Ventje
May 20, 2012 
I wanted this to be an ode to my dog, Ventje. He has been my buddy now for almost 12 years.
He is a very lively (I found the word ‘zippy’ in the dictionary, I like that: he is zippy!), somewhat macho, watchful dog and now he is getting old. The brown in his face is turning gray, he is on pills now, because of osteoarthritis and I’ve noticed his sight isn’t what it used to be (the other day I noticed him wagging his tail at an overhanging shrubbery). Nowadays he often walks behind me where he used to always be in front of me.
He is about 12,5 years old now. I don’t know his exact age, when I found him at the animal shelter he was round about one year old. They told me he was found and they checked his teeth to estimate his age and gave him the birth date October,15 1999.
Thinking about what else to write about Ventje (btw Ventje is Dutch for ‘little fellow’), I thought about this song by Sting: Perfect Love … Gone wrong. I am a big fan of Sting, and of all the beautiful songs Sting wrote, this one is my favourite. I love the lyrics.
There are two versions of this song, the first one is on the brand new day album, which was released in 1999 and is a pop/jazz/rap version with a French rap by Manu in it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl4PC324Yec
Now the second version is something else.
It is a live version in a jazz setting, with an amazing band, including my favourite bass player, Christian McBride. It is from a live concert in Italy, which happened to be on 9/11 2001 at the same time the WTC was attacked, which of course effected the concert. This clip shows a part of that concert; the second song in the clip is Perfect Love … gone wrong:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZfPQp-yDVw.
This version gives me goosebumps, I hope you like it too
music
Reader Comments (15)
Ventje, I recognized the language immediately and thought, this must be either Petra or Ginnie writing it, haha
I love this photograph of your very sweet Ventje, Petra. Sting is one of my favourite singers and the "Love gone wrong" song is so full of humour. I often think many dogs are feeling what he's describing in this song ;-)
First of all the picture of Ventje is lovely ;-) and between the lines we can feel your sentimental for Ventje and knowing that he's getting older. The song of Sting tells a lot.
The name of mine brothers dog is Zippy.
find out on the internet how he looks like: petit brabançon :-)
In the quiet of my Sunday morning, after reading today's post I find myself listening to the beautifully haunting music of Sting. Wow! I had forgotten what a fantastic musician Sting is. Thanks for reminding me...after listening to your links - including the one featuring the rapper rapping in French ;) - I now have Sting playing as background music on Pandora while I'm working on the computer!
You're so lucky to have this good dog in your life ... I love the photo and the words you use, zippy and macho and watchful. I also love Sting so thanks for adding these links. And please give Ventje a pat on his sweet head for me.
Your dear, sweet Ventje had been your faithful friend and buddy for so long, Petra. I can understand why he makes you sing along with Sting! May he still give you many more wonderful days and years.
I love what you did with this photo. It brings out that glowing love. And thanks for introducing me to this song. I like the second version the best.
He sounds a wonderful dog, I love your portrait of him.
Such a beautiful ode and ballad to your old sweet Ventje. I can so relate to this kind of love!!!
Thank-you!!!
As my 10 year old puss cat - Duc le Chat - fights nausea due to pills for newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism, my heart breaks to see the change in habits and responses. I'll be giving him pills twice a day for the rest of his life and I don't know how either of us are going to come to peace with it.
Gorgeous photo and great tune!
What a touching story. I have my first pet, a kitty, and I dread the day I have to face her old age and illness. She doesn't like to be picked up now - I can only imagine what something like giving her medication would do!
They truly are friends and more, our animals. I hope your time with Ventje is long and happy.
Hi,
Wat een mooie, lieve foto! Nou s een waarin hij wel in de camera kijkt!
Ik hoop dat hij nog heel lang model en maatje kan zijn😍
Sting moet ik nog vinden, want ik kan noch op iPad noch op foon openen,
What a beautiful post and tribute to Ventje! There is nothing like the unconditional love from a shelter dog...they just know they were rescued and will be your best friend no matter what. I hope you two have each other for many years to come even if his zip has come and gone...
The love we have for our pets is so strong, they are such companions in our lives. What a lovely ode to your Ventje!
The love of a shelter animal is incredible and we are lucky to share that with a few four legged friends at home.
Love the soundtrack, especially the second version.