Dobby

I have just found out today that Dobby has died suddenly.  He was healthy and not suffering but took a turn for the worse and passed away.  He was a very large black dog and was my first housesit.

I didn't even meet his owners as it was an emergency last minute housesit as their pre-arranged housesitter had let them down.  I had had a call from a friend asking if I was available for a last minute job I said yes.  I promptly threw a few things in a case set the GPS and off I drove for a 2 hour hike into the unknown.

All I had was a few emails from the lady telling me various details about her 2 dogs 2 cats, her birds, goats and any other thing that might cause me a problem.  With my music blaring and a bag of nuts open in the door pocket for munching, a drink balanced between my legs I set off in my rusty, rickety, water leaking old Renault Espace.  After 2 hours and many top ups of water I finally heard my GSP say 'You have reached your destination'.  Middle of nowhere and not sure if I was at the right place I got out, stretched my legs and began to open the large gates.  All of a sudden I was greeted by two dogs, one very large black one and one smaller brown one.  The black one, Dobby, charged at me did a great big leap and knocked me flying backwards where he preceded to lick my face. Unable to get up and have a large heavy dog on top of me was something the email had not warned me about!

I managed to slide out from under Dobby and make my way into the house while being followed closely by them both.  When inside I got settled, re-read all the emails to make sure I was doing everything needed.  Dobby never left my side following me about and making lots of noises.

During the week he helped me hand feed the poorly pussy cat, woke me up in the morning, helped me with the goats and chickens.  Sat with me at night when I watched the television and I fell in love with him.

My stay was one laugh after another including the parrot shouting 'HELLO' and me thinking someone was at the door at 11pm at night, the bouncing Tally who danced for his dinner, the poorly cat who sat on my shoulder all week and the large goat who knocked me into the ground every time I went to feed them!

The owner is a lovely friend now and at this very sad time I'm sending her lots of love and hugs and thank her also for a great start to my new business and a story never to forget.

This is Dobby who always laid on the kitchen floor while I was cooking, you had to be careful not the trip over him! Below is Tally who dances for his dinner!

 RIP Darling Dobby

Tally