As I mentioned in a previous post i usually take the dog out every day, rain or shine. I gave it a miss today because the rain is positively bouncing down.
I don't mind walking in the rain, in fact, if I'm dressed properly, it's absolutely exhilarating.
As ever, weather notwithstanding, Poppy is bursting with anticipation but she tempers her enthusiasm until she is sure we are going because, even though it's rare, there are odd days when we don't.
Poppy sleeps in the space underneath the chalet in a spot she chose herself. From her point of view it's deal, warm dry, and direcly below my bed. So close that in the dead of night, I can hear her snoring.
From her vantage point she hears me get up in the morning, get dressed and make tea, then I go to the front door and by the time I get there she is sitting on the step, nose pressed against the glass.
I step outside and say hello to her, she makes a little yawning sound which is her hello back.
Now she has all senses switched on. She sniffs my legs to see if I am wearing anything fancy or unusual, which might indicate that this is one of those days when we're not going walking. She is reassured that I am in my old jeans and not wearing aftershave.
Next she waits to see if I head towards the shed or the car. The shed is a good sign, (it's where I keep my walking coat, stick and boots) if I head towards the car it's a disaster, her ears and tail drop immediately and she slinks back to bed.
Once in the shed she's almost certain that we are going but there's still a slight possibility that I might just be collecting something to put in the car.
As soon as I touch my coat or my boots she knows we are going and it's like she has been hit by lightning. She is beside herself with excitement, she jumps up and down, spins around, and runs around the Chalet and the trailers at breakneck speed, just as she has for the last 11 years.
So today was a big disappointment for Poppy but when the rain is this heavy its the right decision not to go. Halfway through the walk she would be absolutely sodden and ready for home. She takes forever to dry and we have to keep her indoors for hours. She hates it.
I cheer her up with the day's second ritual.
When I go into the portacabin to cook my ham and eggs Poppy sits by the open door and watches me. I crack my eggs into the pan and ask casually, "Would you like an egg Poppy?" She hops from one foot to the other and moves her head and body and tail in that side to side, s shape wiggle that means "Yes please."
I crack the egg into her bowl which is by the step, she laps it up quickly and then presents herself for the breakfast ritual part two.
On the kitchen floor is an open box of the meaty dog treats that she absolutely adores. These are left all day within her easy reach but she never takes one unless someone gives it to her. I taught her from puppyhood not to touch food that she hasn't been given. There's nothing worse than putting a bacon sandwich or a bag of shopping down and the dog eating it. What's even worse is when they steal from toddlers.
I make a show of taking the treat from the box while Poppy does her shimmy again but when I hold it out she takes it gently, then she dashes off to eat it in peace.
It's stopped raining now. I think maybe we will go for a walk after all. She will be thrilled to bits
Wonderful ❤️ 11 years really?
You wear aftershave? I've not worn aftershave since the late 80's, just deodorant.
Love when you write like this RD.
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