Posting days: Sunday and Wednesday and, sometimes, maybe, extra ‘news flashes’

Sunday November 19th 2017

Isis, as we know, for a long time now has been taken to the park most week days by the Pet Angels.

Lucky Isis. You’d think she would be at her most co-operative. But no, it only takes a bright slice of sunshine to provoke a dropped tail and a slow down. Or worse, a no go. And since Bertie howled at a squirrel at a certain spot on the way to the park weeks ago, Isis refuses to walk the last few hundred yards to the park and R finds herself patiently parading up and down Howard Road.

Some weeks ago while Hairy One is out with her benefactor, I receive some charming photos.

Photo by Ruth

Yes, here is Isis off the lead looking very pleased and relaxed. She’s obviously enjoying herself immensely but where is she?

When the pair return looking well exercised and pleased with themselves, the mystery is solved?

She’s been a guest in the Pet Angel’s garden.

Apparently, the hairy pest had again balked at approaching the park with the long-suffering S, Albert and George, so while the sensible canines proceeded for a lovely walk in the park, R and Isis stayed behind.

Embarrassing animal.

While she plods patiently up and down Howard Road attempting to cheer up Isis, R. has a sudden inspiration. She persuades the reluctant creature to take a different route and introduces her to new territory.

Now, as we know, Isis likes gardens.

Apparently, when R. first lets her off her lead, Isis stands still for a few seconds and carefully sniffs the air. Then she begins a thorough examination of the property. She climbs up the steps to the verandah and explores it. When she comes across a row of scented plants, she stops to sniff each one before returning carefully down the steps.

Next, she checks out the garden boundaries. She walks slowly, sniffing intently as she goes.

Having established where the boundaries are, she begins to explore the garden.

Wow!

She quickens her pace, trotting along the paths, enjoying the gravelly earth, and the feel of feathery grasses tickling her whiskers.

Sometimes, when she feels fallen leaves beneath her feet, she pauses to grab a few in her mouth and toss them in the air.

Altogether, she has a wonderful time.

When R. takes her again a few weeks later she follows her original routine, beginning with the verandah and a good sniff at the plants with the interesting smells, reacquainting herself with the general layout and trotting round the paths.

This time, as a finale, she has a vigorous dance on the lawn – scarifying it nicely, as R. remarks.

Hmmmm.

“Well there’s got to be a limit, even to your generosity”, I comment, “Are you really sure  you want a grassless lawn?”

Isis came from the Aeza cat and dog rescue and adoption centre in Aljezur, Portugal. For information about adopting an animal from the centre, contact kerry@aeza.org or  www.dogwatchuk.co.uk