Is love in the air for Flossie?

As Valentine’s Day has now been and gone, I find myself wondering if dogs experience romance. 

Flossie is generally not that friendly towards dogs she doesn’t know. However, she does seem partial to a German Shepherd. 

Actually, she likes two German Shepherds.

The first one looks like a huge, fluffy bear. He is magnificent. We met him during lockdown, walking around our neighbourhood. Flossie stopped in her tracks and whined when she saw him. Loudly. It was embarrassing.

One time, we were walking in the lane alongside a field when she spotted him through the hedge. She was transfixed. She refused to move as she gazed at him, wagging her tail, beside herself with joy. I had trouble encouraging her to walk on. Several treats were needed to tempt her away from this dishy dog. 

Unfortunately for Flossie, I don’t think her feelings were reciprocated. The fluffy bear-dog didn’t take any notice of her at all. 

There are plenty more fish, or in this case, German Shepherds, in the sea, though.

Recently, she has taken a liking to a particularly handsome one who hangs out at the local barber’s. He’s often sitting in the doorway, or lying in the shop window, serenely watching the world go by.

When we walk past, he regards us calmly with a gentle wag of the tail. He has a presence about him. He is a beautiful creature. 

Flossie certainly thinks so. As we approach, she becomes frisky and excited. She whines and prances with delight. I’m pretty sure she flutters her eyelashes at him. 

He looks at her with a steady gaze.

The barber and I have started to wave to each other as we smile and acknowledge the mutual admiration between our dogs. 

I know Flossie, though. She likes the idea of the German Shepherd. But, if he approached, she would probably bark at him and he would back away.

She’s not really up for a relationship.

But we will continue to enjoy our morning wags and waves. 

As seen in the Bath Chronicle, 22 February 2024