When a Dog Adopts You.

We arrived at Schliessen on Wednesday afternoon. We’d been given clear instructions on where to go and arrived in front of a set of gates flanked by two cheetahs. However, the gate was locked, and per kind favour or Vodacom (who lie through their teeth when they advertise that International Roaming is available - we sat with our fingers you know where!

By some miraculous power of deduction Paul worked out how to open the gate (I won’t reveal how) and we were wending our way over a 4x4 track that would have enthusiasts drooling. Slowly and inexorably we made our way towards the house which we could see in the distance atop a very high hill, maybe even a mountain.

Finally, we were there and the first to greet us was a scruffy looking black dog who enthusiastically greeted us. When his human caretakers made an appearance and after all the introductions were made I enquired as to whether the dog was one of theirs. It appears that they misunderstood my question - directed in Afrikaans and not Ovambo as is their home language.  However, we were escorted to our absolutely wonderful digs with views to die for and every luxury you could think of.

Then, our guide made his way back down the mountain path with “his” dog on the back of his Polaris - a nifty little 4x4 vehicle (golf cart). We settled in and started unpacking. I had craftily taken a “doggy bag” from the restaurant in Mariental and so we could relax and take in the view.  It wasn’t even 30 minutes later when a panting scruffy four legged chappy joined us on the deck. He had, it seemed, run back the 3kms to join us.

I have to say, i was a bit taken aback by his appearance, and then noticed he was wearing a collar. However, Jan, as we learned his name was not daunted at all. He made himself at home and even though we were warned he shouldn’t go inside he seemed a little too much at home. However, I was slightly stressed out by the journey of three days and so probably missed a lot of the signs.

That night, Jan did not go home and as per instruction, we did not let him sleep inside and he spent the night on the outdoor bed that had been made up for us if we wanted to sleep outside. More missed signals.

The following morning, there he was at the door wagging his tail and flapping his eyelashes. But, being an obedient little chappy he stayed outside after being admonished that he was not allowed inside.  We still had to take our vehicle back down the mountain and exchange it for the nifty little 4x4. As I got into the car Jan made to jump in too but I said NO (how bad was I?). Then in true doggy fashion he ran back down the track behind the car making me feel like the heel I actually am.

I was prompted then to double check on my facts about Jan. It would appear that Jan belongs to the owner of the property and his bed that was brought up for him to sleep in is testament to that fact. Next, the food arrived as it would seem Jan has his own ideas on what he does with his life.

He now slavishly follows Paul’s every move, and carefully watches me. If I had for the Polaris he is at my heels. He not only drives in the back but on the front seat where he keeps a close watch on what I do.  

I realised today, that after only a week of staying at the top of the world, I have been adopted. Jan expects me to feed him, he expects me to call him in at night so that he can sleep inside because there are leopards in the area and he expects me to allow him to sit on the seat next to me.

I can see, when it comes time to take to the road again, there will be more than just a few tears shed in the parting.

Don't forget that you can see my work that I am doing while on my epic adventure HERE and remember my work is always for sale and you can drop me an email HERE if you'd like to add a piece to your collection.