Hamish the Westie, January 2010
Nice Nobby, October 2022
The background story:
Gail's first ever dog, Hamish the Westie, was aged fourteen when Gail decided he needed a new raincoat as his existing one was ragged and distinctly porous. Hamish's furs had all the properties of a sponge and as a result he definitely preferred wearing a waterproof jacket in wet weather. Gail saw this fine item of dogwear on the Land's End website and, in an uncharacteristic burst of extravagance and sentimentality, decided to pay an additional sum of money to have Hamish's name embroidered across the back.
Sadly, Hamish only lived for a couple of months after the smart red raincoat arrived, and the nearly new garment was folded up neatly and consigned to the back of the 'dog things' cupboard.
It wasn't until Bouncing Bertie was about one year old that Gail decided to see if Hamish's raincoat would do for him too. Although fox terrier Bertie was quite a different shape from Hamish, this flexible coat fitted perfectly and indeed looked very handsome on him. Unfortunately there was a problem, as young Bertie did not react well to the noise of the velcro fastenings being pulled apart, and Gail eventually found him an alternative, a blue coat with a silent plastic clip. In time Bertie did get used to the velcro sound, and occasionally wore the red jacket, but his glossy furs were intrinsically quite water repellent so he had less need for an extra layer in wet weather. (He did wear home-knitted sweaters in the snow and frost, but that's another story.)
So although the 'Hamish' raincoat is twelve years old, it is still almost as good as new. I, Nice Nobby, am now nearly fully grown. We have had some very wet weather this week, and my furs are not as thick and glossy as Bertie's were, and so Gail decided I should wear the jacket for my early morning walk a couple of days ago. At first I thought she had given me an exciting new item to chew, but it turned out that was not the idea, and pretty soon I reconciled myself to the novel experience of wearing clothing and trotted happily round the park feeling quite suave.
I have noticed that what looks like the very same jacket is still available on the Lands' End website. Who thinks Gail should order me a brand new one - perhaps for a Christmas present this year - and have it customised with my name embroidered across the back? 'Nobby' or 'Nice Nobby'? What do you think?
Nobby, my human of Scots descent thinks you should wear that one out first (just get a label with your name added to the 'Hamish' to show you come from a long line of loyal k9 companions). As for the wearing out I, the Tigger, think that you proclivity for mud wallowing should do it reasonably quickly. 😼🙄
ReplyDeleteGail did at one point get a strip of silver duct tape, write Bertie on it in black marker, and stick it over Hamish's name. But it didn't last.
Deleteis it? we love lands end and we love your raincoat... it has a history and it can tell stories... is't that great?
ReplyDeleteIn the rain and mud it's my legs, undercarriage, tail, head, ears and neck that get so wet and mucky. The waterproof coat just looks after my back and slides around. I think She Who Must be Obeyed / Mum is thinking about a rubber wetsuit with an area cut out at the under rear area. I hope this is just a phase she is going through. Ted
ReplyDeleteF saw a big fluffy dog wearing a snowsuit like that when she lived in Norway. It had a hood and even his tail had a sleeve. Snow had made big rattly icicles on any exposed fur.
DeleteWell, Nobby, it seems a shame to throw something almost new away - you could have a few years wear out of it. However it could be a bit embarrassing when people start calling you Hamish, and then there's all the explaining that you are called Nobby! A new coat for Christmas with your very own name would be a splendid present. I hope that Gail is secretly knitting you your very own lovely sweater too!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Inca xx
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteWell Nobby, I am inclined, as Tigger says, to think a name patch would be the sensible option - and Nobby only. The nice bit is a tad conditional! Pawhaps you could get Gail to click here for just such an item? I think you look very dapper in the red coat of generations!!! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
I am among the votes for keeping the rain jacket. Similar to Yam, I thought a patch showing a WFT (if big enough) would be suitable. Or if Gail feels sad when she see the jacket, she could look for another one. As an aside, I believe the general quality of Landsend products (although not alone in this) has decreased in the past several years. And I must add that I bought a winter/rain jacket for my (long) cardigan welsh corgi from Ruffwear https://ruffwear.com/products/overcoat-dog-jacket, although they have other choices. I love this jacket! The jackets are available to you on amazon.co.uk (RUFFWEAR Overcoat Jacket, Abrasion-Resistant Dog Jacket with Fleece Lining for Cold Weather, Red Clay, Medium). You might be interested in their other choices.
ReplyDeleteOhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Nobby well done on your quick acceptances of the very fine RED rain jacket. Red is definitely a great color for Westies and WFT's.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts:
1.Yes do order a new one exactly like the old one with Nobby on the back but no nice or naughty just Nobby.
2. Don't order a new one keep the one stating you are Hamish...that way when you decided to make rash, WFT, decision to bolt...and Gail is running behind calling Nobby, you can continue on because everyone who might help will also be calling Hamish.
Thoughtfully and hugs
Cecilia
You look very dashing in that raincoat, Nobby. We agree that maybe a patch with your name on it would work good.
ReplyDeleteRed is so your color, Nobby, and the coat looks beautiful on you! We agree with the others that a patch with your name on it would be perfect!
ReplyDeleteWe think your mother is a wise and thrifty Scot. It seems you are the next in a glorious lineage of worthy pups and red is lovely on you. If you feel strongly, a patch would be ok. But, we view wearing the coat to be an honor..
ReplyDeleteWe are barking out loud at Aunty Cecilia's comment...and think that she may be on to something! BOL!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Sunny
That jacket is definitely an heirloom!
ReplyDeleteI am glad it was one side fits all. I wore one of Pocket's jackets the other day and it fit perfectly..
ReplyDeleteGo for the heritage garment,and affix an embroidered (with your name) over the other, or even above it so peeps can see you are part of a wonderful lineage.
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous and stylish in your coat Nobby! The red suits you! And getting less wet, it's a win-win!
ReplyDeleteRosie and Redford