Heart Beats Head When Animals Are Involved

My husband recently gave me a dog for my birthday. Well when I say gave, he presented me with the animal and allowed my heart to do the rest. Giving animal is never a good idea, but presenting a person with something furry and adorable and letting them accept it can be the best gift in the world.


I had ruled out getting a dog until I met Tally. Growing up with a border collie cross golden retriever, I knew only too well the amount of time and money needed to devote to a dog and the training they require to ensure they understand their place in the household.


Tally a.k.a. Tally-Ho had reportedly spent her early years with a 'neglectful druggy' before being forcibly removed by her second master to live with five other canine friends on a huge cattle farm out west. Her second master's recent downsize and move to the city saw Tally became once again cooped up, bored out of her brain and in desperate need of some TLC.


I first met Tally when my husband and I went to inspect some cows we intended on purchasing. She was obediently perched up in a lucerne laden trailer that our prospective cows were feeding from. My husband had told me the previous night that they had a border collie we could have for free with the cows if we liked. Sprung with this news, I promised myself not to make any hasty decision and not to take her home that day, as in my head I knew I did not need the additional responsibility of a dog. But like almost all of my many animals, I caved at first sight and when her owners said "would I like to take her home for a weekend trial", I knew there would be no turning back.


Tally has taken to her new home like she has always been with us. She respectfully ignores the cats, chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, goats and cows and conveniently sounds the 'put your clothes on' warning bark when we have incoming visitors - a handy trick indeed. Within days of her arrival my every command was obeyed. But it is the unexpected delights of Tally's company that justify my heart winning acceptance.


Before Tally, I would not venture to far on a isolated country road as a lone woman. But out of the need to exercise her and the safety she portrays, I have embarked on a journey of local discovery that she has enabled. Together we explore a nearby lane or track each week and my mind is expanding to intimately know the beauty of my local land.


Thanks to Tally, I have explored more of my doorstep in this last three months than I have in the three years since I moved here. The olive grove in the next street tucks it's soft green leaves into a corner of my mind. The discovered river weir powerfully churns and calls me to come visit again. The gully filled with blooming purple weeds is lit beautifully in the afternoon sun. The scent of discovered alpaca farms is strong and guarded by the maremma who wont let us pass. Valleys with kangaroos and parrot, picturesque ponds and creeks and ancient trees are around each corners.


In return, I was pleased to show Tally some new and exiting things this weekend. Coming from out west I was pretty sure Tally may have never seen a beach before. So with much excitement and anticipation, we headed over to Stradebroke Island for a camping trip with twenty or so mates. Once she had joyously established herself as the pat demanding camp whore and scrap guzzling garbage disposal we headed to the beach.


From a distance she sighted shore breaking waves and began her cautious approach. Before long she was overwhelmed by her herding instinct and started to circle wide the white water. Closer and closer she got until finally she crashed right through an unpredictable wave. Upon discovering the wave didn't bite she was hook and spent the next few days keeping those white washes in place!


Each day Tally fills my heart and mind. Thanks to my insightful husband who 'gave' her too me.