Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Computers: Love 'em or Hate 'em?

Like many people I have a love/hate relationship with computers. Today I love them. Why? Well this morning I was thinking about my old dog Rip who I had when I was about 12 years old and lived in Flamborough. I hope I haven't told this story before, so bear with me if I have. I can't find it on my posts.

I had been saving up for a tennis racquet and had collected the great sum of ten shillings! One day I read in the newspaper about a dog called Tip, whose master, an elderly shepherd, had died all alone up on the moors of Derbyshire. All alone that is, except for his faithful, loyal dog, Tip. Tip had stayed with his master's frozen body for 15 weeks. Tip did survive the ordeal and his photo is shown below to prove it.

Upon reading this story I took my carefully saved ten shillings and told my mother, "I'm going out to buy a dog and I'm not coming back 'til I get one!" I asked all over the village if any one knew where there was a dog for sale. Finally I was directed to a h
ouse where an owner had a dog he didn't want to keep. I paid my ten shillings and took him home. His name was Rip and he was about six months old. Rip lived for almost 20 years. After I went to college and got married he stayed with my parents. He was a wonderful friend!


So what has this to do with computers? Well after thinking about Rip and Tip this morning I decided to see if I could find anything on the internet about Tip. Remember Tip lived more than 50 years ago. I simply Googled: Tip the Dog, UK. I could hardly believe it. The fifth entry down I found him!!! So now I have the whole story and a photo. Notice how much alike Tip and Rip are.



RIP

I guess I do love computers -- some times!

5 comments:

Rinkly Rimes said...

I must say, after twelve years I'm still in love with computers. I often say I think they were invented for my old age! I agree, they can be irritating but isn't that true of any lover!

I've stored information about Tip for a future poem.

I glanced at one of your other Blogs and I saw Wilberforce mentioned. I saw the film recently so I read the whole article with interest.

Jose said...

Ummmmm! I saw the image of your dog and under where it says RIP it almost looks as if you are saying "Rest In Peace". I have come to realize and almost accept that in this computer age nothing is private anymore. I use google every single day and pretty much find everything I look for.

Anonymous said...

Hi! Yes, I've seen you around the traps (Ginger Darlings and Estorbo, mostly!)
I'm Dinah and I write the blog. The cats reckon they can, but they're skivers and usually leave me to be secretary! The Man does not write the blog.
So...that's sorted, yes?
See you around.

Ken said...

That's the amazing thing about the internet.

Kahshe Cottager said...

I heard the story of Tip when I was a child and I cried buckets! Dogs can be such loyal and steadfast friends.

My husband would say I love my computer too much - I am always messing about on it. Sometimes blogging but mostly with my photos!

Have a happy weekend Chris!