Housesitting in France

A Tribute to Ria

Suzanne

Today we discovered that 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 care for Ria while her family went on a well-earned holiday.

We immediately fell in love with Ria, 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 said uncertainly 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 by 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 the long grass.

Your smile will never be forgotten Ria; you were such a gentle soul.  R.I.P

Published by Suzanne

Travel and Life Musings from New Zealand and Beyond. . . . . . .

26 thoughts on “A Tribute to Ria”

    1. 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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    1. 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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  9. 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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    1. 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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  12. Pingback: What’s your concept of HOME? – Global Housesitter x2

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