Yesterday we returned with Liquorice to the place of her birth at the “ancestral” home of Planhaven Kennels and the delightful Francis Wilson. I am sure she would not mind her magnificent Newfs receiving primary acknowledgement. It was a lovely autumn day for a drive to the Southern Highlands logically located just south of Sydney. Liquorice took great interest in the deep throaty greetings we received upon arrival rolling in from numerous Newfs around the farm, each in turn announcing our presence. There were stirrings of distant memories in Liquorice’s eyes as she listened to every syllable woofed seemingly in honor of her return.
After greeting Francis, assisting Ma and Pa from the car and freeing Liquorice I congratulated Francis on her wins at the recent “Sydney Royal”. Her Planhaven Brand Nu Teddy and Planhaven Yeti among her big winners, including the Open Dogs, Open Bitches, BOB and R/U BOB classes. She was still thrilled and justifiably proud of that glorious achievement especially with her Teddy being nine years old!
As Francis relived this recent glory Liquorice gazed up, transfixed with her, and absorbed Francis using all her senses. Ears listening to every sound, feeling, with her soft coat pressed against Francis, nose inhaling and tongue tasting all those long lost pleasurable scents from junior puppyhood. For a brief time I no longer existed to my little darling. She still remembered Francis and responded to all the memories of the love, kindness and affection shown her by her first human. Francis bent over and felt Liquorice and having given her an expert once-over announced diplomatically with a grin that she was “Well fed, isn’t she!” As opposed to having been fed well?
Yes, my little girl’s Dad has been guilty of over-feeding his precious little darling.
As we walked down the track to see some eight-month old pups Francis explained the differences between her lean keen Newfs and the cuddly chubby one between us and re-explained the evils that would come from her being overweight. Two lively bitches bounded across their paddock to the fence and excitedly greeted their Mom and visitors. Liquorice had seen no other Newfoundlands since she left the home of her forebears, or for that matter, dogs of any breed much larger than herself. She sat and watched as these two extremely athletic girls pranced and danced for their joy and our entertainment. These and the two boys on the opposite side of the track were the four puppies playing and roughhousing on the back verandah when we collected Liquorice three and a half months earlier.
We then ambled up to Francis’s home for coffee and tea. Teddy, Liquorice and “Thunderbird”, a favored elderly matron, reluctantly waited outside as the floor was still being washed. We carefully found the dryer spots to make our way inside. Liquorice seemed tiny, although very fluffy and cuddly, alongside these two quiet giants although Liquorice stepped on Teddy’s foot as he lay quietly pondering his being locked outside with this annoying youngster. This elicited a growl and warning snap, which sent Liquorice squealing away in terror, but she soon returned and followed at Teddy’s heels where-ever he went attempting to escape the attentions of his under-age groupie. Said Francis “That’s Teddy’s philosophy. Treat ‘em rough and the girls will follow him anywhere!”
We noted the bright new ribbons draped over Teddy’s lounge chair. In thirty odd years of breeding and showing Newfs Francis Wilson has built up an enviable reputation and accumulated bags and bags of ribbons, but Teddy’s were special. She likened them to the first ribbons she won when she was soooo proud of even a tiny third prize ribbon. Some friends dropped in and told us of Francis on Teddy’s big day, the cigarettes smoked while nervously waiting, the Champagne to celebrate the win and the walking four feet off the ground in sheer joy. Just as well Teddy is a BIG boy with a stout leash or Francis may have floated away completely!
More discussion on diet followed. Liquorice is to be reduced to two meals a day and smaller helpings! I will cut out her ice cream although Francis did not say to, but in fairness, I forgot to mention my little darling’s fondness for her frozen treat. Less ginger nut biscuits too. I am to walk Liquorice on the track more, rather than the grass, to improve her feet. I will start taking my little fatty for walks on the road. It is gravel pressed into the bitumen and virtually no traffic so we will be building up to more exercise for Liquorice and her Dad.
I was very pleased to have at last taken Liquorice to visit her Auntie Francis. Liquorice met more of her kind. I received a much-needed wake-up call on the dangers of my being overly generous with my little darling’s tucker together with other advice on the care and well being of Liquorice. And we had a very pleasant scenic drive, something we never seem to do these days, detouring to visit Avon dam on the way home.
I just hope that poor little half-starved Liquorice does not believe that I am keeping another puppy on the side, and giving it all of Liquorice’s beloved food!
Arthur Witten
Liquorice – I am going to be a slim slimer! Any food value in these toys.