My latest cuidado-taking care of peoples homes and pets, while they are away on vacation-was a two hours a day, for three days, feeding, administering medication to, and giving three rather intimidating dogs some time to run in the garden.
Tetlow, Roots and Jambo. Tetlow being an English Bull Terrier and mother of Roots. She’s ever so slightly nuts and runs around in circles chasing her tail in excitement at the slightest sound or movement I make.
Roots looks almost identical to his mum, with the exception of the obvious bits, and size, and the fact that he’s constantly trying to mount her. He’s a soppy donut, can’t get enough loving, which on the not so good side, he gets a little jealous of the competition from Jambo, a 2 year old Rhoesian Ridgeback.
Jambo reminds me of a huge scooby doo, with his big ploddy feet and character-full face. He likes winding up the other two and terrorizing cats.
Three very formidable animals with charm and character, and very strong jaws!
The first day, accompanies by the gorgeous Willow, we had no problems, just lots of excitement and jumping up. We had a lovely couple of hours getting to know each other with a little caution and plenty of excitment. We where all quite happy to be in each others company til it was time to say ‘Hasta manana guys’ and leave.
The next day a little calmer and we spent another lovely couple of hours sunbathing, chatting and throwing balls on the patio.
The third and final day, I was going it alone and found myself really looking forward to seeing the dogs and how calm or not, we will be today.
i’d sent myself on ahead an hour or so before hand and had a chat with them. I told them we are going to stay calm and have a gentle and peaceful couple of hours.
As I went through the gate and up to the front door, there was no sound coming from the house. I opened the door and said ‘Hello guys’ and the three of them walked out in single file-if not sedately, certainly gently-tails wagging and no jumping up. It was Magical!
The two hours on the patio where gloreously tranquil. Sun on my skin, time to sit in peace and write, breath and feel, listening to the sounds of spring – Birds, sheep, dogs in the distance, a donkey brey, wood pigeons and a gently popping wind chime.
I felt at peace and because of telling my body to be slow and relaxed around the dogs, my body responded and slowed right down. I hadn’t been aware of having been tense, until I realized how relaxed I now felt.
What a blessing to have been given the opportunity to remember to be at peace, helped there by three beautiful, beautiful beasts.
Thanks you Tetlow, Roots and Jambo <3