We notice each other moments after our dogs notice each other. She is a large woman of generous proportions on the other side of the road. She crosses over. The marshmallow and the stick insect exchange pleasantries. She suggests that although her puppy is a nervous type that maybe our "dogs" could meet each other. Two quivering Labradoodles attempt contact. Her’s is shaggy, like a poodle. Chocolate brown with a stumpy thumpy tail. Mine is short coated, like a Labrador. Fizzy Champagne with a teasle tail. Two shivering puppies attempt appropriate puppy behaviour. Her owner is perfectly made-up, exquisitely coiffed and co-ordinated in couture. I am in yesterday’s clothes, bare faced and hope to brush my hair tomorrow. I explain our choice, unnecessarily:- eczema, asthma and allergies. She explains hers :- children and family time. We exchange glances. Mine are at home during electronics time. Hers are at home watching the telly. I see her hopes and the bead of sweat on her temple. It’s reflected in her over glistening eyes. She dabs a finger to the corner, gently, as she bends to untangle herself from her dog and the lead. I am a novice. Like all novices I have read the "book," the theory. I’m crouched on the grass embracing Thatcher as puppy jumping is to be discouraged but "proper practice" is tougher than the theory. I don’t mention our morning walk, together, all of us, for an hour and a half. I try to practice smiling. She smiles back, tired, weary, but still hopeful. We remain in Tableau, several moments longer than might be expected. Broadly speaking, I follow the rule that unsolicited advice is unwise, to anyone, let alone strangers. Foreigners should always try to keep their own counsel but because I am a novice, I decide to be bold and share, because I have read the book. “You know……” I start as I concentrate on the woven fibres covering her knees.
“Hmm?”
“I read that it’s very important to be a confident owner……..it’s something…….. I’m working on.” Her eyes find my eyes as I stand up, straight, almost as tall as her shoulder. Her shoulders straighten too. “Mebee I could try that too?” We beam and go on our way, dragging our dogs behind us. Women, our connections make us strong.
2 hours ago
6 comments:
My Mum used to get know a lot of dog walkers and made a lot of friends through it. It was good for her, I think. She'd never really been a people person up till then.
dogs add so much to life - my mother in law has a huge circle of friends through her dogs
When you have owned three Airedales over the course of 25 years, finding someone else new to the breed is hilarious! "Do they ever calm down? Does yours bark at everything that comes near your house? I didn't know they got that large... Your dog snapped your arm tendon?" You will bond- for all the wrong reasons...
I'm sorry to say that I dont actually like dogs, is that forgivable?! That said, our friends have a delightful baby Schnauzer that is a sweetie , so maybe it depends on the specific dog!
Fur baby mummies can be fun new friends to make ;)
What I appreciate about you is the ability to pack poetry into daily moments. That was gorgeous.
Also, if you ever need a new tag line for your blog, try this sentence:
"I am in yesterday’s clothes, bare faced and hope to brush my hair tomorrow."
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