Where's Ilex - Who Let The Dogs Out? Oslo Hundelufting

Most people born post 1980 will be familiar with the series of books “Where’s Wally?”.

The concept is very simple: there is a double sided cartoon drawing with a lot of things going on everywhere, and you are supposed to find a man with a red and white stripey jumper and matching hat.

I loved it as a child, and my kids seem to be fans of the books too. Normally you get a few minutes of peace and quiet before their frustration at not finding Wally sets in.

Today I had a Dog Walking version of this.

We have walked Ilex for years and years. Despite outwardly masquerading as a setter, he doesn’t really embody the typical setter breed.

He keeps within 100 m radius, and is rather uninterested in hunting.

Ilex loves chasing after sticks and any object that can be thrown. Bounding through the forest energetically, it is a joy to watch him.

However when he gets tired he provides us with a new game: “Where’s Ilex?”.

He will lie down in the undergrowth and rest, whilst watching the progress of the group. Silent and motionless we know that he can see us and that he is nearby.

When you call out his name I assume that he thinks that we know exactly where he is, as he lies silently, watching us.

You scan the woods in a 360 degree motion trying to spot a glimpse of a dog well camouflaged.

If you can’t see him, you have two easy options. The first is to start throwing sticks and objects in random directions. If one were to land near him, he would break his cover.

The second option is just to keep walking as he has been with us for so many years that he knows the routine. 30 seconds later and he bounds towards you enthusiastically and happily.

At the bottom of his Walk photos today I will put a few examples so that you can also play Where’s Ilex? Enjoy!

Doggies: Haraka, Ibsen and Isak