Double decker

Bert had his second jab today. He was a little confused about being back at the vets with no activities after last night’s Puppy Pre-School. He was very happy when he got to choose a new toy afterwards though. In fact, he got 3 new toys and an antler to chew. It appears I am that dog-owner.

His second jab knocked him for six so he’s spent a lot of today asleep. I took advantage of the calm to get lots done.

Dodo took advantage of the top deck! I’d put the radiator bed up there as I couldn’t open the crate door. There was lots of purring and snoring going on.

Of course, Bert was fully refreshed this evening, tearing round the living room. He loves his antler and has been chomping away on it. Now he’s had his vaccinations, he’ll soon be able to explore more and have some puppy play dates. Exciting times ahead!

New bed

Bert’s new bed arrived today. I’d barely got it out of the packaging and he was trying to get in it. He was also testing its durability. With his teeth! Either that or he was trying to get the perfect spot for it. By carrying it round the room.

He was very happy with it. There was a bit of burrowing going on too. He’s such a happy little chap.

He’s also a shredder. He’s obsessed with toilet roll middles. They get shredded. And takes great joy in going in the waste paper box next to the fire. He’s shredded a few receipts and bits of scrap paper. Thankfully they’re there to be burned so no harm done. Other than my lounge floor looks a bit like the inside of a snow globe…

Lorry Dog

Bert is now officially a ‘Lorry Dog in Training’. I had to take the Buddymobile over to the workshop for some work. So thought I’d take Bert along for the ride. He was such a good boy. He curled up and slept for most of the journey. Big Gold Star right there!!

On the way back, I realised that I’d left his lead in the lorry. Doh! It was the one that came with the cat harness I bought for the kittens (and caused Hugo to flop like a rag doll). It was annoying me anyway as the clip was really fiddly. Not what you need with a wriggly puppy!

As we were coming back through Wroxham, I remembered there’s a dog shop there. So lovely new lead purchased. While there I asked about harnesses etc. The lovely lady in the shop said if I bring Bert back when he’s had his vaccinations, she offers a fitting service.

I can already see it will become a cool place to go. So lovely that there are so many dog-friendly places about.

Cat dog

So it appears I might have a cat dog. Bless him, I just sat down for a coffee and he was straight on my lap.

He’s having so many new experiences. Bert’s World is getting bigger all the time. He’s had so many first. It’s so cute watching him dream. Makes some wonder what he’s dreaming about.

Today his biggest excitement has been Nylabones. Mine too! Wow, he was like a puppy possessed. Not complaining. He’s definitely in the piranha phase….

Shuffle about

Bert has had an upgrade to his crate, so I had a bit of a shuffle around. I brought the smaller one into my office instead. That way I can keep tabs on him while I work. Well Hugo was straight in there! What is it they say about curiosity and cats

Speaking of curiosity, there’s been definite progress with the kittens and Bert. I’ve given them their own zones. That’s worked well. I’ve put a stair gate up too to create a barrier but they can see each other through it.

The kittens are wary of Bert. They really do t know his whines and little wolf howls. He, on the other hand, is oblivious of them for the most part. Tonight we had a Mexican Standoff between Hugo and Bert. Since then, Hugo has jumped the barrier twice to investigate. He’s either realised that Bert is no threat or that he’s staying.

Either way, my sofa is big enough for all 4 of us (sorry Buddy, it’s not that big).

Nomad

I’m back to my nomadic ways as I’m dog & house sitting for a good friend. New charges for me – Dotty and Bobby. Both adorable. Bobby is only 6 months old. He’s a bundle of fluffy energy for sure.

I’m getting my dog and puppy fix in one go!

Brunch and jumps

I had brunch with this gorgeous girl, her brother and her Mum today. Maisie was an absolute poppet. If a little traumatised by the rather unkind actions of another diner, who decided to run over her tail with a wheelchair. Then proceeded to have a go at her owner for not having her under control. I’d like to point out that Maisie was sat minding her own business when said incident happened.

Talk about turning the room against you! The whole cafe (and I’m not exaggerating) looked shocked at what had happened. Several people came over to check she was OK. And the manager brought her a bowl of sausages, eggs and bacon.

So unkind of the lady. Who could have simple asked for her to be moved so she could wheel the chair past. A lack of communication backfired on her as people where definitely on Team Maisie today.

Poor little girl was shaking to start off with. She soon got her wag back when she realised people had only good intentions with their attention.

Thankfully it didn’t spoil a lovely brunch. I’m a big fan of brunch. It’s such a great concept.

To top the day off, my friend then came back to the yard to help me with some jumping practise. She set up a grid for Buddy. It’s hard to do it on your own, so I’m grateful to have someone on the ground. Buddy seemed to enjoy it too. Big smiles all round.

Rest

Spontaneous trip to Suffolk. Was going to come down tomorrow. But Simon suggested I come down tonight as well. He didn’t need to ask me twice!

Bailey was very happy to see me. So lucky to be greeted with such joy every time I visit.

We may have been slightly invested in Come Dine with Me. Wow, people really have no filters. Karma won as the most opinionated person came last. Made us all laugh.

Hobbits

I love this tree. Every time I visit Burghley on XC day, I try and find it. It’s very healthy and happy. But the middle is like a little hobbit house.

It was lovely and cool in there too as the temperature certainly climbed today. So did we! You forget how undulating the course is. Having walked round it twice now, my legs are feeling it. There will be some very tired horse legs too. The course was definitely taking no prisoners today.

Burghley is such a wonderful event. The house looks resplendent in the afternoon sunshine.

Having walked the course, we retired to the shade to watch the final horses on the big screen. Jeff was very happy about this. He was so tired towards the end, he needed Auntie Pip to carry him. Well he’s only got very little legs. I think we’ll all be feeling it tomorrow. The trot up is going to be very interesting indeed.

Kiss kiss

Greetings from North Wales! Guess who thought it would be good idea to drive here on a Bank Holiday weekend?! 7 hours it took me! So many hold up. Still I got to catch up with a few people on my travels. Lovely to chat to so many people. And listened to a few podcasts.

On arrival, I was greeting with lots of puppy kisses. Well after I’d unfurled myself from The Comedy Car. It’s not the most comfortable on a long journey. Lily was very pleased to see me. As were the rest of the Birkett’s.