Tuesday 15 February 2011

In reflective mood



Oh I can't quite think how to begin.  I am going to be one year old on Friday, and I am hoping for some nice presents!  But it will also be sad day for Gail, as the night I was born is the same night that she lost her beloved Westie, Hamish, her first ever dog.

I never met Hamish, but I feel I know him well. And what I really want to say here is a big and affectionately bouncy thank you to the fine old fellow.

You see, I have come to realise that Hamish taught Gail many things, and it's partly down to Hamish that my first year has been such a happy one.

Above all else, Hamish taught Gail to appreciate that a dog is not a blank slate. We dogs arrive on this earth each with our own unique personalities and traits. We are not mere putty to be moulded into whatever shape our human fancies.

For example, Hamish, I'm told, was not one to be hurried when out on walks (British understatement here!) He liked to stop and sniff. Everything.  For him, a walk that was just a 'route march'  was no kind of fun at all, even in the days when he was young and fit and could have ran all day if he chose.  At first, Gail thought "This is no good, I like energetic walks, I don't want to be stopping all the time. Come on Hamish, hurry up!"  But soon enough she realised, that was just not Hamish's way.  So she thought a little more and decided to buy a wild flower book.  Before Hamish came on the scene, she had always been too impatient to stop and identify the plants as she strode onwards in determined fashion.  But through him she discovered the joy of pausing to consider and delight in nature's glories. And Hamish always had plenty sniffing time, and was content too.

Now I am here, a joyous, wilful and insistent presence, an alogether different character from Hamish.  Less about sniffing, more about bouncing.  And I am so fortunate 'cos Gail has learned to let me be me too, and if what I want to do is bounce, then ways will be found for me to bounce, and bounce again, for as long as my legs have springs!

Thank you again, dear and most treasured Hamish.

(A report on my experiences at agility class is coming soon...)

24 comments:

  1. It is amazing what we can teach our humans huh? Guess Hamish did set the path fur you Bertie. I am glad that Gail lets you be you!! She is very smart there. Enjoy the bounces!!

    wags
    Jazzi

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  2. A whole year ! What a lovely cojoined tribute and ode to the future. You've put in words the joy of having a dog in the family. The things one learns.

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  3. it is so much easier when they've been trained. Gail must be a quick learner. She knows one dog doesn't really replace another. Each is unique.

    Bertie, we know you've helped Gail this year, too.

    XXXOOO Daisy, kendra & Bella

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  4. What a thoughtful post, Bertie.
    And a wonderful way to honour Hamish. I'm sure he's proud of you and your mummy, Gail xx

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  5. Hey Bertie Buddy...
    Wow, a whole year! Time sure does fly and I remember your Hamish fondly.
    You have a wonderful owner/companion/handler in Gail, Bertie! She was exceptionally well trained by Hamish but she is also very understanding too.
    Happy Birthday Bertie and congratulations to Gail for making it through a whole year (in a different way to what she is accustomed)
    Sending lotsaluv
    MAXMOM IN SA

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  6. We so miss Hamish, but we are delighted that Gail has you - you have brought much joy into her life and ours.

    XOXO
    Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Ruairi

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  7. We did not know Hamish, but he sounds wonderful and Gail must miss him every day. It's a very good thing she has you to keep her going and I know that you do. Keep her going, that is. Keep on Boucing, Bertie.

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  8. Hey Bertie,

    Thank you for the wishes, but we think they were meant for the other Jake -- Jake and Fergie, We're Jake and Just Harry --- and we do have a super duper Dogdad who takes very good care of us and our mom.
    We're just sayin' so that you can send your message to their mom who will appreciate it.

    Wirey woofs,

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  9. Darling darling boy, Hard to believe you are going to be one ...... Pl1+2 say that they have learned everything they know about life from their dogs and sometimes think they would rather be with dogs than with humans!!!! Patience, strength, unrequited love, tenacity, joy,friendship, love of the outdoors.... OH we could go on and on but don't want to toot our our horns so early in the morning!! We wish we culd celbrate with you but we will be there in spirit..... and now you graduate to Book 2!!! Love A+A

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  10. We didn't get to know Hamish well. When we found his blog, not long after, we read the sad news. Glad to get to know a little bit more about Hamish from you.

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  11. Bertie, this was a really touching post. Our mom is a big Dog Whisperer fan. He says, "you don't always get the dog you want. You get the dog you need." Each of us need a different strength from our human, and sometimes they have to look hard inside themselves to find it. Your mom is so smart, she just figured that out!! Good luck with agility class! We just know you'll get the hang of it. You're only one!! You're just a baby!

    Cheers!

    -Gizmo, Bart and Ruby

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  12. It seems to me that you and Hamish have been wonderful teachers.

    And that is a Good Thing!

    woo woos, Tessa

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  13. It will be a day to look forward too indeed!
    Benny & Lily

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  14. Oh my goodness we can't believe it is nearly your first birthday. The year has gone by so quickly.

    We have enjoyed watching you grow up Bertie.

    Molly, Taffy and Monty

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  15. Such big thoughts for such a youngster! I remember well when my dear friend Hamish passed on...little did we know the tears we shed were also mixed in with tears of joy at your arrival on this big blue marble. While I don't bounce--let's not forget my Scottish heritage, not really a bouncy lot--I do alternate sniffing and christening anything vertical with a determined " Do keep up!" tug on the leash. Mom always says she met more people in the first six months of living with me than she had in 6 years in the West Village. And she also found a new appreciation for flower boxes and architectural details as I stopped to sniff. Whatever would they do without us?

    So happy you found your way to Gail.

    Your uncle Petey

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  16. Happy almost Birthday, Bertie!
    That Hammish sounds like quite a dog..our kind of dog!!

    Wyatt and Stanzie

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  17. Ah Bertie. I think you and Hamish have both taught Gail some very important life lessons and I is very proud of you indeed. We still miss Hamish too, but you is a very fine chap yourself... and who doesn't like to bounce?
    ~lickies, Ludo

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  18. Bertie my boy. How lucky you are Gail was taught by the supreme master, dearest Hamish. She really is most tickety boo you lucky rascal.

    How right my bestie is too,our tears shed with sadness on that fateful day were, if only we knew,mixed with tears of joy at your arrival. What a blessing and pleasure to have known you and Hamish both.

    Now I'll be bounding up to see you on your first birthday dear boy to paint the town wired. Get those springs of yours oiled and ready!!

    Wiry love from your Uncle Eric xx

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  19. Hamish sounds like a lovely dog. You are doing him proud, Bertie.

    Nubbin wiggles,
    Oskar

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  20. Ah, one of those Circle of Life moments. We think Hamish had a paw in your finding Gail; he knew you'd be right for each other. An anticipatory Happy Birthday, Bertie!

    Jed & Abby

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  21. DAWLING BOUNCY BEWTIE
    I GOT VEWY TEAWY THINKING ABOUT DEEW HAMISH
    I LOVED HIM SO VEWY MUCH AND AM SO GWATEFUL THAT HE TAUGHT GAIL HOW TO WEALLY APPWECIATE A DOGGIE AND LIFE IN GENEWAL ALONG THE WAY.
    YOU HAVE DELIGHTED ALL OF US BY COMING TO CHEEW HEW DAYS AND LACIE AND I HAVE PWEPAWED A SPECIAL CELEBWATION FOW YOU AT OUW BLOGS STAWTING TOMOWWOW
    I HOPE YOU WILL BE PLEASED
    ALL MY LOVE AND SMOOCHIE KISSES
    ASTA

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  22. Oh Bertie...

    We can't believe it's a year since dear Hamish left us...and that you came into this world...

    You've articulated it well, Bertie...

    Now yours and Katie's First Barkday Parties are at Asta's starting tomorrow...bring your grog....

    Kisses,

    Lady Lacie Cakes

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  23. Bertie. You've become wise and articulate, reflective and introspective, just like your Gail. What a wonderful match you are for each other. What a lucky pair we are to know you.

    Happy Birthday. Fond memories. Wishes for another great year.

    See ya at Camelot ... 'kay?

    Jake and Fergi
    xxoo

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  24. Happy Birthday, Bertie!

    I don't know how I missed this, but I love it that you are honoring Hamish. He was a wonderful fellow and we were the best of friends. After he was gone, I just didn't know who I could confide in, but I will confess I still speak to Hamish!

    I am delighted you are going into agility class and you will have more fun than anything! Your second year will be a wonderful time of new adventures.

    Kisses,
    Stella

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