Tyqua, the funny Wijk bij Duurstede curly retriever
I thought it would be interesting to introduce you to Tyqua, Opi and Nanas dog. Tyqua is a 5-year-old curly retriever and is very happy, confident and can sometimes be a little bit stubborn. During our two-week stay with Opi and Nana, we formed a special bond with her. From three daily walks to forest bushwalks and wild sprints up and down the sand dunes, we spent every moment we could with Tyqua and Opi. Whenever Opi asked if we wanted to join in a walk, my brother and I would leap to our feet, ready to leave the house. Like our time spend with Freddy and Guilliano this became one of the highlights of our visit.
Tyqua’s unique behaviour
Tyqua has some hilarious little habits that make her truly one of a kind. Whenever we spotted a cat in the backyard, we’d yell “poes!” Dutch for cat and fling open the back door. Like clockwork, Tyqua would bolt outside, tail high, ready to chase it off. It honestly seemed like it is one of her favourite jobs.
Tyqua’s favourite game was fetch, though she was just as happy trotting along with a stick clenched proudly in her mouth, occasionally tearing it to bits. We joked that needing a stick at all times must be a retriever thing. Every time she found a new one, we’d say, “Wow, Tyqua, is that the most beautiful stick in the whole world?” And the next day, we’d say it all over again.
She’s also earned a special kitchen privilege: licking the dishes as they’re loaded into the dishwasher. It’s her unofficial role in the cleanup crew.
But the best trick of all? If you hold out both pointer fingers and say, “Ik heb een vraag, wil je brokjes?” which means “I have a question, do you want biscuits?” (aka breakfast or dinner)—Tyqua goes crazy. She barks and then races to the spot where her food should go, waiting patiently until you say “ga maar” (go ahead). It’s part performance, part ritual, and completely delightful.
Some memorable outings
One day, we set off for a long walk through the forest and across the sand dunes. Tyqua, of course, was in her element every five minutes she’d discover a new “best stick ever” and drop it at our feet, tail wagging, ready for the next throw. My brother and I also did a photo session with her on one of the outings, I hope you like the pictures.
Along the way, we spotted a hazelworm also known as a slow worm. Despite the name, it’s not a worm at all. It looks a bit like a snake, but it’s actually a legless lizard.
What is in a name?
You may also notice that Tyqua is a pretty unique name the funny thing is that we actually named her. Her name is a combination of my mum’s nickname Tia which is what her brother called her when they were younger since he could not pronounce Sabine. The next part of her name stands for my brother’s name which starts with a Qu and the last part of her name stands for my name Ayesha.
We were a bit sad when we left but this is not the last time, we see them on this trip but that’s a story for another blog. The sad thing about leaving is that you could see it on Tyquas face that she knew we were leaving.
In the next one I will tell you what our plan was for our Europe adventures.
