Bella was all of a quiver this morning because our neighbour Barry didn't turn up at the usual time to take her and Tyler for their morning constitutional.Every morning, they have the same regime.Barry appears at 9 30 am on the dot,(apart from Saturday, when for some reason, he arrives at 8 am, ensuring that any chance we may have of a longer lie in bed is snuffed out) I don't think, I know, the dogs can tell the time but not the day of the week.Tyler sits at the upstairs window, while Bella stays at the dining room window downstairs and the pair send messages to each other in their own doggie language.They laugh with their tails, Bella sometimes a little too much, as she is prone to bleed her tail swiping it against the walls.
It is said that a dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk.In our case, it is the other way round.Tyler loves to accompany Barry on their morning hikes but by the time the evening walk comes around with hubby, he would much rather give it a miss and stay in the warmth and comfort of the house, while Bella is always raring to go.
On their return,Barry always gives them some dog biscuits, which they now have grown to expect, along with all the other tit bits they receive on their rounds.First a visit to the butchers, then a meeting with some fellow dog lovers, who always oblige and put their hand deep inside their pocket to dish out some treats.Then there is the local corner shop owner, the chemist, - always waiting for Big Bella to arrive in the doorway.They say dogs can't count but let Barry try to short change them and our two create! No wonder they enjoy accompanying him on his walks.
-Joe Gores states that 'Old age means realizing you will never own all the dogs you wanted to.' Not so with Barry. Older means wiser in his case.He owns OUR dogs and their affection, without all the feeding bills, vets fees and added mess around the house.Just like grandchildren , he can give them back after enjoying the benefits of spending time with them.