I'm a very popular dog

I am a very popular dog. Only the other day, two of my blog followers came to France especially to see me. I’d been to Funky Toiletage the previous day, so was looking my best for Lyn and Helen. After they had admired me, they gave me some toys and treats, which was very nice of them. I thanked them with lots of licks. I’m not sure Linda and David are quite as enthusiastic about the squeaky rubber bone, but I love it.

Then my friend Glynis used me as a model on one of her lovely cakes. I hope she won’t be upset if I say that the cake was spoilt slightly because she had put a model of that horrible cat Kandy on it too. However, I think everyone will agree that I am much more handsome than any cat. I hope she doesn’t include Kandy on my birthday cake — a bone-shaped, chicken-flavoured cake with some cheese and truffles on it would be good.

On the subject of nice things, I’m pleased to say that, thanks to my help, Freddie the homeless dog has found a new forever home with a lovely couple called Val and Brian. I expect I’ll see him around as he’ll be staying in the area. I hope he’ll be invited to the party that I’m sure Linda and David are arranging for me. I might even give him a slice of my birthday cake. I just hope Glynis manages to catch enough truffles to put on it.

I've added a photo of me with my new friend Lyn and the cake Glynis made using me as a model — just ignore Kandy.

It will soon be my birthday

It’s my birthday on 28 September and I’ll be 8 years old. I’m not sure what I’ll be getting as presents. I heard David muttering something about worm pills, but I think he was joking. I know my friends are plotting something, though. I’ve heard them talking about a surprise party and a special present. They even mentioned that my friend Glynis is making a cake — I hope it’s got chicken in it. They don’t realize I know what they are talking about. I think my friend Jean has a birthday around now too, but I’m sure it must be my party they’re planning. They’d better get a move on as we need to send out the invitations soon.

My birthday means I’m Libra. Apparently Librans like to live an easy, uncomplicated life. That’s true, but looking after Linda and David makes it a bit difficult for me to do that sometimes. Librans are also apparently successful in business. Well, that’s true too — look how well I do my blog and how many connections I have on that LinkedIn organisation. Remember, any time you want my advice, you just have to ask.

Linda’s been away to the seaside for a week, so I’ve had to take extra care of David. I’ve been invited out to lunch several times and I’ve let David come with me. Well, he likes to drive me places so it’s only fair he stays for lunch too. But we’ll be glad when Linda’s back.

I’d better give you an update. It turned out the party was on Sunday — and it was for Jean after all. I didn’t mind too much as Jean is a good friend of mine and it was made clear that I was the guest of honour. There were lots of people there who made a great fuss of me. Luckily they all remembered it was actually Jean’s birthday party and made a fuss of her too. She got a lovely hat as a present. It wouldn’t have suited me, though.

Perhaps there’ll be another party for MY birthday…

I get the “chase” started

The other morning, as I took David for his morning walk up at the top of our hill, I could hear the chase dogs barking. This meant that they were over at their little meeting house. Given the time of year, it’s a clue that it’s the hunting season. I’m sure you all know, but “chase” is the French word for “hunting” — hope you’re impressed that I’m a bilingual dog.

The chase is a big deal around here. The hunters hunt for birds, rabbits and hares, deer and, most of all, wild boar. The humans keep packs of dogs to help them and, in general, a good time is had by all. I don’t think I’d want to be a chase dog, though. Yes, they get to go on serious hunts as a pack and the humans have guns, which is all pretty exciting. But, the rest of the time the dogs have to live in boring kennels. They have plenty of company of the canine kind, but no freedom. No, I think I prefer taking care of Linda and David and having hunts by myself. I get to chase everything they do, except the wild boar (wouldn’t want to try that on my own, they’re vicious creatures). I might even catch something one day. I haven’t given up hope of tracking down an elusive truffle, but they see me coming and hide.

Having heard the chase dogs, David and I stopped by the side of the lane and waited. Sure enough a minute later along came the decrepit vans the hunters use. The chase dogs were in the back. I sat by the side of the lane, wagged my tail and nodded my head to let them know I approved.

As it happened they all stopped near where we were parked. This gave me a chance to say hello. The chase dogs were friendly enough, but were preoccupied with getting started on their first hunt of the year.

We drove home. As I had breakfast, then a nap, I decided those activities were much better than chasing around all day.