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animal, animals, apprentice, apprenticeship, arthur conan doyle, car, car repair, car restoration, cars, dog, dog blog, fiction, FinderDog, German Shepherd, humor, Humphrey, Jaguar, learning, lesson, man, MG, MGB, narrative, pet, photo, photography, photos, quote, quotes, restoration, Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Sign of Four, vehicle, vintage car, welding
‘My mind,’ he said, ‘rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis, and I am in my own proper atmosphere. I can dispense then with artificial stimulants. But I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for mental exaltation.’
-Sherlock Holmes in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Sign of Four
I have not told you, dear reader, about one of my hobbies. I have engaged in a lengthy apprenticeship with Man, who loves working on cars. Since he was a boy, he has worked on old cars, most notably a Jaguar XJ6L and the MGB you see before you.
I have felt very grown up and responsible, now that Man has allowed me to assist him in his technical labors. I oversee all his work, and sometimes provide moral support or distraction, which are important parts of the process.
I have learned a lot about how these metal beasts function, and would pit my knowledge against that of any other canine. I am invigorated by the scent of the oils and the heat of the welding. I love the mental exercise of problem-solving with Man to create the ultimate vehicle, which might even run faster than I can on my own mortal legs.
My only complaint is that the MGB is a little small for a dog of my–majesty. I can’t sit comfortably on the floor or the seat. As a passenger, I prefer the family SUV, though as a connoisseur and mechanic-in-training, I share Man’s passion for vintage cars. Best of all, I love the Man-dog time we spend together, which has deepened our relationship.
