Travelling by car between France and England meant that there was very little room for frivolities. With all the essentials for a six month stay, there wasn't a lot of space left for much else.
Billy's essentials included his bed, his bowls, one Tennis ball, and a launcher. All his little heart desired.
However, since being back, and taking daily walks in the nearby churchyard, I keep finding lost balls all over the place. Occasionally I just leave them in a prominent place to be found by the owner Dog, otherwise I bring them home and give them a good wash. As you can see by the above photo, I now have 11; only one of which was originally Billy's.
One day soon I'll put them all in a box and take them to where the daily afternoon 'Dog Club' members congregate. I'm sure they'll find a use for them; until (of course) they're lost again!
I wonder if their owners will recognise them now that they have been washed - will their doggy smell have gone?
ReplyDeleteI hope so, on both counts.
DeleteThis will indeed be a big surprise for Billy's friends.
ReplyDeleteI'll take them down before Christmas.
DeleteGreat idea to take them all to the dog club. Just remember to keep Billy's.
ReplyDeleteA young girl at the 'dog club' recently offered Billy a 'doggy cup cake' that she'd made to share. They're such a nice bunch of people.
DeleteLost and found balls are part of a dog's life. You lose a new one and find an old one or the other way around - it is part of a dog's normal day. My friend's Alfie is just pleased to arrive and leave with one.
ReplyDeleteI think they like to share them! There was a Bulldog in the park just now with TWO in his mouth.
DeleteWashed balls. What more could a dog desire.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Billy would like his back.
DeleteIt is like an Easter egg hunt. Except it is not Easter. And those are not eggs. And there are dogs. Except for that, it's totally the same.
ReplyDeleteYes, I really see no difference!
DeleteTennis balls used to bounce over our nets into the lane below. For a while we collected them until we had too many. We knew we had too many when the dog we looked after at times would no longer fetch a ball but go and get a new one from the tin bucket we stored them in.
ReplyDeleteOurs are in a brass 'cauldron' by the front door, and Billy often grabs one on the way out.
DeleteWhat I find fascinating, and disturbing, about dogs is that you can throw them stick/a ball and they'll chase it. You don't even need to say "fetch", they'll bring it back to you regardless. Repeat. Forever.
ReplyDeleteIn that respect cats are less labour intensive. They make their own fun.
You are a better man than me, Cro. There are certain things I wouldn't pick up if I didn't know their provenance, like those balls. Unless, maybe, possibly, I was wearing my Marigold rubber gloves. Highly unlikely when going for a walk. Call me squeamish - but the motherland and adjoining countries are not known for nothing when it comes to hygiene.
My throwing skills aren't great otherwise I'd direct a ball (a new one) to Billy - as the crow flies.
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I keep a small bottle of anti-bacterial gel in my pocket. I have no worries about catching distemper or rabies.
DeleteAs one of only two people in my township who does not have a dog I feel very isolated from the news when it comes to local gossip until I've met one of my close neighbours walking past. Given that I live almost at the end of the road there is only one family from whom I regularly get news - and they are away at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI know you travel a lot, so having a dog is probably out of the question. A shame, as one would be great company.
DeleteDog owners are very friendly people and this makes walking the dog a social gathering too. I have formed very nice friendships with others while walking my dog. People will be happy to have a newly washed ball for their dog.
ReplyDeleteOne of our greatest pleasures of being back in England has been meeting fellow Dog owners. They are such a friendly and pleasant crowd, and I chat with several every morning and afternoon. What a difference to France, where you're lucky to get a 'grunt' from people. We've even had neighbours who threw stones at Billy, kicked him, and hit him, when he was still a puppy. Pure nastiness.
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