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Feels like I've lost a friend



I was a tad upset last night. A few years ago I got a call at work from my wife. Her friend had an Airedale Terrier called Henry. Her mate had spilt up with her boyfriend and no one could look after the dog. Did we want him?

Silly question to a lad who grew up in a house that always had dogs, who learnt to walk by holding onto a dog and who had parents who bred Airedales. Yep, we'll have him. Henry was about 10 months old when he moved in. He was very nervous which disturbed me because Airedales are usually confident dogs. I later found out that he was beaten by his owner's boyfriend, who also used to beat women. Nice chap. He once gave his girlfriend such a beating that her cries of pain made Henry wet himself with fear. He then turned on the dog. When I hear such tales I hope there's hell.

My mum doesn't live too far away and she's got an Airedale. Mad thing. He's a rescue dog and a bit dense but wholly entertaining. Henry and Oscar are best pals and Henry likes spending his holidays at "Nannies", so much so he sulks when he comes home.

Sam used to work shifts so Henry was rarely on his own. After the terrorist events in New york the Airline industry knee jerked and offered redundancy to a large number of staff. Sam took it and started to work 9-5. Henry was on his own all day. His fragile confidence started to slip.

With the arrival of the wee one we've not had much time to give our attention to the pets and as a result Henry has suffered. He needs constant reassurance. Last night I very reluctantly agreed to give him to my mum. Tears were shed, I don't mind admitting. I think Sam was shocked at just how upset I was. She's never had pets and I don't think she ever adjusted to having a dog in the house, especially such a large dog. She was always complaining about him; getting under her feet or following her around or saying he smelt or that he had left water in the kitchen after having a drink from his bowl or damaging the lawn by lying in a favourite place. To me it's not a home without a dog.

But, I can't be selfish, the dog needs love and fuss and I can't give him as much as he deserves. Now he's got Oscar to keep him company during the day and mum will spoil him rotten. Plus he can come and stay with us when mum goes away on holiday or when she's looking after her friend's dog (which she does a couple of times a year).

Some good news

My mate Mike is finally out of hospital. He's at his folks house at the moment so they can look after him as he's still got mobility problems. He's in a body brace at the moment which lends support to his broken back. He can't sit up for too long but the remarkable thing is that he's walking. He needs crutches and can't walk far but he's up on his feet. When he was first admitted to hospital he couldn't even feel his legs.
posted by kwacky at 10:19 am