gibson and ghetto checking in

by Sharon Santoni

 

 

Gibson and Ghetto haven’t shown up here on the blog for quite a while.    Thank you to everyone who wrote and asked about them.  They are keeping well, and continue to bring us a lot of joy.      They are both seven years old now, and ( I have to say this very quietly) Gibson is going rather grey around the jowls, but that doesn’t stop them racing up to the forest on every possible opportunity.

Gibson the retriever is, has always been and always will be the gentleman.  He lives to make us happy.   When I come home and open the garden gate he scrambles around to find something he can bring me as a gift.   A stone, a branch, or maybe if I’m really lucky a mouthful of soggy leaves!

Gibson will only lay on the sofa if formally invited, he won’t eat his food until given the all clear, and he loves to be brushed, and taken care of.

Ghetto is an altogether different client.    He will sit on the sofa, the armchair, new cushions or even my bed, as often as he wants.  Because seriously why else would we have this comfortable furniture around the house if it wasn’t to keep him happy?   When I come home he won’t bring me a gift, but he will check the car to see if I have anything for him, and more than anything in the world he hates to be brushed or groomed.

Ghetto wakes each morning with a to-do list.   He is often to be seen sitting in the middle of the garden, his ears twitching in radar mode, ensuring he misses nothing.   In the garden he is an expert mouse catcher and mole digger-upper, and in the spring,  when there are bird nests perched in the wisteria on the front of the house, I frequently have to get a ladder to retrieve him from some impossible position eight foot off the ground, because he has climbed the branches looking for a nest and got stuck!

But this week he took his adventures to a whole new level.     We had a plumber here, with his big white plumber van parked in the driveway.     I was in my office, and Ghetto started barking incessantly.   Stepping out of the office to investigate what all the excitement was about, Ghetto was found beneath the van, his head poked up behind the wheel hub.   He had the scent of something.

He was hauled into the office but persistently whined until let out again.   An hour later, it wasn’t his barking that took us outside, but the total silence.  I went out to investigate and couldn’t find him anywhere.  I checked the gate but it was closed, checked indoors, no dog.    I asked the plumber if he had seen Ghetto, and together we walked around his truck.   No dog in sight.   Suddenly we heard the tiniest noise.    The plumber looked puzzled, opened the driver  door to release the lock on the hood.   He stepped back in front of the truck and lifted the hood slowly to reveal ….. Ghetto!   That dog had climbed up over the wheel and somehow gotten into the actual motor!  Seriously ?!

59 comments

Donna February 18, 2019 - 6:46 pm

I’m guessing that Ghetto was chasing a chimpmunk or squirrel , but thank goodness you found him. He is truly a rascal.

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Rosemary Foreman February 18, 2019 - 6:54 pm

How completely delightful ! Your writing, and “the kids”!!

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Saundra Friedman February 18, 2019 - 6:54 pm

Being a dog lover and the proud owner of a 13 year old black and white Havanese, I loved reading about your two characters!!!. They are so adorable and sweet together. They are fortunate to have you caring for them and loving them so much . I am always so happy to read about dogs who are cherished , understood and appreciated as much as you have indicated here by describing them. Our little one is named after a favorite aunt I had growing up in Winnipeg Canada–Molli Bea. Her name was Bea and we used to sit on the steps eating a canadian chocolate bar called Molly O with carmel and nuts and the most delicious chocolate. Anyway, just wanted to say hello to you and your two good friends. Saundra

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Jessica Conick February 18, 2019 - 6:59 pm

What a fun pair! They sound like our two dogs. Glad they are doing well!

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Valorie February 18, 2019 - 7:00 pm

I loved seeing this this morning! I adore these two sweet pups and had been wondering about them. So glad that all is well. Hugs and scritches for both of them. <3

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Gae Nunes February 18, 2019 - 7:03 pm

Thank you for such a great story…..or should I say, thank you Ghetto for making me laugh. Sharon, those two are so appropriately named!

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Judith Miller February 18, 2019 - 7:08 pm

Thank you for the big smile I have on my face. You made my morning, or rather Gibson and Ghetto made my morning!

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kari February 18, 2019 - 7:08 pm

What cute boys! I often wonder what I would do without my dogs to keep me company and make me laugh. How blessed you are to have two such handsome boys. Thank you for sharing and bringing a smile to my face on this dreary cold February Monday!

Cheers!

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Cheryl Kotras February 18, 2019 - 7:12 pm

I thought I was alone in a dog like Ghetto. “Hobbit” starts each day with a laugh and makes me laugh when I’m not pulling out my hair. What a joy to share life with these happy fellows

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tracy brown February 18, 2019 - 7:15 pm

There is nevr a dull moment with furry varmints on site. We are down in numbers at the moment- our beagle terrier, Annie- who is next to no fun until she wrestles with the tuxedo cat, Max, or the huge labradoodles in the extended family, Twila and Phoebe. Max, on the other hand, is a hoot. Loves hide and seek, ping pong balls and boxes…ANY box that he can weedle into. And Max is fascinated with the big dogs- next to no fear as he investigates them. The dogs, however big, are not so eager to respond. Always good for a laugh. Every home needs a few.

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Cindy Gillespie February 18, 2019 - 7:22 pm

You have to love a terrier! Darling boys!

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Dottie Monta February 18, 2019 - 7:26 pm

Looks like you have a perfect balance there, Sharon: Gibson for Stability, Ghetto for Mischief!
They’re lucky to have you, and you, them.
And of course, we, you!!

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Dana D February 18, 2019 - 7:29 pm

Ghetto sounds especially devilish, even for a wire fox terrier! But the flip side is they’re smart, fun and loving, so they’re worth it.

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Sherry Bonds February 18, 2019 - 7:31 pm

Thanks for that heartwarming story! Lots of love and laughter, and a little stress!
I think Ghetto would like our Christmas tree climbing, opening drawers Cat named Midnight!

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Kathie February 18, 2019 - 7:32 pm

Love the update! Thank you.

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Yvonne McFadden February 18, 2019 - 7:33 pm

Ghetto is adorable! What breed is he?
At first I thought he was a rough coated Parsons Jack Russell but now I’m not too sure…

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holly February 18, 2019 - 7:34 pm

Our fur-babies bring joy no matter their breed, age or ambitions. My two are a constant source of smiles even if just sleeping (snoring) in the sun. Happy day to you and the kids!

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Lynne Smith February 18, 2019 - 7:40 pm

Thank you so much for the post featuring Gibson and Ghetto. I’m one of your followers who enquired after them a few months back. Five weeks ago I had a serious operation I am still recovering from. The photos of your fur children were almost as good as a visit from a therapy dog.

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Carol February 18, 2019 - 7:47 pm

Love your pictures! I have an almost 10 year Golden that looks just like Gibson. His name is Zak. However he hates to be groomed. He also brings me gifts when I arrive home. Love those those Goldens!

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Elizabeth Ferguson February 18, 2019 - 7:51 pm

Unbelievable! I’d hate to think would might have happened if you hadn’t found your baby before that van was started. He sounds like any absolutely adorable mess. Gotta love ‘um.

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sandi February 18, 2019 - 7:52 pm

Since we are “dog people” I loved this posting! Ghetto sounds like our Liesl—but I think Ghetto is a terrier & Lisi is a maltese. . . . curiosity is their middle name. Lisi never stops wagging her tail & loves life more than we have ever had a pup love life (we have had maltese since 1971). These will be our last 2—maybe we will foster thereafter.
So, thank you so much. You could write a book about this little guy, you know!

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Colleen Taylor February 18, 2019 - 8:01 pm

What a darling and funny story Sharon. These dogs are priceless & so are their adventures with you.

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Angela Muller February 18, 2019 - 8:08 pm

Hilarious! The sequel to “The Thin Man” series with the addition of Gibson, the professor!

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Roberta February 18, 2019 - 8:10 pm

So happy to read about their adventures……..thank you for posting this. I wish that you wrote about them more often!

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Phyllis Norris February 18, 2019 - 8:16 pm

I love this story. We had a wire-haired fox terrier for 15 years and she was entertaining to say the least. She had a mind of her own and did exactly as she pleased and when she had done something naughty we always knew because she would hide in the bathroom. We loved her beyond measure and still miss her. She was also tri-colored so every time I see photos of yours my heart melts a little. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pets.

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Penny February 18, 2019 - 8:21 pm

Hilarious! And thank goodness you found him before the engine turned over and chopped him to bits!

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Debbie Courtney February 18, 2019 - 8:45 pm

Sharon, I just feel like we are good friends!!!! Loved hearing about your darling dogs today!!! They are truly our souls on earth. I adore mine!!!!
Just opened the latest box #9!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE it and Annick Goutal is one of my most favorite brands of perfume.
Merci, Debbie

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Mary S February 18, 2019 - 8:46 pm

I’ve SO MISSED seeing pictures of these two adoraabled guys!! THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting pictures of them…..
Your readers want to see them — at list I sure do — more often. Thanks again. I love these guys!!!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

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Mary February 18, 2019 - 9:06 pm

Wow! What a close call!

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Natalia February 18, 2019 - 9:45 pm

Well,dear Sharon,your story today makes me understand all the more why we are drawn to you:you are a dog lover and take wonderful care of your own two darling fur “kids”!
I have forever subscibed to “Dog is God spelled backwards”!
We lost own beloved twin Yorkshire Terriers through horrible deaths,and in our sadness,never thought we would again be blessed with such joy
(What did Seneca ask Marcia–should grief be deep or never ending?)
The good Lord had mercy on us ,though,and granted us
unexpected happiness again: our Yorkshire Terrier puppies sweet Ellise Rose(Elley) and her half brother,Aristotle(Ari).
How wonderful to be given grace of answered prayers,even when you aren’t aware that you are
even praying them!

I

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Denise February 18, 2019 - 10:08 pm

Dogs add so much to our lives

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Suzanne G Towles February 18, 2019 - 10:20 pm

I adore your dogs! I even made a special Pinterest board for them. We had a “perfect” Golden as well, named Medley. She was training to be a guide dog but ended up being career-changed into a pet (we called it a case of doggy ADD). We loved her for many, many years and miss her Every. Single. Day. I now live vicariously through your dynamic duo and look forward to hearing about their daily adventures.

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Sue Malizia February 18, 2019 - 11:04 pm

So fun hearing about the personalities of your Gibson and Ghetto…I loved how you spoke about missing them when I had the pleasure of meeting you last Summer. =)

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Dee harris February 18, 2019 - 11:40 pm

A good laugh is a great way to start the day I love those 2 adorable furry hounds. I too am a dog lover always have them around me they make like fun and more loveable I am so glad you posted their antics for us all

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Natalie February 18, 2019 - 11:50 pm

Every fur-baby has his own personality! What a hoot, that Ghetto! Gibson balances everything with his good manners. It always seems to work out that way, even with cats. Life is better with furbabies than not.

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Harlene February 19, 2019 - 12:52 am

I loved hearing about Gibson and Gato !

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Lin February 19, 2019 - 1:29 am

Love it. You could write a whole book on their adventures and have a best seller.

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Myrna February 19, 2019 - 1:33 am

Dearest Sharon, it’s Myrna from Napa!
Gibson and Ghetto are absolutely wonderful. My heart so touched by the beautiful pictures. We had our amazing, yellow Labrador Retriever, George, for over 17 years glorious years. Can you believe it! It’s been some 4 years now, missing our George….it’s soon time for our adding to the family. Wishing Gibson and Ghetto many happy adventures and your continued joy having them! They are the best!

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Kathie D. February 19, 2019 - 1:36 am

Sharon, both of your dogs are adorable! However, I do confess that I have extra fondness for Ghetto. I love that he is adventurous, and productive. Why should all your beautiful furniture be for his comfort?! Haha! I love it! From a dog lover to little Ghetto, “You have stolen my heart”!

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Becky Madison February 19, 2019 - 1:37 am

They are so cute, I love seeing their pictures and hearing what they are up to!

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Debra February 19, 2019 - 2:04 am

It is so fun the read about the antics of these 2 beautiful crybabies. I always enjoy seeing photos or videos of them. Thank you for sharing!

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Debra February 19, 2019 - 2:06 am

That is suppose to read furbabies!

Perils of computer changing words!

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Linda February 19, 2019 - 2:38 am

I had wondered about your two fur children, not having seen them for awhile. I am happy to see that they are well and happy. Your Gibson’s personality is much like that of our Brady, a yellow lab, who passed away a number of years ago. We still miss his gentle nature every day. Ghetto’s antics put a smile on my face. I am glad that he was found before he got too caught up in that engine. Thank you for sharing such special memories with us.

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Kathie Johnson February 19, 2019 - 2:50 am

Those two are part of all that is “My French Country Home.” I often imagine living my life in the exquisite backdrop that you share with us. I am grateful for these pleasant day dreams. Of course you you are “My French Girlfriend!”

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Leslie in Little Rock February 19, 2019 - 3:15 am

Awe! I love this! I had a Westie who taught my Cavalier to chase squirrels but this story takes the cake! I love the different personalities of each dog. I have received my Stylish French Box, but I am waiting till I am alone and can thoroughly enjoy and relish each bit. This is the first one I have received!!! I am going to post on my Instagram soon!

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Donna D February 19, 2019 - 4:22 am

Bonjour Sharon
What a great story,….which made my husband and I laugh out loud. Thank you! Dogs add such an additional layer of love to our lives and teach us so much. Your two fur babies are adorable and obviously compliment and adore each other. What a lovely life they have in your beautiful garden!
please keep us posted from time to time on their antics!
Kindest regards
Donna D
(Australia)

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Sue February 19, 2019 - 5:19 am

I love this post because it made me laugh so hard. Ghetto’s story is so much fun. I had a beautiful Golden too, Buster, and he weighed 95 pound and had the sweetest personality of any dog I have ever had. Like Gibson he loved to be brushed. You are very blessed to have such adorable fur kids.

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Leslie in Oregon February 19, 2019 - 10:43 am

Thank you for this post about Gibson and Ghetto. I love and had missed your stories about and photographs of them. How wonderful that they are only 7 years old: they may well have lived not even 1/2 of their lifetimes yet! (Our beloved Golden, Henry, lived 14 and 1/3 healthy years, and our Long-Haired Dachshund Bob is in fine fettle closing in on the same number.) Your Boys are just wonderful , beautiful characters, and from these photographs, I gather that they have grown close to each other than ever. Please Give them each big pets from, and with love, Leslie, with Scott, Bob and Henry Spirit

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Tracey Warwick February 19, 2019 - 11:18 am

Hilarious- what dangers a dog can get into!
It’s lovely to read and laugh about – my Labrador relates to Gibson with a little Ghetto thrown in ( never got under a wheel arch though ) x

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Carole February 19, 2019 - 3:30 pm

Thank you for the wonderful story of your babies,I wanted to read more! Update often please.
I have a little poodle named Tippy, joy of my life! Love and all that’s good in life to you and the boys.
Carole

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mary stewart February 19, 2019 - 3:50 pm

your fur babies are as beautiful and joyful as your children and i love how you write about their unique personalities!

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June Rubenstein February 19, 2019 - 7:41 pm

It’s amazing, my sons golden retrievers act just like Gibson….one of them, Hoku, always has to bring you one of his toys that he carries everywhere. He has a box full. is fabulous…They are fabulous dogs.
The other’s name is Kuma…. they are Hawaiian you know.

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Melanie Comins February 19, 2019 - 9:11 pm

What a delight! Thank you for sharing this lovely post featuring your fur babies. Being a dog lover and a mummy to two “muppies’ myself I can really relate to the differences in personalities. Charlie our gentle and polite cavoodle so reminds me of your Gibson where my little Daisy the Princess while loving and constantly making us laugh believes that everything and everyone in the world has been created for her comfort and entertainment. I consider my fur bubs to be the very best “therapists’ in the whole world. xx

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Heather February 20, 2019 - 12:01 am

Ghetto sounds like my baby Baxter, s miniature black & tan smooth dachshund – always up to mischief, always sitting where I want to sit on me, brings me toys to play. He steals anything, shoes, socks, undies, any food he can possibly reach – you name it he’ll take it. But I can’t reprimand such a faithful friend

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Emm February 20, 2019 - 7:59 pm

I was thinking just yesterday about your Dynamic Duo and wondering how they are.
After several years dogless, I have been adopted by a probable Sheltie mix, a female about 8, and am searching for a name. None of the suggestions in the French list for 2010 seemed to fit.

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StitchinSweetSue February 24, 2019 - 11:58 pm

those two! so many yrs of entertainment from them. have you ever considered an instagram account for them? seriously:)

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Denise Altland February 26, 2019 - 3:59 pm

Thanks for sharing. I have miss your two pups. Love Ghetto. Pleasebyou must have an Instagram for them.

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Eithne March 3, 2019 - 2:48 pm

Have just discovered your site and how delighted I am. Such a joy reading about Gibson and Ghetto and their different character traits. The love you have for each of them emanates from the screen. My husband and I are considering getting a dog for the first time (in my youth I always had dogs as companions) and reading about your chaps and comments from others only makes me more sure that we should get a dog. Just curious what breed of dog is Ghetto?

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Sally Davenport April 18, 2019 - 6:08 am

I’m so glad your furry friends are well and enjoying life. What a totally different pair!

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