper right? what an idyllic location.
oh my, what a beautiful little cove! is that someone’s house in the upper right? what an idyllic location.
April, that is a restaurant… but would make a dream house!
April, that is a restaurant… but would make a dream house!
Love your stories about Smokey. We had a sad time this week with my daughter’s cat, Phoenix, who died unexpectedly from kidney failure. Phoenix was found years ago in an outdoor grill…and had part of his tail either cut/bitten or burned off (not from the grill.) But he was rescued and had 7 good years with her family!
The “Smokester” is also living the good life!
Love your stories about Smokey. We had a sad time this week with my daughter’s cat, Phoenix, who died unexpectedly from kidney failure. Phoenix was found years ago in an outdoor grill…and had part of his tail either cut/bitten or burned off (not from the grill.) But he was rescued and had 7 good years with her family!
The “Smokester” is also living the good life!
Chris, so sorry about Phoenix. What a lovely life he was offered for those 7 years. xoxo
Chris, so sorry about Phoenix. What a lovely life he was offered for those 7 years. xoxo