GEORDIE’S JOTTINGS

A WALK IN FEBRUARY

Oh my Goodness!! It must be a cold day, Mum is getting my coat out. Not that I mind wearing my coat, it is green with yellow trimming. Quite cool really!

First the coat and then the harness and finally my "top of the range" bright red lead. Ready at last. Off we go. Smart, eh!

Down the steps, and I stop and have a look around to see who is coming down the street, all clear so I have a sniff about and decide it`s safe to go on. Across to Hatton Road, more sniffing and I get let off the lead..

Mum walks on briskly, I let her go, I am on my own now, doing my own thing. Soon I hear her whistle and I look up ..... she is almost out of sight .... I panic and race down the road, she waits and gives me a treat for coming so quickly. Whew!

Who is that coming towards us? Should I run up and say hello? Ah, its Jasper, my old friend. He walks sedately up and our Mums have a chat. I don`t bounce at him or bother him, Jasper is not one for wild games. Now, if it were Jet or Tig we would be charging over the fields, seeing who could run fastest...its usually me .... I am the oldest .... and the best!

Now we pass Hatton Farm, watching out for the big red lorries. They are very noisy and quite scary.

Chester is coming down the road, seems to be by himself, walking slowly and steadily, but breaks into a jog when he sees us. He rushes up to my Mum and sits in front of her. She always gives him a biscuit and Chester likes his food! Happy, he gives me a nuzzle and trots off again. I see his Mum catching up so I go and say hello to her ....... sometimes she gives me a carrot. I don`t have to watch my figure but Chester is dieting.

On we go towards Cordon Mains, past my wee pals, Slinky and Woody, who like to shout at me as we pass and run up and down behind the fence. It’s always nice to see them. My Mum stops and has a chat to Jessie and Charlie in the paddock. I can`t be bothered with them and keep my distance. I still remember the time when a horse kicked me when I was little.

Wonder who is in the park today. Can`t wait to get there. I can hear barking, maybe it’s Jack running after his ball. I know he will not be pleased if I interfere with his game so I will stay well back. Yes, it’s Jack, but Marley is there too. The beautiful Marley, who everyone loves. She is always up for a run around while our Mums catch up on the gossip.

Then it’s the slow trudge home and to bed for a sleep ..... perchance to dream. It’s a dog`s life!!

Maureen Nisbet

CELEBRATIONS AND SNOW

Life has been very different for Mum and me, especially in the last few weeks. We haven't had any visits from friends and family, we are restricted to the same walks day in day out, and I am getting a bit fed up with it all. I did so love having my pals round for a romp in the garden while the mums had tea and chatted in the house. Mum savs it won't be forever. But it seems forever.

However, today is different; when we opened the door this morning the world was white! I took one look, rushed out into the garden and ran round in circles. Very cold on the paws but lovely and soft . Mum called me in to get my coat on and when we were both warmly wrapped up, we set out for our walk. Down the slippery steps.....trying not to pull Mum.....and out into the bright, white world.

Which way to go? Up or down? I had a sniff around and decided some of my pals had already passed by, going down to the park, so off we went.

I charged off on the pavement and did a "Bambi", landing splay legged on my tummy. Mum laughed, I didn't think it was funny! Perhaps this white stuff isn't so much fun after all! Gingerly we made our way to the park. No-one about, but I had a lovely run on the pristine snow and was not too happy to leave this wonderland, until Mum said we had to go because we had a surprise coming today.

When we got home, I could smell that someone had been in the garden. I rushed to the door, no sign of anyone, but, when Mum opened the door to the porch there were three parcels there and a small pile of letters. I had a good sniff at them but decided they weren't for me, pity, I do like opening parcels! Mum said "it's my birthday". I didn't know what she meant but she seemed happy, so it must be a good thing! She opened the parcels and I got the wrapping to play with.....chocolates, flowers and a bottle......not a dog treat in sight!

Now we must get organised" said Mum, "we are going to have some visitors". She got busy setting up her 'talking machine', and soon, the family was on the screen and it was just as if they were in the room. I recognised the voices and wagged my tail but I couldn't find them anywhere. Then the doorbell went, what a busy day! Someone gave Mum another box and when she opened it, it was full of delicious food, "this is my birthday afternoon tea" she said. All the family had an afternoon tea on screen too. What a lovely idea! There was a lot of talking and laughing but soon it was time to say goodbye and close down the 'talking machine'. Mum was a little sad but happy to have seen everyone.

She slowly got up and closed the curtains with a last glance at the snowy scene.

Well. it had been a different day for us both. A day of snow and a day of celebration.

A birthday to remember.