Walkies!

A few days ago W asked me if I had a piece of wood about the size of a walking stick as she wanted it for part of her exercise routine.  "Would an actual walking stick do?", I asked, as I knew I had this stored away in the garage.

It's the walking stick that my grandfather used, and later my father.  My grandfather died in 1961 aged 84 and I suspect it wasn't new to him, so I don't know how far back in the family it goes.  The shaft looks like it is made from a stout twig, still with the marks of the bark and knots where small branches have been removed, but the handle appears to be made from a deer antler.  The head of the dog has been carved into the antler at the point where it would have been attached to the deer before it was shed.

I certainly don't need a walking stick and rather hope that I can get through my life without needing one but if I do, I'll be very happy to use this one and continue the family tradition.