“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.
Happy birthday to Remi!!! This calls for some cake!! And those are the two most beautiful doggies I've ever seen in my entire life 🙂
Michel, we were very very lucky! Somehow the storms passed up and over us. Were you hit in Sablet??
As for the dogs, I think that Ben wanted to play in the beginning but quickly understood that Kip doesn't really know what play is… 🙁
Oh trust me, he works hard to keep his balance too Silke! Isn't your birthday soon? Did I miss it? I am terrible about remembering birthdays…
And yes, I think it is perfectly said – why the furry two get along as well as they do. For sure, bringing an adult male into the family was a challenge. I had my heart set on getting a girl puppy originally but as you know, there was no way that we could leave Kip at the refuge.
Bisous…
Like your post. Surprised that they don't play together. Does one or the other try to play with the other but one is just not interested? Our experience with two dogs over lots of years is one usually wants to play but not the other. I hope you are staying dry. Have a great day.
I remember one of your posts some time ago when your sister commented, that the issue of your blog was life itself. (the post was about a book you recommended…)
Life is sometimes simple sometimes sophisticated or even complicated. And simple is always welcome! And hey your dogs are truly sophisticated. (: I was anyway quite surprised how two adult males get along so well with each other. Maybe due to Bens wisdom and Kiplings need for reassurance they complement one another. And in the end of course because of your care.
Et bonne anniversaire à Remi après coup! Une autre Balance.
He seems to be the kind of Libra who is always well balanced, whereas I feel more like one who is trying to keep the balance (;
We were missing the tales of your 'tails'! Lovely photos and to Remi, wishes for a lovely day and year ahead!
Lovely to spend quality time with the puppers. And special birthday wishes to Remi.
Ohhhh – sweet puppers!!! Of course, I have met Ben – a sweet boy with the most soulful eyes! And I'm hoping that the country has the same soothing effect on Kipling as it has had on Lucy! I know they bring you so much happiness (mine, too) – where would we be without the unconditional love of our puppers??? Thanks for this post – they're like my little nephews that I don't get to see often enough! And that pic of Ben with the green dragon in his mouth? Best. Pic. Ever.
Also – Happy Birthday, Remi!!! I hope it was a wonderful day with some rest and relaxation with Heather, the puppers, and good food!
Sweet Pups!!! I have been thinking of you with all the rain…I hope you have avoided the worst of the flooding!
Happy Birthday Remi!
May your year be full of fantastic discoveries
OH< I loved hearing your VOICE and seeing BEN with HIS STICK!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to REMI!
YOU write a WONDERFUL BLOG…………….YOU should know that by NOW!
XX
Such beautiful dogs and so eloquently captured by you! Happy birthday to Remi! Yes, getting used to new places is challenging, as Karina will confirm. I hope Kipling settles in very soon.
Heather, what a wonderful moment it must have been to receive that compliment from Mr. W .. congrats on that! Wishing Remi an excellent Birthday and acknowledging the innate intelligence of posting those beautiful "Doggie Pics" … Kids n' Dogs .. you just can't go wrong! Nice post!
Bill Facker
http://www.Kauai-to-Paris.com
Pure love! Happy Birthday, Remi. Have a wonderful relaxing day with the puppers and, o course, with Heather!
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What gorgeous dogs….those faces make me feel warm and fuzzy. Happy birthday to your man! x Sharon
Oh, those beautiful doggies. I do love them even if from afar. And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO REMI !!
Lift a glass for me. And, I loved hearing your laughter on the video. xx's
Heather, thank you for this post…yes, we know who we are;-) Such great portraits of two very content and well loved pups! I can only imagine the abandonment issues that a move has brought up with Kipling,but I am sure that once he realizes that you all will always be by his side he will settle in. Dear sweet,gentle and wise Ben will help him understand!
Wishing Remi the most happy of days, surrounded by those he loves,quiet reflection, and a glass or two of the bubbly!
Wishing Remi a wonderful day with you, the pups and your gorgeous home… Perfection… xv
dear H.,
your dogs are soooooo lovely! In their eyes I can see they deeply love you two and I am sure they love the place they live in.
Happy Birthaday Remi from Rome (it is not a tongue twister!) Have a very nice weekend!