Educational

Today has been a very educational one for Buddy, Bert and me. We headed over to Forest Edge for a BHS Clinic being run there. I haven’t been there for a while, it felt so good to be back. It was Bert’s first trip. He loved having zoomies in the forest.

Buddy thankfully didn’t have any zoomies in the arena. Lots of lightbulb moments in our two lessons. Bert slept in the Buddymobile while I was riding. He’s really getting the hang of it all. Good job too as it’s 6 weeks till camp.

Buddy was on top form too. He’s come back from his injury so much softer. It was lovely to catch up with everyone. It’s such a happy place for me.

Planning ahead

Today I did something that makes me smile every year. I paid for my first camp. It’s at the end April, so fingers crossed it warms up a bit.

If you’ve known me for any length of time, you know how much I love a camp. What’s not to love? Spending time away with Buddy. Learning from great instructors. Catching up with wonderful people. Making new friends. And this time I get to take Bert with me. Let’s hope he likes camps as much as Buddy and I do.

He’s making his debut at Forest Edge next week. We’re booked onto a day clinic. So this will be a good test of his ‘Lorry Dog’ status. Buddy will be so happy to be back there too. After his injury last year, it’ll be good to be back there and actually do the riding bit. I’ll always be a supporter.

Timing

They say trust the timing of your life. Well I’m having trust issues with mine today.

This morning, I went to sit on the sofa arm. Totally mistimed it and ended up on falling backwards onto the floor. Landed on my hand and jarred myself. Bert was most concerned.

Then we went out for our walk. Mistimed it so ended up getting caught in a shower. Was resigning myself to yet another soaking, when I remembered there is one of those emergency hoods on my coat.

Except it was too big for my head as it’s designed to go over a riding hat. So kept blowing off. Have you ever tried to pick up dog poo while holding a lead, stopping your hood blowing down and trying not to slide over in the mud. Thankfully I ended up laughing at my situation. And didn’t faceplant.

Then I headed to the yard, just as the heaven’s opened again. So got my timing wrong there.

Finally I forgot to put the timer on for my dinner so managed to burnt it.

Let’s hope my timing is better tomorrow…

Extremities

This is the face of someone who can’t feel their face! Made the mistake of assuming that cause I got rather warm mucking out that I wouldn’t need my ‘big coat’ on our ride.

I was very, very wrong…

I fear I got a bit carried away, cause there was little bit of sunshine today. I couldn’t feel my extremities by the time I got back. The ‘big coat’ was back on for Bert’s walk I can tell you. I’ve just about thawed out.

Roses are red

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I realised I have 4 boys in my life and I didn’t get a single card… I’m sure they love me (and not just cause I feed them).

I was peopling this morning. The other receptionist had bought these beautiful roses to brighten the clinic. I put on a ‘timeless romantic songs’ playlist. Gosh there were some classics on there. And lots I hadn’t heard for a while.

I did get some ‘presents’. Buddy gave me an exceptionally filthy stable to muck out. Bert brought me an old piece of rope on our walk. And the kittens left a trail of muddy paw prints all over my bed. Who says romance is dead?!

Frostbite

My goodness the wind has some bite to it today. I couldn’t feel my face by the time we’d finished our walk. Bert was on top form! He was having a blast chasing the leaves as they swirled about.

He really does make me laugh. He been in full Spaniel-mode the past few days on our walks. It’s wonderful to see his exuberance.

He got a few more admirers today. We had two trips to the same venue. First for breakfast, then back again later for coffee. He was introduced to sausages. Let’s just say he’s a big fan! Well there has to be perks to going out. Thankfully, Spaniel-mode is switched off when we’re out. Well for the most part…

Box of treats

This delivery today sent Bert into a bit of a frenzy. It also turned my stomach somewhat. I’m not the best with animal body parts. Bert’s delight outweighs my squeamishness.

I may have used tongs to pick up a chicken foot though. Bert made short work of it. His little happy chirrups would melt even the hardest of hearts.

Sometimes it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing something new. But I’m still not ready to face rabbit ears…

Runaround

After lunging Buddy this afternoon, I thought I’d let Bert have a runaround in the indoor school too.

One of the yard dogs, Thor, came to join the fun too. There’s a considerable size difference between then and I’m not sure Thor totally knew what to make of Bert.

Bert was submissive when needed. He also jumped all over Thor. But they were so cute together. It’s a very good start to Bert’s yard induction.

When I take him out on the long line, it’s a bit like lunging a horse. He’s getting the hang of it. But Buddy is definitely easier to lunge. He doesn’t randomly change direction when he gets a good sniff…

Animal planet

When your puppy gets invited round to meet your friend’s dog and it turns into an episode of Animal Planet!

Now Frankie has a bit of a reputation as a humper. He frequently goes to town on my leg. Tonight, he was having a whale of a time humping Bert’s head and my arm at the same time.

Bert gave as good as he got and was trying to hump Frankie in return. There was lots of playing going on too. Safe to say that Frankie and Bert are going to be firm friends.

Camps could be interesting if the humping continues. There’s a joke in there about lorries rocking….

First walkies

Another big day in Bert’s World. He went for his first walkies. Having been round the garden a few times on the lead, he was really easy to walk. He wasn’t phased by the cars. Or the train when it went past. But then he’s not bothered by that in the garden.

He was very keen to get out and about. He really is a confident little chap. Gold Star for Bert!