A Lady, Two Dogs and a Cat.

[Doorman]

Last evening we spotted a couple of dogs and a cat on the towpath, in what initially appeared to be a state of abandonment. Being concerned for their well being, I walked up the offside of our pound only to find a very gentle type of lady crouched down attending to their needs.

 

To our surprise, she later settled down to sleep on the small grassed area close to our friend's lock cottage. One of her dogs is a golden Labrador and the other looks like a Himalayan mountain dog, the cat settles amongst the two dogs very comfortably. When I approached this person as darkness neared she wasn't fazed at all by my presence, not that I'm scary by any means.

 

I wonder whether anyone else has encountered this lonesome character along the Shroppie during their travels? Her animals are very well behaved and she shows great affection towards all three of them.

[cheshire~rose]

Yes she was at Gnosall a few weeks ago and at Penkridge a short time before that. I know some of my friends have been concerned about her as she sleeps under a canvas along side the canal somewhere with her animals and carries what appears to be everything she possesses in a rucksack along the way.

 

I am told (but this could just be hearsay) that other members of her family have money and so while we cannot assume that to be correct my feeling was that she is living the way she does because she wants to, not through any need placed upon her by falling on hard times. A female friend of mine was extremely concerned for her wellbeing but it seems a lot of caring boaters regularly ask if there is anything she needs (and maybe offer a dog or cat treat) - she seems more likely to engage in conversation with dog owners. I think as a boating community we just need to keep watching out for her and if people just kindly enquire if there is anything she needs we must leave her to live the life she appears to be enjoying.

 

The animals are very obviously well cared for and well fed and she seems quite fastidious about ensuring she clears up after her and her animals and walked some distance off the towpath to find a rubish bin on the roadside to deposit her litter.

I think I may have a photo of the dogs somewhere?

[Caprifool]

Yes, she is a sweet heart. She claims she has means and is on walkabout for reasons personal to her self. There is another thread about her and she is quite well known.

[Doorman]

Yes she was at Gnosall a few weeks ago and at Penkridge a short time before that. I know some of my friends have been concerned about her as she sleeps under a canvas along side the canal somewhere with her animals and carries what appears to be everything she possesses in a rucksack along the way.

 

I am told (but this could just be hearsay) that other members of her family have money and so while we cannot assume that to be correct my feeling was that she is living the way she does because she wants to, not through any need placed upon her by falling on hard times. A female friend of mine was extremely concerned for her wellbeing but it seems a lot of caring boaters regularly ask if there is anything she needs (and maybe offer a dog or cat treat) - she seems more likely to engage in conversation with dog owners. I think as a boating community we just need to keep watching out for her and if people just kindly enquire if there is anything she needs we must leave her to live the life she appears to be enjoying.

 

The animals are very obviously well cared for and well fed and she seems quite fastidious about ensuring she clears up after her and her animals and walked some distance off the towpath to find a rubish bin on the roadside to deposit her litter.

I think I may have a photo of the dogs somewhere?

Hello Jan,

 

That's the lady. Her animals are resting quietly by her rucksack as I type this message while she's nowhere to be seen. They are so well behaved! She was awake at 6.30am and spent ages attending to her pets and as you say, cleaning up around her. She seems to be very gentle in her nature and if that's her choice in life good luck to her.

 

In my view, people such as her simply add to the rich tapestry of life along the canals. She's doing no harm and has a pleasant demeanour. She must be ok as Paddy never murmured when he spotted her little clan. He's usually such a fussy bugger when it comes to newcomers along here.

Edited June 17, 2013 by Doorman

[nicknorman]

We saw her on the Coventry in March, though we were cruising so only time to exchange pleasantries (about the size of one of the dogs-its massive!). We also saw her at Tyreley locks 2weeks ago.

[Mick and Maggie]

This is someone who will no doubt add a more pleasant aspect to living out in the open on the canals. We all remember the alternative Mr Finch!

[angeldust]

We met her in Market Drayton. She told us that the large dog is a Newfoundland, Both dogs are very friendly and calm - unlike our two. I didn't see the cat, although she did mention it. She seemed a lovely lady.

[matty40s]

I believe this is the lady who was the subject of the homeless family with kids living in a tent at Hillmorton Locks in midwinter.

A simple, probably hard, but rewarding life, good luck and safe passage to her.

I only met her briefly, seems at piece with the world.

[Doorman]

Mrs Doorman is over at the towpath side chatting away to the lady and fussing her two dogs and cat. As she's cooked us some of her lovely Spaghetti Bolognese with plenty to spare, Chrissie took a portion over to offer her some. Thankfully, even though she said that she's a vegetarian, she gracefully accepted in sharing our evening meal and some Madeira cake for afters.

 

It appears that this wandering soul is originally from France, but has lived in London for many years, hence the perfect English accent. Her beloved Newfoundlander is eleven years old and quite poorly. The poor sod rolled down the embankment earlier today and the lady (whose name is Sarah) struggled to roll her back up. We've been at the boat all day and she never thought of asking for any help.

 

She continues her journey tomorrow without a definitive destination in mind. Such is life and a very calm and peaceful one too. We wish her well.

[junior]

Mrs Doorman is over at the towpath side chatting away to the lady and fussing her two dogs and cat. As she's cooked us some of her lovely Spaghetti Bolognese with plenty to spare, Chrissie took a portion over to offer her some. Thankfully, even though she said that she's a vegetarian, she gracefully accepted in sharing our evening meal and some Madeira cake for afters.

 

It appears that this wandering soul is originally from France, but has lived in London for many years, hence the perfect English accent. Her beloved Newfoundlander is eleven years old and quite poorly. The poor sod rolled down the embankment earlier today and the lady (whose name is Sarah) struggled to roll her back up. We've been at the boat all day and she never thought of asking for any help.

 

She continues her journey tomorrow without a definitive destination in mind. Such is life and a very calm and peaceful one too. We wish her well.

 

Do you think she would accept some help towards getting veterinary treatment for her poorly dog?

 

I also work on a dog section and we have generous 'stores'. If she could use some 'stuff' if be more than happy to bring some over.

Edited June 18, 2013 by junior

[Doorman]

Do you think she would accept some help towards getting veterinary treatment for her poorly dog?

I also work on a dog section and we have generous 'stores'. If she could use some 'stuff' if be more than happy to bring some over.

Hello Junior,

 

That's a very generous offer to help her ageing dog. Being a Newfoundland breed I believe her life expectancy is quite short compared to others. We had a boater friend with a similar sized Newfoundlander and he was about 9 years old. He went out onto the jetty one morning and simply passed away quietly. Out of kindness, the farmer/marina owner buried the huge dog nearby so that the owner could visit the grave. This particular pet appears to be unsteady on its legs, as older dogs seem to go (and humans) with advancing years.

 

The lady is still near to us here in Audlem and probably heading off later this morning in the direction of Nantwich. Are you still oop north looking at boats? I was a little bit wary about Chrissie offering her a taste of our digestive delights yesterday evening, in case she thought that we were taking pity on her. We weren't, we simply wished to show her the type kindness afforded to us from the locals in these parts.

 

So, if I can catch her before she ventures off, I'll ask if your offer would be appreciated. Thank you!

[Doorman]

Hello again Junior,

 

Following your kind offer of help with Sarah's Newfoundlander, I popped over to see her and mentioned you and some help if required. She politely mentioned that she treats the hound with herbal remedies for his arthritic ailments, but did say that a full harness would be most helpful in order to lift him should he topple over again. I don't know whether your assistance would extend to such a thing, especially given his size. She mentioned that he weighs around 54 kilos. Heavier than Mrs Doorman!

 

Her next stop is the bottom lock 15, next to Dan's shop down there and she tells me that they will probably stay there for a day. It's a pity that she's a vegetarian given so much meat is on offer at the shop. But I'm sure that Dan's 'Ostrich' size eggs will appeal. So, if you can help, that's where she'll be.

 

Thanks again,

 

Mike

[Ange]

Hey junior / doorman

 

Dr Bradley and I passed the lady on our way to the pub tonight, and I said the harness was hopefully on it's way. I think she was slightly bewildered by a complete stranger knowing her circumstances. The big dog gave lots of proprietary woofs but was clearly not very mobile and was a sweetie when I tickled his chin. The lab did what labs do and just leaned against us for hugs.

 

PM me or Doorman - between us we have cars and can fetch the harness if you can get one.

[Doorman]

Hey junior / doorman

 

Dr Bradley and I passed the lady on our way to the pub tonight, and I said the harness was hopefully on it's way. I think she was slightly bewildered by a complete stranger knowing her circumstances. The big dog gave lots of proprietary woofs but was clearly not very mobile and was a sweetie when I tickled his chin. The lab did what labs do and just leaned against us for hugs.

 

PM me or Doorman - between us we have cars and can fetch the harness if you can get one.

Cheers Ange,

 

Hopefully Junior can help in some way and I'll PM him to see if there's any possibility of a harness. I said to Chrissie that the lady would be surprised by some 'strangers' approaching her with an update on Junior's offer. Little does she know about the power of the forum.

 

She spoke to Chrissie yesterday before setting off towards bridge 79 and gave us some dog shampoo and other bits and pieces, as she was so laden with her everyday bits of kit that these were simply adding to the burden. A very interesting character whom it appears has a slight phobia of closed spaces. She is quite taken at how the boating community are so helpful and in the main accepting of her lifestyle.

 

What interests me though, is the time that you posted your message. They must have had a late night 'happy hour' on at the Inns of Audlem (again), Lol.

Edited June 19, 2013 by Doorman

[Doorman]

Hi Ange,

 

Can you please PM Junior as I've tried this morning and my message box is having period pains (again) help!

 

Cheers

 

Mike

 

(about the size of one of the dogs-its massive!). We also saw her at Tyreley locks 2weeks ago.

Not nearly as massive as yours on that photo reply to Carlt recently! Lol

Edited June 19, 2013 by Doorman

[Ange]

PM sent to Junior. The lady did look a bit surprised when we approached her with your message, but took it in her stride.

 

No lock in at the pub - we actually arrived back by about 11pm. Colin lent me a DVD and I watched it after we got back.

 

I keep some odd hours when I'm not working

[Doorman]

PM sent to Junior. The lady did look a bit surprised when we approached her with your message, but took it in her stride.

 

No lock in at the pub - we actually arrived back by about 11pm. Colin lent me a DVD and I watched it after we got back.

 

I keep some odd hours when I'm not working

Not that one about anti-gravity that he once loaned to me is it? I could never put it down. :-)

 

Had a chat with Sarah about half an hour ago and let her know that we're waiting to hear from Junior. She seemed quite amused when I said that we have a network of boaters who keep in touch with each other.

 

I enquired why she never camped out near to Danny's shop and she explained that it was on a slope and Baloo (the Newfoundlander) kept rolling towards her down the slope. If only we all had simple problems in life like that!

Edited June 19, 2013 by Doorman

[carlt]

....she explained that it was on a slope and Baloo (the Newfoundlander) kept rolling towards her down the slope. If only we all had simple problems in life like that!

If you're a fat bloke sleeping next to a skinny OH you'll find you do have a very similar problem

[Doorman]

If you're a fat bloke sleeping next to a skinny OH you'll find you do have a very similar problem

I complained to our GP about my nocturnal rolling activities and he prescribed Viagra. He said forget all of the notions about it improving your libido as it's simply designed to prevent you from rolling out of bed.........

 

Certainly works for me!

[frangar]

If Junior has probs getting the harness can't we have a whip round on here and sort one out? I don't know how much one would cost but I don't suppose it's much in the great scheme of boat ownership!

 

If someone with more knowledge of big dogs than me could point us in the right direction of the type needed that would be helpful.

 

Cheers

 

Gareth

[Chris-B]

If thats going to happen count me in for a couple of quid

[Woodstock]

If thats going to happen count me in for a couple of quid

Me too

[KevMc]

If thats going to happen count me in for a couple of quid

ditto

[Doorman]

Well, in true boater's tradition help indeed is at hand. We too would be happy to contribute if Junior can't be found. Sarah will be very appreciative of you all for your kindness. She mentioned that she'll be staying near bridge 79 for today and probably head closer to where Ange is further towards the Nantwich direction tomorrow. So she wont't be far from one of us this week.

 

In the meantime, maybe Junior will reply to our messages.

 

 

ETA Just checked on Amazon and they retail at £11 or so. Tried to open a link for full Newfoundlander harnesses elsewhere but wouldn't open on my IPad. :-(

Edited June 19, 2013 by Doorman

[Chris-B]

OK let me know