Dog Tired
by Ian Curtress
How many times have I
walked these wood. How many times enjoyed their
pleasant loneliness. Although quite dense there
are two worn paths used by likeminded people who
also enjoy the remoteness for their own reasons.
To most people in this out of the way spot, the
woods are to be avoided.
Having lived here for five years I have walked
the woods more than any “old timer”
but for some reason for which I have no
recollection, last week, I decided to go off
piste and blaze a new trail!
It was possibly when the strong sun had
penetrated the trees exposing an enticing glade.
I always carry my stout walking stick and for the
first time it was put to good use enabling me,
after a couple of very nasty encounters with
brambles, to reach the clearing.
It was delightful, with verdant untrodden grass
and warm sunshine penetrating the huge trees
making it like a stage for elves and fairies.
There was a fallen tree on one side, it’s
branches making a convenient rough seat of which
I took advantage.
My pleasure at finding this glen was mixed with
some apprehension as I was not sure of my route
out. However, I would face that in due course. At
the moment I was king of my own regal court.
Looking back I am not sure how long it must have
been before falling asleep, but I was woken by
something licking my hand. Quite a corse tongue.
It was a mixture of surprise and some
apprehension to find a very large black dog was
happily sitting alongside me as if he were mine.
He was beautiful, the most shiny coat and
expressive eyes. I’m no expert on breeds but
this one was surely exceptional. They cross breed
so many dogs these days many are unrecognisable.
I was wondering whether he was lost or an anxious
owner was looking for him. Not easy in these
woods.
He was interested in my side pocket and I wasn’t
surprised. I always carry one round of ham
sandwich when wood walking as invariably I become
peckish at some point.
I undid the foil and was pleased to see him
waiting to be fed. No attempt to snatch.
He accepted each mouthful as if very well trained.
When finished he gave me what I can only describe
as an affectionate look and gentle nudge then
walked off
It was then I saw he was limping quite badly with
an injured back leg.
He disappeared into the dense woodland leaving me
with considerable sadness. Was he lost or
abandoned because of his leg.
I eventually found my way back, with difficulty
and very mixed feelings
For a short while it had been a magic cameo which
I have been unable to explain without getting
some very funny looks when I mention it in the
pub
That was until last night when I was getting my
leg pulled mercilessly in the pub being asked to
relate “ my Big dog story”!
As I was leaving, obviously in bad humour, the
landlord pulled me over and said “you tell a
good story but don’t overdo it. We’ve
all seen the report in the local paper” he
said putting the front page for me to see.
In bold print it read ….
The Black Panther seen again near sheep. Farmer
gets a shot at him!
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