Thursday, March 15, 2012

FISHING FOR THE GOLDEN CATCH

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...


In the morning, I wake.  A fog of light-headedness surrounds me and I know not to open my eyes yet.  Instead, I dangle my arm over the edge of my bed and smile inwardly.  Fishing!


Oddly, this feels like old times. Years ago, my father and I would sit on the sandy bank of the dam, with our fishing rods in hand as we waited for that first nibble on our lines.  Wonderful, serene, bonding moments.

This time, however, I'm in bed, accompanied by my imagination. The 'Boss' had an early start this morning and I've not got the energy to do the same.  I'm alone and I flutter my fingers to bring me back to the present.  With my eyes closed, I wait...


I hear them rise ... then stretch.  I keep my eyes shut to take in all their sounds. Their gentle movements and yawns echo my own welcome to the new day. Then the soft padding of paws coming towards me.  Which one will be first, I wonder? I enjoy this guessing game.

An icy wet nose touches my warm palm and I shut my fingers briefly.  Then I open them again and run them along the hairy snout.  A silky tongue languidly traces the contour of my hand.  I hear a contented moan and a slow shuffle as my dog sits down next to my bed and nuzzles my hand.  It's Toby - my "Sweet Hooligan".  Only this morning he's anything but a hooligan.  Rather, his gentle demeanour fills my heart with tenderness.

He shuffles closer and I move my hand towards his soft ears.  I've still not opened my eyes.  I fondle the cool fur and then break the contact to adjust my pillow and move my head closer to the edge of the bed.  This time, and still with my eyes closed, I turn to my side and reach out with both hands.

Toby leans on the edge of the bed as I stroke his head with my left hand and rub his shoulders with my right.  He's so beautiful and I trace the contour of his solid frame.  He licks my face and I open my eyes briefly to see the first sunbeams dropping onto his golden coat.  I watch, in awe, and continue stroking him.  Then I shut my eyes again to preserve the image.


Weariness still hangs over me and I drop my hands.  The edge of the bed rests under my armpit.  I'm fishing again, I know.

There's another lazy shuffle and another snout touches my trailing fingers.  Now there's two dogs and I splay open my fingers to touch them at the same time.  


Tammy's fur is coarser and there's the distinctive wart on her snout.  My hand brushes the shoulders of both dogs and, in a gesture of understanding, they move closer to one another.  Now my hand is wedged between two warm, furry bodies.  I wait...


This time, the sound is a little different - a brisk scurry of little feet.  Toffee's cadence is always brisk and purposeful. Somehow he always gets the news last.  A tiny wet nose finally reaches upwards to also touch my palm and join the pack.  Three snouts touching one hand at the same time - an affirmation that we all start the day together.  This is "fishing with a difference" and I finally open up my eyes and reach for the biscuit tin.


Have a wonderful, happy day, with your pack.
Sending lotsaluv (and early-morning happy licks)


12 comments:

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Your words are so beautiful. We can feel your words as you describe this special morning moment.
The soft noses, and fur, the soft steps of the paws... what a sweet moment to cherish.
love
tweedles

H and Flo said...

Wonderful description!

WFT Nobby said...

Hey, TobyMom, thanks for this beautiful post! You make an excellent case for allowing dogs into the human sleeping quarters, most persuasive. I am going to make sure Gail reads this over and over again and perhaps I will no longer be confined at night to the kitchen, two floors down from where she sleeps, can you believe?
Toodle pip!
Bertie.
PS Gail says she thinks I have misunderstood the intent of this post, but surely not?

Unknown said...

Hi max, It's nice to see you and I'm glad to meet you here, your books are beautiful and I learned a lot from it.


Dog Shock Collar | Puppy & Human Bond

Becky Andrews said...

So sweet. As I got up this morning and whispered good morning to Cricket I thought of the sweetness of our morning ritual. How beautiful it is to be greeted with such love each morning.

Millie and Walter said...

We should all be so lucky to have such a warm and gentle wake up routine.

Cindy

My Dog Sam - Ruptured Disk said...

Hi Maxmom, that was a very nice piece. Good morning :)

Mrs. JP said...

Oh, I love your morning routine. It's so good to savor golden moments w/ a touch of toffee.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

What a lovely way to start your day Caryl! I've done the same too, and always try to guess which dog it is, because there are times when I can't tell them apart--The goldens anyway, not Charlie or Todd! :-)

By the way, nothing from my friend that I sent your message to. I'll give her a nudge tomorrow if I don't hear from her.

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Howdy Maxmom, we agree with Bertie. Our mum needs to read this and let us sleep in the bedroom. We are confined in the laundry. Sheesh. It sounds like a wonderful way to wake in the morning. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

kissa-bull said...

wow that was just so bewootiful we felt like we were right there with the soft wet noses ....thank you for sharing this special morning with us

pibble sugars
the pittie pack

The Thuglets said...

What a lovely way to start you day! Lovely post and photos.

Have a great weekend
Big Nose Pokes
The Thugletsx