Dogs of OEV by Shelley Long The verb ‘fetch’ comes from the Middle English word Fecchen, meaning to ‘get and bring back; to come for, get and take away’. Many of the dogs in OEV live for endless games of fetch with their owners, snatching the ball in mid-air or chasing it across a park or field. As for the return part of the game, there are the dogs who race back to you, drop the ball at your feet and stare expectantly at it, or you, until you pick it up and throw it again. Then there are the “if you want the ball you have to take it from me” resulting in a tug of war between the owner and the dog, who has a saliva-covered ball clenched in his teeth.
Above: Tilly, a Golden Retriever and Arseniy, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi When choosing a toy for a game of fetch, remember that the classic fuzzy tennis ball can be dangerous for dogs, especially those who are big “chompers” – they can choke your dog or damage their teeth. Rubber balls, spiked squeaker balls, frisbees, and other safe retrievables can be found at any pet store.
Above: Harvey: He makes every game of fetch an Olympic event, and Willow, a Black American Lab
Page 12 Old East Villager May-June 2025
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