Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Outside of a dog . . .

 

Outside of a dog . . .

                              . . . a book is man’s best friend.

Our eldest grandson and his little family visited us on Sunday, unexpectedly. It was delightful to see them all. 

Callum's elder daughter, Melia, is almost two and a half years old, and a very competent little girl. In the morning before they set off from home, she announced that she wasn’t going to wear nappies any longer. Obviously, she judged that the time was right, though it wasn’t the most opportune time to relinquish them, but she didn’t go to the loo very many times while she was with us.

Her baby sister, Hailey, is four months old and she was happy to gaze around at her surroundings, and coo.

Melia is very used to dogs and our dogs were happy to have visitors, particularly those at nose level with sticky fingers. They had to be segregated periodically when food was being consumed.

Books and toys, drawing pads and colouring pencils were brought out to entertain. 

Gilbert, being a Literary Labrador showed an interest, using the books as a pillow after our visitors departed.

                             Our cats, too, have shown Literary Leanings.

      

                                                  The late Winston Ocicat enjoyed blogging.

                                                 He also enjoyed reading his Kindle in bed.


                                           Pats the Abyssinian enjoyed books from kittenhood.

                                                 Herschel Ocicat guards the bookshelves.

          Jellicoe Ocicat is studying ornithology amongst other subjects.


Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend.

Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.

Groucho Marx

 

47 comments:

  1. You note that Melia is very used to dogs and your dogs were happy to have visitors, particularly those at nose level with sticky fingers :) It is a mutual love story!

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    Replies
    1. Dogs and children are natural companions.

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  2. What lovely photos!
    My granddaughter's dogs seem to love her even more when she has food. They come close hoping that she drops a bit!

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    1. It doesn't take long for them to learn that little ones are tasty.

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  3. Winston looks not unlike the late Mr T and appears to have shared the same interests.🙂

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  4. Jellicoe's interest in birds seems quite profound, and I see he has also commandeered a book on dogs. Knowledge of that species always serves cats well. Your Winston looked much like my late, much loved Nicholas.

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  5. Melia sounds like a determined little star, and baby Hailey already soaking it all in.

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  6. Outside of a dog is much prettier than inside. A lovely visit was had by all it seems.

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    1. Outside most mammals is better than inside . . .

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  7. Mine loves a book, preferring to sit just in front of it, so I can't read, I had one cat who loved all my sewing, I could never put anything down, even with pins in it became her cushion, lovely photo's.

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    1. Cats just have to be involved, no matter what you're doing. They're funny!

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  8. What beautiful cats, clever and entertaining too. Wonderful photos

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  9. The cats are beautiful. When I see a picture of Gilbert I always wish I could hug him.

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    Replies
    1. Gilbert always loves a hug and the cats do, too, but on their own terms. 🐈🐈‍⬛

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  10. As Hailey was cooing, may we assume that she is a dove or a wood pigeon?

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    1. Wood pigeon, I think, conversing with the locals.

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  11. Love that Groucho Marx quote. When my granddaughter visits, just about everything in the house comes out. She always finds lots of things to drag out to play with

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    1. Children manage to find the things I don't want them to - my own fault. I should be tidier.

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  12. How very fitting that Jellicoe is sitting on top of the bird identification books. He must be wanting to find a very rare bird.

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    Replies
    1. In the meantime, any bird foolish enough to get within striking distance will do!

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  13. Outside of a dog is the part I like. Happy not to know much about inside! Nice visit with kids there. Dogs love to help clean up after their meals.

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    1. I never worry about food being dropped on the floor. Even the cats will sometimes clear up.

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  14. Good morning....so glad you all had your joyful visitors. Melia (beautiful name) sounds like a little one who knows what she wants. Your little fur babies are all so cute and looks like they are really in to learning...LOL.

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  15. When I saw the title of the post, the first thing I thought of was the Groucho quote. 🤣

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    Replies
    1. I love videos of the Groucho Brothers.

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    2. I mean the *Marx Brothers* 😲😟

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  16. I love that Groucho Marx line!

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  17. Such a beautiful and heartwarming post with lovely photos. I am a nature and animal lover and have had cats 🐈 most of my 68 years. Thank you so much for sharing 😊 🙏 ❤️ I also want to thank you for your visit and kind comment on my blog, I really appreciate it...and you.

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  18. Kids and pets getting on show that both have been well looked after.

    I love the pics. Please pass on gentle scritches to the furry friends.

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  19. Bess likes reading the papers. That is, she loves lying down on them whenever Jos is trying to read them :-) xxx

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  20. What cute pictures. The dogs and cats are so sweet. Is that a Kindle Keyboard that you are reading on? I have one of those too.

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  21. Your eldest grandson in Callum? Hahaha my eldest grandson is Callum too!

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  22. Enjoyed the quote and all your photos are delightful! Sounds like a lovely visit from your family. You have excellent literary minded furry family members there.

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  23. Lovely post and photographs, and how lovely to have an unexpected family visit.

    All the best Jan

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