This is Fred, our rescue pooch …
We adopted him from Terra Blanca, a local refuge. He’d been there for several weeks, having been rescued from the mean streets of Tenerife—and that’s all we know about his backstory. We’re not even sure of his age or what breed he is—possibly a Pyrenean Shepherd …
There are hardly any sheep in Tenerife, so they’re not really his thing, but he’s been known to herd a few lizards (and there are plenty of goats we can introduce him to). It’s incredibly frustrating to know so little about him, but that’s the usual story (or lack of story) for a rescue dog.
Shelter dogs often take a while to settle in to a new home, and Fred was no exception. One of the first things we noticed was that he never barked. Not a woof for eight months—even when the postman rang the doorbell. Perhaps a cruel owner, or breeder had cut his vocal cords? Our vet, Miquel, said that was unlikely. Fred would bark eventually, in his own good time.
Miquel was right. Fred found his woof one evening, while watching TV—a wildlife documentary about wolves. As soon as the spooky howling started, his ears pricked up. He stuck his nose in the air, sniffed, and then he was off: prowling the house, woofing like crazy, searching for those pesky wolves “Aha,” we said. “So that’s what his bark sounds like.” It was a lot louder than you’d expect from a terrier—more like a Rottweiler (or maybe a wolf).
Now Fred barks like all the other woofers (although, for some reason, not when the doorbell rings) and we turn down the sound when wildlife shows are on TV. He’s fully settled in, right at home, one of the family—especially when curled up on the sofa with us, watching TV, waiting for the howling / roaring / chirping, and all the other miscellaneous animal sounds on his favourite programmes.
We’re used to him barking. OK, occasionally we might joke that we miss the eight months of peace and quiet but we don’t mind too much (and it’s a deterrent to potential burglars). But it’s a shame his previous owner (or maybe a cowboy breeder) chopped off his tail. We wonder if this limits his ability to communicate his intentions and moods to other dogs.
Moving on … Here’s an illustration I did as a birthday card for my friend, Pat. Wilma, her cute Jack Russel is carrying a glass of champagne and a present for her.
As usual, I’d love people to contribute text to go with my next illustration ‘Fred and squirrel’ which will be included in my book ‘Once Upon a Time’ – A collection of imaginary animals. Please post your suggestions as comments on the blog post, or send them to me by replying to this email.
Anyone who contributes to the Once Upon a Time book will get a credit and a print of their choice.
The ‘Fred and squirrel’ illustration is available on Tote bags, mugs, coasters from my shop on Redbubble
….and If you like dog cartoons check this video out.
Dog Endz – A collection of wooftastic cartoons is available from Amazon
And last (but definitely not least), here’s a cute photo of our pooch, Fred, the Punk Terrier, guarding the gate and waiting for a woofing opportunity.
See you again in two weeks.
All the best,
Nikki
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Nikki Attree 