Post by Paul on Dec 22, 2004 12:07:54 GMT 9.5
BANDIT BOY
Do I have a dog of my own? Not now - but do I ever have a canine star boarder! How did this plump, aging, lovable Jack Russell, ‘Bandit’ (big black patches around his eyes in puppyhood) come into my life? I imagine he read the "Good Pickings" column of the local "Dogs' Daily", something like the following:
SOFT TOUCH
Elderly lady, lives alone, great softie with dogs,
house conveniently situated adjacent to park, for picnics, club and family gatherings, barbecues etc. Suit sociable dog.
At first his visits were brief, just time for a pat or two, and "Must be off." Gradually they became longer, growing into full-day stopovers; then the overnighting with supper included, began.
It was some time before I found out where his family lived - some 2 km away, and that Bandit had been a roamer almost from birth. He has in fact been dubbed, ‘The Mayor’, seeing that he officiates at every function.
His owners are almost amazingly laid-back about his now almost full time residence with me. Just occasionally he disappears for a night or two; this would worry me sick if he were my own dog. But the nature of our relationship is loving, with no obligations. I am glad - yes, glad - when he absents himself for a while. It is good practice for the day he will come no more. (Assuming he doesn't outlive me!)
He loves his winter comfort, choosing between ‘his’ chair - the one covered with an old padded bedspread - and ‘his’ sheepskin in front of the fire, where he snores and wheezes blissfully. But, unless it's raining, he's an outside dog by day. After a late arising he disappears for an hour or so. I wonder suspiciously at which house the morning morsels await.
Then it is time for him to listen for cars that bring dogs to the park for their walks. When he recognises the sound of specific cars, he forgets his years and gets up with amazing speed so he can be part of the fun and frolics.
Occasionally he brings a friend in for a visit. He's very gregarious and generous, even allowing the sharing of his beloved bones. So far, he's led a charmed life, crossing busy streets with complete nonchalance. But he's eleven years old now, and sometimes I wonder.....
©Stella Page. Greenock, SA.
Do I have a dog of my own? Not now - but do I ever have a canine star boarder! How did this plump, aging, lovable Jack Russell, ‘Bandit’ (big black patches around his eyes in puppyhood) come into my life? I imagine he read the "Good Pickings" column of the local "Dogs' Daily", something like the following:
SOFT TOUCH
Elderly lady, lives alone, great softie with dogs,
house conveniently situated adjacent to park, for picnics, club and family gatherings, barbecues etc. Suit sociable dog.
At first his visits were brief, just time for a pat or two, and "Must be off." Gradually they became longer, growing into full-day stopovers; then the overnighting with supper included, began.
It was some time before I found out where his family lived - some 2 km away, and that Bandit had been a roamer almost from birth. He has in fact been dubbed, ‘The Mayor’, seeing that he officiates at every function.
His owners are almost amazingly laid-back about his now almost full time residence with me. Just occasionally he disappears for a night or two; this would worry me sick if he were my own dog. But the nature of our relationship is loving, with no obligations. I am glad - yes, glad - when he absents himself for a while. It is good practice for the day he will come no more. (Assuming he doesn't outlive me!)
He loves his winter comfort, choosing between ‘his’ chair - the one covered with an old padded bedspread - and ‘his’ sheepskin in front of the fire, where he snores and wheezes blissfully. But, unless it's raining, he's an outside dog by day. After a late arising he disappears for an hour or so. I wonder suspiciously at which house the morning morsels await.
Then it is time for him to listen for cars that bring dogs to the park for their walks. When he recognises the sound of specific cars, he forgets his years and gets up with amazing speed so he can be part of the fun and frolics.
Occasionally he brings a friend in for a visit. He's very gregarious and generous, even allowing the sharing of his beloved bones. So far, he's led a charmed life, crossing busy streets with complete nonchalance. But he's eleven years old now, and sometimes I wonder.....
©Stella Page. Greenock, SA.
