Thursday 29 April 2010

Dogs and Fisherman's Friends


The above picture isn't of Mollie but gives you a good idea of what she's doing at the moment.

Two canine incidents occurred this week, the first being when I was out with Molls and a friend walking near the river at Bissoe. One minute Molls was running around in front of us, the next she had disappeared down to the river, then I saw her shivering and sodden on the opposite side of the river bank.

The river is fast flowing, deep and the riverbank has eroded due to all the heavy rain this winter, so I think she managed to get herself out on the far shore but was too frightened to get back. I ordered her to stay, thinking I could run back to the road, cross the bridge and get to her that way.

Then a young bloke on a bike arrived and offered to help. "If you could just get down to her and hold her collar till I get there, that would be wonderful," I said, and the dear fellow duly obliged.

Unfortunately Molls was too freaked out and ran as soon as she saw him approaching (normally she'd run towards people not away) and jumped back into the water to swim towards me. The river bank was too deep so there was no way she could get out, but after a bit of struggling I was able to lean down into the water and pull her out, to the relief of all.

Having nearly drowned myself once, I could understand why she was a bit haywire for the next half an hour, but was a huge relief to have her back safe and sound. It wasn't till later that the "What Ifs" started churning round my head, and I was very happy to cuddle up that night with Madam safe next to me.

The second doggie incident is linked to my last post about Jill Murphy. To my delight, I received a beautiful hand made card from Jill – a hilarious cartoon about a Dither of Deerhounds – saying how much she'd enjoyed my piece on her and Dear Hound, and thanking me.

Even the writing on the envelope was embossed with gold and had a little blackbird singing above my name. I was so touched I could hardly speak.

My sister in law, who has just arrived from the States, looked at it and said, “you should frame this.” I think I will.

And this afternoon, to dodge the doggy theme entirely, we are off to see Fisherman's Friends in Truro. Go for it boys! They've got a movie deal now!

26 comments:

Colette McCormick said...

Poor Mollie and poor you. Thank goodness for me Zac doesn't go in the water when it's fast flowing. I think that proper swimming would be too much of an effort for him. Glad to hear that you are both okay.

Flowerpot said...

Colette - it was a bit of a frightener I must say. Molls doesnt usually swim when the water's like that - glad Zac doesn't either.

Gusto - Umbrian Wine Tours said...

Oh my goodness! That would have made me very wobbly, so glad to hear it all worked out in the end.
When we get a dog, she'll be taken out in the countryside, cos we're not near the sea - for the first time, I think that might be an advantage! (I hate not being near the sea - I miss it so!)

Chris Stovell said...

What a horrible scare for you both. Nice to hear the other side of things too; the young bloke who offered to help and a lovely gesture from Jill. Enjoy this evening.

Akelamalu said...

I remember our dog, Guinness, running onto a frozen lake when the ice broke and he fell in. Thankfully he wasn't too far out and with much coaxing he doggy paddled close to the edge and MWM was able to grab him and pull him out. Sighs of relief abounded!

Flowerpot said...

Giselle - we weren't even near the sea and Molls knows that walk really well and has never done that before. All very curious. I won't go back there in a hurry though!

Flowerpot said...

Chris - yes to all of that. Just getting ready to go and hear the FFs!

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

Poor you and Molly. No wonder you both had such a fright.

I agree with your sister in law, you should definitely frame that card, it sounds lovely.

Philipa said...

Glad your doggie is safe and well. I heard Fishermans Friends today on the radio and thought their single was great. I'd love to see them and trust you have a lovely time and I hope you tell all, FP.

Becky said...

I'm glad Molly is safe too. It's incredible how much we adore our pets isn't it. I'm absolutely crazy about my cats and I can only imagine the horror you must have felt with Molly in the river. I'm so glad Tilly has finally got over the " getting stuck up huge trees" phase !!!!

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Flowerpot said...

Ak - thatmust have been really terrifying - anything to do with ice scares teh hell out of me!

Flowerpot said...

Debs - yes I will frame that card!

Jenny Beattie said...

How frightening (for everyone.) I think it's torment to think about what ifs... don't go there.

The card sounds lovely - it's a lovely idea to frame it.

Talli Roland said...

Oh my goodness. Poor Mollie! I'm so happy it came out alright in the end!

Flowerpot said...

Phil - they were great and I really look forward to meeting them all properly.

Flowerpot said...

Becky - I've never had a cat who went through that phase - sounds dire!!

Flowerpot said...

JJ - you're quite right. What Ifs are not a good idea. They tend to sneak up on me in the middle of the night!

Rosalind Adam said...

I'm constantly in a state of worry when I walk Josh-the-dog. We once had a similar experience to Akelamalu except is was a half frozen canal with sheep on the other side. I don't take him walking there any more.

Can't find you 'follow' box to click. Do you have one?

Flowerpot said...

Talli - good to meet another writer Talli and to see your blog. See you again soon!

Flowerpot said...

Rosalind - another writer and dog lover! Good to meet you too. Dogs are a worry aren't they? I don't usually worry about Molls because she hasn't ever got into trouble before but I will be careful about walking her tehre again! My follow box is on the dashboard bit I think - have added you to my links!

Anonymous said...

Oh poor sweet Mollie. That must have been very traumatic for her. I'm not surprised you're cuddling up to her.

CJ xx

Flowerpot said...

CJ - well you know how we love our dogs!

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Grump said...

All the best to Molls. I expect she is dry and happy dog now. Tilly and I got wet on our walk this morning, gentle rain almost a mist covered the city.
Woof and xx to Molls and you.

Flowerpot said...

Yes she's fine now thanks Grump. We've had that kind of weather here this morning - and a cousin over from Australia too! Woof to Tilly from Molls. xx