Polly - D Brian Plummer

This is an account of an enduring relationship between the author and Polly his white German Shepherd. The story starts with Brian's need for protection for his property. After an abortive attempt to provide this with two vicious Dobermans, Brian finally acts upon advice and purchases a white German Shepherd puppy, Polly. He soon discovers that she has an amazing desire and ability to learn, and he trains her to an exceptionally high standard, at the same time forming a very close relationship with her. Polly had a remarkable character, capable of surprising even Brian, with his lifetime's experience with dogs. This is no more evident than when as a puppy she takes to water as naturally as a Labrador (this was to prove vital later in their lives), or when he finds her tending a badly injured piglet, and then suckling it. The book is peppered with anecdotes of their times together, seeking a living from the land and the sea, where cutting peat, sledding and creel-fishing in some of the most dangerous stretches of sea in Britain were a part of every day life. Polly must be one of the few dogs to have been attacked by a conger eel. An unusual story of a very special dog told in Brian's usual eloquent style.