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July 2009

Dear Irish Terrier Friends,

I fear that this will be a scrappy letter as I am scampering about trying to turn up belated swimwear to take with me to France tomorrow. The much loved dog sitter Mo is coming to look after Zuli and Beegie and Tessie is joining the gang so he will have a busy time of it. He’s one of those people the dogs simply adore.

I’m delighted to say that Beegie seems to have recovered from the anal gland problem without having the operation which was suggested. She was put on antibiotics at my insistence and has never looked back. It does make you wonder if vets are not a little too eager to put dogs through procedures which might be avoided if given time. It would have involved a full anaesthetic, some discomfort and cost upwards of £500 – no small sum. Anyway, she’s fine, so far so good, and the hind leg which causes her to limp sometimes is also sound. I have to confess she did have two walks sitting in the dog pram on the way home. She loves to ride much to the annoyance of Zuli and Tessie.

I was mad enough to have the lawn redone and although they have not lifted up the pieces of new turf the scorch marks are appearing in ever increasing size and number. I believe there is a tablet to put into their water bowls which I must investigate. They were so funny when they first saw the new lawn tip toeing onto it and very solemnly rolling with eyes closed.

Sadly the lost terriers have not been found. It is such a tragedy and thank you for your kind enquiries about them. One can only hope and pray that two such highly desirable dogs will somehow end up in good homes but my heart does tremble. The search continues.

It is disappointing that I have missed both the Irish Terrier Association Breed Show in June and the Windsor Show last Saturday. Every year that June weekend seems to be a favourite for other events – midsummer and all that. There are always weddings, school sports and this year for us a Church Procession along St John’s Wood High Street – dear me, it did feel rather odd but Zu and Beegie enjoyed the walk. I always think that Beegie, whenever she sees a crowd, imagines it must somehow involve a sausage race if only she could find it!

I missed the Windsor Show after one of the most embarrassing incidents in my entire life. I’d driven up from Bath with the dogs. They’d had a wonderful time with a morning walk across the fields, a dip in the river and were fed, watered and ready for a nap. It was hot and I swathed the car with rugs like a Bedouin tent, windows open, bowls of water and the hatchback open for the canaries.

I was horrified to hear an announcement on the loud speaker system “two Irish Terriers left in car….will the owner…”. I nearly died. Two policemen and the show manager were beside the car when I arrived and were absolutely furious with me. I thought the dogs at least must be dead and rushed to open the car door.

Zu and Beeg hopped out at once wagging their tails and delighted to see everyone. I said they’re perfectly alright but one of the policemen said they’d been barking for half an hour going ballistic and were very distressed. In spite of my thanking them profusely for their care and concern and apologising for taking up their time I had to insist there was nothing on earth wrong with them. It was only when I demanded to see the show vet that they backed down. I do appreciate the police anxiety after all they lost two of their own dogs in an overheated van last week but this seemed an exaggerated response. Having said that however, I think  with our summers supposedly getting hotter, any possibility of dogs being left in cars is a thing of the past. I was so shaken that I gave up on the show and wobbled home.

We’ve discovered a wonderful picture of my Grandfather standing in front of a temple in India and on the steps, centre stage of course, the jolliest Irish Terrier you’ve ever seen. I couldn’t believe it. It must have been just after the First World War and, interestingly, our first Irish Terrier, the beloved Jocky-boy, came from a retired Indian Army Colonel who I feel must surely have been a friend of my Grandfather as he lived in a village a few miles away. Could this roguish tousled fellow possibly be one of his forbears? I like to think so.

I’m away in France until August surrounded by Granddaughters which can be something of a mixed bag but the thought of the sea and being on a beach must be nothing but joyful.

Many greetings, my love to the dogs,

Lucy