Watching The River Flow

Well, but this ‘ol river keeps on rollin’, though,

No matter what gets in the way and which way the wind does blow

And as long as it does, I’ll just sit here and watch the river flow

I have no doubt you are all awaiting my first report on the progress of Baxter since he arrived in the Rumpy Pumpy courtyard. As it seems very likely that Baxter will take over responsibility for this little “View from the Pavement” slot I communicated in the usual telepathic way of dogs to him and delegated the writing of this latest little chapter to him.

It would only be honest to report that Baxter initially felt that as a newcomer it was perhaps just a bit too much of job to ask of him. But when I explained that, in reality, it was only a bit of nonsense and he could certainly fulfil the task just as well as me he wagged a tail, licked his lips and set about the job. So here is what he has written.

Its only fair to tell you good people that I have only been here for a few weeks and DylanDog has rather lumbered me with this lot. I’ve never done anything like this I can tell you. But I do understand that it’s pretty tricky writing when you’re up on the Rainbow Bridge because it must be easy to miss some of life’s coming’s and going’s.

These last four weeks have been very interesting for me. I arrived here from Cheshire, so it was quite a long journey. However, unlike DylanDog, I simply love cars. In fact my love of a car does get me into trouble because if I spy an open door when I am at walking, I am always off to try to get through it and into the seat. I don’t really care whose car it is either. I’m quite partial to The Bosses car as I’ve got my own secure space in the back. Bit unkind to have a grill up to keep me there I did feel though. The Boss doesn’t seem too keen on my efforts to jump straight in however because I can’t quite make it as a lot of spring has gone out of my rear legs. This means I can put my rather large paws on his back bumper but then I’m rather suspended. This results in all my mud being transferred to the bumper!

My new house is quite nice and DylanDog gave me permission to take over his settee from him as well as his two beds. Him Indoors tells me DylanDog hardly ever used them so it’s like I’m the owner of two new resting quarters. Feeling quite spoilt.

I’ve rather enjoyed my walks since arriving. His Nibs has rather dodgy knees which means I’ve been having two or three walks a day in the town or the park. His mate Mr B also regularly takes me out on a circular tour of the town. I’ve made friends with Alf, an apparently rather clever Border Collie, who belongs to Auntie Karen. She kindly takes us all over the place. I was with them when I noticed that the River Severn looked quite enticing. It appears DylanDog was not a fan of water. I am. The fishermen rather decently have created little paths down the riverbank that I can use, which meant Alf and Auntie Karen had a shock when I jumped straight in!

I will admit the river was flowing a bit quicker than I realised but I had a nice swim before climbing out. I did need K’s assistance to be honest, which was a little embarrassing. His Nibs seems to be making sure I can’t get near the river again but we’ll see what the spring brings.

I must report that I seem to be doing ok in the food stakes. DylanDog has told me that Him Indoors can be very generous.  He suggested if I gave him the “spaniel eyes” he would succumb and I’d be well spoilt. Well it did work after he & Mr B enjoyed a duck & pancakes evening watching the footy. My dinner’s for a couple of days were all enhanced by the taste of duck!!!!

He is an odd character though because although I’ve been told he’s an artist, I’ve seen no sign of him painting anything. I suppose, to be fair, I’ve been a bit of a distraction for him because I do enjoy my short walks through the day which perhaps breaks his day up far too much to allow him to get working.

He certainly enjoys his football though and I have quickly realised that I’d best try to enjoy it because there is a lot of it!! 

I get the feeling he’s really pleased to have found me. DylanDog told me that it was especially pertinent that I arrived in his life for Christmas because he always finds it a difficult time. All his personal anniversaries with Chris are over the Christmas period. I certainly received lots of cuddles on the settee from him.

Not long after Christmas he took me to be groomed. I was so pleased to have my coat sorted out that I was amazingly well behaved. It was the first time I’ve met the lovely Kim in Stourbridge and she treated me so well. Life is certainly lighter with all that fur taken off me. I had all the knots taken out as well – do you know I had three big knots just on my tail!!

I think I’ve brought you up to date with my first month in Bewdley. I think I’m going to enjoy it here and so I will try to keep you up to date just like DylanDog.

Woof! Woof!