Flossie and I have recently discovered a wonderful walk on the outskirts of Bath and thought it would be fun to share it with Flossie’s sproodle pal Molly.
Setting off down a farm track the dogs rushed ahead, full of enthusiasm, while Molly’s owner Steve and I followed behind. The dogs soon disappeared into the woodland so we called them back. Flossie swiftly reappeared and we waited for Molly to do the same.
Steve called her but she didn’t come. I put Flossie back on her lead just in case she decided to go after her friend. A couple of minutes went by and we started to feel concerned. After calling and whistling for what seemed like ages we decided to split up to look for her.
Flossie and I took another track we thought Molly might have taken while Steve stayed put, but there was no sign. We returned with no news and Steve ventured off in another direction to search. Nothing. Molly was nowhere to be seen.
45 minutes had passed now and we were really worried. Even Flossie was looking bothered. Either that, or she was puzzled by us going backwards and forwards rather than continuing our walk.
We were wondering what on earth to do when Steve received a phone call. Molly had been found in the village where we had parked our cars. A kind lady had seen her trotting along the lane and had taken her inside where she was enjoying a drink and a rest.
The relief was huge. We walked back to our cars and Steve collected Molly. Flossie would not budge from outside the house until he emerged with her friend. The dogs hugged when they saw each other, so happy to be reunited.
We’re not sure what was going through Molly’s mind. Perhaps she was confused and cleverly thought to return the car.
Whatever, we haven’t been on that walk together since and, when we do, the girls will remain on their leads.
As published in the Bath Chronicle, 24 October 2019
Suzy Pope is a certified copywriter and newspaper columnist specialising in pets, business and lifestyle. If you would like help with a writing project, please get in touch.
