Thursday, February 6, 2014

Thorsday Book Review and Visitor

I did a lot of reading in the hospital.  Let's face it, even when I was able to use my recovering cardiac surgery patient's recliner for sleeping, it just isn't all that great.  But it beats the tarnation out of sleeping in a regular chair.

Anyway, this is one of the books I read, and it was a lot of fun.

THE BARKER'S DOZEN: REMINISCENCES OF AN EARLY POLICE DOG
by Robert Warr

"'The name's Snuffles, Snuffles of The Yard,' said my uncle's Spaniel with a growl in his voice.  'I will not tolerate an ill-mannered pup calling me a good  doggie.'

"I must admit that this statement shocked me and I wondered, for an instant, if I had gone mad.  My training as an engineer, however, has taught me to examine facts.  I was sitting in my uncle's study; his dog, was standing with his paws on my knees and his teeth an inch from my nose.  I had called him a good doggie."

So begins this delightful book.  Snuffles is a Springer Spaniel of the best breeding, whose master is a detective at Scotland Yard in the 1890s.  Naturally, Snuffles assists him in solving cases.  Normally, he doesn't talk to humans.  During the course of the book, he explains that all dogs can speak English, but they are warned by their mothers not to do so, because it causes great complications with their humans.  Of course, my favorite story was the one in which Henry, the mastiff, assists Snuffles in physically capturing the perp.  Clearly, the author knows mastiffs.  "The cook's lad was lying flat on his back with Henry standing on his chest barking gleefully....'Be still, lad,' Henry cautioned him clearly and in English. 'I am not going to let you up.  Lie quietly and I won't be forced to hurt you.  I am a gentle soul and not inclined to violent behaviour...'"

Of course, there is the saga of James (the nephew) trying to get his life set straight after a dynamiting accident left him lame.  And there is the matter of the cousin sent from America as punishment by her father.  All in all, a most entertaining book.  And with plenty of dogs, cats, and even a fox and a bird or 2.  5/5!

One of our best friends, who lives an hour north of here, came to visit my dearly beloved twice in the hospital - 3 hours worth of driving time for a 15 minute visit, and another 3 hours for a half hour visit.  I was touched, truly.  But then, the day after we came home, he stopped by with his dog, Dakota.

 Of course, I fed Dakota treats.

Dogs make everyone happy.

Happy Thorsday, everyone!

11 comments:

Big Dude said...

Dakota looks like he's right at home. I figured you'd be posting snow shots today.

Anonymous said...

I'm kind of a sucker for books narrated by dogs.

Dexter said...

Wishing your husband a full recovery. How scary for both of you. A book written by a dog is just the thing to pass those long hours.

Mango Momma

Pam said...

Sounds like a fun read. I am glad books kept you busy in the hospital.

It sounds like Dakota's dad is a pretty great friend to your beloved.

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Howdy Marjie. Sounds like a good book that took your mind off things for a little while. Hope hubby keeps on feeling better. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

Blond Duck said...

I MUST read about Snuffles.

SissySees said...

I must read about Snuffles too! Dakota looks very content with his goodies. We're crossing paws for a great recovery for your beloved!

~~louise~~ said...

That book does sound like an interesting concept Marjie. I'm sure it helped pass the evenings away. I remember when I stayed with Michele in the hospital all those days. Oh my was I glad when they finally found me a recliner!

My heart skipped a beat when I saw Dakota, love the name btw, I thought, well, you know what I thought:)

I'm sure your dearly beloved was happy to have company and to be reminded of how much he needs to be patient and know he has tons of prayers, good wishes, friends and family routing for him!!!

Diane said...

Hope all is going as planned with your husband. The book sounds interesting. Take care both of you. Diane

pam said...

I love the grey face that golden's get.

monica said...

Oh my god Marjie, just got updated on your blog, so sorry to hear of your distress, with your hub!! Glad to hear he is recovering well! I wish you all the best!
What a scare...