This weekend was dominated by Dad’s bathroom makeover. He found a great plumber and got a new bath (now I will bathe in his house as well), plus smart new tiling and shower. This meant we had to go to more plumbing shops to look at taps and accessories. Weather was a bit cooler so I did not mind too much. At least we went for a good walk in
Totteridge on Saturday afternoon. I love running across the fields and through the stream. Why do They get so worried when I get muddy? Surprise – a dog bath when we got back to Mum’s. How lucky her bath is still OK…
But I looked stunning afterwards.

The breakdown truck finally arrived to take the car to a garage in Swanage. Then we had to get ourselves back to the holiday cottage, 60 miles away, near Shaftesbury. The taxi was a minibus so I had room to lie down and watch the sunset. Luckily They stopped to buy me some Cheese and Onion Crisps on the way. We finally got back at 10.15pm – way past a dog’s dinner time.

More on my doggie adventure in Dorset. The radiator was bust, so the car would not move and They could not get a phone signal. Mum went over to some people who had come back to the car park, to borrow a phone. They told her the only place to get a signal is at the top of the hill (about 30 minutes walk!!). But they took us all in their car, waited until we got a breakdown truck sorted out, then took us back. I am constantly impressed at how nice everyone is in Dorset! We did not get their names, they live in Wool and the lady breeds German Shepherd puppies -that explains why they took a shine to me. I am not a dog to dwell on problems, suffice to say that Direct Line were below par and Lloyds Bank AA Cover is worthless. In spite of this aggravation, I was having quite a good time. It was still hot, and I got another walk round the car park as we waited. Just before we left (after 90 minutes waiting) the dogging crowd started to arrive, so our departure was very timely. Also, I had still not had my dinner. A dog needs regular food, you know.

Kev

Quick update: we had been to Shaftesbury and Corfe Castle, top outings. I got some sausage samples from the French Market, and lot of attention. Then They wanted to take me to a beach – preferably a sandy beach. We found on in Tyneham Bay, Dorset. This is quite close to Corfe Castle, in an area that is normally an Army Firing Range. We walked down to the beach for about 10 minutes from the car park and it was lovely. The beach is sandy with pebbles, clean and quiet. There were lots of families having a good time, and no shops. We left about 5.30, got in the car and BANG! Dad drove into a low post on the car park edge – it was invisible from inside the car. The radiator was punctured, with fluid gushing out. After they realised what had happened they tried to call someone, but there was no signal – remember we are in the middle of nowhere. What is going to happen? Will we ever get away before the tanks start firing on Monday morning, and have they got any food for me? All I saw them buy was some French cheese at the market.
More later – Kev

Just to update you: Good night out at the pub on Saturday - They even served my cheese and onion crisps in a bowl. Sunday morning in Shaftesbury impressed all of us, we will probably go back there again. Sunday afternoon was loads of fun. Went to Corfe Castle, very striking. I paddled in a stream on the way up. They enjoy watching me jump across, so anything to oblige… At the castle entrance, I was surrounded by fans! Fifteen boys and girls from a school party descended on me, cooing, praising and stroking me. Not sure whether it is me or Mum who is most flattered! I kept my cool, of course. After that we got back in the car and They said the magic word – beach!

You must come back and I will tell you what happened: it was the best adventure yet. Luckily I am trained to be calm in a crisis…

Kev

The hot weather makes me sleep all day, but in the evening They are taking me down the pub more often. In Finchley there is only one real pub now – the Elephant Inn, Finchley. It is also the only dog friendly pub in the area. When we arrived, Lindsey the Barmaid brought me a dog bowl of cool water. Very kind, then Mum also gave me some ice cubes to crunch: They find this very amusing for some reason. All the other customers were friendly to me as well, so I think we will go back again.