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Episode 3: "Uncle - what a name!"

Uncle has his say...

“Uncle …” well, I suppose for want of a name it will do, thanks flossy! – something more fitting might have been … “master of all he surveys” (not a lot), “Dog dad of two” – oh well, I’ll take it as a compliment of sorts. So why was Ernie christened with that name? … anyone remember “Benny Hill” and his song “Ernie … e-r-n-i-e … the fastest milkman in the west….” Well Ernie, was NOT the fastest, else he would not have ended up in rescue … a funny way to get a name, but there you go – I have strange ideas sometimes Flossy !

Janssen, I must thank you for your accompaniment on our weekend walks – the first time I walked “the circle”, I felt sure I knew the way and almost took the wrong turn until you corrected me – you shook your head and gave me a “some people … look here uncle, THIS is the direction we take… “ .. as usual, you are the wise one and you knew best – I bow to your local knowledge !

Our walks would not be complete of course without the intermittent accompaniment of that grand lady “Dutch” who really is not very concerned about us tagging along and rather prefers to wander ahead and do her own thing – our walks would not be the same without her though ! …. As she casts her head behind us and looks wistfully, thinking (I am sure), “now how many times DO those silly dogs and uncle have to sniff the grass verge ….”

While you greet me at the gate Janssen, my friend Benji always has a good ole bum waggle and flick of the head awaiting me when I pull up my car in front of his run; first things first, and in I go to give him a scratch and to sing him a wee song. Yes, I know, they all think I am rather strange, the warbling uncle but secretly, I think they are all soooo jealous of my dulcid tones – even if I do sound like Hilda Ogden on a bad day …. I know my canine friends enjoy it, well, even if it only gives you all a good laugh !

Although I did not know them as long as you, I also miss our friends Megan and Basil very much. Basil and I would sometimes rumble through the high fields, his tail oh so high and proud, doing what bloodhounds do best – tracking a scent and following the breeze. Oh and wee Megan, how I miss her charging up to me to get her bum scratched, and if you hit “that spot” … just right, she would do that wonderful little dance with her back legs …. what a girl. You were there Jans when we laid her to rest, and when one last time, we gathered her rug in the circle she loved so much, and she rested for the final time.

Vompy vom ! … boom boom, let me at ‘em ! … oh what a character you are – will you ever give poor Jeff a break? … he does love you as much as the rest of us you know – you are such a bully! … one of these days Floss is going to put you in your place, and you know it !

Before I sign off Jan, I have to ask would you PLEASE have a word with the cats and kittens – my beard is not, I repeat, IS NOT a scratching post! … rubbing their heads and the tails and nether regions against my face, is really not appreciated – oh and also do have a word with that so-and-so goose … “hissss hisssss” …. really !

Until our next sojourn, I remain faithfully yours,

Uncle.