Sunday 4 January 2015

Reconciliation

I know I’m a bit late with this, but did you watch the Queen’s Christmas Day message? 

No, me neither, but I gather the theme this year was ‘reconciliation’.

So being a loyal subject (and still, Your Maj, hoping for that invite to spend the weekend at Balmoral with the corgis...) I am going to tell you about my own personal efforts at reconciliation, which took place a few days ago, on New Year’s Eve and were, by and large, successful.

We were back in Scotland, but not at home in Aberdeen. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t quite sure where we were heading, as Gail drove up the A9 then through Inverness and several miles beyond.

I must say it all looked rather promising when I saw this sign through the car windscreen and Gail said, “Nearly there Bertie".

We finally arrived at an unfamiliar house, but the moment I set paw on the front doorstep I picked up an all too familiar scent.

Imagine my horror when who should come galloping down the drive but my nemesis, flat-coated retriever Jake. Yes, he who inflicted those horrid wounds on my shoulder last September.

Jake’s master Neil quickly grabbed him by the collar and I nervously edged past them and into the house.

It turned out we were staying the night and celebrating the New Year with our Aberdeen neighbours Neil and Yvonne at their Highland retreat in the woods near Kiltarlity.

I have to say I was feeling a little tense at first, and stayed close to Gail. I noticed that Neil was keeping his hand near Jake’s collar, which was reassuring.

As the evening progressed, the humans relaxed as they emptied a bottle of Prosecco, then a bottle of Merlot, and then, as midnight approached, the Glenmorangie appeared. Jake and I caught the increasingly mellow mood, and when Gail suggested Yvonne take a group photo I only growled a little at being made to stand closer to Jake than I would have preferred.

(I fear Gail is looking just a teeny wee bit squiffy here….)

Next morning, we all went for a walk in the woods, Jake and I both off the lead, without incident.

So, not exactly best buddies yet, but there was at least some sort of a rapprochement.

19 comments:

  1. WE got to see SOME of the Queen's talk... OH MY... she is a BEAUTIFUL Woman...
    WOW buddy that was quite an EXCITING way fur you and Miss Gail to Ring in the New Year...

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  2. So glad you were able to follow the Queen's advice and reconcile. We are sure this will get you an invite to the Corgis.

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  3. Bertie that was really a great message about reconciliation. I bet not even HRM could explain that better. That was brave to celebrate the New Year with Jake. I think life would be easier if dogs would rule this world...
    Easy Rider

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  4. Hari OM
    Phew, was holding my breath till the end of this post Bertie lad... am so very very glad that it all worked out. Like how you are giving Jake the 'glare eye' in the groupie... and did I yet say HAPPY NEW YEAR???!!! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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  5. First, Bertie, that header picture is absolutely beautiful. Sunrise or sunset? Secondly, we are extremely proud of your bravery as well as Jakes willingness to "move forward." Addi must be so proud of her man!

    -Bart, Ruby and Otto

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    1. Sunrise (after 9 am at this time of year in Northern Scotland).

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  6. OH BERTIE WE HAVE WONDERED ABOUT JAKE AS WE KNEW GAIL AND HIS MUM WERE GOOD FRIENDS. WE ARE SO GLAD TO SEE THAT YOU TWO ARE WORKING ON RENEWING YOUR FRIENDSHIP. YOU KNOW THE DEFINITION OF A FRIEND: SOMEONE WHO KNOW ALL ABOUT YOU AND STILL LOVES YOU. SO BABY STEPS BERTIE...AFTER ALL YOU ARE A FEARLESS WFT...TAKE THINGS ONE DAY AT A TIME.
    LOTS OF HUGS MADI YOUR BFFF

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  7. We saw the Queen's message. Good attempt at reconciliation.....we notice you eyeing Jake off during the group shot. Glad he was in a better mood.

    Congrats to Andy Murray....a bit of a Stephen Bradbury win, but hey, a win is a win!

    Has your fur changed colour where your horrendous Jake-inflicted wound healed?

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    1. A full scientific report on the post-injury fur colour issue is coming shortly!

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  8. Nope, didn't catch the Queens speech. hum thougth that was a famous Band, didn' konw they gave speeches....anywho, gld you guys a starting to reconcile.

    The Mad Scots

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  9. I don't know if we would of been that forgiving......your are a brave boy Bertie

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  10. Da peeps look happy in dat photo, but I don't think ya looks too comfy with dat black beast, Bertie....

    Better you dan me... I don't furgits and furgives dat easy...

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    1. I still growls ev'ry pitbull I sees-- once bitten, twice shy, I says...

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  11. That's the spirit Bertie. And I will bet that H.R.H. takes your compliance into account when it comes to sending invites to the next Corgi Birthday Party

    Gus

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  12. Forgiveness is good but that would be scary!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  13. Crikey Bertie ....... didn't look like you were very into reconciliation in that groupie mate. That's an EVIL EYE look if ever I've seen one. I reckon if that Jake bloke had got any closer you'd have ripped his throat out, aye?? Maybe you and Jake should hit the bottle like the peeps. That might be the best chance for you two to reconcile the differences, aye??
    We watched the Queens speech!! It's mandatory here in this household.

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  14. Good for you for burying the dog bone with Jake. A little growling is still ok.

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  15. What a role model of peace you are Bertie, and yes a little bit of growls are ok you must not be a total push over as Im sure the Queen is not

    retro rover

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  16. Howdy Bertie. Wowza mate, your new (well for us) header is beautiful. Glad you and Jake were able to see in the new year with a good start. We love the photo of you all and Gail looks good even being a bit "squiffy". If squiffy means what we think it does, our mum was squiffy too cause they had a wedding reception on new years eve. Glad to visit you mate. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory
    P.S. Mum is smart. She read your comment and is wearing dad's steel capped work boots.

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