It has to be said that Jemima, like many dogs, became a creature of habit. She developed a way of life that was filled with wonderful mannerisms and stubborn ways that could at once be both irritating and hilarious, sometimes sad but always Jemima. In lots of ways she also became an extension of my own personality. Take her interest and initially youthful exuberance with people in the early days which eventually over time would often turn to suspicion and coyness once the lie of the land was figured out and a decision would be taken as to whether an individual was “worth it” or not. Jemima would often make happy with someone new only to turn her nose up at them once the decision about “worth” had been taken as was often my own wont. As life went on, especially during the pre and inter marital periods when I had various different girls visiting, she would sometimes take a quick look and go “naaaah” in a curious but brief assessment and conclusion that told everything. Perhaps it was premonition or a mood thing?

When seeking attention Jemima would paw at what she wanted or speak to ask permission with her lovely “ayummayummayumm” sound that she would make. Much the same as I could often mumble something when not completely confident of myself or when trying not to be rude. Jemima also chewed her paws a lot only for when the scar tissue around the top of her paws built up so much that she would need to chew herself raw tying to itch the underside of her toes where the dust mite allergy most affected her – I chew my nails sometimes till my fingers sting. There were mutual exchanges too where if any of lifes trials or discomforts became too much and when I was under stress she would strangely appear and vice versa – if she yelped or needed help I would handily appear to resolve the problem. I guess we both by habit looked out for each other unreservedly. If only people could be more like that with each other. The more I think about the similarities the more I understand how in tune we were as Man and Dog. 

Thinking back though I can’t tell where the little mannerisms and ways that started as Puppy reaction to something new became ingrained ways especially since she seemed so at ease with new things and changes to routine. It was almost as if she only needed me to feel at home in any situation as was the way I would feel knowing she was there. Perhaps that, as a sort of habit of grounding, was the best habit of all.