A Happy Dog

I was reading Yorkshire Pud's blog last night and was reminded of  an area in Sheffield I used to know very well. YP rented an allotment off Hagg Hill, which was the back road between the surburbs of Crooks and Walkley and Rivlin Valley which led into Hillsborough.
At rush hour these essentially country roads were often gridlocked with commuters so  the usual five minute journey across the valley could take a frustrating half hour or so.
Back in 2002, we had only one dog, a bouncy, lively Welsh Terrier called Finlay.
Finlay loved Traffic jams , for it was the only time he was " allowed" to drive the car.
Ok when I say drive the car, he used to sit on my knee with his paws on the steering wheel and his head out of the open window, a position of power where he could  watch the world move slowly by as we edged our way through the traffic home.
His happiness of this simple little treat always made my day.
On one of these treat days, We were spotted by the traffic police. I never saw the policecar behind me, so the sharp knock on the window threw me slightly
I wound down the window fully and Finlay stuck his head out to say hello to a slightly amused policeman
" What are you doing? " the policeman asked as Finlay smiled broadly at him with big goo goo eyes.
" He likes to drive" I said lamely
" Has he past his test?" The policeman asked
" well  no but , I do the peddles for him " I tried to be funny
" In the back" the policeman ordered with a smile, and before he walked back to his car he kissed Finlay very gently on the head.

Such is the power of a cute happy dog!

Finlay, a few hours before his death  in 2007


61 comments:

  1. When the cop asked "What are you doing?", it was up to Finlay to reply. He might have said "Driving to the bone shop" or "Crusin' for hot bitches!"
    (Glad my post triggered this pleasant memory RIP Finlay)

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    1. A litle bittersweet YP but one i wouldnt be without old chum

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  2. You not only made your day, but those of commuters around you, I'm sure. And of course, you amused the policeman who fortunately sounds like he was a dog lover. i loved this post, John. xx

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  3. Lovely post; it's amazing how our furry family continues to amuse and brighten our days even when they're gone.

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  4. Very sweet, some days we just want to hang our heads out the window and feel the windy moving past.

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  5. Cute! At least the policeman wasn't an arsehole about it.

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  6. Anonymous10:53 am

    Simultaneously both amusing and sad.

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  7. What happened to poor Finlay if you don't mind me asking, I have seen that he was in his prime when he died.

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    1. This is the original post about his death

      http://disasterfilm.blogspot.co.uk/2007/03/chasing-cars.html

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  8. What happened to poor Finlay if you don't mind me asking, I have seen that he was in his prime when he died.

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    1. He was just 5 when he died. He started to suffer with occassional fits when 15 months old. At 5 he suddenly became very unwell, after a scan, we learned that he had a massive brain tumor ,
      He broke my heart

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  9. A lovely post John.

    A dog's' happiness is so infectious isn't it. You made me laugh out loud with this one. That Finlay still has the power to make us happy is a testament to a very special dog ... and an owner that obviously brought out the very best of him.

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    1. He was the nearest i have ever had to a real child...and all of those emotions that go with one

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  10. Good the policeman had a sense of humour! Finlay was gorgeous! Don't think you could do the same thing with Winnie on your lap.

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  11. Oh John what a beautiful boy and such a heartbreak losing him .

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  12. Oh, you're so smooth and charming. I would have kissed YOU on the head, as well.

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  13. Even some police have warm hearts. Nice story, John.

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  14. How sweet...the loss is always a sharp tug at your heart. It's been four years since I lost my best buddy and I still sob. Good for the policeman ....an animal lover it would seem.

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    1. I now go , perhaps a year or so without thinking about him
      Then WHAM it all comes back
      Today , i've been very tearful all day

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  15. What a great story to read with my cup of chai. The police officer was funny, but I really love the kiss on the pup's head.

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  16. It's like losing a human when they die isn't it John? Was he named Finlay after the television doctor?

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  17. What a great Doggy Story, though, what if the officer had kissed the top of your head?

    Hmmmmm

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    1. I wasnt singe so i wouldnt have let him!
      If id been single he could have puckered away

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  18. It broke my heart more than any other living thing has ever done when he died Dave

    And no he wasnt named after the famous doctor but after the name of a pharmacy in glossop, derbyshire!
    See

    http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/finlay-mckinlay-chemist-building-in--1228094

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  19. Lovely memory of Finlay...you painted a picture of a happy dog that will keep me smiling all day!

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  20. Nothing so precious as a good dog.

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  21. Lovely story. That kiss- that was the topper of it!

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  22. Sweet dog. He was lucky to have you in his short life.

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  23. Such a sweet memory.

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  24. Reading this and seeing the photo with its caption has just given me a stab of pain (nothing to what you felt/feel, of course). But even so, I'm glad you posted it - though I shan't be re-reading the original post as my eyes are already misting over.

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  25. I had a friend who took her springer spaniel on the back of both her scooter and her horse ! needless to say, she was stopped.
    Finlay sounded cute x

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  26. How sweet! Brought a smile and tears.

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  27. Anonymous4:22 pm

    What a handsome chap! That's a really lovely memory to have. Thank you so much for sharing it. X

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  28. awwwwwwwwwwwww
    They make us so happy and then tear our hearts out when they die.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. I just read your post about his death. I am in tears and I will think of Finlay every time I listen to Chasing Cars.

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    2. The song makes me cry even now.....

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  29. Aaawwwwwhhhhh..x

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  30. The only time I wish that I really believed in a heaven is when I hear stories about sweethearts like Finlay. God rest his soul.

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    1. Liv...he wasa remarkable dog. One of two brothers...
      His brother turned out to be a right horror i was told

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  31. John, I adore all terriers (especially Borders of course) but I must say that your Welsh terriers have all seemed absolutely lovely. Love the policement story.

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  32. Loved reading that. x

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  33. Lovely story. Sad that he had such a short life but it will have been a good one with you. X

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    1. Frances......he made me a better person...does that sound an odd thing to say?
      If it wasnt for him...there would be no dogs in this cottage

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  34. Beautiful Finlay xx

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  35. What a lovely dog. What a tolerant policeman too! That area of Sheffield is one I know reasonably well as my daughter used to live in Crookes, and we've had some nice walks in the Rivlin valley. She's still up there, but moved nearer to town a bit.

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    1. Finlay and william are very alike..though william has the sweeter nature
      Finlay was spoilt but adorable

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  36. The best dream I ever had was the one in which I taught my border terrier to drive!

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  37. I'm smiling my head off......
    You have such a sense of humor John, sweet Finlay enjoying his time at the wheel, and a nod to the copper, who obviously was a dog-lover :)
    Love this post !
    ~Jo

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  38. Laughing out loud here, what a nice policeman and what a lovely dog. RIP Finlay.

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    1. Judith , i ve just re read the post and the older post covering finlays death
      And have cried like a baby

      The power of a man's dog eh.....?

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    2. Well John, your post sent me back to read the earlier posts as well. Blub. The power of a dog to tear the heart indeed. And we keep doing it to ourselves!

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  39. A shame he won't be around when we're all in driverless cars. Then he could sit at the steering wheel as much as he liked....

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