Hamlet was my first dog; the only one to have shared my life prior to Monty. And what a dog he was!
Hamlet came from Yorkshire, where he was bought by some friends at Leeds Market for 10 shillings (50p). For a while he went to live in London, but he ate their shoes when left alone, and was transferred to Surrey where I first met him.
His owners had several dogs at their rambling country retreat and, when fed, poor Hamlet was last in line. The existing dogs rejected him, so they decided he'd have to find another home.
I took him for a long walk one day, to see how I felt about taking him, and decided almost at once that he and I belonged together; on returning to the house I said 'yes'. Unfortunately, on leaving (I was going to pick him up the following day) he suddenly ran out in front of the car and I ran over his front left leg, making a perfect break. Unfortunately again (for him), there was a postal strike at the time, and the Vet' was unable to get the right size plate, so used an oversized one instead. Poor Hamlet's foot for ever pointed outwards, and he had already cost me about £100.
He lived in Wales for a while, then came with us to France. He loved it here.
Hamlet was just a scruffy, medium sized, black-n-tan, 50p mutt; but he was adorable. He died about 30 years ago, and I still miss him. He was possibly the best dog in the world (apart from Monty, of course). I still keep his photo at hand.
A fantastic hound, even just from a photograph that's evident.
ReplyDeleteCan't decide whether the mis-match between human and canine lifespans is a blessing in disguise or a tragedy.
Oh my. He was lovely. That is the way a dog should look. Ordinarily I wouldn't recommend running over a dog you're adopting, but it seems to have worked out for you.
ReplyDeleteActually MB, he ran UNDER me. His owners were supposed to be holding him.... but he escaped. Too excited!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story, it bought back all of the special memories of our lovely old "Rory", who was one of the most gently German Shepherd's I have ever know, one of the saddest day of my life was putting him to rest, Hamlet looks like a regular character and great mate by the sounds of it, you were blessed to own him....and I must add he looks like a very forgiving boy :o)
ReplyDeleteHe must have loved you the moment he met you Cro...and such a romantic to throw himself under your wheels to stop you from leaving him behind. He reminds me of my Molly. What a sweetheart.
ReplyDeleteScruffy mutts are the best!
ReplyDeleteDogs are so forgiving. There's that old test - lock your dog in the boot of your car and leave it for two hours, then see what a welcome you receive on your return. Then try the same thing with your wife....
ReplyDeleteSorry, laughing at Tom's comment above.
ReplyDeleteOk, now. What a heartwarming story! That would make a good movie, the dog rescued by his master. I bet Hamlet was forever grateful for that walk! I, too, have the perfect dog. But he is getting older and has a bad leg. I'm glad to carry him down steps, etc. I'll miss him greatly when he is gone!
Funny how some of our pets raise the bar on who we next allow into our lives. Our old cat Tessie died in 2008 and we have a couple of new ones - great cats, but they still aren't Tessie. Of course to be honest, Tessie was much more doglike, than catlike, except we didn't have to walk her, and she could fend on her own for a week long vacation.
ReplyDeleteI assume Hamlet will be a chapter in your memoirs - the story is already there, just needs some fleshing out.
I become quite emotional when I think about him.
ReplyDeleteHe looks like a dear old man in that photo. Such intelligence in the eyes.
ReplyDeleteYour sweet story of Hamlet brought to mind all the K9s and felines that have filled my life with love and drama! I need to make a montage of them so I could have them to look at on a daily basis. What a handsome face Hamlet has with his white brows!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story. I had a childhood dog that I still weep over now and then. There is nothing quite like a good dog. Thanks for sharing that with us.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how dogs and cats can tug on our heartstrings long after they are gone. People who refuse to share their homes and hearts with an animal don't know what they're missing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a handsome fellow...you were obviously fortunate to have known each other.
ReplyDeleteDogs (and cats) that share our lives and become our family are the best. I have had many dogs and cats that have been wonderful and I get weepy thinking about them also. Funny how animals do this to us, when humans don't get the same reaction in some cases.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you and Hamlet met each other. At least the latter part of his life was happy
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