Posting days: Sunday and Wednesday and, sometimes, maybe, extra bits in between.

Wednesday October 3rd 2018

Perhaps I should move house and live round the corner on Morrison Road. This would solve the problem of getting Isis past her no-go locations: the driveway of the lane and that of a house where there’s building work going on and a skip in the front garden.

For now though, I’m relieved to have found at least a temporary solution. Twice now, I have persuaded the Hairy One to cross the road outside our house, walk as far as Morrison Road and then cross back again. She has a few doubts along the way, but one or two judicious tugs and under-the- chin taps get her going again.

No doubt she’ll soon realise what I’m up to, and refuse to cross the road. But on Tuesday it works, helped along by a consistently dull day, and we actually get to the park.

It’s worth the effort. On reaching the colour garden, she bursts delightedly into action, twirling among the shrubs. As a number of people have said, it’s uplifting to watch her.

Then M. and C. arrive with their pretty young chihuahuas Tiger -Lily

and Gizmo.

I’ve not come across chihuahuas with their colouring before. They are striking, very beautiful, and  very affectionate, although, I am told, they are also very bossy at home.

Although M. has met Isis many times in the park and at home, he’s not seen her off her lead before.

“Where’s Isis”, he asks, looking puzzled.

When I point out the cavourting creature, his jaw drops. He recalls when he first saw her – a very frightened little dog who was panic stricken when other people or dogs approached her. He speaks of miracles.

As he speaks, The Miracle emerges from under a potentilla and trots happily by them without a care in the world

Although Gizmo is apt to see other dogs off, and Tiger-Lily to flirt with them, they don’t bother Isis.

They come up to meet me and I have a great time making a fuss of the dear little creatures.

While Isis plays on. And on. And on.

Bless her.

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