Carl and Susan were sad and lonely after losing Corgis Caspar and Miss Ronnie to sudden illness within a year of each other. They had waited as long as they could before beginning the search for a new Corgi pal. Because of their busy schedules and low tolerance for puppy antics, they were looking for a young dog. Many phone calls and web searches later, they drove to New Hampshire to meet Tasman, a beautiful one year-old boy. Named after the Tasman Sea, this sweet guy had come from Australia. His destiny was leading him to northern Vermont and a different body of water.
His new folks renamed him Fergus Tasman, and along with house cat Grace, everyone promptly fell in love. (Actually, years later Grace reserves judgment. As cats will). Fergus loves people, wants to be a part of all activities and adores touching someone as often as he can.
We’re figuring out what to make for dinner, Mom!
Susan and Carl had been warned not to let Fergus play too long with stuffed toys. His habit of killing squeakers and swallowing stuffing had led to several bouts of tummy problems. The little orange ball became his favorite plaything.
The following Spring, Fergus made a new buddy. Levee came with his mom to work at his family’s equine farm, and the two became fast friends. Sadly, Levee eventually moved away. Fergus became lonely and depressed. His joy in the company of his folks disappeared, and Grace was a poor substitute. She tolerated Fergus, but wasn’t the least bit interested in a frolicking relationship. Trips to the barn were infrequent, as the combination of big horses, miniature donkeys and a busy roadway pose dangers to little dogs. (Or big dogs in little bodies).
I was so lonely.
Bottom line, despondent Fergus needed himself a new buddy. After a sustained search and some prayers for luck, his parents located a Corgi girl named Lilly in a faraway corner of Vermont. (OK, nothing in Vermont is actually far away from anything else). She was one of a litter of nine and had been waiting for just the right home.
You’re taking me home?! Jackpot!
Her arrival brought much joy to Fergus and his family. This pint-sized creature, capable of going from zero to 120 in a few seconds flat, brought hilarity, energy and a new lease on life for her formerly forlorn “big brother”.
Life is exhausting: Fergus temporarily exhausted by Lilly’s youthful energy.
Bird you say, bird? I’m awake, I’m awake already!
Birds? Birds? Where? Dang this ear won’t stay up.
With both satellites (ears) erect, Lilly arrived ready to receive messages from far and wide. After several months, however, her right ear took a flop. It would go up and down throughout the day. Her folks taped and massaged and did all they could to try and make that ear stand up. She looked cute as could be, but upright ears were the cutest. Several acupuncture treatments finally did the trick.
The household settled into a wonderful routine of play, rest, eating, walks, meeting new people and generally hanging about.
This is where you pee, Lilly. Not on the rugs.
At times, Lilly’s high energy proved challenging. Fergus was a bit more mannerly, having been for show prior to finding his forever home. Her folks enrolled Lilly in Doggie First Grade, where she did well with clicker training.
I will touch the ball later, just give me that treat now!
Certificate? I was hoping for a trophy made of treats.
In the meantime, Fergus decided he wanted to assist Susan with her psychotherapy practice. He began attending sessions with clients. It took him a while to figure out that he shouldn’t jump on people’s laps without an invitation, though a well-placed gaze and perfectly timed request to hop up could bring much needed comfort to those working through tough times. Greeting visitors in the waiting room was his favorite part of the job.
Miss Lilly became a spokesdog for town residents vying for a spot in the PetSafe Bark For Your Park Competition. Her fame and influence spread after she granted an interview with state television. She and Fergus participated in the Fourth of July parade to bring attention for the cause, on behalf of the dogs in their town of Derby. Ultimately, Derby won the contest and $25,000 to build a marvelous dog park — within walking distance of Fergus and Lilly’s home!
Fergus looking at his buddy Dozer. Parades are not Fergus’ favorite pastime.
Fergus and Lilly enjoying a good frap at Kingdom Dog Park
All in all, life for these two is a happy combination of working, playing and community service. They enjoy all four seasons …
…although winter can be a challenge!
(Psssst … where is the door?)
They have many friends in the community and bring much joy and comfort to their Mom and Dad. Lilly and Fergus demonstrate perfectly one of life’s most basic truths. As Bette Middler sings it, “Ya Gotta Have Friends!”
THE END(s)
Lovely pix! Have a fabulous Friday.
Best wishes Molly
Fergus and Lilly are just adorable!! They've brought me smiles this morning that will last all day!! 🙂
they are just beautiful. she really does run fast lol. such a petite little princess like my little girl. fantastic story and he came all the way from australia where i am, wow.
what a beautiful story. she sure is a fast little princess. he came all the way from australia which is where i am. what a trip. love the snow photo, what a laugh. thanks for the fantastic photos and story.
oh and i love the snow one where you only see their ears lol. great photos and story
My corgi Skyler and I will have to come up for a frap at the dog park. We're in Peacham, not too far away!