As my dog and I take our walks in the wilds and on the shores of Newfoundland, we often come upon the unexpected – signs that someone has been here before us. Evidence of connection, to a squirrel’s leavings of a pine cone feast, a beaver’s hard work, a little red-haired girl taking time to make a sweet fern wreath on the boardwalk as her brother rides his bike (we met them on the trail and only afterward happened upon the “gift”). A feather left behind, a forgotten swing, a painted rock message to encourage others or a woodpile showing preparations for winter.
There’s a comfort in these things, a connection … symbols that we do not walk alone …
Back on October 26th, as part of my drive to western Newfoundland, I stopped at Gander, as I usually do, to visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery as well as the Silent Witness Memorial at the site of the Arrow Air Crash. I was thinking of upcoming Remembrance Day, which is now here, and the many faithful servants for which it could be said “their duty well done”. May we appreciate our freedoms, always, and those who have laid down their lives for such a gift to us.
Life from time to time, serves up “hard times“. It is through these that we often grow, know the warmth of friends’ support, and learn to count our blessings.
2020 has been a difficult year for me personally, with more than its usual share of trials. The Covid crisis has also tremendously affected people and the world at large – the isolation, uncertainty, and distancing has had many subtle and serious effects, beyond the surface issues, and most definitely exaggerated the “fault lines” of an already broken world. A dear friend of mine has been suffering also of late and is on my mind today. It brought to remembrance this song, “Hard Times”, sung by one of my most favourite Irish talents, the great Tommy Fleming. Have a listen at the link below.
“There’s the song, the sigh of the weary, Hard times, hard times, come again no more Many days you have lingered around my cabin door Oh hard times come again no more.”
“There are times when we stop, we sit still. We listen and breezes from a whole other world begin to whisper.”
James Carroll
I am at times astounded, as I travel and hike through Newfoundland, at the benches, seats and picnic tables I find, often in the most unexpected of places. They seem to have this knack for knowing exactly where to place them, the importance of just taking in a view, that rest is a priority, and that constant movement is not always right for us. Sure, they are there – to take in a sea view, a waterfall, the majestic Tablelands, or after a long climb on a walking trail. But sometimes they are brightly coloured just to cheer our hearts, or “happened upon” in the grips of overgrowth, and conjure up a forgotten past, which we have been allowed into, if just for a moment – the seats of serendipity.
“Sometimes sitting still is the best move you can make.”
I have visited this place often and only realized this year that this was a provincial park which was privatized in 1995. Sadly, the new owner failed and abandoned the property in 2008. It’s still a lovely spot to visit though and hike around, especially for the views from the old 1939 bridge, and particularly in the fall months.
Just finished “thread-painting” this wallhanging – it has a wonderful depth of colour within the panel. Now all I need is the dowel to fit the pockets on the back – and find some wallspace!
And … here we are … Bella finally gets to Newfoundland! My little princess has her big home in Ontario, her lovely office as well, close-by day care facilities – and now, yet another place filled with toys and lots to explore. She travelled well and made it just in time for her 1st birthday!
Here, she has enjoyed exploring the beaches, hiked the trails in the woods, tasted seaweed and mussel shells, had scenic drives around the province complete with many potty and picnic stops, overnighted in cabins, couch-cuddled with her mommy, met new friends, played in the snow, and investigated all things house-bound to ensure they meet her standards and her teeth!
She even found herself a boat with her name already on it!
Well, Bella, you’re a lot of work and a ball of ongoing energy … but I love you and the time we have spent together so far … wouldn’t change it for the world, my darling…
On January 25th this year, 2 days after the heartbreaking task of having to put my beloved Puddles down, (who at the young age of 4 suffered from a serious auto-immune disorder, and had been going through all manner of tests, hospital stays, blood transfusions and the like), f I drove 3 hours to the breeder who was kindly letting me choose a new puppy, knowing how hard it had been for me to lose my prior loyal companion and the void it left not only in my heart but that of my dear Mom, who enjoyed daily dog-therapy visits at her home in long term care.
I spent quite a while watching the various puppies’ behaviour and interacting with them, with my heart somewhat set on a brown boy, Bella’s brother from the pictures I had seen. However, little Bella chose me. As the others played with each other, tugging ropes and chasing tails, Bella softly sidled up beside me and just …. stayed. I tried to not be distracted by those big pleading eyes, and to remain objective, but she was determined that I was her mother already. And so it began …
I had come, somewhat prepared -though the original plan was only to choose one, not take them home the same day. Bella changed my plans – as she has done many times since!
An emotional car ride home, the grief over Puddles somewhat subsiding as I realized all that “dog love” could be poured upon her successor (with a lot of hard training work ahead!) we went on our way.
Bella was nervous and threw up a little in her carrier, we took our time as it was the first time she’d been on a big ride, but decided we would do the introductions to Grandma before heading to the house.
Dear Mom didn’t seem to notice that this one was considerably smaller than the last, and I don’t think that mattered, all she knew was that it was soft, cuddly and comforting – therapy match made!
We left and headed home the last mile, with Bella in my arms, and as the Jeep pulled into the driveway she projectile vomited all over the wheel, my lap, the cupholder, you name it. Not much, as she was but barely 5 pounds of cuteness, but that was our welcome home. Payback to me for the long ride!
Within a half hour of being in the house, handling the obligatory necessaries young pups are known for, and fixing her food, Bella pushed out of my arms and fell about 3 feet onto the vinyl floor. There was a slight whimper, then a frozen stillness in her, and she didn’t make another sound … I was panicked, devastated, afraid to check her tiny little limb in case I made anything worse. Within seconds, I was on the phone asking for help – my brother to come because I didn’t trust myself to drive to the vet hospital safely on my own, and was not prepared to let Bella out of my arms for fear her heart would stop (or mine!), calling the breeder to get advice, calling the emergency vet hospital as it was the weekend – it was chaos! Well … without going into it all … this happened!
The next few days were tough to say the least – first, making sure she’d pull through, tensely awaiting surgery results, dealing with meds, checkups, cones on/off for feeding and outside trips, crate and playpen/no running/jumping restrictions, and trying to keep her occupied all day for weeks on end with chews and toys and me!
Bella, not impressed!
Well … plans for our February trip to Newfoundland were cancelled, visits to Mom continued as best we could, work continued, but let’s just say the next few weeks were very Bella-high-maintenance, and then … Covid lockdowns….
It was an interesting summer. Bella loved her newfound freedom running and playing with her healed leg, got involved in much-needed training after being tended to so one-on-one for so long, engaged in day-care with other pups and attended agility classes – passing with flying colours. Despite my tiredness at all that puppy care involves that first year, we made it through with only a few items destroyed and a few in-house accidents. The end result is I have one very spoilt pup who thinks my sole purpose is to attend to her needs. I attempt to change her mindset on this as best I can, but it is a challenge!
Newfoundland is a place close to my heart and I have travelled many miles across it – to experience its varied landscapes, its changing seasons, its flora and fauna, its lighthouses and fishing stages – the beauty of the “ROCK”.
There are some things which are as iconic to its outports as the statue of John Cabot is to Bonavista. This “altered photo” collage captures those in “a different view”, and have been sold as photo cards from time to time. Enjoy!
sanctuarybythesea 