Tree canker and an old dog

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While in Ireland, we called in to a walled garden which was a tourist attraction. However, it didn’t seem to be open although an old German Shepherd was on hand to greet us. Although he didn’t wag his tail, he wasn’t in the least bit intimidating so we wandered under an archway and found ourselves in the midst of herbaceous borders, fruit trees and colourful flower-beds. We were intrigued by the growths on the branches of several of the apple trees. You can see them in the photo. The tearooms were closed but as we came back to our starting point, we came across two gardeners who were having their lunch. They said the growths were ‘canker’, caused usually by a fungus, and making the tree vulnerable to bacteria and insects. We were also told that the old dog’s long-time companion had had to be put down just the day before which explained his sad demeanour. I’m sure pets grieve for their friends just like we do.