Close Encounter Of The Canine Kind

Despite the bright sunny morning there was a distinct chill in the air as we set off for a drive into the forest.

Field horses at South Sway Lane, in view of Sway Tower, demonstrated contradictory protective needs now that flies are beginning to appear in the daytime, yet the nights remain cold. The bay wears a rug whereas the other two sport masks to protect eyes and ears from winged irritants.

Recumbent forest ponies sprawled over the moorland outside Brockenhurst; a mare stood guard over her recently born foal. I thought it politic not to come too close.

Long-horned cattle lounged on the other side of the road.

From the Boundway Car Park I walked down a gentle slope to photograph

the distant landscape.

As I returned to the car I stood aside for a young lady and her frisky dog to have free passage and to keep my knees out of their way. I was a little nonplussed when the owner cried “keep off, Derek”. Derek turned out to be the name of the six month old canine kick boxer who launched himself at me, muddy paws to the fore. You may be surprised at the impact such a creature can have.

I was. I was even more surprised that I stood firm and did not end up on the ground. That way it was only

the front of my trousers that would need washing.

Soon after this encounter we drove through Rhinefield Ornamental Drive where long shadows crisscrossed the forest floor with its carpet of fir cones; and this year’s ferns rose from the mulch of last year’s natural compost.

This evening we dined at Lal Quilla where we were treated as well as ever with friendly service and excellent food. Jackie’s choice of main meal was prawn sally; mine was king prawn vindaloo. We shared special fried rice and an egg paratha and both drank Kingfisher.

77 comments

  1. A dog with the same name – how fun/ however – not so fun that he jumped on you and I do know the force of a jumping canine / you were s good sport about it – and thankfully you did not fall – or twist something – and love the smiling photo with you and camera –
    Also the mother over the foal was precious

  2. I thought the same as Prior–that you were a good sport. Fortunately, you like animals–but how funny to run into one with your name. He’s already big. Imagine when he grows into those legs. 🙂
    I like the photo with the trees and shadows. It looks like a lovely day–and delicious dinner.

    1. Very many thanks, Merril. It was a gift to run into a dog called Derek. I did, of course, inform his owner of the inaccurate spelling. She said that was the only one on Google 🙂

  3. I’m glad you didn’t fall and get hurt, Derrick. Maybe next time you’ll run into a dog named Jackie!? Great photos! I always laugh at the lazy horses/ponies.

  4. Awesome pics – love that speckled horse! Kind of reminds me of a horse my grandpa had when I was a little girl named “Magic.” 🙂

  5. I can sympathise with the horrors of dogs approaching delicate knees. Dog owners often seem to have an overrated view of their ability to control their dogs in public and very overrated views of how much other people like to be assaulted by dogs.

    1. I have to agree with Tootlepedal, here. As a dog owner, I am VERY aware that no one wants to be accosted, sniffed, or barked at. A leash and a bag of cookies gets me through pretty well.

  6. Well done you for standing firm against that youngsters happy greeting! An excellent photo of you too – looking suitably half rueful and half immensely pleased with yourself 🙂

  7. Marvelous photos of the enchanted forest and the beautiful horses, rugs and masks and all. I am glad your knees have survived the friendly canine greeting, Derrick. I am sure the dog was thrilled to meet his namesake.

  8. That was certainly a flabbergasting rendezvous with your homophonous namesake. Perhaps he had taken a fancy to your camera? Flies and mosquitoes are the Morlocks of the insect world. The better kind deal in pollen and believe in civilised existence. I wonder if it would be practical for horses to wear rugs having pockets full of frogs and lizards. Perhaps, one of these days, owners will have drones that take care of the winged irritants.

  9. “I was a little nonplussed when the owner cried “keep off, Derek”.
    Perfect. You are such a very cool person. I like you bunches.

  10. If a dog came so close to me I would need medial treatment. I am not a dog lover and I dislike owners who seem to think everyone should love their animal. I hope your trousers scrub up!

  11. When my daughter was about three, a dog jumped at her and knocked her over backwards onto her head. I just managed to stick my shoe under her head as she fell, otherwise I dread to think what injuries she would have had to her skull.
    Strangely, I’ve never had reactions as quick as that before or since!

  12. AW! Love the photos of Derrick AND Derek!!! 🙂 So glad it didn’t end with Derek on Derrick on the ground! 😮 🙁 So glad you weren’t hurt. Puppies mean well, but they have to taught not to jump on people.
    Your photo of the brown horse, head side shot, with that beautiful soulful eye is wonderful! 🙂
    HUGS!!! 🙂

  13. Lol Derrick, it seems to be the trend now to give our dogs human names. Gone are the days of Snapper, Fido and Tip!

    Thank you for all those glorious photos, especially the ones of the ponies and cattle. ?

  14. I thought it was supposed to be a dog’s life – it looks more like a Horses life from your wonderful pony photos! 😉

    Good to see your knee was up to the ‘puppy’ test, even if your trouser’s weren’t quite?

    The pine forest looks like an ankle-twisting just waiting to happen!

    Sounds like a very nice way to end the day at Lal Quilla.

  15. Wow – I hope this adventure doesn’t make you hesitant to walk about next time. The good news is that you stood firm. Might want to ice that knee, though.

    Beautiful horse pictures – and great photo of you!

  16. I too, am glad you managed to remain upright. I seem to be a dog magnet and am always getting covered in mud as they jump up at me which I don’t enjoy at all.
    Beautiful shots of the forest and that dear mother and foal!

  17. So glad your balance and strength kept you on your feet! That feathery fern photo is fantastic! I love the light and shadow.

  18. Would have made a good picture; you lying flat on your back and Derek with his paws pressed firmly on your chest tail wagging as he growls.
    See I can actually picture it !

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