As soon as Kiitos and I rounded the corner from our little alley out onto the main road that runs through our little village, there they were – Senhor Rui and his large, scary-looking Portuguese cattle dog, Spike.
I'm crying as I read this because you are...amazing. I wish you would be appointed as the new American Ambassador to Portugal instead of the golfing, used car salesman. You settled that with the wisdom of Solomon. He knew that you made a deal that would preserve the relationship while making things fair between you. He knew that he was already going to give you as many dates as you wanted in the fall. You knew it too. There were two levels to "making it right:" One was payback for the doggy crime and its consequences and the other was making your relationship right for the future. For that 80 euros you got a well dog and a good relationship. Bargain!!!
We’ve had to navigate relationships between our two goofy mini-bernadoodles and our shepherd neighbors sheep herding and guarding dogs. Luckily, the dogs seem to have a natural understanding of each others’ territory, our neighbor likes our dogs a lot, and we have a great human relationship with him as well. And I have been known to make his favorite meringues on occasion to sweeten the friendship as well. 😉
Your fig alternative was the perfect solution to keeping peace in the neighborhood. My dog was attacked once, but afterwards they worked it out and became friends. Love your painting, by the way!
Kristin these illustrations are so beautiful! You are very talented. Thanks for the heartwarming story!!
Thanks so much, Thomas ~ what a lovely message to get. You've made my day!
I'm crying as I read this because you are...amazing. I wish you would be appointed as the new American Ambassador to Portugal instead of the golfing, used car salesman. You settled that with the wisdom of Solomon. He knew that you made a deal that would preserve the relationship while making things fair between you. He knew that he was already going to give you as many dates as you wanted in the fall. You knew it too. There were two levels to "making it right:" One was payback for the doggy crime and its consequences and the other was making your relationship right for the future. For that 80 euros you got a well dog and a good relationship. Bargain!!!
Aww, thanks Cynthia 🤗
We’ve had to navigate relationships between our two goofy mini-bernadoodles and our shepherd neighbors sheep herding and guarding dogs. Luckily, the dogs seem to have a natural understanding of each others’ territory, our neighbor likes our dogs a lot, and we have a great human relationship with him as well. And I have been known to make his favorite meringues on occasion to sweeten the friendship as well. 😉
Letting dogs work things out, then sweetening the deal with home baked food ~ perfect!☺️
What a perfect way to solve a tricky situation! Solved with kindness.
Thanks Lesa, but I think it might better be described as 'imaginative self-interest!' 😁
Ha! Absolutely.
Your fig alternative was the perfect solution to keeping peace in the neighborhood. My dog was attacked once, but afterwards they worked it out and became friends. Love your painting, by the way!
Thanks Bob! I’m happy to hear the dogs worked it out. Although you might want to pay attention to what’s in their garden, just in case! 🪴🍒🍋🍊
How about this one: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/recipes/baking-and-desserts/desserts/diana-henry-roast-figs-plums-in-vodka-cardamom-cream/ or this https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/recipe/fig-pomegranate-trifle-scented-cream and can I come over and have some? :-)
And yes, you’re welcome to visit anytime! I’ll even introduce you to Spike! 😆
That would be lovely, but I think I’ll keep a safe distance from Spike.
Wonderful, thanks Liza, I can’t wait to try them!