A Souvenir FromGreece

Stacey usually brought back a fridge magnet for her mum from her holidays, but this time was different...

and told me to think twice. Instead of answering I reached for my phone and clicked on the pictures. Mum smiled as she swiped through them then she stopped. “Who’s that?”

“That’s Stavros, he wanted to take Rhona out on his boat. But Rhona told him that she was no Shirley Valentine.” “She’s got her head screwed on right.” Silly, I know, but I felt an implied criticism. I had once been described as a soft touch, and my relationship with of that love. “I call him Rusty.” I cleared my throat. “Beneath the dirt he was a burnt orange colour. When I first saw him, he was so hungry…”

“Ignore him,” Rhona had said, “if you feed him you won’t get rid of him.”

But I couldn’t ignore the dog. He followed me everywhere. He was young with a hard life written all over him. He had fleas, stick-out ribs and a weeping sore on one of his legs. I took him to a local vet.

“He has a lovely nature Mum and I… I couldn’t just leave him. I’m sorry. I should have consulted you first but–” “You’re bringing him here?”

“Yes, an ex-pat couple are looking after him just now but I’ve made arrangements for him to be flown over.”

Mum continued to look at his picture, the one with his bright eyes and happy face. The face of a dog who was being looked after and loved for the first time. I couldn’t take that away from him. “What do you think Mum?”

She’d had dogs for most of her life until her beloved Sheba died. I knew she would understand my sentiment. But it was a huge commitment.

“It sure beats a fridge magnet,” she said with tears in her eyes, “Rusty… I can hardly wait to meet him.”

“Love you Mum,” I said hugging her. Rusty, Mum and me – he was going to be one spoiled dog.

BY MHAIRI GRANT

WEEK: SEPTEMBER 1 – SEPTEMBER 7, 2020

VIRGO

There will be a risk in taking up an exciting offer but you are still tempted. Keep in mind the old saying “nothing ventured, nothing gained”. Astro Tip: Take a step back from a difficult issue.

LIBRA

You will be reluctant to return to routines where the air may not be as friendly. Still, there’s not much use in leaving some jobs half done. Astro Tip: Sometimes you just have to grin and bear it.

SCORPIO

Start the week by keeping an open mind, no matter what happens. Adjust your approach to suit each situation.

Astro Tip: Share your fundraising ideas.

SAGITTARIUS

No matter how much effort you put into things, nothing turns out right. You’re reluctant to accept help even when it’s offered. Astro Tip: A little flattery will go a long way.

CAPRICORN

You can’t seem to get your act together and you could be feeling weary. There’s a backlog of chores to do. Astro Tip: Helping a neighbour will bring a special brand of satisfaction.

AQUARIUS

That feeling of lethargy which begins the week isn’t likely to last very long. You would be wise to stick to your normal routines.

Astro Tip: Be mindful of your wellbeing.

PISCES

A talented friend’s support will go a long way towards helping you advance your aims. Don’t lose your individuality.

Astro Tip: Plan ahead for a celebration.

ARIES

Being able to use your imagination in your day to day activities will give you pleasure. Domestic issues aren’t so easily settled. Astro Tip: Patience will be required.

TAURUS

If you’re taking on a challenging assignment or trying something new, you won’t underestimate the scale of the task.

Astro Tip: Return a favour to your neighbour.

GEMINI

An attempt to get a group project back on track may seem ineffective. Take a short mental break away from it all.

Astro Tip: There is always room for compromise.

CANCER

You’re doing things you’ve done many times before and it should be easy. Yet annoying little snags keep slowing you down.

Astro Tip: Offer to help a colleague who’s struggling.

LEO

Despite you having seen some improvements in finances, you may still have to be careful about how you deal with cash concerns. Astro Tip: Don’t curb those wonder ful ideas.

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Phrase: KAREN MCDONALD

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