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February 2011

Dear Irish Terrier Friends,

I’m back from The Gambia and suspect that I was far more excited to see Zu and Beegie than they were to see me! I didn’t get home until after midnight and the combination of their deafness and deep sleep made for a very muted welcome.

Tessie arrived next morning and searched the house for dear Arabella. She gave me a very cool “No-one told me you were back” look.

It wasn’t really until later, after a walk with me and dinner that there was a sudden flurry of tail wagging and I was encouraged to feel they were pleased to see me at home again.

They all adore Arabella and, of course she has much more time for them. It is, after all, her job description whereas with me they have to fit into a busy life. I keep telling them I do my best, but can’t help noticing that their coats and cardies are folded and washed, bowls sparkling, brushes spotless and hanging up in the right place, towels fresh (and ironed) – well I could go on. Perhaps they notice too and my score is less impressive!

The holiday was good – not consistent sunshine but it was always warm enough to sit out. I was desperately sad to hear, on arriving, that the dear little mare we’d had treated last year for an awful facial fungus and infected eye, had died giving birth to yet another foal. We’d paid for her to be properly fed and she had recovered well. I pleaded with them to keep her away from the stallion, but their animal welfare is shambolic and no one seems to care. She was a sweet creature and I’m sure she understood we were trying to help her. I knew she could never survive giving birth so soon. It seems the foal is doing well and the poor little mother is completely forgotten. I’m never sure whether I’m filled with fury or heart-break, but there were a few tears.

It is fun to walk down the High Street and meet up, perchance, with Harry (the Hurricane). He’s one of the Irish Terrier pups who lives ‘round the corner.’ He and Pippa were looking decorative and taking coffee and cake in one of the smart cafés. I noticed the gorgeous boy first (of course); but it wasn’t until we’d fallen into each other’s arms that I realised it was Harry.

He’s doing very well and at that leggy unruly stage. Pippa says “He’s the most heavenly dog…I absolutely adore him. He’s so good at home, but such a delinquent in the park!” I fear it’s been said by us all, but how quickly the time passes.

It seems just yesterday that I was bellowing “Come here you little devils” – and now Zuli is 14 next week and Beegie will be 14 next month. From now on every day is a gift and I don’t forget that.

We had a fun, if windswept week-end in Ilfracombe with some very dear cousins. It was one of those ‘winter breaks’ and the hotel, the Sandy Cove, is so welcoming to children (we had 6 of them all under 7!) and the dogs. Our room led out onto the terrace with a clear view of the sea. It is north Devon and such a beautiful coastline.

Zu and Beeg were in a state of high animation – a combination of sea air and little children and Bart, the Kelpie or Australian sheep dog, whom they worship. He has no time for them at all. He’s a complete one man dog, but they squeak and wriggle around him showing no modesty whatsoever!  Beegie was especially thrilled with the weekend. She kept doing little mad dashes by herself along the beach feet flying and the wind up her petticoats…then a sudden stop – and long pause – “Now where was?” It did make us laugh.

They so loved being with the children, staying close when we looked into wintry rock pools and clambered up the cliff paths.

We visited Nonny and Ginia (as she calls herself) for morning ‘elevenses’ last week. Nonny was out for her walk so we walked round the square.

It is very touching to see how gently they allow Virginia to hold their leads and walk so willingly when they refuse to walk for me. Beegie is especially fond of her and especially hates her lead, but follows like a lamb.

We’re bracing ourselves for Crufts which is from the 10th – 13th March at the NEC in Birmingham. Terrier dog is Saturday 12th , but we’ll be there at Discover Dogs for all four days. Do come and see us and our beautiful ‘ambassadors for the breed’ doing their charm offensive.

Oh – one last thing – do look out for Briar on the television advertisement for Pets at Home. They tell me she’s enchanting. It seems I persuaded Ruth at last years D. Dogs that Irish Terriers were the tops – she found a beautiful puppy – “so clever and quick” – who was ‘spotted’ at her Agility class by an ‘ad. Man’ and the rest (as they say) is history. Congratulations to Ruth and Briar – and they’re having great fun too (see Ruth’s letter on Friends Letters page.

With many greetings, do keep in touch and my love to the dogs,

Lucy