Thursday 26 January 2012

With and without


Our walks took place between vicious showers of rain and hail today, in an episode of brilliant sunshine. Dog walking falls into two categories in this household: Small Dog walks - reluctant, slow, dragging behind on a long leash, trying to turn for home at the first hint of a breeze or a raindrop.

Just the kind of walk that Millie likes.




Sometimes we meet other dogs. Today, Millie taught young Rascal that cats can face down even the yappiest dog. Only her flared ears and stiff whiskers betrayed any degree of concern.


Yip, yip, yip! Yip, yip, yip! YIP!


Eventually, faced with a seemingly-calm response and a refusal to play or run, Rascal shut up, and just gazed at Millie in wide-eyed wonder.


Protective Flossie was less tolerant; a sharp bark and a low growl told Rascal that his interest in her cat was sufficient for today, thank you. Rascal's owner, who had been careful to keep him on a tight leash, thanked Millie for the opportunity to teach him something new, and went off up the hill.

We, meantime, toddled back home again.




Flossie and I let the short-legged ones into the house, then went off for a Big Dog walk.


Or, rather, a gallop. We galloped this way.


And that way. An empty bottle was found, to help in the galloping.



We got home before the wet and windy weather started up again.


Millie would have loved it.

14 comments:

jabblog said...

Great fun - we have a visiting cat, very pretty and friendly, who stalks young Bertie who is completely unaware.
Our walk today was heavy rain and a rainbow and then glorious blue sky and sun.

the veg artist said...

A stand-off, Flossie to the rescue, the short-legged ones legging it home (very sweet photo, that one!),then galloping on the sands and a paddle. How can you say that nothing happens? These are exactly the things we tune in to see!!!

Noelle the dreamer said...

I think I was there all along Rachel!
Thanks for sharing! (I went to check the price of Maple syrup...)

Val said...

Echo would like to join Flossie on the beach please!
We are thwarted by cold and hip deep snow so wall of deathing on the sofa brings temporary relief.

Anonymous said...

As usual, I enjoyed my walk with you and yours. Thank you from this member of the Millie fan club.

You should know that before you moved down to our West Country, I was concerned that you would find it rather too (as the Irish say) "soft" for your liking. I can confirm you have taken to it like a duck to water. OllieV

Arthur Ransome said...

What super photos, especially Millie and Tosca.

judy in ky said...

I enjoy the stories you tell with your photos! Brave Millie and protective Flossie; and Flossie galloping. I love seeing the adventures of your animal family.

Pam said...

Surely there's a children's book here...?

Amy said...

Although other members of my family are happy that the walks in snow and rain are over, I miss those immensely. Thank you for allowing me to join in.

Anonymous said...

Flossie's exuberance shines through the photos ..... as does Tosca's resignation that walks have to be taken!!

Anonymous said...

Attagirl, Millie; you're obviously not going to be the one who blinks first.

Ginnie said...

Thank you for pointing out the subtleties of Millie's signs of displeasure. I had to look at her sidebar pic and then back at her closeup stare-down pic to really appreciate it. Beautiful!

Rattling On said...

I miss this type of dog walk, my old lab is 13 now and, since being very ill 3 years ago, hardly goes anywhere. But she's happy enough which is the main thing. I would love a beach nearby...

Heidi said...

Nice blog, lovely pics. Looking forward to seeing more. Greetings from Indiana...Heidi

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