Hot summer days bring a legion of locals and out-of-towners down to our beautiful seaside boardwalk at Parksville Community Park.
When the tide is out and glides back hundreds of yards, the wide expanse of warm sand welcomes young and old. Frisbees fly and kites soar, kiddies frolic in the shallow, safe waters and dogs cool off, fetching sticks and barking at inquisitive seagulls. As the evening sets in, the masses migrate to the boardwalk and among this appreciative crowd are those who marvel at the world-class sunset that occurs just off the point near French Creek harbour.
Strolling along are our proud dog owners, obeying the leash laws and providing a safe and clean experience for dogs and people to mingle.
As a rule with so many different and unique breeds of dogs, I always write about and select a dog breed I haven’t written about before. Now technically I am holding true to that as this month’s prize pooch is a Bull Mastiff. Now some of you might be saying, “Hey what about Harley The Boerbel Mastiff from February’s issue of Barking Buddies?”
Here’s where I have to take advantage of Rule 7.2 Subsection 3, Page 26, Line 35 and 36 of the Professional Guide to Dog Writing.
“It is acceptable to write about the same breed twice in lighthearted local newspapers if they are from a different bloodline.” There. No harm, no foul.
So, I give you Lager or is it Logger, the English Bull Mastiff? As we gazed out towards the impending sunset there he was, in all his two-and-a-half-year-old splendour. A solid muscular frame houses his 125 pounds perfectly and although known for guarding and being protective Lager (that’s my guess) welcomes being rubbed and petted and paid attention to.
His owners are Rachel and Bryan Davies. I know I spelled Bryan properly because I verified about 10 minutes later calling out to him “is it Bryan with a 'y' or with an 'i'?"
What I didn’t realize was I didn’t get the spelling for the star of the show validated. The Davies are a really nice couple and getting to know them was as rewarding as meeting their massive Mastiff. Now Bryan is a big powerful looking man, I could see him wielding a huge chain saw, putting in a hard day in our lumber industry.
Or maybe just maybe no matter what he does for a living, he likes to enjoy a cool one, you know... a “lager”. Or he could be a logger who likes a lager. Whatever the case I don’t think 'Lager', again my guess, won’t be offended if I get it wrong.
As you can see on this hazy sunny evening this loveable family dog proudly looks out to sea, paws resting on the fence, his golden russet-coloured coat glistening.
Whether he is trying to sit on Bryan’s lap on the couch or keeping an eye on their young kids, this approachable beauty is this month’s feature, all technicalities aside.
Bill Flower is an avid dog lover and proud Parksville resident.
