Frances asked for a "Mary" update the other day so, I shall give you all a brief synopsis of how things are going.
Her entry into an established pack has been an interesting study in canine psychology
Yesterday Mr and Mrs B from around the corner called in to be introduced and after five minutes left with their nerves in tatters after Mrs B's handbag had been relieved of a packet of tissues, a pension card and a slightly shopworn pink plastic hairbrush.
We all had forgotten just how overactive puppies can be.
Mary is bright little spark.
Like most puppies she constantly pushes the boundaries with the other dogs, but cleverly she just reigns in her silliness so they don't lose it totally with her. William and George will cuddle up regularly but are too middle aged for puppy play, and both can find places to disappear to when baby teeth get a bit too sharp.
Even Winnie , who seems to be Mary's favourite plaything, has gone up a gear, and now will allow the puppy to chew and pull at the fat folds of her face for hours at a time without raising one eyebrow in protest.
To repay her, for her stoic behaviour, Winnie has now been allowed to sleep on the living room armchair at night.....a huge step up from her bed on the kitchen floor.
And what about Albert?
Well Albert has taken all of these changes in his stride. He doesn't suffer fools gladly and has boxed Mary's ears on more than one occasion..apart from that , he has refused to let his routine change in any other way.
And what about me?
How have I coped with this little scrap of terrier energy?
Of course, apart from tutting over the odd shitty pile of turd lurking on the carpet, I have to share with you all that she has been a delight.
She has been a delight , because right from the very start she has been a daddy's girl.
Meg will never be forgotten.
But the physical vacuum left by her death ( and it was almost painful in it's absence ) has been filled somewhat for everytime I sit down, a little bundle of black and tan fur is pressed tightly into my lap.
Her entry into an established pack has been an interesting study in canine psychology
Yesterday Mr and Mrs B from around the corner called in to be introduced and after five minutes left with their nerves in tatters after Mrs B's handbag had been relieved of a packet of tissues, a pension card and a slightly shopworn pink plastic hairbrush.
We all had forgotten just how overactive puppies can be.
Mary is bright little spark.
Like most puppies she constantly pushes the boundaries with the other dogs, but cleverly she just reigns in her silliness so they don't lose it totally with her. William and George will cuddle up regularly but are too middle aged for puppy play, and both can find places to disappear to when baby teeth get a bit too sharp.
Even Winnie , who seems to be Mary's favourite plaything, has gone up a gear, and now will allow the puppy to chew and pull at the fat folds of her face for hours at a time without raising one eyebrow in protest.
To repay her, for her stoic behaviour, Winnie has now been allowed to sleep on the living room armchair at night.....a huge step up from her bed on the kitchen floor.
And what about Albert?
Well Albert has taken all of these changes in his stride. He doesn't suffer fools gladly and has boxed Mary's ears on more than one occasion..apart from that , he has refused to let his routine change in any other way.
How have I coped with this little scrap of terrier energy?
Of course, apart from tutting over the odd shitty pile of turd lurking on the carpet, I have to share with you all that she has been a delight.
She has been a delight , because right from the very start she has been a daddy's girl.
Meg will never be forgotten.
But the physical vacuum left by her death ( and it was almost painful in it's absence ) has been filled somewhat for everytime I sit down, a little bundle of black and tan fur is pressed tightly into my lap.
You've charmed me again John Gray.
ReplyDeleteI'll second that, Jan Bx
DeleteThank you dearhearts x
DeleteOne big happy family, I still like mellow old dogs.
ReplyDeleteThis was absolutely delightful to read! Please keep the stories of life with Mary flowing regularly. So pleased to know she has won you all over...especially, you! But I don't think anyone doubted that happening, not for a second!!
ReplyDeleteAs i read this , she is wandering around the cottagewith one of the " slippers of sex" in her mouth
DeleteWell Winnie must definately be won over to allow this affront!!
DeleteBless!
Jo in Auckland, NZ
Well it's nice to learn that Mary is settling in well. I guess that a year from now she will be a lot calmer and when Mrs B calls round Mary will not be raiding her handbag. Good job she didn't pull out the pack of "Always", the cannabis twist or the Spanish flick knife!
ReplyDeleteThe "cannabis twist" made me laugh! Never heard it called that before...I shall have to remember that one!
Delete" always" ? Mrs B is perhaps 30 too late for those lol
DeleteTerriers have always been my least favourite dogs but you make them look mighty adorable!
ReplyDelete(having said that, I never met a dog I didnt like)
I'm so pleased to hear that Mary appears to be settling in (I shan't say "making her mark"!) to your household and the others are tolerating her. All the same, I wouldn't advise wearing a kilt for a bit . . .
ReplyDeleteBetter still, I am glad that her presence on your lap is going just a little way to filling that vacuum left behind by Meg.
She is adorable.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet little girl! I miss that lap time since my Sam passed....but fear at my age I would have to leave a new one and then what? Who would care for them? You are a good papa!
ReplyDeleteLinda, people always need dog sitters!
DeleteThat way you get the company without the worry...
or the food bills...
my mother did that for about ten years!
She did spend quite a lot on "treats", though.
Really enjoying reading your posts. Mary is gorgeous! We have only cats (but exceptional ones as all cats are) and long for a dog again. Maybe one day. We live in hope.
ReplyDeleteYour posts always brighten my day!
ReplyDeleteHail, Mary!
ReplyDeleteFull of grace !
DeleteLOL! Such a good RC!!
DeleteI have to stop reading your blog in the morning, I always seem to cry :)
ReplyDeleteShe is , as they all seem to be, little furry thieves, stealing our hearts when we are not looking .. tiny beings filling huge holes in our lives.. even when we didn't even know that hole was there !
I can't wait to be settled in a new home ... where a puppy will be the first thing on the list for making it a true home.
The cats can hardly wait .... well, if they knew they would be excited... well, Minette might be , Merlin might never notice there is a dog in the house !
Dont cry! Wait for the sad blogs..they always seem to come along
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteA song from 'Grease' is playing in my head... you know the one: 'Totally Devoted To You'
ReplyDeleteBetter than " chirpy , chirpy cheep cheep"
DeleteWork, yes, but many smiles also. I bet you can't wait to see her when you come home from a long night's work.
ReplyDeleteI have a new pet also. She is better than any medicine I could take.
I don't know why but this made me cry a little. Just to think of little Mary, making her way into her new family. The spaces, the places, the hearts.
ReplyDeleteIt is just the sweetness of Mary and how she is soothing the sad bits ..
DeleteThat first year is the hardest ...
ReplyDeleteWho in their right mind leaves their purse where a puppy can investigate?
My cat sleeps in my handbag if I leave it lying around. I worry I will open in in the store one day and a little blue cat will hop out.
DeleteWe once had a puppy who would steal paper hankies at every opportunity, then sneak into another room and shred them all over the carpet!
ReplyDeleteAnother would steal shoes, if shoes were left lying about, she'd steal one and hide it in her bed. She never chewed them and she only ever took one of a pair. I think it was so that we had to retrieve a shoe from her bed before we went out, so no chance of us sneaking off without her knowledge!
Mary was sent to you by Meg! :)
ReplyDeleteThey seem very similar jon...clingy
DeleteWhen reading this blog entry, I immediately thought that Meg approves. And such a cutie, it's no wonder she's found her way into your heart.
DeleteMy son was 9 when our first dog died. We had her when he was born; as an only child, she was his constant companion. He held on to her collar as he learned to walk. When she died he was absolutely heartbroken. Shortly afterwards, we got another pup, same breed. Our son was worried all the way on the journey to collect her, saying that he couldn't possibly love another dog as much as his first one. Until we were on the way home with him on the back seat, with a tiny bundle of fur curled up beside him. He said "You know I said that I'd never love another dog as much as our first one, well, I think I might have changed my mind". It made us want to cry.
ReplyDeleteSometimes one does morph into another,, especially if theyall have nice perspnalities
DeleteGood to know that even Winnie has been won round.
ReplyDeleteShe's remarkably sanguine in her behaviour with Mary...a product of having two lots of puppies
DeleteYou won't be forgetting Mary tomorrow evening, will you? - when you lock the entire pack in a sound-insulated room before you go off to prance naked round the village bonfire. A full report ('scuse the pun) will be awaited.
ReplyDeleteAll with besafely locked up raymondo
DeleteIncluding the field animals
your comment about hand bags set me thinking . . . In the early 70's I knew a family well. They had three children all in their teens or just twenties. The two eldest were well behaved and almost docile, but the youngest was a sod. She would be 15 and was a complete rebel. Not druggie or downright bad but accident prone, confrontational and generally bolshie. She was also kind. The mother of the family bred Yorkshire terriers, keen little dogs and also very high up in the Cruft's stakes. One night at tea an elderly maiden aunt was joining the family. Our terror picked up the tomato sauce bottle, shook it and yes, the top was loose and the sauce went into the Auntie's open handbag.! Another time when reluctantly drying up the very best tea set she put it all on a tray and as she carried it through into the lounge the whole tray shifted and the tea set landed into a dog bed full of pups and mum. Consternation all over, but this terror carefully lifted each pup out of the mess, checked it over and then put it on one side. The whole family just laid into her, and without helping her she was admonished. None of the puppies was damaged, although I expect they all had a twitch around trays. This holy terror grew up eventually and had a tremendously happy household of children, animals, tomato sauce etc., Nothing much to do with Mary, but everyone settles down eventually, it was the ruddy hand bag that caused this essay. God love Mary, and all of them. Much love Andie xxx
ReplyDeleteI kinda like your terror
DeleteLovely story
Oh My Goodness, poor Winnie maybe she is a Mum replacement ?
ReplyDeletePuppies can be tiring but oh so sweet.
Your last paragraph brought tears to my eyes.
I know what you mean, for me it is a very quiet but physical vacuum.
With Watson's deafness he wasn't "around" me as much. I would have to look for him in all his napping places. Even today I still look for him in the rooms I walk into.
I adore the photo of you and Mary on the top of your page. She has this quizzical look on her face to say "who are you, are you my Mum now ?" plus maybe she is checking out the beard ?
Thank You for the update on Sweet Mary.
cheers, parsnip
John, you write so well. I love how you tell us about your new little loveable bundle of fluff.
ReplyDeleteMardy
This one was for my old friend bel ami who neededa smile x
DeleteI am so pleased for Mary and I am so pleased for you. x
ReplyDeleteBless her - she sounds just a perfect little pup and bless Winnie too for being so easy and patient with her xxx
ReplyDeleteMost puppies have the knack of finding their place neatly in the pack don't they. It's very interesting to watch.
ReplyDeleteYou've never told us how the Prof coped with his day solo dog-sitting ... or is it a subject perhaps left unmentioned ;-)
Albert has the right idea, carry on as normal and box her ears if she steps out of line. I still love cats more than dogs, they are just so sensible and self contained ... but shhh don't tell my three dogs I said that.
I shall say nothing
Deleteawwww..i love that she is fitting in so well.
ReplyDeleteAww ... thank you for the update. That physical vacuum on the loss of a pet is painful, isn't it - I'm glad Mary is helping out with that. Good for Winnie! So happy she is being recognized with a new sleeping spot :)
ReplyDeleteJohn, old friend, I have just adopted a little waif from the pound. My first dog in years and she will be my last. I know what you mean...in just two short weeks she has stolen my heart (and caused chaos in the house and my life!)
ReplyDeleteGood for you old gal x
DeleteAh. This post pulled at my heart strings. Having lost my Husky boy Tor in May - our new addition has proved to be a joy, a twinge of sadness every now and again and an exciting bundle of energy all in one. My best boy will never be forgotten but giant puppy Karma will carry on his legacy. That being said, the other 2 dogs (8 & 13) put up with her. The 4 cats are another story.....Thanks for the lovely post.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOf course she is Daddy's girl - surely that is exactly what the Prof intended when he bought her for you. And as for fitting in with the others - they are pack animals after all and I think it sounds as though she has found her place in the pack. Give her a hug from me.
ReplyDeleteI always thought John was mummy.
DeleteAll of us with older dogs forget the mayhem, chaos and general oh wow. Delightful, but full time. She will grow older, she will settle to middle and old age. She will break your heart. It is all worth it.
ReplyDeleteMy Pup was a Standard Poodle. He was our baby and grew up and lived with us in the US as well as in Argentina. I adored him, he was so smart and so very sweet. In those first days adjusting to living in South
ReplyDeleteAmerica.. he and my husband were what I clung to .. what made the world alright.
He died in Buenos Aires, cancer, but he was 12 years old.
I miss him every day.
Then we came back to the US ... and wouldn't you know , my husband died too !
I have a kitten and an old cat. They are sweet and at least there is another living creature in the house.
Today I went to the market.
The lady parked next to me, opened the back of her SUV ... there were 3 grey standard poodles.
She breeds them. She offered me a boy.
ohgodidon'tknowwhattodo !
:)
Do you believe in "signs"?
Delete...standard size/boy/poodle/broken heart
It is a sign !
DeleteGo meet him. You need a bundle of fluff to mess up your day with woofs, poos, running around after the kitties and pure love.
Buy him
ReplyDeleteI will have to visit her again. There is the matter of 2 cats here .. they have to take a vote I think.
DeleteThanks for the delightful update John. My schnauzer is nearly always on my lap…makes doing crosswords etc. quite difficult as he doesn't like the paper resting on his back!! XX
ReplyDeleteThanks for correcting the spelling of my name. ( " is" at the end is the male version ) Have a good day..in the rain? Not looking good here! X
DeleteOh stop! FFS! I've got three! One is SO needy, I wear her like a hat....don't make me want another....
ReplyDeleteSassy wanda x
DeleteOur pets give us so much pleasure...so much love. I know I'd be lost without my two rascals in my life.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Mary is enjoying life to the utmost, as are you with her in yours! :)
Sweet little girl.
ReplyDeleteyou wear her like a hat ? LOL .... I love it :)
ReplyDeleteawwwwwwwwwwwww. no, you never forget any of your furkids. but wee mary has found her forever home with you.
ReplyDeleteBless her, I'm so glad she's a snuggler!
ReplyDeleteI understand that vacuum and how painful it is. It would be nice if Mary and Penelope could go shopping together. You give them your credit card.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
No, John, you will never forget your beautiful Meg but there's enough love to share with Mary. What a wonderful and interesting Christmas season you will have!
ReplyDeleteLove knows no bounds...there is plenty to go around and I'm glad you have more to share with sweet Mary. Enjoy your furry lap time! :-)
ReplyDeleteDelighted to hear she's settled in so well John. I love my son's Goldie, but I couldn't believe how much harder to train a puppy washtub a kitten!! Puppies go on being a menace foreeeeeevvvver! Kittens, in comparison, are just so sensible, and intelligent! But we love them anyway!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written, made my heart sing (and ache a bit.)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad she's settling in so well, though I'm amazed Winnie puts up with the face-tugging. That sounds painful!
ReplyDeleteAwww she is a love. Glad the others have allowed her in to their circle, even if it is begrudgingly. :)
ReplyDeleteMissFifi
You are so lucky to have Mary. All these wonderful comments!
ReplyDeletePerfectly said John! I felt and still feel the same way about Todd being in my life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling girl Mary is.
ReplyDeleteJo in Auckland, NZ
As I read this I have one of those bundles of love on my lap. I understand perfectly.
ReplyDeletereading about mary. darling little girl.
ReplyDeleteand knowing i'm heading to the post about meg.
i don't know if you'll even see this comment.
my heart to yours.