Animal People - Derek, Hopeful Admin
I consider myself to be an extremely
fortunate person. The people in my lifetime whose friendship I
have treasured have all left a permanent mark, for they have all
had special characters, and each has shown me something unique.
Most of these have been non-human friends, friends whose
personalities are as clear in my memory as any human one. After
all, why should we not , if they have such distinct
personalities, think of animals as people? Only a person has a
personality...
Bumpy, a Labrador cross. who was at Wetnose
Animal Rescue Centre when I met her, having been abandoned in
Zimbabwe, was thin and lonely, desperately seeking attention
from all that walked past her enclosure. From the moment I
placed the lead around her neck and led her to the car, it was
as if she had known me her entire life. She is now Mom to my
small pack, and is the softest, most affectionate friend, a
privilege to know.
Tigger is a Sharpei stray who wandered into
my email one day, and when he arrived, he came to stay. He's
tough as nails and fast as lightning, and he has taken upon
himself the job of Chief Watchdog, which he does with admirable
enthusiasm and effectiveness, but he is also loves to put his
paws up and get his chest rubbed and his head scratched when
relaxing.
Nala was a Lab cross who I fostered,
supposedly until she found a home, but she and Tigger became so
inseparable that it was difficult to say no, and the 'children'
run around seemingly all day long, so very happy to have a
buddy. She grunts loudly when her tummy is rubbed, and will
stretch out in ecstasy, often falling asleep in that position...
Solo is a pedigreed Boerbul, the current
Alpha of the pack, (although Tigger has never really bought into
the idea) and he has been with me since he was a puppy. He
is, as those who come to visit know, a gentle giant, and loves
nothing more than to have someone upon whose lap he can rest
while his ears are gently stroked. He is the last pedigreed dog
I will get - read the banner below to see why.
My family greet me every morning, as they
discern that I am awake, with inquisitive noses, and then
burrowing into the duvet, they roll around, one often falling
off the bed, as they celebrate life and a happy home with me.
There is nothing better, and I wish that all people and all
animals could have the same.
