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The online diary
started life as a blog of my strange 'other life' with the dog. I
wanted to record some of the experiences that I had as a first-time dog
owner. To access the archive, click on the appropriate month.
The most recent articles are listed
separately.
You are most
welcome to send comments about any of the articles. Record your
comments via the Contact Me page.
REACTIONS
Mon 01 Dec 2008
Dogs are very
wary of anything strange or unexpected. At least, that is my experience
with Beattie.
There was a
typical example yesterday when we were out and about in the village.
Rounding a bend, Beattie suddenly began to
growl and jump about before coming to that characteristic pose of hers,
standing very erect, full square on her four paws with her little tail
pointing vertically to the sky, in short, telling the intruder that here was
a fearsome enemy who it was very unwise to mess with at this precise
moment! The ‘intruder’ in question was a road works sign. Now
Beattie is not a stranger to such signs, but
this one had been tipped up and as such was not instantly recognised by
her. Presumably, this was the reason for her reaction to the familiar in
unfamiliar pose.
When she began
her fellwalking career, she would react in the same way to cairns that we
would come across, particularly those at the summits. It took her a while
to become comfortable about these piles of rock, particularly as she had to
endure a strange ritual of being forced to sit next to these strange objects
whilst photographs were taken. Now, her reaction is one of utter boredom as
you can see from this example!
Photo
I suppose that
these alien objects are a potential threat that must be warned off until the
danger can be assessed and dealt with by the wary animal. In the wild, it
could be a matter of life and death! Basic instincts survive centuries of
domestication. Perhaps it’s no bad thing, after all. Back
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Comment from Tracey Lilly
She blends in well with the grey backgound.
REVISITED
Tue
09 Dec 2008
A favourite
walk is to be savoured, especially when making re-acquaintance after a
period of time. And that’s not just my opinion. If
Beattie could talk, she would tell you the same
thing!
We
had cause to visit the little post office at Somerleyton to post Christmas
cards today, and I decided to walk down to the river and along the bank to
Herringfleet Mill. It is not a walk that we have done for several
months as much work has been done maintaining the banks as well as
installing an extra section of staithe. Access has been difficult and the
last time I visited, the dyke had not been mown and the thick vegetation
made walking a trial for both man and dog – especially dog.
Today,
however, the finishing touches to the new river path were being made,
although that made for a rather muddy start, we found, to our delight, that
the overgrown dyke had been cut back making walking a pleasure once more.
Beattie, in particular was very excited as she
revisited all the spots where she used to snuffle and dip her paws in the
water; but best of all, she stretched those long legs of hers and enjoyed
running up and down the path as she used to do!
There were
plenty of freshly raised molehills to scrabble at as well as a plentiful
supply of milk parsley stems up to three feet long, which were seized with
glee as she ran off with her prize between her jaws. It is one of her
favourite riverbank games, especially if she thinks I am trying to chase her
in order to retrieve her ‘stick’!
One of the
delights of this particular walk is the opportunity to observe the birds,
particularly the marsh harrier, which can often be seen making low passes
over the reed beds. No marsh harriers today, but I was lucky enough to spot
two barn owls, quartering the marshes, splashes of white against the dark
green background. The ducks, gently gossiping in small groups, occasionally
moving off to fly low over the marsh to another favoured spot.
Best of all,
the sun slanting low in the sky casting long shadows lighting up the dead
bracken and reeds with a coppery glow; the oaks, hanging on to their
yellowing leaves, given an iridescent quality in the golden light.
What a
pleasure our walk was today; and even better as it began to rain as we
returned home in the car! Back
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Comment from Tracey Lilly
Your walk sounded
lovely. Thanks for the Xmas card. Yours is on the way.
SOUTHWOLD
Thu 11 Dec 2008
Beattie loves a run on the
beach; any beach, she is not fussy. But had she realised it, today she was
a privileged dog as the beach she was let loose on was at Southwold!
I think that
Southwold is one of those unashamedly old-fashioned English resorts. No
large supermarkets here only small independent shops selling a variety of
wares from books to amber. Yes, not many towns can boast an amber shop, but
Southwold does and is one of A’s
haunts when we visit the town. It also has its own brewery, Adnams and the
waft of boiling hops and fermenting barley is one that pervades the town at
times. And Adnams was the reason that I was here, but not for the beer, but
Christmas puddings! The Adnams shop not only specialises in beer and wine,
but also boasts an extensive range of kitchenware, which at this festive
season is augmented by that singular delicacy, the Adnams Christmas pudding!
Having
purchased my pudding, I decided to take Beattie for a run on the beach, a
privilege accorded to dogs only in the winter months. Beattie had not been
to any beach for a while, and, once off the lead, she hared about excitedly
as usual, managing to find something disgusting to chew!
Passing the
brightly coloured beach huts, which cost an arm and a keg to buy; well, the
price of a small house anyway, we headed off towards the harbour wall about
a half-mile distant. We walked past a lone fisherman huddled inside his
tent, as there was a bitingly cold wind off the sea today. Beattie
disturbed a small flock of wading birds; oystercatchers, I think they were. She
must chase anything that moves! There were one or two other dog walkers
braving the elements and Beattie went into her usual ‘I’m very excited to
meet you’ mode. However, she would always come running if she thought there
might be a treat in store.
It was
certainly an exhilarating walk, and despite the dismal start to the day back
home, we managed to miss the showers whilst we were out and about.
My only regret
was not being able to enjoy a cup of coffee in the lounge of The Swan Hotel
and have a leisurely read of all the newspapers. Now that would have been a
luxury! Back
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Comment from AT
But there is a
lovely cafe in Blackshore Road, overlooking the boats moored
alongside the pontoons, does a super breakfast....and has papers!
Thanks for the tip!
derek
Comment from Tracey Lilly
Yes, Southwold is a lovely little seaside
town - haven't visited it for ages but it is very quaint and
unhurried.
DEER STALKER
Sun
14 Dec 2008
Just how
likely is it that a Bedlington terrier would be capable of successfully
stalking a deer? If you are thinking, ‘Most unlikely,’ then you would be
right. At least, as far as
Beattie is concerned.
Yesterday was
cold, wet and miserable. We hardly made it out at all during the day.
Beattie would only go outside
when she was desperate!
At least the
rain had stopped this morning, and after lunch I drove her over to
Somerleyton for a walk along the riverbank. We were approaching the old
drainage mill when I spotted a deer ahead of us. It had run up on to the
path, dashed past the mill and taken refuge in the reeds further along our
path.
Beattie had
not seen the deer, but did pick up the scent as she approached the spot
where the deer had joined the path. She was off at once, nose down, and
although she went past the spot where the deer had plunged down the bank
into the reeds, she soon realised her mistake and followed the deer into the
marsh. I could see the deer quite a way ahead negotiating the reeds by
leaping up and down as she escaped from the pursuing dog.
Beattie had
disappeared into the reeds and although I called her, she did not reappear
for some time. When she re-emerged on the path, she was wet through, but,
curiously, did not seem at all upset by her complete failure to catch her
quarry! I think she had thoroughly enjoyed herself!
Mind you, she
was not so keen on the intense grooming she had to endure on our return. It
was the only way to get her clean! Back
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Comment from Tracey Lilly
I am not
surprised Beattie didn't want to put a foot outside on Saturday.
What an awful day.
Comment from
sablonneuse
I wonder who would
have been more scared if Beattie had caught up with the deer?
CHRISTMAS 2008 – PART 1 FAITHFUL DOG?
Mon 29 Dec 2008
On a spring
day in 1805, a young artist called Charles Gough, set off from Patterdale to
climb Helvellyn. It seemed that he had fishing on his mind as he made the
ascent over Striding Edge. Sadly, he never made it to the summit as he fell
to his death on rocks close to Red Tarn. He had a companion with him on
that fateful day, a terrier named Foxie. When a shepherd discovered the
body three months later, the emaciated dog was still by his master’s side,
guarding the body.
There is no
doubt that the story of the faithful dog struck a chord with the Romantic
poets of the day, as the same year, Wordsworth retold the tale in his poem
‘Fidelity’.
The Dog, which
still was hovering nigh,
Repeating the same timid cry,
This Dog, had been through three months' space
A dweller in that savage place.
Yes, proof was plain that, since the day
When this ill-fated Traveller died,
The Dog had watched about the spot,
Or by his master's side:
How nourished here through such long time
He knows, who gave that love sublime;
And gave that strength of feeling, great
Above all human estimate!
The following
year (1806), Sir Walter Scott wrote ‘Hevellyn’ in another version of
the story.
Dark green was that spot 'mid the brown
mountain heather,
Where the Pilgrim of Nature lay stretched in decay,
Like the corpse of an outcast abandoned to weather,
Till the mountain winds wasted the tenantless clay.
Nor yet quite deserted, though lonely extended,
For, faithful in death, his mute favourite attended,
The much-loved remains of her master defended,
And chased the hill-fox and the raven away.
Both poems can
be read in full, here.
In 1890, Canon
Rawnsley, co-founder of The National Trust, set up a memorial near the
summit of Helvellyn in order that the brave, selfless act of the little dog
might be remembered in years to come. The memorial still stands to this
day. The inscription reads:
'Beneath
this spot were found in 1805 the remains of Charles Gough. Killed by a fall
from these rocks. His dog was still guarding the skeleton. Walter Scott
describes the event in the poem I climbed the dark brow of the mighty
Helvellyn. Wordsworth records it in his lines on fidelity which conclude as
follows:
'The
Dog, which still was hovering nigh, repeating the same timid cry, this dog,
had been through three months' space. How nourished here through such long
time, he knows, who gave that love sublime; and gave that strength of
feeling, great, above all human estimate!'
In memory of
that love & strength of feeling this stone is erected, 1890'
You may be wondering why I have retold this tale today? The reason is very
simple. Whilst I was away last week staying with
J
for Christmas, I had my own fall – not off a mountain, but down the stairs
at 2.30 a.m. last Tuesday! My tumble brought an immediate reaction from
A
and
JT,
who rushed to my aid. Luckily, I was not badly hurt apart from a very
sore back and a bruised right foot.
But, sadly,
there was to be no re-enactment of Foxie’s deeds on Helvellyn all that time
ago. Beattie was sleeping on
JT’s bed, as she does when we stay. Throughout the drama of the early
morning, Beattie stayed exactly here she was, my startled cries having no
effect on her in the slightest.
She was
probably more upset that JT had disturbed her in the middle of her beauty
sleep! Back
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Comment from Tracey Lilly
I'm sure Beattie
loves you really she just didn't want to give up her warm space on
the bed! Happy New Year.
And a Happy New Year to
you and your family! derek
CHRISTMAS 2008 – PART 2 OPENING THE PRESENTS
Tue 30 Dec 2008
Christmas Day
is traditionally, a day for present giving and receiving. It should be a
happy occasion with pleasure and excitement dispensed in equal measure.
This is usually true for all the children, or young in heart.
Equally, dogs
can experience similar feelings and, may even articulate them in their own
way! This year, Beattie had
certainly got the hang of present opening, each gift being accompanied by
growls or cries of intense pleasure. She was given an edible card, two
squeaky toys and various ‘doggy treats’!
View a
selection of photographs taken on Christmas day morning
here. It’s just a
shame that I was unable to record the sounds as well as the pictures! I’ll
have to put a camcorder on my present list for next year!! Back
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Comment from
sablonneuse
Lovely photos.
Beattie was obviously spoiled for Christmas. Our cats had to make do
with wrappings and empty boxes!
YEAR END
Wed 31 Dec 2008
The caravan
has been laid up for the winter. There are no more trips north until
February. It’s the end of another walking season as far as the Lake
District is concerned.
But what a
season we have had to savour through the hard, cold Suffolk winter; if the
past week is any guide. A biting easterly wind has swept in from the
Continent and seems stuck on our coast at present.
There
are many warming memories of days on the high fells; the day we climbed
Scafell Pike and stood on the roof of England… the rocky climb up to the
airy perch on Eagle Crag… a warm summer evening exploring Arnison Crag…
unforgettable views of upper Eskdale on the walk up to Slight Side… dramatic
glimpses of the Wastwater Screes from the Whin Rigg to Illgill Head ridge…
chattering helicopters delivering their sacks of stone to the waiting
volunteers on Place Fell… the glory of purple heather atop Lingmoor Fell on
a warm August afternoon… icicles on Bannerdale Crags …sunlight on Sale Fell
after a patient wait… These are the images that are indelibly printed in my
consciousness that I will carry with me forever.
Eight fells
remain to be conquered, hopefully next year. Long since I made the decision
that Blencathra would be my final fell.
Beattie still has 86 fells to
climb, so I am anticipating another busy year, providing the feet and knees
hold up under the strain. I have strained a ligament in my left foot this
year (probably caused by over walking) and the doctor has advised me that it
may take several months to improve. I will have to be more diligent in my
exercises, which are said to provide the best hope of a cure!
My project is
nearly complete. The end is in sight. As AW put it so well;
'Mountain climbing is an epitome of life, and good practice for it. You
start at the bottom, the weaklings and the irresolute drop out on the way
up, the determined reach the top. Life is like that.'
Alfred Wainwright Fellwanderer
Happy New Year
to one and all! Back
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Photographs taken with a Fuji MX-2900
Zoom or a Canon EOS 20D
Copyright © 2008 Derek Cockell All Rights
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