Following the conclusion of the fascinating story of Welsh mountain pony 'Twilight', this week we begin the serialisation of another enjoyable booklet by our former 'Out and About' writer, Mike Evans, who sadly passed away last year.
This time the book - 'Dino - the Children's Friend' - features the adventures of a lively, faithful, intelligent sheepdog and his family in the village of St. Florence.
DINO
"He's really a sheep dog," said the farmer, "but somewhere along the lines there is a bit of Spaniel and Retriever. Look how he fetches sticks and brings them back to you and he's only a young pup!"
"What shall we call him?" said mum. "I know," said Declan, "Let's call him 'Dino', it's bit different and there won't be many with a name like that!"
"Right," answered mum, "Dino it is and we'll have him right now."
"OK," said the farmer. "He'll be a very faithful friend for all of you, especially the children, for he likes young ones."
"There we are then," said mum. "We've got another member of the family, and I'm sure he will be one of us right away."
So off home they went with Dino snuggled up by young Declan on the back seat of the car.
Home was a beautiful old farmhouse with a large yard, outbuildings and two small fields of about two acres.
"Dino will have plenty of space to run about," mum said. "And he will be good company for you all. You must teach him to come when his name is called so that he soon becomes a very obedient dog."
Sean, Declan and Megan were thrilled with their new member of the family. He would be joining a happy family, very active, all of whom loved to play outside with their friends in and around the village.
DINO FINDS HIS FEET
"Come on Dino," called Declan. "Let's go for a walk around the field." Dino was already answering to his name and wagged his tail. Off the two of them went, through the gate and into the field. At one side ran the stream with some large willow trees at the edge.
"Here, fetch," called Declan, throwing a stick which landed in the mud in the stream. Dino ran forward and quickly grabbed the stick and as he turned his feet slipped in the mud and, WHOOPS! Dino fell into the stream!
He climbed out all wet and muddy, shook himself still holding the stick, and wagged his tail.
"Good dog, Dino," said Declan. "Now come here and bring me that stick." Dino dropped the stick at Declan's feet, still shaking himself. "Oh dear," said Megan. "You'd better not shake yourself when we go in the house, it will make a mess everywhere."
Off they went, Dino carrying the stick. As they walked alongside the hedge, out shot a rabbit. Dino sprang forward and grabbed it by the scruff of the neck and brought it to Declan.
"Good dog," he said, taking the frightened rabbit, otherwise unharmed, from Dino's soft mouth. "Good boy," Dino sat still and did not move as Declan set the rabbit go. "Leave alone," he said, as the rabbit scampered off back to its burrow. "Dino is a well behaved dog," said Declan. "Look how he does as he is told immediately!"
DINO LEARNS TO
PLAY FOOTBALL
It was Saturday morning. "Come on, let's play football," said Sean to Declan. "You, me, young George from across the road and Ashley. Let's go on the play area near Ashley's house and have a kick around."
"Can Dino come as well?" said Declan. "If I tell him, he'll sit and watch." "OK," said Sean. "Here's the ball, so off we go."
Coats and jackets marked out the goals. "Put George in goal," said Sean. "He's the smallest, but he's very agile." So they started to play. George soon got fed up of standing in goal. "Here Dino," he called. "Come and stand by me."
Up came Dino and stood wagging his tail between the 'posts'. Ashley kicked the ball directly into the mouth of the goal. George didn't have a chance, but Dino leapt into the air and nudged the ball away from the goal with his nose!
"Hey!" shouted Sean. "We've got a natural born goalie, come on George, you play out and leave Dino to do the goalkeeping!"
So, Dino became a member of the team and the best goalie in the village.
More adventures of Dino next week.