Saturday, January 31, 2009

I think I'm finally getting that Belgian Labrador puppy

I explained, very ernestly and matter-of-factly, that Gert had 3 choices ...

We could build me a beach with associated water, waves and sand because I miss having beaches in my world.

We could build me a lake because I had become used to spending long hours at lakes and rivers with my dogs through the years.

Or we could simply find me a labrador ... I've always had a dog, since I was 9 years old.

He was wearing that stubborn expression he does so well and said nothing but I think it will be okay.

I might have pushed things a little further and pointed out the obvious annoyance of waves on the balcony, then there's the nuisance-factor of a lake that drains into the lounge every time we walk out onto the balcony and compared them to the simple pleasures of a devoted canine companion.

I'm hoping it won't descend into a simple 'You're not the boss of me!'situation ...

Note: When I read this to him, fact-checking, he pretended to throw his newspaper at me ... but he was smiling. I'm pretty sure it's going to be okay.

13 comments:

paris parfait said...

Now to convince him to take care of it when you're on your travels! :) No doubt, it will be okay. xo

Di Mackey said...

Well, that's another selling point. He will need the company of a labrador so as not to pine away while I'm out wandering ;-) and anyway, Jessie and I shared the last two labradors. His kids love the idea of it too.

It's a lot to ask a woman to give up beaches, rivers, lakes and an abundance of Nature forever for a man ... the dog seems like a small price for him to pay really.

Barbara Butler McCoy said...

Oh, I love this post! The picture of him from Sunday, with that smile, reminded me sooooo much of the looks my husband (also a civil servant) gives me. I would be willing to bet Sir Gert will ADORE a dog, and vice versa. My husband, Ger, misses his Boxer terribly. (Maybe you should also get some sort of awesome fountain for your apartment ... a small scale beach ... mix it with a zen garden ...???)

Di Mackey said...

You made me laugh, Barbara. I did love your idea for the balcony. I have looked at fountains and things like that, craving the sound of water someplace close ... maybe, if I pick up another good photography job, I can buy a little subtle thing for out there.

The dog and I can enjoy it on those long summer evenings ... sigh, with the mosquitoes.

Gary's third pottery blog said...

OH YOU NEED a dog alright!

Di Mackey said...

Then I shall add, 'and Gary said, I NEEDED a dog!!' to my dog plot. Dank u wel.

RD said...

Oh, that's wonderful! Nothing like a Lab to complete a family. The wanderings with a camera in one hand and a leash in another will take on a whole new dimension!

Di Mackey said...

I shall add your voice to the chorus, RD and exactly, thank you.

I'm reading these out to Gert. He's laughing (a good sign I think).

Anonymous said...

Oh! I admire your devious cunning - but I never underestimated you.

I wore down Husband with years of begging/pleading. My humble tools are guilt and the invaluable combination of time/pressure. Whenever we had an argument where he was obviously in the wrong (all arguments), I would press his disadvantage: "And you're so mean! You won't let me get a puuupyyy!' His new motorbike was a useful bargaining tool: 'Since you got a motorbike, it seems only fair that I get a puppy.' And I have never let him forget that he talked me into getting a four wheel drive because 'it would be ideal for when we get a dog' (what he omitted to mention was that it was also ideal for transporting chainsaws and motorbikes).

I am looking forward to signing Christmas cards, Love from Andrew, Niamh and Pooch *paw print*

Di Mackey said...

I think I have this wonderful gang of soul sisters reading this blog, actually soul brothers too really.

I hope we're both signing our Christmas cards like that come Christmas ... oh yes, Ms Deadly Jelly!

Anonymous said...

You betcha! *high five*

Lydia said...

hey, you've got soul dogs out here too. Bonbon, the chocolate Standard Poodle, and Abby, the Old English Sheepdog think the labrador is a must in your world.

btw: Bonbon actually knows how to *high five* and she gave me one to send along to you.

Di Mackey said...

I wouldn't dare *high five* yet, Ms Deadly Jelly. I don't call Gert a steenezel for nothing ;)

Bonbon and Abby's support is much appreciated, Lydia - specially Bonbon's *high five*.