Today we found out a gentle soul in the form of a dog called Ria had passed away. Back in April last year we had the opportunity to housesit in France and to care for Ria while her family went on a well-earned holiday.
We fell in love with Ria straight away, I think everyone did as she was that sort of dog. She made everyone feel special. Not just us, it was the locals and other animals in her small village. Even the chickens had her attention even though they did say in uncertain terms that she was not welcome. She never took this personally as there was always someone else to go and visit. Which she did do, secretly we knew that it was to see if any kind soul had dropped some morsel of food so she could have that forbidden snack.
On more than one occasion, the three of us would sit outside and just enjoy the sun and each other’s company, no words were needed. It was a mutual admiration club we all belonged to.
You enjoyed humouring the Squire with doing doggie behaviour tricks. Just for a short while, until both of you tired of it and told the photographer enough was enough. A program about animals was sure to be on the television, as we know you liked to chat back in barking style if one appeared, then sleep was needed. As there was only so much excitement, a girl could handle in one day.
Then there were the walks. As soon as there was any indication that walks were on the agenda, Ria’s excitement was palpable, and there was no patience given to those humans who thought it okay to muck around. Once the door was opened, she was ready to go. Off we went, a sniff or two, not too many just enough to read the DNA of the previous visitor. Then it was just the pure pleasure of running free in long grass.
Life at No. 22 
I would love to try house sitting. Can you give any recommendations?
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We use https://www.trustedhousesitters.com and have found the website quite good in the fact we have found numerous housesits. What is even more lovely we are now doing resits and booked up months in advance. If you want more personalised comments just send me a message through my blog or FB page. I am more than happy to answer any questions if I am able.
Suz
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Will do. Many thanks. 😊
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You were indeed blessed to walk with such a beautiful soul as Ria. RIP.
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We thought so and her owners were really lovely generous people.
Suz
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So sorry to read this, Suz. It looks like Ria had a wonderful life with her humans and her pet sitters. I hope she is playing along with all the other wonderful doggie souls at the other end of the rainbow. ❤
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At the end of the rainbow is a lovely thought!! Thanks Liesbet.
Suz
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My heartfelt sympathies to Ria’s humans. Thank you for taking the time to share her lovely spirit with us in your moving and appropriate tribute.
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Thanks Osyth, that is kind of you to write.
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I’ve lost a few along the way … it is never easy when they’ve bored to the heart so thoroughly
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Agreed! 💚
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Losing a beloved member of the family is always terribly difficult. My sympathies to her family and to you as well.
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Thank you, yes all the sympathy goes to her family. We looked after her for around 3 weeks, some animals we get attached to quite easily. Ria was one of them.
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Oh she sounded lovely & what a gorgeous photo of her in the grass x
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Hayley, Ria was the most photogenic dog we have cared looked after, and out walking she was so happy.
Suz
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A lovely tribute 💖
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Thanks Cathy, it was easy to write, as Ria and her family were lovely and very generous towards us.
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What a beautiful soul! Ria was gorgeous, well cared for, and well-loved… and had tall grass to run in. What more could a doggie want?
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She was indeed a happy dog ❤ Her family loved my tribute to her which was good to know. We do get quite of some animals we care for and To a was definitely one of them.
Suz
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Some dogs are so very special that you only need to be with them a short time for them to take up a big section of your heart.
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Yes that’s certainly correct. She really did have a big smile for people she liked 🌞
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Sorry another doggie spirit has passed…she will be missed by her family….sad..😔
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Thanks Glenys. Yes she will certainly be missed by her family x
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What a lovely dog! And what a lovely place for you to spend some time!!
R.I.P Ria.
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Thanks Josy. It is a lovely part of the world and Ria was such fun to look after. Beautiful dog!
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