A Rio update!

LadyGascoyne

Still Fig-uring it out...
Joined
28 May 2013
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Rio is getting ready for his second winter in the UK. He has a snuggly bed, new hi-viz walking gear and Mum is considering buying him some boots- mainly because icy mud is still an exotic and unusual treat.

I'm back in his home town of Cape Town, South Africa but here are some pics of my pre-winter visit.

Late summer fields are SO much fun!

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So. Much. Fun.

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I swear he's usually quite a pretty dog!

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Ferrari Dog!

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Embarrassingly, we are still afraid of sheep. Even fake sheep.

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Sleeping in his favourite spot- on dad's slippers.

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For those of you that don't know, Rio has been my dad's constant companion throughout his illness. My dad lost his tongue and part of his jaw to cancer. Rio immediately learned new commands, based on how much my dad was able to pronounce. It's basically an entirely different language but Rio has never skipped a beat.


My dad's speech is improving massively and a huge part is due to the dog. As long as my dad keeps talking and giving commands, he learns to reuse his muscles. Rio doesn't judge him, laugh at him or treat him differently. It's the perfect therapy for such a private, dignified man. We are so lucky to have the little guy!

No surprises then that dog AND dad will be giving me away at my wedding in June. Rio's eu paperwork is all sorted and he will be partying with us in Italy! And yes... He gets a bow tie!
 
Its just amazing how dogs can help and understand people with health problems. How lovely that your Dad and Rio will both be giving you away at your wedding, can't wait to see the pictures of him in his bow tie.
 
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