The Arrival of Arthur the Dog

We had always planned on having a dog, and had even decided on a name 'Arthur'. He was to be Jack Russell type, who would help us, would be a working dog. We would get him as a puppy, and train him - all when the house was completed and we had time for him.

However......things never work out as planned do they ?

We had a think, and decided that in fact, we would be better getting a puppy BEFORE the work was complete. Why would we want a puppy weeing everywhere that had just been 'done' ? Wouldn't it be better to have him while we were working so that the worst bits were out of the way ?

We wondered about the Rescue Centres here in France, and looked at the website for SPA in Quimper. Immediately, we saw a little dog called 'Figo', and decided to pay them a visit. We were pleasantly surprised to see 'Figo' still there, as we assumed that maybe they put little appealing dogs on the website to draw you in !

The place itself was an eye opener to be honest. It was full of large pedigree dogs - there were Newfoundlands, German Shepherds, Hunting dogs, all barking and penned in. The staff were doing their best, and obviously relying on volunteers to walk the dogs and help look after them. 'Figo' was a rarity, a little Jack Russell/Fox Terrier cross, being carried around tucked under the arm of any willing person.

We were allowed to take him out for a walk - although he obviously had never had a collar on, let alone a lead ! He was doing somersaults, and would much preferred to be have been carried !

Anyway, we decided to give him a home, and had to agree for him to be vaccinated, chipped and neutered before we were allowed to collect him two weeks later.

 

I can remember the journey home well - we had always planned on him sitting in the back with a seat belt - who knew whether he would hate the car or not, and jump around like mad ? He didn't - Craig sat with him just in case, he got into the car, had his belt on and promptly fell asleep with his head on Craig's lap !! Even now, two years later, he's the same - loves the car, and just lies there all snugged up (mind you he does have a pillow to lie on), and enjoys the ride !

 

 

We have been very lucky with 'Arthur' as he is now known. We had no idea whether he was house trained or not - he was ! His history, as detailed on the paperwork from the SPA was quite vague - he had been picked up wandering along a road near the coast, and he was approximately 12 months old - that is all we knew.  He didn't make any noise at all for a while, and we did wonder whether he was deaf, but one day suddenly made a little squeak, and then there was no stopping him ! He obviously didn't understand English, so sometimes conveniently, I think, decided not to hear or understand us, but now doesn't understand French !  He loves his walks, except if it is raining, and now walks without a lead. He can't be trusted near the road though, as he chases the cars and tractors, but is very sociable with everyone who visits. He is however very unsociable with other dogs, which is often very awkward !!

 

He loves his routine, so fits in very well with us here. He has his last walk at about 9.00pm, and starts prowling around, being very annoying from about 8.45pm. However, we know why that is - he has two biscuits when he comes back from that walk, and is very eager for them, not necessarily for the walk beforehand.

 

He isn't allowed on the furniture, and sometimes when we're playing with him, he jumps up on the sofa, and hides his head, so that we can't see him, and won't tell him off. As for a working dog though - no way !! He prefers snuggling up in front of the fire, in his bed. He's a funny, intelligent, loving little companion, and we wouldn't be without him now !!