I do think it is getting a bit embarrassing to see just how many boxes are being delivered to my Nan’s house when Mum and Dad have been shopping at their favourite wine of the month clubs. I know they are ordering for themselves and for my Nan, but yesterday there were three cases and of course I am a teetotal dog, so the three of them are consuming it on their own.

Last night the talk was about money and investments, as usual, with Mum and Dad discussing the different options. They are uncertain, like everyone else, of the way property prices will go in England. One thing they are kicking themselves about is the fact that they did not put some savings into gold or silver earlier. Of all people, we should know better. We have been writing articles here about the fact that the price is rising for a year and in all that time they were sidetracked in dealing with selling their houses. This month the world gold price reached record levels and we could have gained from that. It is still not too late so if you have any spare cash, put it into bullion now.

When Mum had a full-time job she used to so something called performance management, I do not really understand what that means: is it like the way she says ‘good boy’ to me constantly? I am quite a good boy and it is ages now since I attacked the rum truffles: serves her right for leaving them where I could smell them!

Dad found an interesting statistic yesterday – between 25 – 40 per cent of dogs here in the UK are overweight. That is a reflection on the owners, who are responsible for their pet’s diet. Mum says she would soon stop giving me treats if I was putting on weight, because she knows I need to stay at my ideal weight or my arthritis would be worse. I suppose special fitness equipment for dogs will soon be on the market!

I have been a little quiet lately on the blogging front, mainly because Mum has been travelling around quite a lot. My ear is still very sore after I was attacked by the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Finally Mum has said that I have to get a Buster Collar, but she promised I do not have to wear it in front of any Cat5e – that would be too embarrassing!

My Nan has made us all promise that we will do everything possible to avoid having to send her to a nursing home because she has been involved in a pensioners’ rights group and she has heard about the bad things that can happen in badly run homes. She will be interested to read about a new website that gives independent information all about care for older people, and it does not shy away from talking about the dangers either. At the moment they have headline articles about safety in care homes, tagging for Alzheimer’s patients, and how to keep warm in winter. This is worth looking at for all of us, especially me.