The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Canine newcomer shakes up old order in the house
Fiona and family, including the dogs and her 91-year-old mother, are currently weathering the coronavirus storm and staying safe
Like most of the country, we are pretty much housebound here. All feature filming work has stopped although, if people continue to call in sick, I may be asked to help in the local TV newsroom. Public service broadcasting is deemed a vital job – with journalists key in keeping folk informed of what goes on. It is why we are still getting this great newspaper. Thanks to the Herculean efforts of Courier staff.
In the meantime, there has been a fair bit of gardening. Cupboards are cleared and new recipes are tried.
Skirtings are dusted and the chief’s precious tartan carpet is washed with my new rug cleaner, which may have been a mistake. A hundred years old, this large red and black checked runner graces the hall. But since it got wet, bits are starting to fall out…
In between this enforced domesticity there is the occasional mercy visit to my mother’s house on the loch. It is to take food. To check on her well-being. Or just to wave through the window; aged 91 and living on her own, Mum is a remarkable woman.
She is reasonably fit – and she is mentally amazing, spending the time reading the paper, doing crosswords and jigsaws, or watching A Place in the Sun.
I do my bit. And we are lucky in that she has wonderful neighbours. Many of those around her have popped notes through the door offering help. I am sure it is the same with you. I hope it is. And it chokes me up to think that when push comes to shove our communities really can rally.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere at home is made a bit lighter by the arrival of a puppy. Just before the lockdown, Delilah, or Miss Chow Chow, as the chief likes to call her, descends with her mummy (our daughter). In she scurries.
All fur, fun and fat little feet. Much to the disdain of the youngest MacNaughties.
No, my Norfolk is not amused. Then he has ruled the roost for 11 years. Rummie has been king of the kitchen.
Sultan of the sitting room. High heidyin of the hall – strutting about on the chief’s ancient carpet…
But the interloper is now the star attraction – and she wants to play. She barks and begs. Literally running rings around my terrier. He is confused and irritable. Then he is 11 years and she is 11 weeks.
Despite that, the newcomer already
Aged 91 and living on her own, mum is a remarkable woman. She is reasonably fit and mentally amazing
outranks him in size. And she also out-does him in status. A lion-like dog, the Chow Chow is an ancient breed. Dolefully dark-eyed, it was a favourite of Chinese emperors. Indeed, one ruler is said to have kept 2,000.
This pup is blue blooded and blue tongued. And yes, that gave us a fright when she opened her little mouth.
How long they will stay, I do not know. But Rummie is counting the days.
Then we are all counting the days. Please stay safe and well…