Dog Days

Well, its odd how the sadness continues, a dog is not a person after all. And yet we can get so attached to them, especially as one sees that the 'love' given is returned and the faithfulness becomes evident.

But I recall the days when he was young and he and I (and Jasper) would sit in the garden of our city house enjoying sun and togetherness. I have not wholly lost my love for cats, which was partially based upon their less devoted nature, but I do not miss them having them in the same way that I miss Muggins.
And of course he also got me the odd bit of exercise, as he and I, together with Jasper and Alice (not seen since she is taking this photo) stroll along the beach so near to our city home.
He was intended to some extent as a guard dog but he became rather more and will be sorely missed.
And so I have to turn my mind to other matters, deep and philosophical matters that the world can read, learn, inwardly digest and benefit from. For example: -

Desolation

We were awoken last night by the telephone with appalling news, my wonderful dog Muggins has died. Apparently the victim of rat poison.I am really sad he was a grand companion although as he grew (and grew) he had to become one of the outside dogs being too big to move inside the house that is somewhat overfull. But his friendly nature never changed even as he was wonderful protection for the family and home.

He still enjoyed the odd trip out although getting him into the Pajero was a bit of a squash. But he was always eager to explore. Admittedly once he got to the destination he could become a bit more unhappy sometimes, but no more than me going to the dentist, I feel.
We recently bought two Shih Tzu's and very charming they are but with all due respect they cannot take the place of Muggins, my dear Akita.
As we seem to be specialising in either mongrels or exotica I am starting to think that the only answer is to really hit the exciting breeds. Do you know where it is possible to get one of these in or around Cebu?

Tomorrow never comes

At last Alice is coming home, only one more sleep (as I used to count time while waiting for Christmas as a Kid) and then she and Alistair will be here. Of course they have been enjoying decently cooked pork and such while I have been striving to look after myself.
Its such a drag having to do the shopping myself and since my immense age means I am well knackered after work I hate popping down to the shops.
Especially because in a less exhibitionist country like Qatar the likelihood of eye candy such as this passing through the Souq is pretty low. But in fact since Alice is my ideal I usually hang out in the malls while assuring myself of being protected from such sights. Mind you I sometimes feel that perhaps I am being a shade too showy; but one must follow one's dream, even if it leads to becoming a little foolish looking.
But the worst of being alone is the tidying up to do before she gets back. Since I have my liquor permit I have been eating sensibly in my wife's absence, but I can't say the same for the drinking and I may have the odd empty to dispose of.

Missing her

Well at last I can see the return of Alice, she having stayed in the Phils an extra ten days after me (just long enough for Alistair to recover from his chickenpox, poor lad. And sitting here in Doha, even as a seasoned expat, there is absolutely no doubt that I felt very much a stranger. What an odd feeling, after living in various parts of the world for so long I had decided I was not a stranger anywhere. But there is an empty feeling without one's wife.
And soon she will be back with that terrible need to make a decision as to whether to have the evenings drink, knowing that if she does I will certainly join her, to the detriment of my so-called diet; most ineffective in her absence!
The good thing is, of course, that she usually succumbs and I can see her beauty through the bottom of a glass. Very similar to a Friday brunch really I suppose, where I can easily be tempted to a second bottle of wine as we browse amounts the buffet delights.
But at least there no fear of being caught as this lady caught her husband. And if I was then I suspect that the queries response would not have helped much! But to be certain I suggest that you click on the newsprint clip to read it more easily.