Tuesday 26 October 2021

Inshriach 2021 Report: New friends and old!



So I've decided Hemp's not such a bad chap after all.

I mean, I'm not saying we're ever going to be best buddies. But it turns out that if a house has an abundance of generously sized rooms, and is surrounded by glorious open countryside ideal for long walks, then there is space enough for both a lively young border collie and an occasionally grumpy wire fox terrier to coexist peaceably enough for a few days.

What Gail didn't tell me before we arrived at the Inshriach House gathering was that another former adversary, Max, and his new 'sister' Bonnie (in the smart red coat) would also be present.

Only very long time readers will remember Max. I met him on our Inshriach visit in March 2011, when he rather thrillingly killed a chicken belonging to the owner of the big house, and thus generously diverted attention from any misdemeanours I might have committed that weekend.

Time's winged chariot speeds on and Max, two years my senior, is now both deaf and blind, his arthritis limits his movement and his hen chasing days are well behind him. All he really wants now out of life is for everyone to be his friend.

Also a bit of a shock at this annual gathering of mostly older adults was the appearance of three young children. Now neither Gail nor I are much accustomed to the company of energetic human youngsters and, bright and adorable though they undoubtedly are, it took us both a while to adjust...

I must say I was rather grateful that the children's preferred targets for attention were the other three dogs present and they mostly let me alone. Possibly Gail had said something about my, er, 'leaky' bladder and this put them off, although I'm pleased to say that my tartan belly band was widely admired and no-one present, not even Hemp, was inclined to mock.

So I enjoyed lots of long rambles through the woods by day...

...and by night I was never short of an amenable human to cuddle up against. 

It was in fact, all in all, a lovely few days, and Gail and I want to say a huge Thank You to our dear friends John and Françoise for organising the gathering and inviting us once again.

17 comments:

  1. what wonderful days you had... and no one laughed, because tartan is always a fabulous fashion statement...

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  2. So pleased to hear that you had such an enjoyable time, Bertie. What lovely walks you had, and all those evening cuddles, too!

    Love,
    Inca xx

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  3. You had a whole houseful of peeps to admire you and the dogs seemed to be on their bestest behavior and it looks like you and Gail had a wonderful time, Bertie!

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  4. it has been YEARS since i was in a gahtering of any people, even our TOPS meetings were 32 months ago. this looks and sounds like so much fun and my favorite photos are of you Bertie cuddling with the folks who look so happy to cuddle with you... the one that tweaked my heartstrings is you and the gentleman on the sofa. you are content and so is he... what a great gathering and glad all you canines got along. thanks for the giggles on the dead chicken... my bad for laughing

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  5. Hari OM
    Well, Bertie lad, that wasn't as bad as you anticipated, eh?! Indeed, it looks to have been really rather successful - did the weather hold good the entire time? What am I asking, this is Scotland - but I know you didn't let it faze you! As enjoyable as these things undoubtedly are, I bet you were happy to back on your own territory again though... hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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  6. Indeed, Bertie, I finished your tale and said to myself, "how lovely." That would be after 591 days of our not seeing friends....but who's counting?

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  7. You sure look like you were enjoying yourself and we bet Gail was too. What a beautiful place for a vacation with friends.

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  8. Well I'll be Bertie time does indeed march on and distance does make a Max heart kinder and a Hemp agreeable. LOL Could be they were both so glad to have company other than their owners too. What a lovely outing with new and old friends furry and not. Per chance were you able to score any free food? Young ones sometimes drop food on the floor.
    Hugs cecilia

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  9. What a wonderful adventure you and Gail had! Meeting new friends (even if they are of the youngster variety) and taking great walks with other pups sounds like heaven to us! At least YOU got to go on the vacation!

    Rosie and Redford

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  10. What a nice get together and we are grateful those small ones were respectful. Lee and Phod

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  11. Looks like a nice time Bertie! Such scenic hikes you took part in too.
    We are glad everyone was admiring and how wonderful to have so many evening snuggle buddies...must have been the choice of the Tartan!
    xoxo,
    Jakey and the Gang

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  12. What a marvelous reunion. I bet you were the hit of the gathering. Seeing old friends, and even advisories is special

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  13. Well, it sure sounds like your visit all went just fine and dandy. We are very accustomed to having children around, but when they go home, we are all exhausted (including Mom).

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  14. thank you for the info on the meds, makes me feel much better

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  15. beau gets 1 capsule every 12 hours, 6:30 am 7:30 pnm and at 12 noon he gets 1/2 pill of Meloxicam, this morning while outside his right hind leg, the one he cn't walk on, did a weird jerking movement up and down and he started biting at his paw. he limped in and i massged it reall good and ok so far. my heart is hurting so bad i have tears while typing this. i know you can relate

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  16. What a lovely home! Abby and Lorelei Lab and the Johnson Family

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