I am in love. I am sure almost all of you know the feeling. I just can't stop thinking about him. He is considerably younger than me (I would guess thirty years* or so but seems very loving and attentive.)
Sadly it will be a short lived affair of the heart as he is soon to move away but it is lovely while it lasts. His name is Jack and he lives around six doors away. He has gingery/brown hair and wonderful dark eyes which he uses to great effect - looking at me as though I am the only person in the world.
Yes, Iexpect you have guessed it by now and I think I have spoken about him before. He is a male Border Terrier, being fostered by a friend while his owners are in Thailand. They are due to arrive back in England in early March, when he will return to them.
I am sure many of you will remember my darling Tess - also a Border Terrier - who had to be put to sleep about eighteen months ago after a stroke sent her blind. I miss her so but all the dog lovers amongst you will agree that if one has dogs then one has to accept that they do not have our life span and that sooner or later our vet will tell us the bad news.
I think I told you the other week that Jack blotted his copy book a couple of weeks ago while out with J, his carer, by chasing sheep. Since then J has been counting the days to his departure. Would that I could have him but my lack of mobility makes it impossible.
When he called to see me earlier in the week I expressed my shock and horror at his misbehaviour. His response was to jump up and settle down on my knee for a huge cuddle. (brought tears to my eyes).
I shall have to get my animal 'treats' from watching Noel Fitzpatrick the vet back on Channel Four later this week and this time, instead of dogs, cats and the occasional parrot he is dealing with elephants, rhinos and big cats while out on safari!
If anyone is interested my horrible virus is gradually subsiding - as is Rachels. Not a nice visitor - would rather have Jack any day!
*this is allowing 7 human years for every doggy one. (think I have my maths wrong here but it is almost nine at night and I have a virus!)
A lovely post. I am sure those sheep deserved chasing.
ReplyDeleteHow could anyone ignore a title like that!
ReplyDeleteSweet story and I well remember your dear Tess. We still miss our beloved tricolor Bassett Hound, Daisy, who was with us for 14 years after her first family lost her somehow.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt Jack will miss you, too, when he returns home.
Hugs!
Glad you are on the mend. My favourite doggy show is The Dog House on Channel 4.
ReplyDeleteMy heart was pounding when I read that title. I will not deny I was a little disappointed when I found out that it is an inter-species relationship.
ReplyDeleteI’m afraid I’m a Border Terrier lover myself. Such mischief and affection rolled into one! Emma
ReplyDeleteAwwww…I bet he’s lovely x
ReplyDeleteOh how I miss my Samantha a Border Terrier. I loved her so and she was the best Gud Dug ever. As much as I love my Winston (naughty Scottie) he is the worst gud dug ever. I would take a Border Terrier any day.
ReplyDeleteI found your card in the mail on the 13th but it would have been the 14th Valentines Day to you. Thank You so much the card is wonderful.
cheers
Oh dear heavens. I had a vision of you with your walker, sensible shoes, smartly dressed and headed to the casbah! That virus sounds dreadful. Have a care!
ReplyDeleteI hope you and Jack can visit frequently. Get well soon!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, a dog person will always crave a dog in his or her life! Your Jack sounds a right scoundrel. Like our new dog Buddy, who is always running off. Now at least he goes to the same house about 3 miles away, so we know where to go get him.
ReplyDeleteI remember your sweet Tess! I know you miss her dreadfully and it must be wonderful to have another Border Terrier friend. I'm sure he loves you, too.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a visit with sweet Jack. Hope you feel all better soon.
ReplyDeleteDo you watch the Farming programme on BBC1 at 2.15pm? Always plenty of nice dogs; usually Border Collies. And plenty of farming, all ending at some county show. It's become my essential post lunch viewing.
ReplyDeleteSteady on Weave!
ReplyDeleteYou can't beat the magic that a terrier brings to your life, despite the fact that I've had Jacko's on a continuous basis for the last 55 years and still have one, I've always loved the cheeky face of Borders.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are recovering slowly now.
ReplyDeleteJack sounds a right wee character. xx
I must have missed a post of yours because I didn't know you were ill. Good to read you are on the mend, and Rachel, too!
ReplyDeleteI well remember your Tess, and how at some point you struggled with the decision as to find a different home for her or keep her, because your mobility issues made things increasingly difficult for you.
Like Tom, I was expecting a romantic interest of the human sort when I started to read your post. One never knows!
Sorry to hear you are ill..but glad that you are recovering.
ReplyDeleteBorder terriers...hmm..Pirate had a Patterdale...quite adorable when he wanted, but otherwise the Urban Terrorist!!
They know when you need tlc....
Almost the start of a romantic novel but then we all miss our dogs and their short span of life against ours. Still keep on looking for love Pat - you never know what's round the corner!
ReplyDeleteI can honestly say that my heart has never been stolen by a dog. Back in my farming days however I remember being very fond of a Wessex Saddleback sow!
ReplyDeleteLovely thoughts here. I remember many a post of yours that featured dear Tess.- Pam.
ReplyDeleteWell it takes all sorts -- worse things than sows to love (including some humans!) John.
ReplyDeletegz - yes terriers can be naughty but luckily Tess never was - I had her from 6 weeks old.
Cro I always watch it even though many of them have been on before.
Tom - chance would be a fine thing!
Thanks everyone.
I'm glad you're feeling better.
ReplyDeleteOur Portuguese Water Dog has made mischief in our house since he arrived 9 years ago but we are all besotted despite his antics. He sleeps between my husband and me every night. This morning I awoke to his nose resting by my face...no complaints on my part.
I like the idea of you going for husband no. 3.
ReplyDeleteAw...bless you ! Hope you feel better soon x
ReplyDeleteHusband number 3 Rachel? I had such wondrful luck with both my husbands - pure happiness - that I would not dream of trying it again. and in any case who wants an old woman of 90 who can't walk (and not discounting is there a man of 90 around who is 'fanciable'?)
ReplyDelete