When one dog lover meets another, they exchange knowing looks. They both know how that four legged creature can stare her way into your heart. The soulful eyes watch every move, pick up on every emotion. They make you wonder, who is in there?
Young people, busy working and raising children, have found a way to incorporate a dog into their busy family. Seniors have their own way of doing the same, but sometimes, the dog becomes a focus of life, its needs become their needs, its companionship a vital part of life. Exercising the dog keeps many seniors active, as once or twice a day, they hit the streets, trails and boardwalks with the dog. Many one-sided conversations with these excellent listeners can fill lonely hours and provide a sense of security, especially during long nights.
To honour these wonderful animals, I take pictures of some of the dogs we encounter on our walks. Not all of these dogs are owned by seniors but most are. Each is a beautiful creature who fills the life of the owner(s) with companionship, exercise, security and love.
People are proud of their dogs, eager to have their pictures taken and talk about them. The pictures do not do justice to these beautiful creatures but they give a glimpse of the many faces of these canine friends.
Introducing...
Nolan, a seven year old chocolate lab. Nolan's fur is like velvet. He never forgets anyone he meets.
Jersey is a fourteen year old border collie. He was brought home from a shelter four years ago. Jersey barks, "Hello," to any dog he meets on the trail and knows where all the bird feeders are located.
Barney is three years old and is allowed off-lead on the trail. This day, he rolled in poop and needed a bath when he arrived home. Show him the lead and he's ready for a walk.
Jag is a seven year old cairn terrier, a Scottish breed, hunter of rodents among the rocks. Jag only understands French though treats break all language barriers.
Shadow is a six year old shih tzu. When the couple brought him home, they did not name him for two days until his name revealed itself.
Hero is a four year old golden retriever, red in colour. He follows the family around the house and is great with children.
Winston is a two year old pug, named after that famous Brit.
Enzo is a four year old boxer from the same home as Winston. Enzo was focussed on Winston the entire time I was talking to their owner.
Lucy is a five month old chocolate spaniel, who found her new owners after their previous dog died of old age. She keeps her owners busy!
Love and loyalty in the canine world comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours.
19 comments:
How wonderful that you see various dogs on your walk. They are cute. Our dog was not a pedigree dog.
When my sons were little children, they found a stray baby dog on the way back home from school. My family decided to keep the dog and soon he became a part of our family. He grew up with our sons for 15 years!
His name is "GORO".It is a good name isn't it? Have a good day, Marie.
Nice dogs and stories about them. I love animals of all kinds, but there is something very special about dogs and their relationships to humans. They embody love. :-)
Oh, dogs! When I was a kid, we had boxers and collies.
I don't mind meeting dogs on my walks and coming home to my dog-less house afterward. :)
We meet lots of dogs. My dogs do, some they like and some they don't but never does it get to fisticuffs because I am the boss and their owners are. Summer is just round the corner and the visitors will bring a poor dog that is frightened. Sheep will be killed, dogs will be bitten and the owners will try and say I don't believe my little dog did it.
Old dogs, old people, they are so wonderful. Great photos and vignettes.
We are dog nuts. Our two oldest dogs lived to 18 and 19. When I feed my currrent 'kids' Arabella the parrot still calls the old dogs to eat.
Dogs are so loving and loyal. It is hard to imagine a world without them as companions.
You were lucky to have such wonderful pets.
I love dogs but dogsitting gets those thoughts of owning one out of my head.
Summer changes everything where you are. Enjoy the solitude for another few months.
That is old for dogs. It must have been difficult to lose them.
Goro is a great name. Fifteen years is a long time with a dog as well. You are lucky!
Wonderful pictures Marie. It must have been fun visiting with their owners, as well as taking to photos. I love Winston !
They do add so much company to our lives.
It was great to talk with the owners. Winston and Enzo were being walked by an older woman and her son, who owned the dogs. Winston was walking with the woman who really enjoyed walking him.
These animals add a great deal to our lives. Many people would be lonely without their dogs.
What a wonderful post, Marie. I have never seen anything like it...introducing us to different dogs along the trail who really do have a story to tell. This is priceless...and I don't even have a dog!
A fine collection of four-legged friends - and that's coming from a no dog person.
They are indeed, John.
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