On our forays to and fro the Refuge S.P.A. des Baux de Provence in hopes to adopt the handsome Kipling, the countryside of the Alpilles provided both a fine mirror and consolation to the heart-skip of our emotions.
We would park at the same spot, beyond the refuge but not so far that we were innocuous to the plaintive yips and demanding barks, I would wait as Remi would go and retrieve Kipling and pace with Ben, trying to remain positive, trying not to imagine Remi coming back without him because he had been claimed (although in all honestly, we would have been delighted if that had been the case. We are no dog thieves).
So I would look at the trees, studiously.
Then sigh with relief as I saw Remi and Kip come into view.
After our little hips and hoorays, our worries and wonders, we would part. On the way back to Arles, the car would somehow pull itself over to the side of the road.
A beauty balm.
And we are still digesting these recent events, each of us in our own way.
That is why we hopped in the car yesterday, four of us now, for a little country interlude, one that did us all some good.
*Update: I know that some of you must be wondering how things are going with Kipling’s arrival into our household. I don’t think that we could have asked for it to have gone better so far. He is wonderful and is recuperating nicely. Ben is adjusting very well and is offering up the best of his sweet self. Remi and I are dolling out Love all around.*
Thank you all so very much for your unbelievably wonderful, generous and heart-felt responses to welcome Kipling. I think that they are the most that I have ever had to a post and each one is as special as the last. Remi and I were both very touched by them.
I hope that you will bear with me if, as with this post, I am a little less verbose these next few weeks…I really want to give all of my attention to making Kipling feel at home. Merci les amis…
*Update to the update. Try as I might, I can’t resist just one:*
This last image is just too much!!! they both look so happy.
Just played catch up on the arrival of Kipling. They do look like a pair of bookends! Lovely piece Heather and so is this one. You really make me want to visit your part of the world.
How utterly charming that last photo is. And how utterly the "four of us" sounds. xx
Dear Ben and Kipling, you are two very lucky and loved dogs……you have both made your owners feel wonderful and needed. Since we have around 2' of snow and now it is freezing rain, your pictures were a much needed treat. Thank you
Helen – Toronto
Oh that last photo is just too precious for words. I think that some things are just meant to be, n'est-ce pas?
Hello Heather:
And now you are four……how lovely. Love conquers all so they say and we are sure that Kipling is in very safe hands.
Fondest wishes. Take care! J and L xx
As always, the beauty and the love that pour forth from your photos and musings is awe inspiring. Best wishes with your new addition!
The last photograph says all that's most important about your new family…bravo (and happy St. Valentine's Day)! And the photographs of the countryside are lovely…I can just imagine you four there. I'm glad you felt the balm of such beauty as you put your hearts on the line and waited for Kipling.
Just out of curiosity: Do you have an estimate of how old Kipling is? Was his vet or the shelter certain that he is a Golden/collie mix?
Thinking of all of you especially now, L
Heather that last photograph is just too adorable for words.
XXX
Oh Heather, as much as I might feign otherwise on my own blog, I am not a fan of snow. And these photographs provide such a lovely respite from all the white stuff. Today, we have rain coming down on top of the 2 feet of snow. Chilly, gloomy are the words that come to mind.
And then, just when I thought my little respite was coming to an end, there was the wonderful update and photo on Kipling and Ben. You must be getting a ton of traffic on your Kipling post. I know I have gone back to 'visit' several times.
And I agree, it is important to focus on the pups during this special time.
Gros bisous.