Come to our home, this Monday, April 20th at 3p.m. for snacks and a winetasting. (We live near Bandol) To reserve your seat, email kristin.espinasse@gmail.com (p.s if the fava beans are ready, we'll try some 🙂
droit au but (dwaht-oh-bewt)
- to go straight to the goal, directly to the goal
- to get right to the point
AUDIO FILE: Listen to Jean-Marc read the French words (BTW: Did you hear the train whistle? My husband recorded this soundfile while laboring his vinefields! Today he is removing giant rocks, making room for more grapevines. You can hear his strained breathing as he speaks!) Download MP3 or Wav
Smokey est allé doit au but. Il a couru vers le monstre jusqu'à ce que ce dernier fasse demi-tour pour fuir dans la forêt pour toujours ! Smokey went straight to the goal: he ran toward the monster until the latter turned to flee into the forest forever.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
Yesterday morning, while putting the finishing touches on my feature story for France Today (Ça y est! C'est fini!) Max popped his head into the bedroom. Reaching down, he patted our youngest dog, who was resting on the floor beside me, after Tuesday's biopsy.
"Ah, do I have a story about Smokey!" Max perked up, his eyes traveling from Smokey to the window, beyond which a great field meets the forest.
"See over there? That is where we saw the wild boar! Mathilde and I were playing fetch with Smokey, when I threw the stick… and a giant sanglier charged out of the forest to collect it!
"Oh mon Dieu! Where was Mathilde?" I asked, worried about Max's girlfriend.
"She stood frozen, tétanisée, between those two olive trees as the boar bolted towards her, the ground thundering beneath its feet!"
Max threw out his arms, trying to describe the beast, which was thrice the size of our golden retriever. "I screamed for Smokey to come back, but he ran in front of Mathilde and charged on towards that boar!"
Max knew what everyone in these parts knows: a dog is no match for a wild boar! Screaming in vain, my son could not stop our dog from pursuing the threat, and so prepared for the worst as Smokey disappeared into the dark forest.
Then suddenly our golden reappeared! Rushing up to the beautiful demoiselle en détresse, he never once stopped to consider his weakness.
* * *
I hope you enjoyed Max's story about Smokey The Wonderdog. I shared several others with you, Tuesday, when I told you about that méchant lump. Bad news is the lab report came back positive for cancer. The vet was not able to operate, as planned, owing to excessive inflammation. More info, below, in these posts shared on Instagram, and here's an uplifting comment we received on Facebook, this one by Vayia M:
He will be fine! Yes, he will!!! Only positive thinking, he deserves it!
Yes, yes! Smokey, you deserve it 🙂
(Yesterday's update, on Instagram) The lump could not be removed today. The surgery is in one week, when the swelling subsides. "It is unfair that dogs get cancer," the vet said, agreeing with Jackie, who tried to make sense of the diagnosis. Looking to the bright side, Smokey has hopeful options–this, in addition to the Super Giant Lucky Star that shines down on him.
His upside down umbrella did not shield him from the deluge of kisses he just received from Jackie. He's now planning on bringing this prop to the beach this summer. And the summer after that. Or, as Karen said, on Facebook, And seven or eight summers after that!
Smokey, when he was a pup.
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What a brave boy! Courage to Smokey and his family. Sending good vibes. xo
Only good wishes for Smokey. Feel better soon!
Dear Kristin, Smokey certainly does deserve to be okay , what a brave dog xxx
Just gone through surgery with our thirteen year old…she came through well! These dogs become so much a part of our lives. Stay strong for him.
Ah! bless him in his big collar . Sorry to hear the result of the test ,but as I said previously, he is a survivor & with all the love & care he is getting will come through., I’m sure.
We had some sad news too My daughter ,who lives in Phoenix was walking her Lab, when he suddenly veered to the right on his leash & tore off (he was a big,strong, boy) straight into the road & was killed.Needless to say they are all devastated.Dogs are so much part o the family
May you regain good health, Smokey, and live long….you bring smiles to all of us readers.
Je espere que Smokey recupere tres rapidemente! Il est un brave chien.
My sympathies and love to you all. May I also suggest that a “Cloud collar” is a wonderful alternative to the traditional hard plastic ruff. Much more comfortable and so less distressing for an unwell animal. Good luck.xxxxxxxx
Thank you, Patrine. Will look into this.
Audrey, so sorry about your daughters lab. Thinking of her.
Sweet Smokey! Thinking about you all and hope he will be ok!
Smokey is a trooper and I am praying for his recovery.
There’s also a inner-tube type collar that we have used on our 2 dogs. You blow it up and the dog has a lot more mobility. We got it at PetCo.
In bocca al cinghiale, Smokey.
In Italian, the way to say good luck is “In bocca al lupo” (into the mouth of the wolf) but I’ve changed “lupo” to “cinghiale”(wild boar) in honour of Smokey’s bravery.
Either way, Smokey, the reply to the good luck wish is “Crepi” (may it — wolf or boar — die), so be sure to bark that word in dog talk.
You are a wonderful doggie mamma and sounds like you have a good vet. Love and hugs and prayers that all goes well. 🙂
Smokey cheri we love you and are sending prayers for a speedy recovery! Vos amis de Louisiane… Bella, Coco, Diego et M. Toutou. xoxoxox
Hang in there, Smokey! Soon this will be only a memory! You’ll think you were taking a nap and had a bad dream peppered with many loving kisses. We’ll be sending many thoughts until we get good news on the other side of your operation next week.
PS The beach umbrella is awesome. It will serve you well in the summer!
Love to your whole family.
Micki & Chami 🐾 Simms
J’ai oublié notre petite papillon Skylar. A large dog tried to eat her a few years ago but with surgery and some TLC she is a happy girl today. Our four legged children are all survivors and are sending beaucoup de love to you sweet Smokey.
Best wishes for Smokey’s speedy recovery!
Such sweet photos and story of Smokey–hope the upcoming surgery goes well and that Smokey hangs tough to beat the diagnosis. I have friends whose dogs have gained years after getting through the treatments. Thank you for the kind words about my ailing pup. She is confused but delighted about all the treats she is getting–“a spoonful of [peanut butter, not sugar] makes the medicine go down”!
what an exciting life Mr. Smokey has led..how blessed we are to be allowed to live and love them…how we suffer when they are sick or hurt, healing prayers that this will be yet just another pause in his eventful life..and that he will soon be ready for the next adventure.
… Dear Kristin and family…. We will all pray to all the Gods that Smokey will be fine and dandy after his surgery. He was a foolish but wonderfully brave dog to chase after the boar! Reward him well, as he may have saved that girl’s life at the peril of his own! Our pets are so much a part of our family and Smokey has a great family and all of us cheering for his complete recovery! BRAVO! Smokey…. Judi Dunn, Tallahassee, Fl.
How unfair, indeed, that dogs get cancer, for they are pure goodness. When I look into a dog’s eyes, I see all the love in the world. I will continue to hope and pray that your sweet Smokey will win this battle, too, as he has so bravely done in the past. P.S. — I think the position of Smokey’s paw, in the photo with you, tells me that he is French!
Oh NO! Lots of prayers coming your way for Smokey, le pauvre. (and I love the photo of Smokey as a pup–that French dog is a hound!).
Smokey is young, strong of body, and strong of heart. I just know he’ll recover from this. Thank you for sharing what I know is a trying time for you. Give that golden-haired boy 500 kisses from me.
Oh, and about that cloud collar, if you can’t find one then look for a fabric cone. They are just like that plastic but made of fabric that allows the dog to be more comfortable when sleeping, etc. http://www.amazon.com/Comfy-Extra-Large-necks-inches/dp/B003NKKIIS/ref=sr_1_8?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1429192300&sr=1-8&keywords=fabric+dog+cone
Smokey’s strength and courage described in the story Max told should help banish the monster that is attacking him now. That a sweet, gentle soul can be so strong is very encouraging. What comfort he must feel from his caring and loving family.
Smokey may be French, but he speaks to everyone in a universal language…heart to heart~
What a sweet, brave dog Smokey is, and Max is a great story teller!
Sandy
Sending love and healing wishes to you, your family and sweet Smokey. We fell in love with your puppy at first glance and we’re all pulling for him. <3
Oh!! Sweet Smokey is such a brave dog. He chased off a wild boar so I have no doubt that he can chase off cancer with the help of the vet and your family love for him.
Hi, Kristin, I hope and pray Smokey will be fine. My Golden, Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni, now in heaven, was also a brave heart. It is hard to select from the many times he was my salvation, but I will try.
Once, when my arm was broken Albi put himself in harm’s way to
alert me to the danger of a large, old, and likely rabid raccoon. On
another occasion he consoled a friend who had lost a friend. Albi
had never met my friend or the lost lady friend, but accompanied us to the cemetery. My friend was grieving and unable to locate the grave. Who found it? Albi! Also, on one night when he was close to the end of his life here he barked and barked. Thinking he needed to go outside for nature’s call, I let him out only to discover that he was alerting me to trespassers. It was dark and when I discovered a burst water pipe I thought the dog had bumped into it, causing the rupture. The local fire/police non-emergency team arrived and discovered a cut line and assured me of something I should have known immediately–my Golden was a hero!
My heart goes out to you. I never cried so much in my life as when my dog was suffering and leaving me for his Creator. My adult son still rescues puppies from abuse and drowning. I believe it is because he was raised with Albi, our most beloved Golden Retriever. Joanne, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Joanne, Loved your tribute to Albi!
Smokey, we love you- get better soon! I wish I could be with you.
In the short time I have been following your newsletter, I have fallen in love with Smokey. Best wishes for his recovery – and sympathy for his cone, which my dog detests.
My kitty kids, Rosie, Rico and Jack, are all sending kitty kisses to you and Smokey for his speedy recovery. We had 3 kitties who all got cancer, not fair for dogs or cats to get cancer. Give Smokey a rub for all of us. Hugs, Joanne
Smokey has to get well. What a brave, beautiful dog! Sending sparkles of love your way!
I remember when Smokey was born!! I am praying for him. Cancer is a terrible thing, for dogs or for humans. I hope he has a full and swift recovery.
Awww. Dear loveable Smokey dog! I have grown to adore him and he is obviously a brave hearted sweetie of a dog. I hope my good and healing wishes to you and your family help in some way.
Only the best wishes for Smokey and you…I am very sad but trying to be strong for him. We lost our loveliest Ollie on March 23 to car running him over…I hope he send prayers to Smokey…xxx
Smokey doesn’t look like a cat, but he does seem to have nine lives. Take heart–he still has a few more to go! And with all the positive energy being generated by the thoughts and prayers of his fans worldwide, the prognosis for his recovery is bound to be favorable!
Warmest thoughts going out to those who have recently lost pets. And, Monaco, Mom just told me about your Ollie. My heart goes out to you.
Our dear Kristi,
Please know we send renewed prayers for dear Smokey and you.This is a challenging,worrisome and difficult time,but take heart from Smokey’s acceptance of any and all in knowing how much you love him and are doing all in your power to help him.
The trust that our angels put in us reminds me of the trust we now(and always) put in God.
Jesus told us: all will be well.
Sending courage and strength.Bless you all.
Love
Natalia. Xo
I am a relatively new reader (a few months now!) and enjoy reading about every aspect of your French life. I found myself waiting with baited breath to learn of Smokey’s results – we are big “dog people”! We just lost our beautiful 12-year old Alaskan Malamute to liver cancer – something we did not see coming. Your vet was so right – it’s just fair when dogs succomb to any form of this disease! Sending best wishes for Smokey’s full recovery and many more years ahead romping through the vineyards!
Oh dear, I forgot to proofread!! I intended to type UNfair – UNFAIR for dogs to get sick!!! They bring such joy and laughter to our lives. Please post my correction!
Even if we don’t write and post, I am sure all your readers love Smokey and send heartfelt wishes for a quick recovery! (I am more a “cat person” than a “dog person,” but I see him through your eyes!)
Smokey, we are praying for you. You sweet, wonderful and brave dog. Please get well soon. The world loves you.
Prayers for sweet Smokey!
Prayers for precious Smokey, and his mom, dad, sister, and brother:) Bon Courage, Smokey!!!
So sorry to hear about Smokey! Sending love and healing thoughts! Bon courage à vous tous!
Smokey, the prayers, love and tears from your FWAD family will surely help you to recover. Bon courage, sweet boy.
My big orange tabby cat, Monsieur Tubbs, had a cancerous lump on his tail and it had to be amputated. I was an emotional wreck! I truly believe that it bothered me more than it bothered him! Oh, and it has been 2 yrs. and he is fine. Wishing the same for your boy Smokey.
Smokey will overcome this. Such a brave and precious being. Deke, my spaniel mix, and I are sending warm wishes for Smokey’s recovery.