Pushover

Of late, I have taken on a few more doggy day care duties for my partner Sarah. This following her daughter Katelan and fella Simon’s departure from her home. Packing in my part-time job affording me opportunity to undertake this labour of love.

Let me start by saying I have absolutely no issue with keeping Zella company. Sarah’s enchanting German Shepherd possessing a loving and loyal disposition lots of us humans could learn from.

If truth be told, if my landlords edicts allowed for keeping pets, I would let Zells stay here overnight occasionally. Sadly, though, that option isn’t open to me, meaning my canine sitting duties are ordinarily undertaken at the divine Ms Brook’s premises in Gawthorpe manor.

My partners gaff now predominantly free of oil after Simon (an agricultural vehicle engineer) has moved onto a new property… Well, unless you count Sarah’s vape oil; grease she keeps in oak vats in her cellar/torture chamber. 

Simon’s departure not only meaning Sarah faces fewer bathroom oil slicks, but also an increase in valuable parking berths at her two bedroomed property… Blimey, have you ever seen how much space a combine harvester takes up?!

Katelan seems contented in her new property in Morley parish. That being said, her local pub still asks her to vacate the premises at 6pm on an evening so they can start the Happy Hour!

Sarah also seems pleased to have her home back to how it was prior to Katey (as no one calls her), Simon and their daughter Gracie moving in last June. A time when she had no idea inviting people for Sunday tea gave them squatters rights!!

Only kidding. Sarah invited the couple and her granddaughter to stay. She just had no idea they’d cable tie themselves to her kitchen chairs and hide the cutters! … Only kidding again 😉

I know my words are mischievous, but I genuinely think the world of Simon and Katelan. In fact, I think of them as the son and daughter I never had… Or I would do if I didn’t have a son and daughter.

I first met Katelan when she attended my mum’s home as her carer, post-stroke. That’s my mum, not Katey, who as I write hasn’t had a stroke (or so I’m led to believe). 

Witnessing her providing such warmth and support to my mater thawed this cynical middle-aged man’s frozen heart. She just one in the team of carers attending to my now late mum’s caring need, a group including Sarah.

I’ve also got a lot of time for Simon. A young man who always includes me in many of the hobbies/events he gets involved in. Although, if he takes up the pastimes of bungee jumping, lion-taming or being fired from a cannon that friendship maybe severely tested.

So, anyhow, with Sarah’s long work hours and no other residents in her terraced domicile, I have stepped into the breach to reduce the number of hours Zells is on her own. With the old girl (14 years old) melting my heart, a task I openly embrace and enjoy.

In fact, on the phone this morning I told Sarah “I’ll drive over and take Zells for a walk later.”

To which she responded ‘Thanks, Gaz.”

It wasn’t the most gripping conversation we’ve ever had. However, when it takes her fancy our Sarah is a lady of few words… Well, ones that aren’t curse words!

I am in the company of Zella as I begin this paragraph. Old furry face thus far fleecing me out of two dog treats, a slice of best ham and the self-will required to resist her sad eye treatment when eating… God, I am such a pushover!