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Another Doggy Story Mark II
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Again I would ask you to bear with me until I have finished posting - thanks.
Following on from my other Newfi story, I once took Bosun as a young dog under 1 year old - well he only weighed about 9 stone then - to Ragley Hall in the Midlands where the Newfi Club were holding the Annual Water Trials. It was fascinating to see so many of the breed in all their wonderful colours - black, grey, dark chocolate and Landseer - the black and white ones - so named after the famous painting. (Did you realise that the 'Nana' in Peter Pan was a Newfi?) We had gone purely as spectators and Bosun had not been entered as he had never done a water trial apart from being too young. Some of the work done by the dogs was fascinating. Suddenly I was able to see these dogs as a most noble breed indeed. The volunteers for the water rescues were happily clad in wet suits and gratefully so - I believe the lake there had eels and all sorts in it - and after a while the water had become well churned up and distinctly muddy.
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Following on from my other Newfi story, I once took Bosun as a young dog under 1 year old - well he only weighed about 9 stone then - to Ragley Hall in the Midlands where the Newfi Club were holding the Annual Water Trials. It was fascinating to see so many of the breed in all their wonderful colours - black, grey, dark chocolate and Landseer - the black and white ones - so named after the famous painting. (Did you realise that the 'Nana' in Peter Pan was a Newfi?) We had gone purely as spectators and Bosun had not been entered as he had never done a water trial apart from being too young. Some of the work done by the dogs was fascinating. Suddenly I was able to see these dogs as a most noble breed indeed. The volunteers for the water rescues were happily clad in wet suits and gratefully so - I believe the lake there had eels and all sorts in it - and after a while the water had become well churned up and distinctly muddy.
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I was extremely pleased to meet one of Bosun's litter brothers there. However, his brother had done plenty of training in water rescue and his proud owners showed me a local press cutting setting out the pup's abilities. When all the water trails were done we asked if our pups could have a go at the timed water trial and our wishes were accomodated. Bosun's brother made a good attempt but seemed to lack total concentration and meandered on his route to the drowning volunteer losing crucial seconds. But nevertheless the boy did well.
Then it came to Bosun's turn - I was feeling very nervous - would I ever see him again once I had released him? The shout went up, the stopwatch started and I let go of Bosun's collar. Just as well really or we would have both been in the water. He went like an arrow from the bow - swam purposefully straight towards the victim - reached him and, amazingly - upon my command, turned round and swam powerfully back to the bank towing the drowning man who had grasped Bosun by his collar. My Bosun had beaten his learned brother by a good margin. Well done my boy :o)
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Then it came to Bosun's turn - I was feeling very nervous - would I ever see him again once I had released him? The shout went up, the stopwatch started and I let go of Bosun's collar. Just as well really or we would have both been in the water. He went like an arrow from the bow - swam purposefully straight towards the victim - reached him and, amazingly - upon my command, turned round and swam powerfully back to the bank towing the drowning man who had grasped Bosun by his collar. My Bosun had beaten his learned brother by a good margin. Well done my boy :o)
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And so the scene is set for another Bosun memory:-
I had a friend who had waited until her 50's to get herself a dog - Benson a rather well-bred Golden Retriever. Bosun, also extremely well-bred, and Benson were firm friends from puppyhood and we used to all pile into my car for regular walks at Hengistbury Head. It was the same routine whether we went as a foursome or twosome - walk from the car park to the Spit and back on the Noddy land train. On lovely summer evenings it would be a real treat to pop down to the Head in the week and stroll along with the evening sunlight playing on the water.
Along the Spit head there are some seriously rather expensive beach huts where, unusually, people can stay overnight if they so wish. None of the huts has running water but full facilities are close by. On pleasant summer evenings all the holiday makers sit outside on the verandas, bbq's glowing, wine and beer flowing, enjoying the evening sun on what is a most beautiful part of our coast line, complete with clean sandy beach.
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I had a friend who had waited until her 50's to get herself a dog - Benson a rather well-bred Golden Retriever. Bosun, also extremely well-bred, and Benson were firm friends from puppyhood and we used to all pile into my car for regular walks at Hengistbury Head. It was the same routine whether we went as a foursome or twosome - walk from the car park to the Spit and back on the Noddy land train. On lovely summer evenings it would be a real treat to pop down to the Head in the week and stroll along with the evening sunlight playing on the water.
Along the Spit head there are some seriously rather expensive beach huts where, unusually, people can stay overnight if they so wish. None of the huts has running water but full facilities are close by. On pleasant summer evenings all the holiday makers sit outside on the verandas, bbq's glowing, wine and beer flowing, enjoying the evening sun on what is a most beautiful part of our coast line, complete with clean sandy beach.
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It was one such evening that I had a sudden electric light bulb moment. I decided to try Bosun out on a proper water rescue trial of my very own, (and, yes, I was completely sober). I asked my friend to hold on to Bosun's lead and only release him upon my command. I then waded into the water - wearing just shorts and t-shirt and kept on going until, I was treading water. By this time all the holiday makers had paused mid bbq and were watching me, somewhat perplexed. I told myself I was really going to enjoy this. I swam out further into deeper water and decided the time was right. I called and whistled to my friend who timeously released Bosun from his lead. Bosun tore into the water and made fast progress towards me. In true Newfi water trial fashion I started to slap the water and shout out 'Help'. The holiday makers were all standing up watching by now. My dog swam effortlessly towards me in a very good time. My heart began to swell with pride.
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(Hands up anyone who has a sense of foreboding. You know me so well.)
Just as Bosun had almost come within my grasp he reared himself up out of the water - don't you just love hump backed whales - and then his front paws came down heavily - one on my head and the other on my chest. I went under, oh so far under. When I managed to break the surface once more I found I was looking directly towards the Isle of Wight. I expelled a pint or so of briny water and turned round 180° to see my dog back on the shore, shaking copious amounts of water from his coat over my friend who had collapsed on to the beach in a stupor of uncontrollable laughter.
After a few deep breaths I swam back to shore, reclaimed my dog and walked passed the holiday makers, head held high, avoiding their eyes at all costs. My t-shirt sported a new six inch slash which had gone through to the padded bra I was wearing. Newfis not only have big feet - their claws are incredibly forged like blacksmith's tools. I just kept walking. My friend caught up with me and as we both started to laugh realised that the Noddy train had done it's last run for the day. Wet denim shorts and top on a long walk back to the car through a midge-infested area of grass land was not my best-ever outfit. How can a mature, educated and intelligent (even if I say so myself) woman have been so rash? It was an extremely uncomfortable trek back to the car. I was covered in insect bites. Bosun was perfectly happy, sublimely unaware of my predicament and, as ever, wagging his tail all the way home.
Thank you for some wonderful memories Bosun ♥♥♥
Just as Bosun had almost come within my grasp he reared himself up out of the water - don't you just love hump backed whales - and then his front paws came down heavily - one on my head and the other on my chest. I went under, oh so far under. When I managed to break the surface once more I found I was looking directly towards the Isle of Wight. I expelled a pint or so of briny water and turned round 180° to see my dog back on the shore, shaking copious amounts of water from his coat over my friend who had collapsed on to the beach in a stupor of uncontrollable laughter.
After a few deep breaths I swam back to shore, reclaimed my dog and walked passed the holiday makers, head held high, avoiding their eyes at all costs. My t-shirt sported a new six inch slash which had gone through to the padded bra I was wearing. Newfis not only have big feet - their claws are incredibly forged like blacksmith's tools. I just kept walking. My friend caught up with me and as we both started to laugh realised that the Noddy train had done it's last run for the day. Wet denim shorts and top on a long walk back to the car through a midge-infested area of grass land was not my best-ever outfit. How can a mature, educated and intelligent (even if I say so myself) woman have been so rash? It was an extremely uncomfortable trek back to the car. I was covered in insect bites. Bosun was perfectly happy, sublimely unaware of my predicament and, as ever, wagging his tail all the way home.
Thank you for some wonderful memories Bosun ♥♥♥
Been a bit down for the last week or so. Frustrated at how much I can't do any more I think and still worrying a lot about Gary so not sleeping well. Terrified the cancer will come back. Ended up crying my eyes out in the doctor's surgery last week and that was after having a row with her receptionist to get an appointment to see her. My GP is really good though and has said any time I need to talk to go and see her and if I can't get an appointment to leave a message for her and she will arrange it.
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