Two Blind Dogs

Two blind dogs,

Two blind dogs,

See how they run,

See how they run,

They bump into each other

In all kinds of weather

And they all fall down.

These two well-trained Labrador Retrievers don’t miss a beat while they are being walked, but they are blind. Their owners have been issuing voice commands for the older one for years and the younger dog has only recently been diagnosed with vision loss. The older white-coloured lab knows her way around but we must watch her when she gets up from her bed as she tends to wander toward the stairs to the basement and on one occasion, as told to us by her owners, tumbled down the steps. Now, there is a gate to block access to the stairs. 

Frank with two blind dogs

Our view walking the dogs

 We’ve been witness to them both bumping into objects including each other, exaggerating their stride with a high-step gait, walking with great caution and rambling with their nose to the ground. The older one’s eyes are coated white while the yellow-coloured younger one has enlarged pupils.

Refreshing hike with the dogs

We talk to them regularly and spend time with them throughout the day in the front room where their beds are located. The younger one swishes his large tail to indicate his cooperation while the older one remains still. We are left with the impression that they are each other’s best friend. They grew up together in Australia and travelled with their owners here to Canada.

Their walk ends at the gate

They are a magnificent breed and we love them.

Happy House and Pet Sitting

Big Valley - Big Hopes

Wooden grain elevator & Red River cart

“There’s a small house just across the street and down a bit,” the woman says. “It just went on the market.”

Frank and I look at each other and we seem to lock into the same idea. Hmmm. Let’s go have a look.

We are excited about the prospect of purchasing a place in this animated town of Big Valley. It offers a wealth of volunteer and possible employment opportunities. At this posting time, there is a call for part-time bus drivers, a part-time town Administrative Assistant, and various opportunities to entertain the visitors who arrive by train each weekend during the summer months.

We learn a great deal of the history of the town from the Mayor, the librarian, and the shopkeepers at the local café.

Replica of a Red River cart

“The grain elevator is not an official Alberta Historical Society colour but it is one of the last preserved examples of a traditional wooden grain elevator. We’re satisfied with its colour,” the Mayor says. “Also, to answer your question about the Red River cart, it’s not authentic. We do use it in our parade, though.” 

“The building we’re in was purposely built in this rustic theme to bolster the history of the town and more specifically to show off the Jimmy Jock story,” the shopkeeper says. We learn that it was once a Chinese café.

Jimmy Jock Boardwalk beside historic bank building

This morning, Frank is hiking up the hill to St. Edmund’s Church. It’s fully restored, operational and under the care of the Big Valley Historial Society – another volunteer opportunity.

Blue Church on the Hill

Big Valley Railway Station

Together on the street, we are greeted by ‘Eddy’, a local who offers us a tour of the Big Valley Railway Depot. The artefacts and displays are well laid out. The visitors are greeted by the locals and given a tour of the town and a meal. Yes, another opportunity to volunteer dressed in period costume.

We are met later by a realestate agent from Stettler, who shows us the small house. We are surprised and intrigued by it, and put in a bid. We haven’t heard from the lady since.

Big Valley is a community filled with enthusiasm and hope. Travel north of Highway 56 from Drumheller or south from Camrose, and enjoy the ambiance.