Some of you may remember
That last fall John & I had to put
Our beloved Scottish Terrier Peg to sleep.
It was tough
She was after all a great “garden dog”.
After an appropriate mourning time
We began the search for a new dog.
We both felt it was time to try a new breed.
So John googled all the traits we wanted
And came up with…
Are you ready
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
What a mouthful.
PBGV for short.
After searching for a while
And through the magic of the internet
We were introduced to a 4-year-old breeding dog
Being “put out to pasture” and in need of a new home.
So it was a week before Christmas when Coco entered our lives.
She was instantly friendly
Did not shed
Eager to fit into our lives.
And after plowing through a pair of leather sandals
Followed by pulling a leather skirt off the hanger
And eating a giant hunk out of it
She was on thin ice with me.
Since the skirt debacle she’s done little to no damage.
But that’s Coco in the winter.
The question remained for spring.
Will she be a good garden dog?
I am pleased to report she is a great garden dog.
She doesn’t dig.
Travels on the path most of the time.
And stays close by
Without being in the way.
She is friendly beyond our wildest dreams.
We marvel at how her tail is still attached
Considering how much she wags it.
She is the first dog we have ever owned.
Who likes me best.
Though John feeds her faithfully each morning
I’m the one who walks her
And for that reason she is with me every step
Of every day.
Inside
Outside
Up the stairs.
And back down.
Earlier this summer she did get a little
Too curious about the baby Thrushes
Growing in the Abelia bush by the kitchen window.
Mama Thrush would “talk” to her constantly
As she ran circles around their nest.
We were all relieved when they took wing
And flew the nest.
Well, maybe Coco wasn’t relieved!
So it seems I’m lucky once again.
A fun dog who loves my garden
But does not actually want to be a gardener.
One gardener per household is just fine with me
And apparently Coco agrees.
Gail
In My Garden 