Monday, July 18, 2011

Spoiled Rotten In France


Spending the day wandering the historic World War 1 sites of Verdun France left Erin and I exhausted, hungry, and in need of a comfy plush bed to crawl into. From sunrise to late afternoon, we trekked upon sacred ground where over 700,000 French and German soldiers perished in the year of 1916; battlegrounds, forts, trenches, memorials, villages, cemeteries and elaborate bunker systems were explored at our leisure. Leaving the countryside behind and driving into the heart of Verdun it was my intent to take refuge at a dog-friendly establishment near the castle and river and that's exactly what occurred. A quaint hotel was spotted and while Erin remained in the car I dashed inside to see if there was room availability for a weary traveler and his dog; a jovial middle aged lady greeted me with much warmness and via broken English said dogs are most welcome. Returning to the car I leashed Erin while grabbing our bags for some doggie hospitality as only the French can do.


Walking through the double set of doors was akin to entering a world where the dog is revered and put upon a pedestal for all to worship. The innkeeper Paulette bombarded her canine guest with attention from the moment their eyes met, adoration's in French flowed as our host dropped to her knees then onto her rear end for a face to face greeting unlike any other I'd seen. She fell in love with Erin immediately and was basically rolling on the floor smothering her with hugs and kisses. The lovefest continued with Paulette stroking the luxurious soft fur while the stubby brown tail moved in a rapid blur insync with the foreign words being spoken to her. Shortly hereafter Erin rolled onto her back in a gesture of total relaxedness while the pink tongue fell out the side of her mouth but the two new best friends continued oblivious to my presence. To witness this stranger plopped down near the entranceway loving upon my girl in this manner was a complete surprise and the entire scene was very surreal but Erin sure didn't mind.


This continued for what seemed an eternity then the innkeeper rose, hastily straightened her dress and apron and strolled to the check-in counter where she acted as if rolling on the floor with Erin was the most natural act. We were led to a cozy basic room on the third floor where a porter recommended dining in the hotel restaurant and it was stressed that dogs were always welcome. There were a few hours until dinner was to be served so we wandered aimlessly admiring the beauty of Verdun while greeting numerous dogs that crossed our path; funny how dogs all speak the same language. Returning to the hotel we headed straight to the restaurant for what I hoped would be some delicious French cuisine; the friendly waitress brought a menu and a bowl of water for Erin whom was sprawled near my feet. Paulette magically appeared to inquire if Erin would be interested in something to eat and a few minutes later a server arrived with a massive bowl of sliced beef strips; the mountain of food was no match for my girl's voracious appetite and the container was licked clean within minutes.


Returning to our room Erin laid upon the floor for some well-deserved sleep after a long hectic day that began with a drive from Germany in the wee hours of the morning. A series of raps on the door startled us both and reluctantly I opened the door to find our generous host holding another bowl of goodies from the kitchen then she politely pushed her way into the room where against my better judgement I allowed the second bowl of food to be served. Erin's snout was buried in the bowl before it hit the floor and as before she wasted little time in making this bowl full of meat and gravy vanish. My girl displayed a look of pure bliss on her face after feasting like a queen on two decadence meals but that look would soon disappear. Sleep was short-lived as Erin's overindulgence came back to haunt us when sickness got the best of her and portions of the rich French cuisine came back up. After her body functions returned to normal I placed her in bed next to me where we both fell into a deep sleep and that's where we remained until the alarm clock rang.


The next morning Paulette was repeatedly thanked for her hospitality and spoiling Erin beyond belief but not a word of the sickness from the excess of food was mentioned as I didn't want to offend our wonderful host or cause her to worry unnecessarily; I could imagine her frantically calling a veterinarian thus she was spared that tidbit of info. She only had the best interest of Erin at heart as exhibited by the nonstop attention and sweet gestures while her intention to spoil my fur-angel was achieved. Paulette lived up to the reputation of the French being the ultimate dog lovers and her kindness will always be remembered and much appreciated! We spent the remainder of the day strolling around Verdun like nomads often stopping to relax with the locals in cafes and parks before checking out of the hotel and while it was bittersweet saying goodbye I take great joy in knowing Erin got a glimmer of doggie heaven on earth while together we created many lasting memories. RIP Erin!!

18 comments:

  1. What a lovely story. We Americans can learn something from the French about how to treat dogs (minus the overindulgence episode.) More people should meet a great dog and roll around on the floor with them! The world would be a better and happier place. :-)

    Love,
    Orea
    http://orea-highervoice.blogspot.com/

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  2. I enjoyed reading this. What great hospitality you, and especially Erin, received during your travels in France! That innkeeper seemed to have quite the heart for her! :)

    My husband and I have been traveling before with our golden retreiver Cassidy and sometimes it's hard to find a hotel that takes dogs. We've tried to smuggle Cassidy into more than one before...usually doesn't work! We are usually quickly "discovered" and into the night we end up going, looking for a hotel that will accept us AND our furry companion. We love Motel 6's! They always accept pets.

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  3. First, what a different experience for you and Erin from the story told in " Shots Rang Out"...I love this one David as again, it reiterates the affect that Erin had on all she came in contact with. How heart warming for you to see Paulette showering her love on Erin and then Erin frollicking in Doggy Bliss..another doting human to roll around with. Amazing...they include our beautiful companions bringing food and water at dinner time. You are right..Paulette would have been devistated if you had told her Erin got sick. Good call!This is a special memory for you and Erin..being in a place that understood the bond, loved animals and was very inclusive of your beloved pet.

    Keep writing David, the Story of David and Erin needs to bed told. We need you both in our world...reminding us of giving from the heart for the one you Love and the reciprical flow of love coming back. The joy of sharing...unconditionally..just wanting to be with that special being. You give us Hope...and Erin continues to Play, Love, Heal and work her Magic in our World through the memories of your Writing. I never knew her in Life...but I feel her essence and Miss her dearly throught your words. You are the lucky one..you shared a love that most hope to achieve..your loss of Erin is behond comprehension..yet the gifts she gave are Magic..and she continues to give! Heartfelt...

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  4. @Orea Thanks for vsiting and commenting!! The French certainly can teach Americans how dogs should be treated. Dogs are often held in higher esteem than children :)

    @Jessica Paulette was very kind hearted for sure and Erin brought out that goodness as she often did in people. It's hard to travel with dogs in America because of the anti-pet policy but slowly things are getting better as dogs are becoming a bigger part of the family and not just a second thought. Thanks for coming by!! :)

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  5. @Raven Thanks for vsiting!! Erin had a profound effect on everyone she met, never did she meet an stranger. Paulette was a special lady who quickly bonded with Erin, not sure what possessed her to get upon the floor except pure love.

    I'll continue to write and document our time together as the stories are many. It's my goal to bring her story and our bond to light via this blog. I appreciate your patronage and friendship, sure Erin would love hanging with you in beautiful B.C. Take care!!

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  6. Wonderful to hear about your time in France with Erin David!

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  7. That's a really interesting story.Thanks for sharing your experience with us.It's really great they treat dogs no less than humans.That's the best part of the story.

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  8. @Elizabeth Thanks for joining me on this journey!!

    @Aabhisek Thanks!! It's great that dogs in Europe are treated so well

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  9. Wish we could be as pet-friendly, here in India...Loved the french hospitality shown to Erin, She sure was one pretty girl! She led a wonderful life with her best friend,god bless.

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  10. your every story with fury Erin explore the sentiments and sensibilities of animals. thanks to the french who hold a special way of showing their love for these pets. making them realize that are also special and that they also deserve an extraordinary treat , is vital. if we show love we get love, and in case of these lovely animals the love knows no reason but only love. this can make life live worthy. thanks for sharing the adorable moments of your baby girl, erin.

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  11. I am just imagining that lady rolling with Erin. Erin was truly special. I think her warmth rubbed off on everyone she came in contact with.

    http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.com/2011/07/questions.html?spref=gr#close=1

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  12. I'm extremely moved by your story, and reaching for the tissues as I type.


    I often take my Charlie Boy away with me, I can't imagine life without him and I feel broken hearted reading your posts but I can see that Erin had a wonderful life with you and was a pretty amazing dog.

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  13. @Sulekkha Thanks for visiting!! I wish America was as friendly as Europe when it comes to dogs. We've come a long way but still have far to go. Yes she was very pretty and had a great life :)

    @Sancheeta All animals including dogs derve to be treated fairly and with passion. I respect the French for the being the best.

    @Rimly Erin melted so many hearts and never met a stranger. She was one special dog!!

    @SJ Thanks for finding my blog and commenting, it's much appreciated!! Charlie Boy sounds like one spoiled dog indeed and I'm sure he deserves it. Erin had a great life!!

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  14. What a wonderful story David! I could just picture this lady with your beautiful Erin..such a heart warming story :)I enjoyed this a lot..thank you!

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  15. I wish Erin could have met my Jazz in France. Jazz is from Blois, now 12 1/2.
    Yes, the French definitely know how to treat dogs. I miss that, as does Jazz:=)

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  16. Amazing Erin did it yet again, she won another heart over. Your stories of your travels and times with Erin are winning over many hearts as read.

    Don't think you can find that kind of hospitality here in the US. Now a days you can't even take the family pet to the beach with you.

    Thanks again for sharing

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  17. Oh this was so sweet. Paulette seems like a lovely lady and I liked the last bit about doggy-heaven. Warm hug from India, David.

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  18. How lovely for such kindness shown to Erin. You will recommend to others and return yourself. It doesn't hurt for people to be kind, and yet, not many are. Glad you had a lovely visit. France is one place I wish to go. Blessings from Oz.

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