Two Today!

~ beetleypete

Ollie the dog is two years old today. The time seems to have gone so quickly, and it only seems like a few months since he was a ball of wrinkles, rolling around on his blanket. It has not been an easy two years for the pup. He has endured three major eye operations, countless visits to the Vet, and the recent amputation of the end of his tail. None of this has changed his loveable nature, or dampened his enthusiasm for playing with his toys, or pounding around the meadow with his doggy pals.

He has been with me every day, since I moved here full-time. He is my constant companion, and devoted follower. Whatever low mood you might find yourself in, he can lift it, with a wag of his curly tail, or excited scampering, rushing to show you his favourite toy. He has become part of our family, firmly established, and it is impossible to think of our life here in Norfolk, without him in it. He rarely does anything wrong, and even when he does, it is something of little significance; like not returning when called, or chewing the nose off his latest toy. His possessions litter the living room floor after a hard day’s play, and his slobbering has to be caught quickly, or it will go everywhere. He can smell awful when he has got wet, and when he has a drink, he slops water all over the kitchen tiles. But he is harmless, as it is all unintentional, and just part of him being the dog he is.

He has given me a reason to exercise, introduced me to people who have become good friends, and enabled me to see the world from the viewpoint of a dog, in uncomplicated terms. Go out, eat, play, and sleep, four simple things that he lives by. If he is left for a while, he just sleeps. He doesn’t bark, whine, or chew furniture. When you have had enough of playing, he senses that too, and trots off to lie across the room, awaiting your next burst of energy. He has an internal clock better than any Rolex, and knows exactly what time to expect Julie to return from work; and if she is running late, he senses that too, ears raised at any car noises. He knows what time he should go out in the afternoon, and never troubles you before then. He loves to go out in the car, but can be disappointed when the short journey ends in the Vet’s car park. His main joy is the daily walk to the local meadow, and across to Hoe Rough. He never tires of the same ‘beat’; even though I might find it dull and repetitive, he adores the familiarity of his regular stomping ground.

He loves to welcome guests and visitors to the house, seeing everyone, from the postman, to our next door neighbours, as his best friends. His gang of doggy mates are checked off as they arrive, and if any are absent, he monitors the entrances to the fields, wondering where they have gone. His world is small, and his expectations are small also. I sometimes think that we could all learn something from the happiness he derives, from simple lack of expectation.

He will have extra treats today, as well as new toys; a fluffy lion, and a stuffed tiger that he got this morning. He doesn’t understand that it is his birthday, but he will appreciate the extra fuss. He is our little friend, and still only two years old. We might assume that this is fourteen, in human years. We would be wrong. Like any two year old, he is full of the joys of his youth, has boundless energy, and an inquisitive nature. He is just a dog, but he is a great dog.

Happy Birthday Ollie.

25 thoughts on “Two Today!”

  3. Nothing in this world can lift the spirit like a dog. I didn’t believe it until our adult son came home for a few months as he began work on his PhD and brought his dog. I get such a wonderful greeting from him…the dog, Rooney. How can you not feel good if someone is that excited to see you?

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  4. Ollie, please come over here and pick up a BIG kiss!!! 🙂 XXXooo A very happy birthday to you, my dear! Please excuse my much belated response once again, I’m working hard to catch up 😉 Well, now I see you had a great day indeed. The next time I’m in Norfolk, please come to Cley and pick up your birthday gift! 🙂 And bring the two others with you!

    This is a wonderful tribute to Ollie, Pete. Isn’t he a lucky dog to have found his home with you. I got moist eyes reading your beautiful words.
    Have a happy Valentine’s Day, all three of you!
    Best regards
    Dina

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    1. Thanks Dina, I am pleased that you liked Ollie’s birthday message, I will give him hugs from you. I hope the weather isn’t too cold for you in Germany. Please don’t worry about any delayed replies, I am always happy to see you here, when you get the chance.
      Best wishes as always, Pete and Ollie. X

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      1. It’s more spring than winter in Germany. So sad to see what’s going on the other side of England, it’s in the news every day, in Norway too.
        Enjoy your weekend!
        👋👋👋💕💕 from Siri and Selma 👭

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  7. They are not called ‘man’s best friend’ for nothing, I wonder what your new country life would have been like without Ollie by your side. A tad lonely perhaps?
    Jude xx

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  9. Just the kind of post I needed to read. Beautifully descriptive. At 7am this morning, we thought we’d lost our five-year old as he had escaped and stayed out all night, the little tinker. At 7.30, he walks in the door as blasé as you like. We have never been happier. They really are our best friends.

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