Dog to dog blog: taking the AGPs home

Hi guys

It’s been a long time since I got to go boating with the AGPs (that’s the Aged GrandParents for you newbies), but I finally persuaded Mummy to take a break from her packed social life (not allowed to tell you about that, but he’s nice…) and have a week and a bit helping get the boat back from Poynton to the marina.

We have to do this – the AGPs just aren't as young as they were (who is?) and the week-long party laughingly called the Owners’ Weekend (seemingly Wednesday to Tuesday is a weekend now) just takes an awful lot out of them. So yesterday, Mum and I drove up to the boatyard from our great new place up on the ridge above Burton, getting there just after eight.

Didn't do much when we got there, but it’s been seriously busy today. Mum had her usual problem waking up when she’s not working, so I had to supervise moving the boat onto first the water point and then the shop mooring to get her all sorted for cruising. Then Mum drove off back to the marina, which was a bit worrying for me even though I knew she’d be back really, and the rest of us turned the boat round to head back to Macc.

I wasn't allowed to supervise this properly as they shut me in the cabin, but I got my own back by locking the door from the inside so that Granny couldn't get in, hee, hee, hee. She had to get off in the bridge hole and get back on at the stern. Grandpa then left her steering whilst he pottered about inside and I spent my time doing some serious Olympic Looking from the bow… and the stern… and the bow… and the stern.

Hard work, but I don't mind, except that after a bit it started to rain. I told Grandpa he should do something about that but he didn't seem to care. Humph. It stopped again after a bit so I settled for the stern. I started to feel a) bored and b) uncomfy, so when the boat slowed down in a bridge hole I hopped off for a pee and a dump and to stretch my legs.

What a kerfuffle! Granny jumps off after me, Grandpa takes over the steering and we all head along to the next bridge where I got back on. Granny seemed to think she needed to grab my collar to make sure I did that. What’s the matter, don't they trust me?

Finally we rocked up in Macc and tied to wait for Mummy to get back by train. This she did by mid-afternoon, having missed a connection in Derby and had to hang about for an hour in Derby station. We’ve now come on to Lyme Green where it’s nicer and more peaceful than the middle of town. I’m told I’ve got a lorra locks to work tomorrow, so all I can say is, it better not be raining…

Loads of licks

Your friend

Sally

Location:Lyme Green

A Poynton Valley Sunday

We had an excellent meal in the Boar's Head last night and Sally largely behaved herself, though she did shout abuse at a King Charles spaniel she felt was Eyeballing Her in a Funny Way. Elanor dealt with that promptly and we had no further bother.

After the bustle of all the boating over the past week, it was pleasant to take our time getting going this morning. Minor jobs like dumping rubbish and recycling could be done (there are now recycling skips in the bin compound here). Elanor ran us down to Waitrose later to restock with enough stuff to keep us going until we sort out an Ocado delivery, very handy.

I'd taken Sal with me to the rubbish skips; she was excellently behaved with the various folk she met but then reacted very oddly to one of the fishermen casting into the winding hole. She'd been chatting to one of them no bother, hoping to blag a bit of his tinned salmon sandwich off him, but the other had a keep net lying on the ground beside him. It was a slightly odd one with a very long shaft and quite a small head, round and maybe a foot in diameter.

As we walked away from them, Sal glanced at this and totally panicked, towing me back to the boat as if pursued by demons. Sheila was sitting out in the well deck enjoying the sun and Sal leapt aboard and took cover behind her legs, shaking like a leaf. I let her down into the cabin where Elanor was pottering in the bathroom. Sal calmed a bit on hearing her voice, but was still very anxious for a good hour afterwards.

Elanor did some work with her, taking her back to look at the net and rewarding her with treats for doing so, but it wasn't wholly successful. Sally being a rescue dog, we only have a sketchy idea of the first couple of years of her life, of course. Elanor had been told by the RSPCA shelter staff that she had been part of a violently dysfunctional family break up, but now we wonder if there's more to it than that.

The keep net, which had a black shaft but a silver rim to the net, looked a lot like a dog catcher's pole and loop. We suspect that at some time Sal has been a stray and has had a traumatic encounter with such a dog catcher.

Elanor and Sal tore themselves away just before lunch – we're waiting for a text to say that they are safely home.

Tomorrow, into the yard...

Filling in time

It's 'orrible weather out there, February at its worst, and we're stuck in the boat watching the rain drizzle damply down the windows. I've been working on a Get the Picture round for the next quiz, hee, hee, and Sheila is threatening to give me a refresher session on how to do the month end accounts.

However, running Sally in the field last week gave Sheila a chance to take some photos, so I thought I'd share them with you:

Ready...

Tally Ho!

Grandpa's got a treat...

 

 

Dog to dog blog: the AGPs are back

Hi guys

What a strange day. Mum shoved off early(ish) and didn't come back for three hours by which time she had a bit less hair and eyebrows. After lunch, we set off in a direction we haven't gone in for ages, towards Alrewas where, lo and behold, there was the boat with the AGPs washing the roof. Well, actually, Granny was washing the roof and Grandpa was hanging around trying to be helpful.

Situation normal, then. Granny's just had her hair done too and very smart it looks. Once the stuff had been put back on said roof, we went for a ramble up the towpath. That was great, lots of opps for charging about, rummaging and sniffing. I had one anxious moment when I went for a paddle, forgetting that the canal's not like the river, it has awkward banks that are not easy to get out of. In the end, Mum had to do the humiliating collar-grab and haul.

We turned back after about half an hour and ambled along. I was feeling a bit hot and puffed by then and managed to get a drink without falling in again. Back at the boat, we all sat around in the well deck, watching the passers-by and drinking tea (if you were over 65).

Things were just getting a bit boring when this boat load of young women turned up and had a right struggle to tie in front of us. Mum went off to help and eventually they managed to get the boat stopped and tied. Mum then came back to say that they were having problems with the steering, so Grandpa, Mum and I went to see if we could help.

In the end, Grandpa put his big long gloves on and reached down the weed hatch. As he'd feared from the position of the rudder, it wasn't anything on the prop, but the rudder had come out of the skeg, whatever that is. Grandpa couldn't manage even to lift the rudder to try and sort it and had to tell them to ring the hire yard for help.

Hopefully, we're going off home soon for some tea, leaving the AGPs with the prospect of a bunch of manic maenads in front of them all evening...

Take care, guys

Loads of licks

Your friend

Sally

Dog to dog blog: a quick AGP check

Hi guys

I've used the excuse of Mum going out on the razz tonight to come over and check up on the AGPs. In fact, I managed to persuade her that spending the whole day here would be good; she can come and pick me up tomorrow morning. So at around eight today, we met up with Grandpa at the Boardwalk and left Mum to head off to work.

I kept an eye on her as she drove away, naturally, just to make sure that she was coping without me in the back to advise, then let Grandpa take me to the boat. Here, I found that the lazy persons hadn't even had their breakfasts, so I had to hang around whilst they stuffed themselves. I'm not used to doing things this way round; normally, I make sure Mum gets her nosh before having mine.

Once they were fed and watered, I took Grandpa for a circuit of the marina whilst Granny went the other way. Must say, Grandpa is looking much better, his face is almost back to normal (for him, that is), though he's been doing something to the backs of his hands and had to wear weird fingerless gloves to stop my lead rubbing on the sore skin.

Granny says that this makes him a MAMIL, which apparently stands for Middle Aged Man In Lycra, i.e. the cycling fiends we find hanging about the Willow Tree on some mornings. Grandpa complained that this was rude, but Granny retorted that calling him middle aged in any context could only be a compliment nowadays.

Anyway, we managed the walk OK, though I wasn't allowed an ice cream on the feeble excuse that it was too early in the day. I mean, the shop was open, what more do you need? Back at the boat, we had a quiet time until lunch, after which I got a decent sized carrot, hooray. Granny then went off somewhere, only to return with a young woman and a man with a camera. I was a bit sus until I smelt that he had a couple of dogs himself, a lab and a jackapoo, I think.

He took some photos of the boat without upsetting me with horrible flashes and then went off. Meantime, the young woman, who either doesn't have dogs or else gets undressed before she goes home, asked Granny a load of questions about living on the boat. When Grandpa came back from letting the photo man out of the gate, I positioned myself between them to keep an eye on her.

All went off quietly though, and Grandpa duly went to let her out as well. I then got my second walk of the day and have had my head down ever since. Well, it's been very busy so far. Must say, Granny is moving much better, so I'm glad to have had the reassurance of seeing them for myself.

Hopefully we'll have a quiet night and I can get back home promptly tomorrow. It's fun being on the boat, but being at home with Mum is always going to be best.

Take care all of you

Loads of licks

Your friend

Sally

Dog to dog blog: doing a week without the option

Hi guys

So here I am at the boat, spending a week with the AGPs whilst Mum swans off somewhere without me. I knew things were looking bad when she spent all Friday cleaning, washing and packing, including making up a set of meals for me. Sure enough, Saturday morning, we went shopping and for a run on the washlands, then it was off to the boat. At least this time she remembered to bring the food, not like the last time this happened.

We'd barely been there ten minutes when Mum made an excuse and she and Grandpa vanished. G came back about an hour later and nothing's been seen of Mum since. Granny says she's had texts from her, but since the phone is kept out my reach after what happened last time, I can't check it out. Just hope she's OK.

Sleeping arrangements are definitely weird too. Instead of tucking us all up together, Granny is sleeping on her own in the cabin and I'm sharing the dinette with Grandpa. Mind you, I was pretty cream crackered last night, so didn't care much then, but I was seriously narked not to be allowed to go through and snuggle with Granny this morning.

It's not all bad; went for a walk round the marina this morning and the cleaners were having a tea break in their little hidey hole. Since it was the two dog-owning ones, I was able to blag a good few treats off them by giving them soulful looks. Thanks ladies, you are a bright light in a naughty world ;)

Had another walk this afternoon, partly with Granny but mostly just at speed with Grandpa. Got into a bit of trouble at the front after being insulted by a collie there outside the shop – it's seriously embarrassing being put on my back by Grandpa and told off. I mean, I take that from Mum, but when did he get promoted to pack leader?

Cheek!

Ah well, one night down, six to go...

Keep safe, guys

Loads of licks

Your friend

Sally

Dog to dog blog: a weird day

I'm a very weary dog, so don't expect too much from me today. But I had to tell the world just how seriously, seriously, seriously weird today has been.

We got up dead early for a Saturday and drove over to the marina, which was promising but all that happened was that we collected Grandpa, drove him to Shobnall and went back home. Then, we walked to Dallow Lane lock and hung about for ages, until Grandpa turned up on his boat.

Worked him down, but did we get on board? Oh no, we had a walk back to Horninglow — at least I got some rummaging time on the towpath. When the boat was under the bridge, Mum tried to make me get on it even though it was still moving! I wasn't having any of that and resisted to the utmost although I was finally cajoled on board.

Grandpa wasn't any too pleased at the delay— something to do with a CanalTime coming the other way.

So now there's just two humans and me on board. Grandpa is steering, Mum is loafing about so I have to do all the looking out, both ends, both sides. I'm back and forth like a spaniel with two ideas in its head at once. Into the bow, look out all round, through the boat, push past Mum and Grandpa, onto the stern, look down one side, look down the other, then repeat all the way to Willington.

I'm with Mum in the bow as we get ready to turn into the marina, but oh no, here comes a hireboat leaving, so we end up on the towpath right near the copse for playing rompers.

Not that I got to get off, naturally. We sit there whilst another two boats leave before Grandpa performs a load of evolutions (whatever they are) to get back out into the middle and make the turn. Good job the wind was blowing in the right direction for once and helped us round.

Loads more faffing about before we're settled on the pontoon.

Follows a break for lunch on the lodge veranda and a conversation with Jo and Wynne. Then back to the boat to watch Grandpa putting things away in the deep bow locker. He needs a witness these days ever since he got stuck upside down in it trying to do it on his own.

You might think that was enough weirdness for one day, but oh no. We go and wait at a bus stop, would you believe and then actually get on the bus... Mum sits on a funny tippy up seat and I sit beside her looking smug until the bus sets off.

What a scary bus! Noise, shakes, bouncing around. I freaked out, frankly, had to lie down on the floor and push myself under Mum's seat. I was shaking harder than the bus if that's possible.

It all stops when we get to Burton, but we don't get off, we just sit there until the whole thing starts up all over again, so back under the seat for me. Amazingly, we finally arrive at our street and get back to the house.

I made a point of walking up to the car and staring meaningfully at it. Cars are the best dog transport, not boats or buses kindly note for future reference!

Right, I'm going to bed and staying there until dinner time.

Loads of licks

Your friend

Sally.

Life is strange

Hi guys

I'm having a very strange week. Tuesday was pretty normal, but Wednesday, Mum didn't leave the house until late in the morning, then the dog walkers visited twice, once at lunch and once later on. Then Mum came back much later, looking frazzled. Something to do with visiting the dentist, she said, and the year end at work.

Now, I don't know about you, but I thought New Year's Day was back at the beginning of January, so how come it's the year end already?

Thursday, we didn't go the the marina, but this morning, we did. Grandpa was waiting by the Boardwalk thing and took me and my bag round to the boat whilst Mum drove off. I was very worried about that. I didn't think the AGPs looked as if they needed special attention when I saw them Tuesday, so what's going on?

I'm a dog that likes her routine and I'm not getting it.

The AGPs hadn't even had breakfast when I got there, so I had loads of hanging about to do. Spent the time pacing and muttering to myself until Grandpa got his act together and took me for a decent walk round the marina. I kept a sharp eye out for Mum, but no sign of her.

Later in the morning, both the AGPs took me out again. This was a much slower walk as Granny doesn't go very fast these days, though seemingly she's going to have something done about that next month. Does anyone know, can you have grandparents chipped like you can cars with engine management systems?

Would be good if you could, so many of them seem a bit slow moving by my standards.

After lunch, blagged my usual apple core and carrot from Grandpa, so not a totally wasted day. He then tried dozing off in his swanky new chair. This isn't good for him, I reckon, so did my best to keep him awake by nudging his hand, whining at him and (brilliant one this) standing behind the chair and wagging my tail vigorously so that it bashed the back of the chair.

Finally got him on his feet again and we had another three person stroll round the marina. I have at least met a good selection of admirers, old and new, in the course of all this walking. Did try to hint we might go for a game of copse and rompers, but Grandpa says he's not going to trust me off the lead when Mum's not there, after what happened last time.

Some people are so mean.

Anyway, have now settled for dozing on the new mat when I'm not writing this stuff. I'm just hoping Mum turns up this evening before the year ends...

Take care of your humans, folks, or you won't know where the next meal is coming from!

Loads of licks

Your friend

Sally

A morning with Grandpa

Hi guys

This morning, Mum and I drove over to the marina to see the AGPs. Mum and Granny then disappeared and I spent the whole time looking after Grandpa; I suppose they think he shouldn't be left on his own.

I was a bit worried at first, it's a lot of responsibility after all, but he mostly wandered about the place doing all those odd things humans seem to have to do to pass the time, instead of just getting their heads down when there's nothing better to do.

After a bit it stopped raining, so we went for a walk round the marina. Lots of small dogs about but none of any great interest to me. When we got back, Grandpa settled down quietly with his iPad thingy so I was able to sit by him and keep an eye out on the pretext of wanting a scratch behind the ears.

It was necessary to stay alert as there was a load of coming and going on the pontoons.

After a bit, Grandpa got himself some lunch. I was busy checking out some Tinkerbells lurking around the stove area and didn't take much notice. It was only when he'd nearly finished that I realised he was eating a pie! I went and sat and looked appealing, but it was no go, the last bit was just disappearing into his mush.

What a swizz! All I got was his apple core.

Mum and Granny came back at last, with a new small bed for me to use on the boat. Granny had bought a flat mat earlier, from the shop at the marina, I believe, but it was too thin to be any use to me. I'd tried digging it up into a better state but no joy. This new one is much better, black and woolly and quite comfy.

After they'd eaten lunch, I finally got a carrot to scoff, a decent sized one, too.

Mum then rewarded me for my hard work by giving me a fluffy toy, a pretend hot dog (ha, ha, ha). It had a squeaker and was very good value as it took me a good ten minutes to tear it open, kill the squeaker and destuff the whole thing. Normally, things like that only last for five minutes or so.

You see, Mum and I have a deal – once a month, she gets me one of these to take apart and I refrain from chewing up anything else in the house the rest of the time.

This afternoon was good too. Mum took me to the vets, one of my favourite places as they give me treats and think I'm wonderful (which I am, of course). Had my shots for the year, general check out (all well) and weighed. Much the same as usual at 37.1 kg, just a bit under 6 stone for those imperial types amongst you.

Yes, that's a lot, but I'm not overweight, honest, I've got a thin bit of fat over shoulders, but my ribs and spine knobs can be seen through my fur.

Just one thing though – if I'm charging towards you, don't move! I'll swerve round, but if you move I might crash into you and then you will fall over...

Anyway, that's all for now. Be good and be careful out there.

Loads of licks

Your friend

Sally

What a dog

There we were, thinking dozily about bed yesterday evening, when a last email check brought this plea:

Emergency message from Sally to her grandparents.

Help me, I've had a terrible evening!

First mum sets off the washing machine and the tumble dryer, then she starts using that horrible vacuum thing. I did my best to protect her but she hurt her foot, so then there was blood and first aid stuff and cleaning and drying and all sorts of things! Then she insisted on finishing the vacuuming which was very worrying. I thought it was all over when she put the cleaner away but she started on me!

First she clipped my claws even though I told her they were fine! AND she only gave me one treat per paw rather than one treat per claw! Then she brushed me, which was ok actually. BUT THEN she forced me to have a shower! I tried to tell her I couldn't get into the bath but she manhandled me in and tortured me with warm water and shampoo!

When she finally let me go, she didn't get tea but spent ages in the bath herself. She even insisted on rinsing my hairs away first! They were clean hairs!

Then, when she EVENTUALLY got tea, SHE DE FLEAD ME!!!

She didn't even give me extra tea! No Mummy, cheese rind doesn't count as extra tea. 😭
I want to come and live with you two. I'm not talking to her! For at least five minutes!

Love and licks from an exhausted Sally

Just to reassure folk, Elanor's foot is OK, just skinned on a little toe where she tripped over Sally whilst moving a rug, and Sally is reconciled to living with her Mummy, whom she loves very dearly most of the time.

Meanwhile we've had a generally good day, pottering in the morning and three-quarters of an hour's work got the oiling and buffing done this afternoon.

I tried ringing Elite again, but the answer phone was on. I've left a message that unless the chairs are delivered by Friday week, I shall cancel the contract and go elsewhere.

I see Wilson's are selling the new style narrower Captain's Chair cheaper than the Elite Brindley and have them in stock for immediate delivery.

More info when I hear back from Elite, if I do. I'll send them a confirmation of my ultimatum by recorded delivery tomorrow.

Dog to dog blog: things are very weird

Mum and I have come to the boat for the weekend so that I can have a break from guarding the house against the firework monsters, but stuff is going on here as well. In fact I'm having a very weird couple of days.

It all started so well with a seriously long lie in yesterday before we set off to collect Grandpa and take him to the dentist 'cos he was moaning about what he called a grumbling tooth. Trouble was, the weather was chucking it down, there was an accident on one of the roads and we ended up driving round and round the side roads with Grandpa twitching and muttering like a collie having a bad dream.

When we finally got to Alrewas, he disappeared and we just sat around in the car, water still cascading down the windows, a total waste of time. Then after a bit it was back to the house to get our overnight stuff, but still I was left in the car!

At last we got to the boat where finally I got let out and things looked up a bit. One of my admirers, Jo, was there talking to Granny so I got some appreciation at last.

Not a bad night, the fireworks monsters stayed away mostly and I got some decent kip with Mummy. This morning seemed to be back to normal, except it was all wet again (what are these humans up to with the weather?) and I did get to snuggle with the AGPs before we all got up.

Then it was all weird again, off to the library from the boat and a run on the washlands in the wet. I ended up soaked, soaked I tell you and did I get towelled off?

NO.

Then people wonder why I'm pacing about 'cos I'm feeling all itchy and restless and the humans are just sat around reading stuff and taking very little notice of me.

Blagged two apple cores and a carrot from Grandpa at lunch and finally, finally persuaded them to take me for a walk round the marina. Had a brief chat with Ruby – she's staying in the marina for a few days with her boss, Dangerous Dave.

Back at the boat it was at least a bit warm again, but there was yet more reading by the humans so I've taken to pacing about a bit as a sort of hint. But now, there's weird music coming from somewhere nearby.

The AGPs say it's just next door practising, but how can you be sure? It's just so weird, I tell you...

You guys all watch out these dark nights, it's weird out there!

Loads of licks

Your friend

Sally

Dog to dog blog: AGPs need therapy

Hi guys

It's been a while, I know, but that's 'cos Mum doesn't take me to see the AGPs very often these days. Since she's been working in a different place, my new friend Andy comes to see me at lunchtimes. He's a great guy, always up for a snuggle on the sofa as well as letting me out for a bit.

So I've been missing out on my regular visits to the marina, as a result of which the old dears have got themselves in a right state, full of colds and sorry for themselves. I made Mum take me over there to see them this afternoon, after we'd had a good old doze in the morning (we're having very late nights at the moment 'cos of the horrible fireworks). They obviously needed some therapy, taking out of themselves, in fact, so after Mum had persuaded Grandpa to help give me some frisbee chasing time in the field, we loaded them into the car and took them home.

There, Granny was put work weeding the garden whilst Grandpa was allowed to play with Mum's new toy, an iPhone. Mum pretended she couldn't get it to download her email or be a personal hotspot to let her laptop connect to the internet. As a result, Grandpa had a great time fiddling around with it and even managed to get it working the way Mum wanted.

The only thing he couldn't crack was backing the phone up to the laptop; it's a very old laptop and the OS just wasn't right for the job.

Meanwhile I was outside, all the girls together. Granny did a load of weeding, Mum broke up some old wooden border edging to burn in the Squirrel on the boat, and I stayed on patrol watching out for sinister cats, pigeons and so on.

By the end of the afternoon, the AGPs were looking a load better as a result of their occupational therapy and we took them back to the boat. My reward: Mum's promised me a trip to Cannock Chase tomorrow.

Last time we were there, I sniffed out this big old dog fox prowling around and I'd really like to have another look for him.

Take care, all you woofers

Loads of licks

Your friend

Sally

Dog to dog blog: weird weekend II

Hi again guys

Where was I? Oh yeah, walking round the show. It was pretty manky on Saturday, but Sunday the sun came out and we got both another walk round the field and a decent stretch along the towpath. Loads more boats, lots of them looking weird too 'cos they weren't tied neatly to the side like the AGPs do.

Instead, they were all over the place as if they couldn't get close enough. Some of them had gang planks out. I quite fancied strolling along one of those, took me back to my agility days, but Mum was a spoil sport as usual and wouldn't let me.

At least I had my muzzle off.

Saturday and Sunday, people came to dinner, which was good fun as I got given carrots both times and made a big thing of munching them up. I'm still on this rotten diet, so feel hungry even after dinner. On Sunday, Mum kindly left some cheese out on the side after the humans had slumped back in their seats and started swigging wine again.

After my dinner, I thought a bit of cheese would just finish it off nicely, just like the humans had. So I went and chose a nice lump of Stilton and took it back to my bed to scoff. Turns out it was just another ploy for Mum to show off my training, in this case the thing about not biting the hand that feeds me.

I very nearly got the cheese down, but it was just a bit too big and got jammed at the back of my throat from where Mum fished it back out. To my amazement, she then threw the whole thing in the bin. I mean, it was only a bit slobbery. As Peter Mason said, it could have been rinsed off under the tap and put back on the board.

Come on, he builds really nice boats and knows loads of stuff about leather and things, surely he was right about this?

Monday was another damp day, though I did get bought an ice cream. Folk came and admired me in the morning, whilst pretending that they wanted to see round the boat. When they'd gone, Mum and I took all the stuff back to the car. We had a last walk round the show, the whole family together which was good, then Mum and I got into the car and Mum skilfully drove it off the mud and onto the tracking to set off home.

All that WRG training stands Mum in good stead; while we were getting ready to go, there was a guy with a four wheel drive making a complete Horlicks of the same job.

I've been spending my time catching up with my kip since we got back; I've had to dictate this post to Grandpa, so apols if the spelling's not so good. I mean the old guy is knocking on a bit and can't cope like he used to.

Take care, guys

Loads and loads of licks

Your friend

Sally

PS Grandpa says he'll try and do a post himself tomorrow, but they will be tied in Braunston so don't hold your breath. S.

Dog to dog blog: strange weekend I

Mum said we were going to visit the AGPs last weekend, so we set off on Friday night as soon as she got home, more or less. I was quite excited but quickly started to worry as she set off in completely the wrong direction.

After a while we were on a motorway, so I gave up worrying, put my head down and got some more kip. A hound can never have too much kip. Anyway, finally we arrived at a strange place and things just got weirder and weirder. Mum went off and came back with the AGPs, but only Grandpa got in the car. Grandma went off with some bedding into the night.

I said it was weird.

So then we drive into this field, park up and all get out. Mum put her boots and backpack on, Grandpa takes some other stuff, and I'm expected to carry my own things in my saddle bags that are only meant for carrying emergency food and water when we're out for a long walk.

I was so unimpressed.

We go through a fence and across this sort of show ground with all people milling about, loads of interesting smells and lots of noise. I can't really enjoy it because a) I'm wearing the stupid saddle bags and b) Mum has put my muzzle on as if I would attack anyone in these circs. I mean, I can hardly stagger along with all the weight of food on my back.

OK, so it's my food, so what. Humans are on this world to look after dogs, especially me, and that includes carrying my food.

Humph.

Finally, we climb up along and down off this rickety looking footbridge and get to the boats. Here at last we find our boat and can settle down for the night.

Next morning, the AGPs shove off first thing, leaving Mum to clean the whole boat by herself. We did get to go back over the rickety rackety bridge (I had a good look for trolls, you can bet, but no trolls, just boats) and take a stroll round this show, me still wearing the horrid muzzle.

Did meet some interesting dogs and humans which gave a chance to get my revenge for the muzzle. What you do is, you find a friendly human, rub your nose against their leg then work round to pushing it between their legs just above the knee.

Twist, twist and sharp jerk upwards and ha di ha di ha as we say.

My paws are really tired from writing this, so I'll do some more later.

Meanwhile, take care guys

Loads of licks

Sally

Dog to dog blog: checking out the AGPs

Hi guys

Have you tried using one of these iPad things? Nightmare! Your claw won't work the touchscreen and you can't get a toe pad onto it. Tried using my nose but it's too big; I suppose a Sheltie might manage, but then you'd have to find a Sheltie that could type. Like looking for a spare sausage in a boarding kennels.

Then I sneezed and blew some bits of carrot all over it and Grandpa went on something chronic. Finally managed to wedge Grandpa's stylus between two toes and do it that way, but it's awfully slow. So apols if this is a bit briefer than usual today.

I'm here to look after the AGPs tonight; dunno why, except Mum was getting out her glad rags yesterday evening, so I'm suspicious that she's going on the razz without me, swizz, swizz.

Anyway, here we are. The AGPs are looking a bit part worn, TBH, Grandpa dopey and Grandma dribbling, she's got a wetter nose than mine. OK, much the same as always, I hear you say, but honestly I do worry about them, though not enough to put me off my food or keep me awake, natch.

We've managed a couple of walks round the marina, caught up with a few old friends, had a run in the field, all that stuff. Oh, and got not one, not two but three treats out of the cleaners. Must remember that Pam is the soft one...

Apart from that, I've had my head down in front of the Squirrel most of the day. The weather's been pretty horrible apart from when we nipped out for walks, so it's the best place to be.

Take care and have a great summer, one and all

Loads of licks

Your friend

Sally

Dog to dog blog: weary AGPs

Hi guys

I think I may have overdone it with the AGPs last weekend. Walking Grandpa on both Saturday and Sunday seems to have worn him out, so all I got today were two trips round the marina, one first thing this morning quite briskly and one this afternoon with a lot more time for rummaging.

So not a complete waste of my time, but it would have been good to have another go in the copse. I must get Mum to bring me over here next weekend.

Apart from that, it’s been pretty routine; got my carrot and an apple core at lunch and I’ve had a couple more of the special treats. I’ll get Grandpa to put them in my bag tonight so’s Mum can give me some whilst the AGPs are away.

Apparently they’ve got a load of stuff to do between now and the end of next week when they hope to get going. Grandpa is worrying that he’ll have more hospital appointments yet; why can’t humans use the vet like I do?

I mean, straight into Just for Pets, see the man, get sorted, all done...

Easy peasy!

Have a good summer, all of you; with luck I’ll get over to the boat here and there and now and then whenever I can get Mum to take a break from the work thing.

Loads of licks

Your friend

Sally

Dog to dog blog: keeping the elderly fit and healthy

Hi guys

I’ve just done two days on the boat exercising the AGPs. Mum, Grandpa and I had a good time in the copse (at last) yesterday. Not many squirrels about, though I did find one to chase at the end, but plenty of opportunities for exploring muddy and smelly pools.

For some reason, humans don’t appreciate the wonderful feeling of thick black mud between your toes; Mum made me go into one of the clean water pools to get it all washed off, chiz, chiz.

Had a decent night’s sleep last night – managed to get through into the bedroom at half two, so spent most of it kipping in comfort. As I’ve said before, the bed’s not really wide enough, but I managed. Around six I felt the need to go out for a pee, so woke Grandpa by washing his face. He got his revenge by turning the light on whilst I was looking at it; had to spend some time with my eyes screwed up shut which made everyone laugh.

What’s so funny about that? I reckon it was plain irresponsible of Grandpa, I might have been blinded.

Had another decent outing this morning with both AGPs, along the towpath to Bridge 20 and back through Findern; loads of other dogs about but didn’t take much notice of them. Did find a rat down a hole and started excavating to get it, but the AGPs wouldn’t let me finish the job.

Double chiz squared. What do they think lurchers are for?

Mum finally rocked up in the middle of the afternoon. She sat about yacking for ages, but I’ve finally got her to take me away for a decent feed and a night’s sleep. I’m due back here on Tuesday, possibly for the last time for a bit, so watch out for me then.

Loadsa licks

Your friend

Sally

Dog to dog blog: disgusting weather

Hi guys

Well, it’s a little bit better than last week, but not much. I spent the whole morning stuck in the boat whilst this awful noise went on and on and on… The AGPs said it was a rainstorm hitting the roof but I just found it so painful. In the end it went away and I persuaded them to take me out.

Guess what – it was snowing. Snow gets down my ears even worse than rain, ouch, ouch, ouch. We only went a short distance so that I could make myself a bit more comfortable, then we went back to the boat. Must say, I was glad of the chance to go; I scoffed a whole large bone last night and I think I might have overdone it, know what I mean?

/sweat

Why can’t humans organise the weather better? I mean, any other day of the week I wouldn't have worried but on a Tuesday I need lots of nice sunny weather to charge about in.

Good points: I’ve had several of the new cheesy treats and a ginormous carrot for lunch. The sun finally came out and we all went out again.

Then the final injustice; I wasn’t allowed to go in any of the fields on the feeble excuse that they were all full of water. I mean, as long as it isn’t raining or snowing or hailing, I like soggy fields, it’s such fun charging about and splashing everywhere.

What’s more, we trekked round the whole marina twice, didn’t meet hardly anyone worth talking to, no extra treats and not even many dogs to chat up and sniff. After I’ve done this, I’m going to go back to bed and stay there until Mummy comes to rescue me. Here’s a photo from last year to show what I mean:

Mind how you go in the snow…

Loads of licks

Your friend

Sally

Dentists, steel and treats

Ian duly took me to Alrewas today to get my crown installed; it all went very smoothly and I was back on the boat by eleven. Meantime Sheila had taken a walk round the marina all by herself – she also took some photos of the near end of the Boardwalk steelwork going up. She was particularly impressed with the way the protruding rods of the rebar had been threaded to take the base plates of the uprights:

Dangling steel

Positioning over the studs

Add nuts

I’ll try and get another shot of the completed frame tomorrow; it’s almost done but unlike the steel erectors I’m not staying out in the rain a moment longer than I have to this afternoon.

Elanor had a day off today, so popped across with Sally just after lunch. The cheesey dog treats are a great success and I have no doubt that the carrot ones will be as well. In fact, Sal was so overwhelmed by the smell of the treat that she broke training rather and, having tap danced her way backwards down the boat from the galley to the saloon (she never gets fed in the galley), she snatched at the treat, knocked it out of my hand, grabbed at it again, missed and sent it up and over to land on top of her head between her ears.

From there it fell to the floor and was gobbled down.

After that display of excessive energy we took her for a run in field 2; the in-lamb ewes have been taken away for delivery so all three fields are currently available. It was pretty boggy but she still had a good dash round.

We just managed to get done before the rain started in earnest; Elanor and Sal went straight off without returning to the boat so the next treat trial will have to wait until the weekend.

Dog to dog blog: wasting my time

Hi guys

I really don’t know why I bother. I drag out here every Tuesday to look after the AGPs and to get some exercise and all they do is make excuses about how we can’t go in the fields 'cos it’s too wet and we can’t go on the towpath 'cos it’s too muddy and so we can’t go in the copse 'cos we can’t get there.

All I’ve had is two walks round the marina. The first one wasn’t so bad as we met my friend Katie and went round together. This means the humans get their nattering fix on the move instead of stopping for ages to chat. The second one was a complete frost, though. Just a straight plod round in the freezing cold wind. No one to talk to, no chasing stuff, no one fell over, in fact nothing to laugh at at all.

Back in the boat it’s been nothing but sitting around. The AGPs claim to have had a "bad night" – what is it with humans and sleep? Us hounds can sleep anywhere, anytime there’s nothing better to do, but humans have to have special times and places to do it and get all grumpy if they can’t manage.

Mummy hasn’t even got an evening class tonight, so I’m not sure why I’m here at all, we’ll just go back home afterwards.

Oh well, if I can make Mum feel a bit guilty maybe she’ll give me the new bone to scoff. I’m told that there are special treats from Step Mum Sue on the way, but they haven’t turned up yet. Maybe next week…

Take care guys

Loads of licks

Your friend

Sally