Dusty

I’ve been through a difficult time lately. My mom has been ill, amongst other things, and I’ve found the last few weeks a struggle. So much so that, sadly, beauty has eluded me.

I realised that it was time I counted my blessings again and high on my blessing  list is the consistent comfort of Dusty, our little Australian Cattle Dog.   Without question, the friendship of a dog is one of life’s most beautiful gifts. Dogs bestow loyalty, asking very little in return.

There is usually a lot to consider before taking on the responsibility of a dog but sometimes one comes into your life and the decision just makes itself. Dusty arrived by default. He was a stray and, in spite of our efforts, we were unable to find his owner.  So he stayed and I am grateful.

It took us a while to understand the breed, having been used to German Shepherds but we read the breed standard and slowly learnt to ‘read’ Dusty. He has some funny quirks – he used to herd our German Shepherd into a corner, much to my dismay but he believed that to be his job and rightly so, as he was bred to herd.  We had to gently discourage him –  the sight of an elderly German Shepherd being herded into a corner by an enthusiastic youngster severely compromised her dignity.

Fortunately, my mom is doing better now and so am I.  Beauty is coming back into my life helped by the presence of Dusty, my uncomplicated little companion.

Dusty, our Australian Cattle Dog, with Sable, our German Shepherd (Sable died last year)

When my daughter’s German Shepherd died, she found their new family dog at the SPCA. My granddaughter is fortunate to have Keira as a friend and companion