“I like your style…you don’t take yourself too seriously.” It was a great compliment about my blog, especially as it came from Mr. W, who is not only our Ange Guardian in this village (who, along with his companion, the lovely Ms. L are responsible for our renting this house) but he is also one of the original Mad Men who rocked out the advertising world of Manhattan in real-time.
His words gave me the inner yep to go ahead with this post, one that several of you have been asking for…and you know who you are. While there will be a second part to my previous post, this qualifies as well for it is just about…the puppers. Parfois, je ne veux pas prendre la tête…simple photos et mots…et c’est très bien comme ça…
So, as to that title? Eh non…et beh oui. Ben and Kipling are so very different in many, many ways. Don’t be fooled by Kipling’s sweet demeanour, he can be one tough customer. We have had a surprisingly difficult time with him since we have moved here. This previously abandoned dog has a new territory to conquer and claim it he has. He continues to challenge all that cross his path. We have had to be more vigilant than I have ever experienced with a dog. But…after a few hard incidents, I think, I hope that he is beginning to trust the here of Home.
Ben, however, is everyone’s friend. He is unbelievably smart, wise even – with lessons that we can all learn from – and gets along with anyone and their complicated dogs…
…such as Kipling.
Who could resist that face? He is great company and a good friend.
But here is the interesting thing. Each one has slowly – and I do mean slowly – had his effect on the other. Kipling has made Ben a little more daring, a dash more masculine “dog” while Ben has certainly calmed Kipling and show him the importance of using manners and charm to get what you want..
And while they still don’t play together as I had initially hoped, they are definitely now a team (shown above at the airport where they were my Official Welcoming Committee). They lay closer together and somehow communicate without a sign passing between them – whether it is the moment to convince me to feed them or take them out. It is amazing to watch. So while they remain uniquely different, in their connection and affection they express for us, they are two of a kind.
Have a wonderful weekend. Today is Remi’s birthday…
…and we are all enjoying it quietly. C’est ça la grande luxe…
Happy Birthday Honey, I love you and our doggies do too.
Gosh, I saw this before taking the dogs out and I thought about it on my entire walk! Ben is easy. He came into our lives at a time when I was really lonely here and we had just stopped travelling. He has brought me so much joy that I am more joyful with him. He has softened me a LOT. And his belief that everything really is going to be ok has been influential too – I am telling you, he is a wise old, goofy soul. Kipling? Whew. I think that is a lesson that I am still learning, I haven't quite arrived yet. He gives me so much stress, Jeanne. I can never take him on a walk without being worried – actually that is something that I want to write about soon. So there is an opportunity there, I know. Thank you for your kind words and for asking…
Is it your birthday yet Silke??
Heather I am quite late to this post, which appeared while I was traveling. A belated happy birthday to Remi, I hope you had a lovely time celebrating! I'm so glad you gave this charming duo a chance to star on your blog. They are such beautiful dogs, and I love how you describe their personalities and how they have influenced each other. My one question would be, what have you learned from each of them? Have they shaped your personality at all? Love these fury friends and always enjoy when they run across your blog in your beautiful photos! XOXO
A belated Happy Birthday to Remi.
Ben and Kipling, a wonderful pair. An adventure where ever they go.
Oh no, my birthday is yet to come next week. Was it wednesday? Yes…A last chance Libra. And I also prefer quiet birhtdays…(;
Happy (belated) birthday to Remi. It seems like so many people have their birthday in October. It's amazing. Those dogs are the best. They complement each other.