Stories Of London

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Although I dislike the idea of comparing Her Grace The Duchess with Casanova/Puppy and have tried not to do it, as much as possible, since I find it unfair to both of these wonderful dogs. However, some comparison is unavoidable and will no doubt become evident. But, I have to say that they each are/were individuals and deserve to be thought of as such.

These two wonderful dogs have been the only dogs that I have ever shared my home with. Whenever we had a dog when I was a child, the animals always made it clear that he/she preferred my father to either me or my mother.

Although Her Grace has proven to be an excellent companion and great fun, I can not deny that I still miss Casanova/Puppy. My eyes were moist a week or so ago when the one-year memorial of his passing was noted. It would been a great joy to have both of them here together with me.

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Billie Holiday (1915-1959) – (You’d Be) So Easy to Love – written by Cole Porter (1891-1964)

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I have to admit that Her Grace fitted into life with me very easily and caused no trouble, unless we consider her barking at people – both strangers and known – as a problem!

Although she may appear not to like anyone, she is extremely easy to like. People seem to melt when they meet her. I notice that even the most miserable-looking person breaks into a smile at the sight of her – and who can blame them?

As the photograph shows, Her Grace is a great beauty despite the presence of a left eye cataract and a lack of teeth (note her tongue protrudes from the left side of her mouth). I think these apparent and possible considered blemishes are not one’s idea of traditional beauty and so might deter some from seeing her as a great beauty.

Over the past year, everyone that has met her seem to find her to be exactly that, a great beauty and a dog of great charm! Her admirers appear not to be disturbed by the fact that the beautiful Grand Duchess appears to dislike everyone she meets – and with no exceptions!

Little Richard (1932-2020) – The Girl Can’t Help – written by Bobby Troupe (1918-1999) –
and performed in the 1956 film of the same name

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In popular usage, the noun Dowager may refer to any elderly widow, especially one of wealth and dignity or aristocratic manner – Wikipedia

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What’s in a name?

Her Grace had already been given the name of Duchess by the time she came to live with me. I thought the name was somewhat different, but then I remembered that male dogs are often called Duke, and thought no more of it. For my own amusement, this led on to my eventual referring to her as Her Grace!  At her age in dog years, she could be classified as an older dog – in fact, a Dowager Duchess!

Dowagers

As I said, at first, I wondered why she had been named Duchess. But after a short time of her being with me, I understood the reason and saw how appropriate it was for Her Grace does have an aristocratic demeanour!

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