Medallion man

Bert got an early Christmas present today. A new collar and ID tag. He’s still so small I had to get the smallest tag going. God help anyone who needs to read the phone number – it’s a rather small.

He also got a Christmas bandana. He was so happy on our little walk.

I’m sad that I haven’t put my tree up. I honestly couldn’t face bringing it in this year. And with Bert, I wasn’t sure how he’d be with it all. Next year, he will be bigger and more used to stuff. I haven’t broken out the tinsel for Buddy either. What a grinch!

His little bandana is a little attempt at being a bit festive. I hope whatever you do tomorrow, you eat, drink and be merry.

Merry Christmas to you all from me, Buddy, Bert, Hugo and Dodo.

Party animal

Bert had a busy day today. After meeting the yard dog, he had a quick trip back to see his Mum, Dad and Brother. It was so touching seeing his Mum’s reaction. She was very happy to see him. But put him in his place too when he needed it. He had lots of zoomies with his brother too.

Tonight he had even more zoomies with his new friend Jester at his first Christmas Party. I wish I’d taken some video of them chasing each other round the dining room table. Hours of fun! He will sleep well tonight, that’s for sure.

He’s brought so much joy to my life already. And everyone else’s given the impact me made at the party tonight. It seems he’s quite the Party Animal.

Carriage driving

Bert is utterly fascinated by the carriage driving from The London International Horse Show.

I have to admit, I was the same the first time I saw it. Thought it would be a bit dull. I was totally wrong, it was super exciting!

I’m sad that I’m not at the show this year. I couldn’t leave Bert for that long. So watching the coverage is the next best thing.

So far it’s looking good that Bert will enjoy coming to horse events with me in the future. Bring on 2025…

Jester

Bert met Jester today. He’s by far the biggest dog that he’s met so far. And for the first time, I saw an overwhelmed Bert.

It didn’t last. Once Bert realised that as big as Jester is, he just wanted to play too, he was fair game. Jester was so gentle with him. Even when Bert was bouncing all over him. Though Bert was submissive too.

It was so cute. Definitely the start of a beautiful friendship…

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….

Approval

Bert met the girls today. They’re two of the lovely dogs that I housesit for. It’s really good for him to start meeting other friendly dogs. Blimey he looked tiny compare to them. Even Flip who’s not the biggest. They were very sweet with him.

Afterwards, their owner, Jan and I popped to the garden centre while Bert had a nap. She secretly bought this sign for me. I was given a similar one for the cats many years ago. So seems guests will now have to be approved by us all!

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!

When Buddy met Bert

You’ve heard of ‘When Harry met Sally’, well today it was ‘When Buddy met Bert’.

It was a big day for Bert. First he got to run round the garden without the lead. I finished puppy-proofing the garden this morning for him. He was very happy to be ‘free’. Took the opportunity to start working on recall too.

Then this afternoon, he came to the yard with me for the first time. He stayed in the car while I mucked out and poo picked. He was such a good boy. Finally it was time to come out and meet his rather big brother.

Buddy was so gentle with him. Bert was his usual bold self and gave Buddy a good sniff. He wasn’t the least bit phased by the horses. He was so squirmy, I could barely hold him.

There are new members of the Bert Fan Club as everyone was cooing over him. He’s such a cutie!

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!

Bo bo

Bert had an imaginary ‘bo bo’ at Puppy Pre-School tonight. I could say that he was very brave having the bandage put on, but honestly, I’m not sure he even noticed. He was far more interested in the liver paste on the table.

It was all a bit too exciting for him tonight. He got rather overstimulated and needed a time out. There were 3 new puppies tonight. All tiny and terrified compared to him. He’s such a confident chap.

He had quite the day as he had another visitor. This one brought treats! It seems I have a very food-oriented dog to go with my very food-oriented horse. Not a bad thing at all when it comes to training. Just need to get over the excitement of food. For both of them….