Summer visitors
Arthur has come to stay for a couple of weeks while his owner visits the South of France for a few days. It is a working holiday for her. She was recently made redundant but managed to get another short-term contract, so is working remotely. She has gone with a pregnant friend whose parents have a holiday home there.
Arthur was always going to stay with us, but the cats had to come, too. The cat-sitting arrangements fell through while Susannah waited for confirmation of her new job. Solomon, Lenny, and Zula are safely ensconced in what we laughingly call the South Wing, East Wing, West Wing?? another part of the house anyway, where she and Frankie lived for almost six years. It’s just the three old bedrooms of our children, nothing spectacular.
Herschel and Jellicoe are fascinated and sit near the dividing door when I go in to ‘see to the cats.’ Arthur dances around outside, not desperate to visit his housemates. They are not nearly as tolerant as our felines, who give him a good ignoring while attempting to steal his food.
Arthur is a very obedient little dog – a working Cocker spaniel, with boundless energy and the sweetest nature. Out of the house for a walk, he dashes hither and yon, but never goes far from whoever is walking him, currently Barry. He is polite to other dogs and people but is not really interested in them. Susannah has trained him exceptionally well. He is a great companion for her and an alert guard dog, though he would greet any intruder with immense joy.
I now have two dogs at my feet. Dogs seem to need more contact and reassurance than bitches. Roxy comes to us now and again for attention, but she’s much more independent than the boys. I suppose that’s the nature of the beast. The girls instinctively nurture their young.
Ready for morning cuddles
On of Canada's favorite story tellers Stuart Maclean ha a dog Arthur as a character in his stories.
ReplyDeleteWarm and fuzzy feelings when reading about pets.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have any pets now but I have baby sat for our grand cat in the past. This week while my kids on vacation, our grand cat is staying with my sister in law who has two cats. I wish I could say that they all play together but for some reason our grand cat does not tolerate other cats coming near her.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention how cute Arthur is !!
DeleteAaahh how sweet! I hope he enjoys his holiday - and you enjoy his company
ReplyDeleteArthur has the sweetest face..
ReplyDeleteWhat a super house guest!
ReplyDeleteArthur looks like a true sweetheart. I like the new header photo. Is there a story that goes with it?
ReplyDeleteArthur looks like a gentle playful boy.
ReplyDeleteYou are fortunate that the cats fascinate Herschel and Jellicoe. Imagine finding the cats were very anxious, or that they invaded the dogs' space.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous dog! A well behaved dog is always a pleasure. We see a large setter trotting past the house with its owner most days and he is a joy to watch. He's going a bit grey now... I suppose we've been watching him for 7 or 8 years, come to think of it...
ReplyDeleteBest type of visitor, well behaved.
ReplyDeleteArthur is certainly very cute. A look that invites affection.
ReplyDeleteArthur is so cute. Your house must have cuteness overload at present.
ReplyDeleteArthur looks like a real sweetheart.
ReplyDeleteCocker spaniels are lovely dogs. My daughter has one. Very bouncy. And he loves chasing cats.
ReplyDeleteWell you certainly have a house full of visitors don't you. And I suppose everybody has their favorite meal that you're going to have to go out in the shop for. Have fun with them. And I hope the south of France turns out into a lovely trip.
ReplyDeleteI think the greater contact need for dogs might be true for cats too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely chap Arthur looks
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x