Saturday, August 25, 2007

Why I need a dog

Last night, when I was in the kitchen ironing, Younger Son came in. He told me his friend had found some cheap flights and they were going on holiday in December.
'Oh, that's nice. Where are you going?'
'Amsterdam.'
'Eek, Amsterdam?!'
'Yeah, drink, drugs and prostitutes,' he said, grinning.
'Oh, no, not prostitutes,' I squeaked.
'No, not really, Mum.'
'Art galleries?'
Yeah, Mum, art galleries.'
Then he wandered off, chuckling to himself. My children know how to wind me up.


Later on, having finished my ginormous pile of ironing, I was catching up on my blog-reading, when I heard a strange noise outside the back door. Husband was away and YS was out: I was on my own!

I haven't been in, on my own, without a dog, and with strange noises outside, for years.

Even though, for the last year or so, a burglar could have trodden on his paw and Harvey wouldn't have noticed, it was just reassuring knowing he was there. It was the same if I opened the door to someone I didn't know: I always made Harvey come with me. I'd open the door just enough for the visitor to see him but not enough for him to get out and start licking them enthusiastically.

Where we live isn't secluded exactly but it is on the end of a lane off a road and there aren't many passers-by. I need a dog.

I needed to go outside to lock up the shed so when Husband phoned me later, I made him hang on while I went and locked up. 'That way, if I scream or don't come back, at least you can call the police.'

P.S. We are off to Crete in September; when we come back is puppy time!!!!

P.P.S. Daughter was grumbling about lack of Harvey photos on this blog, so here's one taken a number of years ago on the Isle of Wight. Harvey says, 'Please don't tell anyone I'm with that lot.'

xx

12 comments:

mdmhvonpa said...

Same breed? Or are you thinking something like a laberdoodle?

Crushed said...

I'm glad you decided that.

I did wonder how soon you would feel Ok to do it, but I think it was the right idea.

Anonymous said...

I have'nt been without a dog since i was 14 (long time ago!!) I do live in an issolated spot and I feel 'safer' with a dog around.

The photo is lovley :0)

jmb said...

Yes you do need a dog, says she who didn't get one when her last dog died. I'm not sure I will outlast a dog now and no one to leave it to.
It took a long while before I stopped looking for her when I came home and her bed is still in our family room.
regards
jmb

Clare said...

Its a lovely photo and I am very excited by the idea of a puppy. Dogs are essential I have decided...

phishez said...

That is a gorgeous photo. I dropped by here just after you lost Harvey, but didn't feel it was prudent of me to say anything. I'm glad you've decided to get a puppy. It will never replace Harvey, but it will help heal the hurt.

Anonymous said...

After we had Molly, our beloved golden retriever, put to sleep several years ago, Roomie could not bear the thought of having another dog. Her reasoning was along the lines of "nothing can replace Molly."

And that is true. But a short time later we got a cocker spaniel puppy. While she could never replace Molly, she carved her own unique niche in our hearts. Chaeli is now 8 and in a few years she too will be gone, but I'm certain we will end up with another that is also a special friend in their own way.

Go for it, knowing that it will not be Harvey...

MissKris said...

I have told Dear Hubby many times that if he dies before me I'm buying a Lhasa Apso puppy to keep me company the rest of my days. I happen to be quite allergic to animal dander and fur of most sorts, so it's been wonderful having two 'grand poopies' who are Lhasas...they're considered hypoallergenic and they don't shed. The breeder says their fur is the closest thing to human hair that an animal's fur can be. Before my grandson came along, I took care of the two dogs a lot and as long as I take antihistamines once a day, I have no trouble with them whatsoever. And they're a LOVELY breed of dog! They might be relatively small but they have a BIG bark...the monks used to use them as guard dogs for the monasteries in the Himalayas, is what I've been told. I'm out to buy my new computer in a few minutes...wish me luck!!

Lee said...

That's a great photo, Liz. And I'm sure that is exactly what dear Harvey was thinking!

I'm glad you're thinking of getting a pup...good for you.

Liz Hinds said...

mdm, same breed I think, another golden retriever. They're so gorgeous.

cbi, I think we always we knew we would; it was just timing.

4kids, I am convinced that even the dopiest dog would respond if his owner were in danger.

jmb, it is a consideration, I know, thinking that a dog can live 18 years, maybe, if it's small one.

clare, I'm excited too!

phishez, no, another dog won't replace Harvey in our hearts: that place is his!

Winston, each dog is unique and will have its own special place as you say.

Kris, I hope you got your computer okay. If you start eyeing up Lhasas, husband will get worried!

Lee, I'm sure that Harvey had very intelligent thoughts - he just kept them to himself!

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, Liz. Your son certainly does know how to get you going! I know exactly how you feel - I wouldn't feel safe without a dog. I was afraid to ask you if you had thought of getting another one but am glad you have. Harvey would approve. That's a great pic of him.

James Higham said...

I thought I saw you with another dog with Harvey. This wasn't yours?