One of my favorite British TV shows of all time is Death in Paradise. So when we decided it was finally the right moment in our lives for our first dog, we knew he’d be Humphrey. We just didn’t know who Humphrey was yet. After loads of research and searching for breeders, we found the English setter–poodle mix who became our boy. Our messy‑haired, slightly clumsy, sharp‑as‑a‑tack boy. He’s definitely a Humphrey.
Humphrey is the self‑proclaimed Chief Inspector of Gardens because, as any puppy owner knows, puppies are the chief inspectors of everything. Inspection usually comes with a taste, or at least a sniff. Training Humphrey to stay away from cacti, not to eat plants (toxic or otherwise), and to dig only where we think holes belong has become high on my list of gardening challenges.
“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.”
-Jane Austen, Emma
I read a quote recently that puppies aren’t dogs; they’re landsharks. And I know exactly where that person was coming from — our landscape lighting can attest to it. A few months ago, I was pulling my hair out.
But as he grows up and follows us wherever we go, he’s worked his way into our hearts. His warm body and little snore in our bed at night, his wonderfully soft coat, and especially those eyes — they convey deep disdain when he disagrees, pathetic entreaty when he thinks dinner should be hours earlier than it is, or (my favorite) plain adoring love. Only someone who loves me would follow me through every step of this cottage‑garden‑in‑the‑desert endeavor, right?
Once more unto the breach,
🌿 Ruby
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yep totally a landshark (and I mean that by a mile)lol when you think your cuddling him he thinks he’s laying with a chew toy (I mean that’s what happened the last time I visited.)