“Ain’t but three things in this world that’s worth
a solitary dime
But old dogs and children and watermelon wine”
So sung Tom T Hall and we did see him on his one only visit to New Zealand, so many years ago. My late DYS (Dashing Not So Young Scotsman) was a country music fan.
Well, I have never tried watermelon wine. I prefer a chilled Pinot Gris, thank you. Children don’t make a play in my life currently. My four grandsons are now in their twenties (how did that happen?) and there are no babies in any of their sights. But old dogs – well, that’s a different matter.
I regularly dogsit with Daisydog, a beautiful, gentle, loving older dog. James (grandson No 1) was 16 when he asked for a dog for Christmas. This was agreed to on the clear understanding that it would be his dog and so his responsibility. Daisy was rehomed from the local SPCA. Nobody knew just what mixed breed nor how old she was. But as we know, children move on leaving their animals for parents to look after, and of course, this is what happened here.
My son took. over caring, feeding, walking and generally looking after Daisydog. So everybody now refers to her as David’s dog. He works mostly from home so spends many hours and with the dog. And she is so well trained, obedient and loving. She is never on a leash because she immediately responds to a command. You understand there is no bias here.
I am just coming to the end of a five-day visit while David, my daughter-in-law, their sons and partners are all in Taupo some 330 kms away. So an easy distance for weekend breaks, and as a friend remarked recently, they do seem to have several of these short breaks. However, I don’t complain. They live within walking distance of the river and a very short drive to the beach both great for Daisy walking. And she likes to walk with me as she is now slowing down as am I. Added to that is the delightful house, garden and pool and it is certainly no hardship for me to dog sit.
And in 10 days I will be here again for another 6 days. lucky me!
“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures;
they give unconditional love.
For me, they are the role model for being alive.”
Gilda Radner, American comedian and actress,
1946-1989
A World Apart 
Reblogged this on I choose how I will spend the rest of my life and commented:
Summer has apparently moved on. It has rained for two days here and so I posted this on A World Apart as the rain poured down and Daisydog and I dried out after our walk.
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I´m glad you have a grand dog to babysit from time to time. Some days dogs make it all worthwhile! Daisy looks lovely. xo
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Thanks Darlene. She hasn’t yet got over thinking she’s a lapdog and she’s currently stretched out on the couch beside me snoring.
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When Judith and I FaceTime during her beach days if we even, in the course of an hour mention the W word Daisy shows up, leash in mouth. I think she is like our iPhones -all we have to do is think the word and there she is. I do love that dog!
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She is far too smart not to be a person. Go to the car Daisy; don’t go into the sea Daisy: come here Daisy; where’s your collar and so many more things she really does understand. Oh and of course, when she sees me changing into my outside shoes she just goes fr her collar.
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I love that dog!!
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Reblog get on Bridges, tweeted and instagrammed and Facebooked!
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What a lovely post. Thank you. I know once my Charley Waffle shows down a little it’ll make me somewhat remorse, but at that point (people tell me it’ll happen in 10 years ) I’ll be 10 years older as well and hopefully we can both enjoy strolls and life in a slower tempo. I love your post!
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