......always last......always there

Always last, always there 

It seems from the comments on yesterday's blog that George has his own unique fan club.
I concede that his story here is somewhat of a quiet one
For, compared with the other dogs, George is a quiet, plodding best suppporting actor to Winnie's Meryl Streep and Mary's Kiera Knightly.
George is nearly thirteen and whereas William who is just a few months older seems to be fading fast, George plods on with the typical aloof strength so typical of his breed.
Ok, he spends most of his day asleep on his own sheepskin blanket under the kitchen table but when it's dinner time or when I' m marshalling the troops for a trip in Bluebell , he stands aroooooooing his deafening Scottie call like the miniature Tarzan that he is.
Scottish terriers make interesting companions, but I warn you, if you want a cuddle dog that will blindly attach itself to your knee for hours at a go, don't go for one.
They are self contained little buggers
They are also loyal and bright and tenacious and stubborn but they mistrust strangers, and they nip other dogs after barking at them with their sharp loud keep away from me voices .
They are an acquired taste
Yesterday, I watched him totter along behind us on the old railway line walk without a seeming care in the world. There is grey in his beard now and a slowness to his step, but his eyes remain a button bright black and where as William had to be taken back to the car after a twenty minute walk George would  happily carry on his exploring alone and without supervision for most of the morning.

He's a valiant little dog who demands so little from life
And I love him quietly

82 comments:

  1. I love the way you describe the personalities of your dogs.

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  2. At last! George gets his moment in the spotlight. If you ever get the urge to do so please blog about that old railway line. Why was it built and where did it go to?

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    1. It is the old Prestatyn to dyserth railway,
      See this link

      https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyserth_branch_line

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  3. If I get reincarnated as a dog, I would want you as a master. Hamburgers and sliced meat, whole days spent lying on sheepskin rugs, walks in the good weather, trips to the seaside. Just what I need.

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    1. He'll put you on distemper pills, daily enemas and a bowl of PAL if you're lucky

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    2. I'd put him out to stud

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  4. I've said it before: George is my favorite of your pack. Thank you for the update on him. I'm so glad he's doing well!

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  5. Liking that . . .
    “loving him quietly.”

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  6. Some seek fame, and the spotlight, most are content to remain in the background, serene and happy. We need a balance of both.

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  7. Anonymous11:59 am

    Adoreable little chap, just like his master! (only kidding)
    Tess x

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  8. After Miss Scarlett, he's my favourite of your dogs. He seems to have such a steadfast heart. xx

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  9. I'm a member of George's fan club. Probably because he is the last in the pecking order.

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  10. That's a beautiful piece of writing. It makes me like George even more.

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  11. May he continue to carry on exploring in his own sweet way for many years to come.

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  12. George is a little sweetie.

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  13. Again, your skill at writing has me welling up.

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  14. I'm glad to see a little update on George. He's just surrounded by drama queens, but is as interesting as any of them!

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  15. Life isn't always about the Prima Donnas is it!

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  16. Barbara Anne3:09 pm

    Here is to all the dear and essential Georges in the world! Long may we appreciate them.

    Hugs!

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    1. The supporting actors sometimes give the best performances

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  17. What a beautiful and loving portrait. Thank you.

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  18. Bless him - multiple times.

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  19. Okay, this made me cry. That wasn't your intent, was it, tears? This made me happy and melancholy at the same time. Sheesh! Add me to the George fan club, California Charter.

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    1. Send him a cocktail sausage ..he loves em

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  20. I grew up with a Scottie a few doors down. He was your little George in every respect, and all that is missing so far is going blind and being guided through the last many years of life by a dog who just stepped up and took on the job. When some stray mutt comes into your blog, I'll know it's full circle. xxoo

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  21. Yeah, I was going to say I'm a fan because I'm always for the underdog, but the term loses its usefulness when referring to actual dogs.

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  22. We had two Scotties in my childhood. As you say, they're self-contained little buggers. And stubborn too - it was a constant battle of wits between the dogs and my father.

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  23. It's amazing how different dogs can be, depending on the breed and the individual, isn't it?

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    1. How would you describe olga in three words?

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  24. What a lovely portrait you've written, John. One with a lot of love.

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  25. I couldn't have wrote it or tried to any better.
    There is something about a Scotty that just finds a way into your heart and soul and stays there. The only way I can say it, there are the cats of the dog world.
    Now having two different mixed breed adopted gud dugs with a possible third one or a foster in the future, the difference is significant.
    I adore all of my Scotties.

    cheers, parsnip and badger

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  26. Lovely, quiet, dependable George.

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  27. What a very beautiful portrait of George. Thank you for sharing more about him. He sounds like a wonderful little soul.

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    1. He's wonderful because he's just there

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  28. Awesome to see George tottering along at his own speed, quiet and steadfast he's my favorite but I love reading about the whole gang. have been thinking about William.

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  29. I love all terriers John, especially my own Border of course, but have always thought I might like a Scottie. There is one on our estate and I must say he never stops and acknowledges any other dog, he just marches on in his own dignified fashion. No sniffing of bottoms from him.

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    1. Winnie gets her whole face up any dogs arse xx

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  30. Lorna7:00 pm

    Your adoration of your pets comes through in your stories and descriptions. Very heart-warming, but also heart-breaking to read about a pet who is heading on their own journey to that "rainbow bridge". My Irish terrier mix is 13 this year, and I worry constantly about when I must say good-bye. But I did promise him that I would go on more trips because I felt horrible leaving him and his buddy (an Airedale/Whippet rescue) for 2 weeks.

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  31. Lorna7:01 pm

    Duh. I meant on NO more trips.

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  32. Oh my, you do have a way with words John.

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  33. Very content and happy George.....

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  34. This, as are so many of your writings about your dogs, was beautiful and made me cry. You are such a caring person.

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  35. I have something in my eye now.

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  36. I really must apologise if this is the wrong place and that I should have scrolled back to the other week.
    Take a look at Lloyd Russell-Moyle. 29/11/18

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  37. It is fitting that George has his own fan club. All quiet, dependable creatures should have. The description of him had me loving him all the more. Bless George.

    Jo in Auckland.

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  38. What an endearing little chap! Still so tiny in your pic. I love your puppy photo of him in your sidebar. He looks all the world there like a lap dog who loves a good tummy rub.

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    1. He was an adorable puppy , who ran around like a windup toy

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  39. Of course having Todd, who is almost 8 if you can believe that, I totally agree and understand what you've written about George. Scotties are not a dog for everyone. What you've said also echoes the description of a Scottie that is one of my favorites and describes them perfectly:

    The Scottish Terrier’s character and personality reflect the bleak and lonely moors of his origin. Life to him is serious, to be met with dignity, reserve and stout heart. He is by nature aloof, but to the accepted few friends and family his devotion is deep and lifelong. A secure place in his home, understanding and companionship are essential to his happiness. In spite of his independent spirit, his strong desire for approval will win compliance with your wishes where harsh words and punishment will fail. To those who appreciate his unique character, the Scottish Terrier is a friend and companion, second to none.

    Fits our boys perfectly, doesn't it?

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  40. A beautiful post!

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  41. A dog of my own heart (my middle name is George). 3 cheers to all the plodders in this world. Life carries on no matter what, take the time to enjoy it.

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    1. George's lack of vanity and neediness is his charm

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  42. My kind of dog. . . .it reminds me of myself. You have much to envy. no dogs at the present, still not over a chocolate lab and a Australian shepard dog. perhaps one day.

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    1. I've always found a new dog is the answer to a lost loved one. They don't overshadow the love you felt they just need you

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  43. And he loves you quietly back ... well apart from his 'arooooing' of course 😉

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  44. We Had Angus McDougall, who used to take himself off for a jaunt round the suburb in the days when dogs could do such a thing, His sworn enemy was an Afrikaans fox terrier calle Kolletjie(Spotty- in Afrikaans)who he used to skirmish with- nothing very serious,mind you.He was an independany, strong silent type with a big loving heart.

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  45. You are a lovely writer John Gray. This almost brought me to tears, the love and affection in your writing.

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  46. Your heart is full John and it spills into your words. Thank you for sharing. I think its more of what's needed from us all. It puts this old world in perspective.

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  47. John, your stories are wise and wonderful. Thank you for a wee peak into your world.

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  48. I've often found the quieter people in life who observe the dramas going on around them have some of the most important and interesting things to say. I seek them out. Arilx

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  49. My husband is a George.

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  50. I love George and my first dog was a Cairn Terrier ... very much like Scotties . George reminds me of Toby and he lived to 16 years. Kisses to George. XXX

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