Thanks for that, I’ve got a couple of noisetiers in the garden and there’s lots of willow along the river, so maybe I’ll give it a go.
We have a friend who had a prolific truffle oak in his previous garden, but the neighbours would dig it up when he was away.
That is so very French
I never quite know what to make of our neighbours, after many years, one thinks one knows them but I’m often surprised sometimes by acts of kindness, but other times…
Last year I put in a spiral staircase between the first and middle floors. The old large (cheap and ugly) staircase 80mm wide with 13 treads, was left outside on a narrow footpath which only two or three people use. A few days later we had some friends over to whom we were going to give the staircase - but went outside and it was gone!
We have a suspect, but it doesn’t really matter.
This is going to be the next truffle hound in the village, a very young cocker spaniel, the training has already begun.
Also French.
That is exactly what would happen here too
It’s kind of a country frugality. Things like A Year in Provence really aren’t the half of it.
On a footpath. Public land so it was discarded and fair game.
Fortunately we don’t have that to contend with, but when the we got home exhausted from this afternoon’s rando, our tiny little poodle, who’d been running back and forth throughout the walk, immediately grabbed a ball for us to start playing…
New batteries? 
This doesn’t usually happen but Galys climbed up behind Jules a while ago, he doesn’t seem to mind.
By the way, reference my tumble in the river thread and comments later that my next dogs should be a Newfoundland to drag me out and a St. Bernard to bring me a cognac.
Well yesterday I saw on my FB page 2 Newfoundlands which were found abandonned and are in the SPA in Cabourg, Normandy. For some reason I can’t copy and paste the video of them. My skills in this area of activity are negligeable, anybody any idea? Simple steps please. 
I would love to see them but Normandy is a tad too far these days, and I couldn’t take the above 2 with me as there wouldn’t be enough room in the car for all 5 of us.
Are you sure they’re not black bears - they look big enough 
Pippi (black) and Obi say hello! It’s cold here, gong into another round of sub-freezing nights and just-above-freezing days, so the holiday hoodies will remain in use!
That’s 'em the one on the right seems a bit slobbery though and in any case I looked on the SPA site and, although only one was listed and that only 2 years old, so much too young for me. I am a bit worried though, they were listed to be rehomed together.
Meet Paco, who we collected from a rescue centre yesterday. Poor lad…He’s only 18 months but spent his entire first year kept permanently in a crate.The rescue centre + justice fortunately seized him from those owners. He seems very sweet, polite, quiet, intelligent and understandably quite clingy. He’s a fox terrier crossed with something, possibly podenco? We may do a DNA test out or curiosity at some point.
We were very impressed at the thoroughness of the adoption process by this reputable rescue centre. They even wanted to know how many rescue (8) and other dogs (1) we’ve had, how long they lived for, and what did they each die of eventually. Paco came armed with his very own French passport and rabies jab.
,George he looks gorgeous. As someone who has taken in rescue dogs over the years I have two thoughts for you. (Sorry, just reread your post - 8 rescues - you know all this! 
)
His behaviour at the moment is no indication of how he will be eventually. Give him time and he will find his “voice” and his role in the pack.
If he’s been in a crate through puppyhood he probably has no social skills with other dogs/other animals - won’t know how to play etc. If you can, work hard on getting him socialised, it will make life easier for him and you.
He looks sweet! We got a rescue just over 2 months ago and he spent the first two weeks glued to our knees desperate for attention. So different now!
Paco looks so winsome! Sounds like a very good rescue centre for another saved soul. I wish you all great happiness in this new year and beyond.
It breaks my heart to hear what some dogs have endured. Makes me hug my own dogs too hard.
