smallhobbit

Title: A New Puppy?
Fandom: Sherlock Holmes (ACD)
Rating: G
Length: 534 words
Summary: Dr Watson wonders about having a puppy. [Sussex Retirement 'verse]
 

Colonel Frasier had taken great delight in showing me the litter of boxer pups his bitch had just had.

“Would you have liked one?” he had asked me.

I admit to have been sorely tempted, but had regretfully declined the offer.  They were very sweet, but being realistic, getting down onto the floor was not so easy at my age.  Not that the descent was difficult, after all, that was gravity aided, but standing up again required something solid to grip onto to ensure I did not wobble.

Taking the pup for a walk would be no hardship, for both Holmes and I continued to enjoy our strolls around the countryside.  However, part of the enjoyment is spotting the little creatures and the shy birds, which would not long remain if we had an enthusiastic pup with us.  And not only that, but the pup would need a brisk walk, which I am certainly no longer able to provide.  No, I had no intention of keeping such a magnificent animal without giving it the exercise it deserved; it is a sad sight to see a dog which is overweight and slovenly because it is but a pampered pet.

On top of which, there was Wordsworth to consider.  Wordsworth is the cat Mrs Maiden, our housekeeper, provided, when Holmes instructed her to do something about the mouse problem.  I have never seen any evidence of Wordsworth as a mouser, but equally, since his arrival, I have not been aware of any trouble with mice.  So it is reasonable to deduce that he fulfils his role in some way or other.

Wordsworth does not care for dogs, and takes great delight in sitting on high fences, where he can be seen and barked at by the neighbouring dogs.  He would not approve of a canine interloper.

Then there is the question of caring for a dog when we are away and cannot take the animal with us.  The Hopkins’ girls next door are happy to come in and feed Wordsworth if we are away overnight, but a dog would require much more attention, which I am reluctant to ask for. 

Plus, even when Holmes is at home, he could not be guaranteed to look after a dog.  Wordsworth survives perfectly well with Holmes.  As far as I can make out, on the occasions my companion remembers to get himself something to eat, the cat simply shares in it.  And if he wishes to be let in, he will appear on a window sill and bat at the window, at which point Holmes automatically stands up, opens the window, may, or may not, shut it again, and returns to whatever he is doing.  This does, of course, mean there may be a trail of muddy pawprints across the floor, but since Holmes is normally oblivious to his own footprints, this is no more than can be expected.

Therefore, much as I might have liked a pup of my own, I have concluded that it really would be impractical.  I shall content myself with continuing to visit the Colonel, where I am welcome to make a fuss of the dogs, without having to take on the responsibility myself.