Kingussie character makes final 'bow-wow'
Kingussie is mourning the death of one of the town’s great old ladies – and best-loved public servants.
Beloved by post office customers for years, shop assistant Bella only retired from service in January this year, as she approached her 84th birthday.
And now she has finally gone to the great counter in the sky.
That’s 84 in dog years, of course. For Bella, or ‘Scarey’, as she was better known, was the hugely popular Japanese Chin who had always been at the side of her master – and sub-postmaster – Charlie Kelly.
“She was a real character and everybody loved her,” said Mr Kelly yesterday (Wednesday). “Scarey became even more a part of Kingussie than I did, and she is missed by all our customers and friends.”
With her wonky eye and lolling tongue – both characteristics of ageing Japanese Chins – she had always cut a striking figure in the corner of the High Street post office, which Mr Kelly ran until January this year at its former premises in the High Street.
“She had a wonderful gentle nature which people of all ages liked, and children were especially enchanted when she got excited and performed the frantic spinning trick which the breed is well known for.
“It was very endearing and hugely entertaining – but of course that was when she was a lot younger than 12!”
Scarey came to Mr Kelly – and Kingussie – with the very best of credentials, and her many fans have been amazed to learn of her Crufts pedigree.
‘Bella’ was born in the kennels of one of the top breeders in the country, who also happened to be no less a legend than world bowls champion Tony Allcock.
Mr Kelly said: “She was shown at Crufts in her younger days, and Tony was really very proud of her. But when she got too old for showing, he decided to let someone else look after her.
“My mother, Naomi, was a friend of friends of Tony’s, and I got to hear of Scarey that way.
“I fell in love with her instantly, and when I adopted her, Tony wanted to know that she was going to a really good home. He has kept in touch ever since to find out how she was doing. I liked that. So many people think that show breeders are cold and mercenary, but Tony was anything but.”
She came with this special note from Mr Allcock, addressed to Charlie: “Bella, or ‘Scarey’, as she is affectionately known, lost her puppy dog two weeks ago and still has a little milk. She is now very happy. She loves attention at all times!
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“She is affectionate, will go out for a walk whenever, or she will happily play in the garden. She eats most things and loves chicken, mince and tripe. The dry food she has is Royal Canin Junior.
“Thank you for offering a loving home to a super little dog.”
After moving to Badenoch five years ago, Scary and Charlie quickly became a familiar sight on the streets of Kingussie as they wandered to and from work.
“She was a sheer joy,” said the former postmaster, who is now working at the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore. “I still remember the first time I saw her – there were fireworks all right, since it happened to be November 5 – and I couldn’t help but think, ‘What the hell is that?’
“But it was love at first sight – as it was for everyone else.”
