I am that love-struck teenager again. She came into my life for a weekend and was gone just as suddenly. With the hair colouring of early Debbie Harry she stole my heart – Jenny is an eight year old Collie. She reminded me how good it is to have a dog about the house and particularly this one – unlike the dogs I have owned (red setters) this one had perfect table manners (she slept while we ate) and could be trusted not to empty bins or go rummaging in food cupboards.
Outdoors she was a little less the perfectly behaved hound – other dogs, sheep and any moving vehicle would be stalked, chased and barked at given half a chance. She was never let off the lead. Who would have thought this serene animal capable of such things.
The first dog I shared my life with was Kerry – in my dark drinking days she was the perfect companion. She could work a bar like a professional; outgoing, flamboyant and just plain nosey, nobody was hard-hearted enough to ignore her. She was the perfect foil to my shy reserve. Strange how dog-fashions are unchanged whereas the flares and hair place this image perfectly in time – I would guess 1974 and Kerry not quite fully grown.
This post partly inspired by Harrie Nijland’s, Without my Friend.
northumbrian : light 
I enjoyed it to read about the love for dogs. They are totally worth all our love :o) You’re right, it’s a fabulous Debbie Harry hairstyle… and now Heart of Glass is in my min for hours lol
I was never going to pull Debbie but I am sure Jenny loves me too 😀
Loved the writing in this piece. Loved the bits of personal history woven in through the relationship with a dog. Lovely.
Many thanks for your kind words
Nothing quite like love for a dog. I left all my Labradors to run away with the Team Leader. Now I just share my sister’s black Labrador at infrequent intervals, and sister gets to hoover up all the dog hairs.
Ah, the dog hairs – I am very fond of this one too and she doesn’t shed 🙂
https://www.polaroidblipfoto.com/entry/4116840
Animal friends add something priceless to a home. They stand by us in the darkest of periods, sometimes when others won’t. Both Jenny and Kerry are beautiful. Is there a new doggie in your future now???
You can tell I am very tempted but there is some negotiation to be done 😉
Fine story and thanks for referring to my post 🙂
A pleasure Harrie, it was inspirational.
Love the pictures, there is nothing like the companionship of a dog.. or two in my case… You can spill your heart to them, cry and share your troubles and darkest secrets without having the fear of it being spread around… or them being judgemental. Have to say I couldn’t image my life without a four-legged friend in it.
Many thanks Bren – I will be quoting you in my business case 🙂
Beautiful post, Robin. So beautiful… 💚
So kind Malin ❤ A neat piece of synchronicity – the picture of Kerry was taken by a Jenny.
Oh Robin, this one stole a piece of my heart.
I will be sure to take care of it 🙂
Thanks!
Superb photo; and how lovely to have a dog around the house again.
Many thanks Sandra – it was, but all too short.
I really enjoyed getting to meet Jenny, lovely. I always wanted a dog….but alas it seems that felines are a part of my life. I must confess I often wonder how my tabbies, Jack and Jill, would get along with a dog. 😉 Also, enjoyed Harrie’s link. Thanks.
Many thanks – I am missing Jenny but hoping she will be visiting again before too long 🙂
Oh I’m not surprised she stole your heart but Kerry was beautiful too.
I am soft about all dogs (over a certain size) – ‘soft in the head’ my Dad would have said 🙂
What a wonderful piece Robin-you have captured so well in words and images how special dogs can be-I have been lucky to know a few truly exceptional ones during my life-the top image is wonderful-she looks deep in thought (or thinking about how to soften the human up for a treat? 😉 )
Many thanks Meg – Jenny needed no cunning strategies to win me over – one look from those soft doggy eyes and she could have what ever she wanted 🙂
Oh wow what a beauty! A real life changer (for the better of course!). A great motivation to enjoy longer walks. I feel envy!!
Sadly only a temporary house guest Lita but hopefully a regular visitor. Definitely not the sort of dog to sit patiently by my golf bag whilst I hack round the golf course 🙂