My New Friend Puli

I got a new friend today, Puli. Actually two, although the other is not so new; about 2 weeks older. I don't mean he is older in age. Well that too. I will call him Zach here.

That morning 2 weeks ago, I was, as most mornings, alone in the cafe, with my head down at the time sipping coffee and making a shopping list. He came over and asked whether I would allow him to share my table, as the cafe was was full and mine was the only one with an extra empty seat (I did look around swiftly to make sure it was). I have to confess, once or twice, when similar situation occurred and I didn't like the look of the person asking, I would lie and said I was waiting for somebody. I got to make this a bit clearer too, about the person's looks - that was not meant to mean the person's looks or appearance, but more about the type of character I am inclined to avoid if I could help it. But he happened to be the type, I dare say, always be welcome by any woman. So who am I to break the custom?

He sat down, ordered a 'Carajillo' - that's black coffee laced with brandy or whisky, and a croissant. As if on second thought, he asked "Oh, forgive me, would you like another coffee, a croissant too? Or something else?" I declined, but the conversation had got on to a good start. I found him pleasant, polite, speaking correct in 'educated' Spanish, not like most of the people round here, dialects or street Spanish mostly. He was here on holiday and 'house sit' for his parents while they were away on vacation in America; his mother is American.

He came after that every morning, and now automatically sitting with me. Yesterday, one of the waiters brought his puppy and I made a fuss over it. Zech said: "I see you love dogs." So he brought Puli this morning, his dog, and made a formal introduction for us: "Meet MoiMoii, Puli". I made fun of it asking "Where is the dog?" Look at the picture below, you can hardly see the dog! Just a lot of hair (or is it fur?) and somewhere near the top end there's the tip of a little pink tongue! The only thing that gave his identity away.

Of course I have known about this breed of dog before, but never had I the opportunity to observe one close enough to touch and play with. He is adorable, very friendly. We felt in love on the spot, (the dog and me) and Zach watched us grinning, happily being the 3rd party. From him (the man) I learned that it's an ancient breed, adapted to extreme cold climate, and mountain living, very loyal, loving and good as shepherd' companion. They are often called Hungarian water dog, as they love being in the water. He bought it for €1,000 and said he wouldn't part with it for a million. In my book a good man, for that statement alone.

Zach would be going back to Barcelona when his parents come back next Monday. I have a positive feeling he would come back to my cafe. Both of them. Since he had invited me for dinner tonight, I will make sure they will come back.

Tags:zach,puli

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