Friday, August 02, 2019

A Boy and His Dog

       For the past couple of days the two youngest grandchildren have been visiting with us. 
     Following the death of their old dog, it was initially decided that they would not have another one, but somewhere along the way that resolve evaporated and so it was that Marty came into the family - and came to visit Grandma and Grandpa too.



     It is not hard to figure out that this little guy would work his way into your heart pretty quickly, and he is as affectionate as he is good looking.
     This is a family pet, but there is not a shred of doubt that it is "Eddie's dog." 

     
     
     The way that these two have bonded is really quite remarkable and Marty hangs on Eddie's every word, and stays close to him. Even when Eddie goes to the bathroom, Marty lies outside the door waiting for Eddie to come out.
     As I watched these two together, and saw the obvious joy Marty derived from being with Eddie, I could not help reflecting that at one time it was verging on heresy to ascribe emotions to non human animals. If anyone has any doubt that animals experience feelings in the same way we do, they need do nothing more than watch a devoted dog interact with a devoted human. Reactions of joy are engendered by the same triggers that apply to humans, and sadness and disappointment are equally clear.



     Like a child exploring a new area for the first time, Marty enjoyed getting to know every part of the back yard.



     It wouldn't be a visit to Grandma without having her make something, and this time it was a pillow with a blanket for Marty. Lest anyone think he didn't like it, take a look at this picture shortly after it was placed on the floor.



      I always think that in life there are certain pairings that go together perfectly and should not be tampered with - wine and cheese, bacon and eggs, baked potato and butter.. ....
      Maybe it's time to add a boy and his dog.


  
     What could be more perfect than that?
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

68 comments:

  1. Hello David,

    What a wonderful story. The dog and the boy meltet my heart. I love animals very much, and for many years we had a white golden retriever when our children was small. They loved him very much. I'm sure children learns a lot when they grow up with animals. We had at one time 3 chinchillas, 3 cats and 1 dog. Have a nice weekend.

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  2. What a wonderful post, all photographs are lovely to see but the last one is most special. What a wonderful pairing of boy and dog.
    Blessings :)

    Enjoy your weekend.

    All the best Jan

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  3. Such a beautiful, happy pair, the boy and his dog!
    It's fun growing up with a dog which is a true friend and companion.

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  4. Aww.
    We grew up with a variety of animals included as part of the family. They most definitely do feel emotions. Strong emotions.
    Marty is a cutie and I love his new bed and pillow - not as much as he does though. What a great gift from Grandma to dog (and boy).

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  5. Some religions speak of animals and their souls;
    and their purpose to be with a human being on earth.
    The last picture was funny! what affinity of the two ...

    about your comment in July for sure the
    what I like most is this coming and going of animals, birds and insects
    generally. I think they are the ones who enjoy the most, especially
    the birds...
    Good entry from August.

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  6. The affection between Marty and Eddie plain for all to see - what a delightful couple they make - boy and his dog.

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  7. Hari OM
    ...pawfeckshun!!! I have long years past witnessed and understood the rich emotional lives of our companion animals (and many in the wild); this is yet another wonderful example. Thank you for permitting us this peek into a personal bond. YAM xx

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  8. Perfect bonding!That is a friendship that will always be there.

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  9. Great reminder of the bond between a boy and his dog. Love the pics but have to admit to bursting out laughing with pleasure seeing Marty and his blankie!

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  10. Marty is too cute! The pillow/blanket is so sweet. I am sure it will be enjoyed. Every dog owner I know who has lost a dog and said they would never get another one, always got another one. They are such amazing companions that bring us humans so much joy.

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  11. This wonderful dog will be a friend for a long long time. The boy will teach the dog and the dog will give its own lessons to the boy. And both of them will learn how to give, love and be loyal.
    I want to give this cute dog a hug and I am sending to the boy my best wishes.

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  12. Buenos días apreciado amigo David, preciosas imágenes para una linda mañana de agosto. Hacen una perfecta pareja de grandes amigos, y su amistad será para siempre. Pienso que el perro es el mejor amigo del hombre, algunas personas discrepan y dicen que son los caballos, pero yo sigo pensando que como animal fiel y cariñoso a su amigo y compañero es el perro.
    Las imágenes son enternecedoras y se ven a los dos tan a gusto que van a ser dos grandes y poderosas amistades y fieles uno al otro.
    Me encanta la mantita y almohada confeccionada por Miriam perfecta para ese buen amigo.
    Os deseo un buen mes de agosto, un fuerte y cariñoso abrazo de vuestro amigo y compadre Juan.

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  13. Hi David.

    Super how these two deal with each other.
    You just see the click.

    Really super.

    Greeting from Patricia.

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  14. Hi David - look at them ... pure happiness in both. You've said it perfectly ... nothing could be better than a boy and his dog - love all the photos ... just joy and love ... great post and beautiful photos - enjoy their visit. Cheers Hilary

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  15. Hello, cute photos of your grandson and his dog. Marty is a cute dog too. Some day I will get another dog, maybe when I am traveling less? Wonderful photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend. PS, thank for your visit and comment on my blog.

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  16. Very nice. How true! I have 3 waiting outside the bathroom door for me. Even a goldfish can show affection it is up to us to realize it as such. Enjoy your weekend.

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  17. A lovely story. I so miss not having an animal around but while we want (and are still able) to ravel it is not fair to keep putting them in kennels. Until we left RSA we always had at least two dogs around the place. My most constant companion though was a Great Dane when I was in my 20s, it never left my side and if anyone made a threatening move near me the growl alone was more than enough. The only time he ever bit anyone though was a burgler in the middle of the night. The guy ran off but was admitted to hospital the next day. He said he had been attacked by a lion!! We only found this out because we had reported the incident to the police! Diane

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    Replies
    1. It is probably somewhat odd, I suppose, that while I have loved animals all my life I have not had the desire to have them in my home.

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  18. Oh yes! A boy and his dog - a winning combination! Great photos!

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  19. That is lovely, the perfect combination in my opinion...a boy and his dog.

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  20. Dear David!
    A wonderful story. Your grandson Eddie and Marty is a fantastic duo.
    I fell in love with a beautiful photo with sleeping Marta. I love dogs and Marty is wonderful.
    When our Bellusia died, I do not want a dog at home anymore. We suffered greatly after her death. The pain healed a little.
    Pillow for Marty is a wonderful, very beautiful gift, which the dog liked.


    David, visit you and your blog is a great pleasure.

    Hugs and greetings for Miriam and for you from far away Poland.
    Lucja

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  21. This post has really touched my heart, David. What an absolute delight it must have been to see the interaction beween Eddie and Marty. I love Marty's curley hair - makes him look like a soft toy! I suspect that he's going to be rather large in a year or two's time! My love to you and Miriam - - - - Richard

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  22. The perfect relationship, one that will last a lifetime.

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  23. Oh my gosh... Impossible not to fall in love with that dog. I think the last photo is my fav, and I agree that a boy and his dog is a perfect pairing!

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  24. It really is a perfect match for this young man. I raised four sons and we always had Golden Retrievers...good memories of happy times! Enjoy your weekend!

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  25. Me ha encantado conocerlos. Tu nieto es precioso lo mismo que el perrito. Todavía nos dura la tristeza por nuestra perrita Gordi, murió hace casi dos años. Un abrazo fuerte David.

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  26. Marty is very cute... and the last shot is pure happiness!

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  27. Perfect! What a joy!
    Regards,
    Maria

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  28. Marty is so beautiful.
    Beautiful moments of joy and happiness captured in the last picture, your grandson is so happy.
    Greetings
    Maria

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  29. What a gorgeous dog! I bet those two have many adventures together. Thanks for visiting my blog Cath@Home and leaving a comment for me.....re: those cheeky laughing kookaburras.

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  30. Such a very special bond. Heart warming to see.
    Happiness is ? ...................... your dog and best friend in your arms!

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  31. En sådan vacker historia, fylld med respekt om en liten ung mans kärlek till sin hund, en kärlek som är besvarad. Jag, en sentimental djurvän, får tårar i ögonen när jag läser din vackra text som berör mig djupt. Hoppas de får många lyckliga år tillsammans!

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  32. What a beauty, all dogs are wonderful.

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  33. Whoever loves a dog has a good soul.

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  34. Oh, that pillow blanket is SO cozy. The unconditional love between a child and his pet is wonderful to see. Marty is especially cute, though, like a living stuffed teddy bear!

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  35. When millions of year ago prehistoric man threw scraps to that wolf, little did he know what he would start.

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  36. Oh so cute photos darling
    Thanks for share with us
    xx

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  37. This is a very special relationship between a dog and a young boy. Dog can think and feel like human because I have a few dog pets myself. So cute to see the dog sleeping under the blanket and the last picture is the best!

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  38. I like your picture of sleeping Marty. He is so comfortable in his new bed!
    Thanks grandma! I think that dogs love their owners with all their hearts, and it is a pity that their lives are so short.

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  39. I'll add a man and his cat to the list. Great story.

    Hope all is well.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  40. How lovely and what a cutie Marty is!

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  41. animals and kids are a great combination. Well, for older ones too.

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  42. Oh my gosh, what a wonderful post. I can see the love between Eddie and Marty in those photos. What an adorable dog and handsome lad.

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  43. They are very lovely David. ❤. My grandsons have a cat.

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  44. Hello my friend David,
    this post moved me because I also saw my little Jahnay with a dog in it.
    It's great that your grandchildren can enjoy a four-legged friend again as a friend. Forgive me that I just had to tear away a tear xx

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  45. A lovely post David! Your pictures and words perfectly document these precious moments.

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  46. This is good to see and read David. Best friends indeed. Love the photos they tell it all.
    Regards,
    Roos

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  47. So lovely post- this fluffy dog is so so cute. And this all pictures are so emotional in the positive way. It's great to catch the moments like this. They are staying with our hearts

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  48. Hi Both,
    So wonderful to see this bond between the dog and your grandchildren. I can understand the initial thoughts not to have another dog, it really is such a blow to the family when you loose your friend. Our youngest granddaughter cried on and off for days when we lost our last dog.
    Love the pillow and blanket image Miriam.
    All the best,
    John

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  49. Marty is adorable and it's obvious that he and Eddie have a deep bond. I enjoyed reading about them.

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  50. wow, what a cute puppy and some very sweet pictures!! i haven't a doubt that eddie is his favorite but i think grandma and grandpa are pretty sweet on him as well!! i like what miriam made for him, that's pretty sweet as well!!

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  51. Seran amigos para siempre. La fidelidad de los animales es eterna David.
    Se ven muy felices los dos.
    Un abrazo.

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  52. So much tenderness between your grandson and his puppy. Great photos David and I had to laugh at the photo of Marty lying on his pillow/blanket, so cute :)

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  53. Aw, what a wonderful match!

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  54. That might be one of the most adorable dogs I've ever seen. How could one not love it? And the "boy and his dog" photo is great. The "boy" is pretty darned cute, too!

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  55. David - I needed a bit of a boost today, and this has done it! Heart-warming to the core. Thank you. And thanks for the help identifying the female Nokomis Fritillary. I have updated my blog and given you the credit. Whatever would I do without my blogging friends?

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  56. Hi!
    A wonderful story. You are wonderful!
    Check my blog to see my dahlias. I wish you a nice day :)

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  57. I had to laugh about your pairings - may I add, a good book and a glass of equally good wine?
    What a sweet dog. No wonder your grandson loves him, and how wonderful that they both connected so well and share this special bond. Yes, I do agree with you that animals have feelings - why wouldn't they? Wasn't there also once a time when people thought newborn babies don't feel pain?

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  58. A good book and an equally good glass of wine sounds just about perfect, Carola.

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  59. Hello, love the cute photos of your grandson and his dog. Cute furbaby! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, wishing you a happy weekend! PS, thank you for the visit and comment.

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  60. What an adorable post! It is clear that Eddie & Marty love each other 💕

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  61. So lovely to see and read, David!😊

    Ida

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  62. Such a wonderful story !
    Marty is so cute :)
    Greetings

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  63. Hello David, I just read the story now, The Dog Marty and Eddie, while reading I remembered our Dog American Pitbull terrier, it's not mine its not my hoppy, but!! My husband love it!! He buy it when it was so baby now he have about 4 months, first day when he take it at home, I was afraid and scary, I guess you all now what is an American Pitbull Terrier?
    But now, day by day I knew that he is not dangerouse as I was imaginating it.
    he is living with us, my kids love him so much, and me too.

    I make his own chanel youtube that's it :

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ1qIvnzf0O5J3d8RCJRZMg

    Enjoy watching it

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