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Friday 10 June 2016

Dogs of the Trail 2

Life on rural Prince Edward Island in the mid twentieth century, revolved around the farm and the fishery. Farming at that time was not industrialized as it is today. Horses plowed the fields and many were used for transportation in the local area. Livestock provided part of the family income as well as a food source. Therefore, keeping the animals healthy was of paramount importance.

In his book Mud, Sweat and Tears, island veterinarian, Bud Ings, recounts his life as a vet in eastern PEI. At that time, his practice involved farm animals, their health and safety through the life cycle. However, by the late nnineteen sixties, it was changing, as people acquired pets and had money to care for them. Now, among the many vets on this island, the number specializing in farm animals is reduced as pet care takes the forefront of many practices.
 
Every time we walk the boardwalk by the bay, we meet some of these pets accompanied by their humans. These dogs are pampered pooches, providing companionship, love and entertainment to their owners. While some may question the fascination others have with their four legged friends, these people know the importance of their pets in their lives and proudly speak of them when queried.

Curiosity about the dogs has led to some interesting conversations for my husband, Rick and I as we meet people on the trail. Here are some of the treasured pooches we met this past winter.

 

Bella was a ten month old golden retriever. She replaced a previous pet which died but she, too, has found her way into her owners' hearts.

 

Lady Di was an eleven year old schnauzer, the fourth such dog the family has had and she is excellent with children. Her eighty-five year old owner walks her twice a day.

 

Dylan, the golden doodle, was six years old. Her owners previously had a golden retriever which shed a great deal of fur. Dylan does not shed, incredible considering the long thick fur on this gorgeous animal.

 

Sky and Rye were eighteen month old, red coloured golden retrievers, so there is twice the fur in their home. The dogs were impeccably groomed and accompanied by their young owner.

 

Annie was an eleven year old cinnamon golden retriever. She was losing her hair until the vet diagnosed her with thyroid problems. Medication has resolved the issue. Annie enjoys the people more than the dogs she meets on the trail.

 

Roxi was a four year old black golden doodle. She loves walking the trail.

 

Charlie was a ten week old chocolate lab whose fur looked like velvet. He joined his family the previous week and they were still learning about each other. Charlie was anxious to keep going rather than stop to chat.

 

Myla was a two year old Alaskan malamute, a breed of sled dog. This beautiful dog was focussed on the squirrels in the woods just beneath the boardwalk. The owners had taken Myla to a golf course where they had her pull a sled around the course and she loved it.

The boardwalk would not be the same without the parade of gorgeous pets and owners who frequent the area.






20 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

I find that the majority of dogs are walked by women. Well, I don't count actually :) but it seems that way to me. As for the vet, he walks in the giant shadow of James Herriot.

Shammickite said...

Where I live, many older couples have tiny little yappy dogs that are preferred by the ladies of the house, and I have to laugh when I look out on a cold frosty or rainy morning and see the husbands slogging up the street walking the dogs. I prefer big dogs, no little yappers for me.
I have had various dogs through the years... Siberian husky, golden retriever, assorted mutts, and no dogs of my own right now, but I spend a lot of playing and walking time with my son's golden doodle.

DJan said...

I think all these dogs are handsome creatures, but I am intrigued by the golden doodles. I think that's what I would have if I had a dog. I am a cat person mainly, but I admire the dogs, too. :-)

Debra She Who Seeks said...

What a great assortment of dogs! And of course, dogs provide not only companionship, love and entertainment to their owners, but EXERCISE as well. Many doctors "prescribe" getting a dog to their older patients as a way to keep them active and moving!

ADRIAN said...

A good selection. Just spent the morning ridding mine of deer ticks and dosing them. The second time this year and it's not mid summer yet.

Joni said...

All lovely dogs. I am especially taken with the Roxi, the 4 year old doodle, who is patiently (?) allowing her owner to hold her still for photo to be taken BEFORE the fun begins on the trail. Our dog in her younger days loved to run and sniff the entire length of the trail nearby, it was great fun and good exercise.

Ginnie Hart said...

What a special tribute you are making to these beautiful dogs you meet on the boardwalk, Marie. My favorite is the last one because I identify with the wolf as my animal guide. I could reach out and hug her!

Anonymous said...

I am so envious of that boardwalk. I am sure it is better than our hard surfaces.

Marie Smith said...

He does indeed but his book was great too!

Marie Smith said...

There are so many dogs on the boardwalk, it is hard to pick a favourite. However,mI am not as fond of the smaller ones either.

Marie Smith said...

The golden doodles are beautiful.

Marie Smith said...

Weather does not deter most dog owners either.

Marie Smith said...

Lots of goldens and golden doodles around here. The dogs require lots of work, no matter the breed.

Marie Smith said...

Roxi was anxious to go. A beautiful creature!

Marie Smith said...

The malamute was beautiful, so intent on the squirrels too.

Marie Smith said...

It is a real treasure in our little city.

Elephant's Child said...

Add me to those who prefer the bigger dogs. I grew up with German Shepherds - learned to walk pulling myself up on the dog's tail. I am told he would just about cross his legs so he didn't go too fast for me.
Loved walking the boardwalk with you and your furry friends. Thank you.

Marie Smith said...

You had such a great pet. Our daughter's golden is great with her girls too. It's as if the dog sees the girls as her pups.

Down by the sea said...

All the dogs you have met are so lovely. it can be so sociable out walking with a dog! Sarah x

Marie Smith said...

It is a great way to meet people as many like to talk about their dogs.