Made with Xara

Week 42 - Spot the difference..... 3^rd June 2007 Can you tell which one is me? I did worry that some-one might try to put some money into my head, but luckily they could all see I was the real puppy! This was part of a walk I went on with Mum, Dad & Gran, we had a nice time even though it was very cold and windy - and they took me across a bridge. It was lucky I didn't get blown away - although at 37.7kgs now, I should be alright in anything except a strong gale! On Tuesday it was Mum's birthday, so we had some of my mates round for a bbq - Ivan and Harry. We presented Ivan with his digging diploma, so now the only way is up (or should that be down!). At one point in the evening, Harry suggested we sneak upstairs and go on a toilet roll hunt again, but we were caught in the act by Mum, so we had to sit quietly and behave after that (well for at least 10 minutes anyway). You can see from the picture that I was giving Ivan the first of his next lessons - called 'don't cheek your elders!' When Gran was going back to the Isle of Wight we took her to the train station and it was good training for me to go along too. I got to wear my nice blue coat which gets admired by everyone. We all sat on the platform until the train came, then Dad got on the train with me - I thought for a minute we were off on holiday, but then he got off again - what was the point of that? Dad has just told me it is training to make sure I am happy getting on and off with all the hustle and bustle of people. On Friday we went across to Paula's house for a free run with her and Anka - it was great, me with my two female friends. Anka found a puddle in the middle of a big field and decided to lie down in it. She has definitely been taking advice about mud baths from Chelsea! When we got back to Paula's house, I saw Anka's new play pit. I think you will agree, she looks pretty cute in it. I wanted to play too, but I am so big I just squashed the balls...!  Mum & Dad took Paula home with us for a weekend holiday, she was great fun and we had a good time. On Saturday we went fundraising and there were three of us there - me, Paula and Harry. One of us was misbehaving a little bit and it wasn't Paula or me........ Paula went home on Sunday and we then went for a walk with Chelsea, so as you can see I have had a busy week. Next week I will tell you all about Harry's swimming lessons that he is going for on Friday. His Mum says she needs to get him a pair of trunks and some goggles first! Love Pickle xx

Comments:- Anonymous said... Hi Pickle, Thank you for inviting me to your Mums birthday party. It was great to have a boys night out. What a coincidence that we both visited a train station at the weekend. Mum and dad took me to a big station but there were no trains coming through because of maintenance on the line so we had to go to a small station. Mum and dad were a bit nervous so I walked them up and down the platform to keep them calm. When I saw the train coming I got into the down position to reassure them and I did not flinch. They really managed very well and they both said I was a "good boy" for helping them. Maybe I will take them on a train next! I enjoyed my morning run with you and now I am off to bed. See you soon. Love Ivan xx

Anonymous said... Pickle, Well yet again I have read all your hurtful comments about me, this is very RUFF on a sensitive chap like me.  I have had a quiet word with your Mum and she tells me you were caught yet again with a loo roll, but hiding behind the settee !!.  So I think you had better come clean once and for all and admit all the fibs you have told about me !! I have had a few thoughts about retribution as I will be going to the VERY BIG SCHOOL before you and I can have a few words with the people in the know !! You know I love you really and I shall miss you when I go !! After all you are my VERY bestest friend and I shall have to leave you in charge of all the little 'uns, I know you have learnt quite a bit from me so keep up the good work SQUIRT !! I had a great day out with you all yesterday even if I couldn't run around like you, it was lovely seeing my aunty Laura again she really gives me some lovely cuddles !! See you soon MATE, But just remember I will be going soon .......... Please dont talk about me when I've gone!!!! Woof Woof Harry xxxx

Week 43 - Bloomin' Marvellous! 10^th June 2007 Dad asks me to pose for a photo and look who has to get in on the scene - Chelsea - pretending she is VERY interested in the hedge. I'll get her back, next time she is posing for a picture! I have had a very busy week again, as Mum is home at the moment, so I get double walks, double fuss.......and double trouble! My week started when I met a new chum called Vinny. He is a black labrador and lives quite near me, so he came to my house for an hour or so. Would you believe it though, he was scared of me. I can't understand why, I know I am big but I am a huge softie, as long as all other dogs understand that EVERYTHING in my garden is mine, and that includes sticks, stones, toys...the lot. I was very kind to him though and left him alone until he got used to me, although biting my tail when he got his confidence was not a good start to our relationship! I hope to see him again soon and we can have a rough and tumble, just like I do with Ivan. The photo at the top of this weeks diary was taken when Ivan came out for his first run with all of us. It was funny watching him try to keep up with us all, actually you can see for yourself as Dad took a video, which is at the end of this entry.  Something else I have learnt this week is underwater stone location. I went along to a stream and decided that I wanted a specific stone from the bottom, so what is a boy to do except get stuck in and fish it out. I enjoyed myself immensely, especially when I shook all the water off over Mum & Dad and dropped the stone on their feet! I have been doing some training on most days, pubs, coffee shops, department stores, DIY shops etc etc. I am always good and get lots of praise from Mum & Dad. Harry went swimming on Friday, it is so that he gets lots of exercise for his back legs. I am quite jealous really, I could have shown him my new underwater stone game, perhaps next time we meet for a walk. Oh, and Harry I am going to be nice to you from now on as I am making the most of the time we have left together before you go in for training (also, I don't want any nasty surprises when I get there in a few months time!). Today, we went along to a big football event so that we could tell everyone about guide dogs. I met lots of nice people, and some of them will be looking at my diary now, so hello to you! When we got home, I was shattered so I took to my bed, but Mum just had to get one last picture didn't she! Love Pickle xx

Anonymous said... Hi Pickle, Rhys & Liam here, just saying how lovely it was that you supported us at our football tournament. I thought i had told you, that if we were losing, you had to run on the pitch and pinched the ball and bury it very quickly in one of your big holes you are excellent at digging. Well it was very hot today. So we could see that you had lots of people cuddling you all. Can we say how proud we are to see you all behaving and doing guide dogs proud. We're pleased to call you our big doggie cousin!!!! Well, what a hectic day, Paula slept all afternoon too and so did Chelsea and Anka. We're off to bed now, well, if you had run off with our ball, we wouldn't be so tired with having to chase it around the pitch trying to score a goal!!!! Lots of love, huggles and kisses The Boys

Week 44 - 11 months old today! 17^th June 2007 Yes, today I am the grand old age of 11 months! I hope that doesn't mean I have to be all grown up yet? I still like teasing Mum & Dad whenever I get the chance, I know they love it so much when I dig a new hole in the garden, or run off with something they really want. As you can see from the picture Harry and I were made to pose in front of a big steam engine (notice the leads making us stay there?). We went along to a big fair where there were lots of machines like the one behind us, but we weren't a bit scared. We were not so keen on getting so wet in the downpours though, that was a bit much. We looked a bedraggled sight when we trooped back to the car. Earlier in the week, I met up with Harry and Ivan (the terrible) for a gentle stroll along the river bank. It was a lovely sunny day, so we all stopped afterwards for a drink and a bite to eat (well Mum & Dad etc did anyway!). Today, we went for a walk in the woods and Dad had this idea that I should try caving as he used to do it when he was younger (and had more hair), so he threw a stick in the cave and tried to get me to fetch it - does he think I am daft?? It was a nice walk, some amazing smells along the way, I think there are badgers living there. I don't think I would like to meet one if their smell is anything to go by. I was supposed to be seeing my supervisor this week, but she couldn't make it, which is a shame, I wanted to show her how clever I am and how I know all my commands. So, I had to end up amusing myself for the day, although it looks as though I am praying for a treat, or a walk doesn't it! Pleeeease make them give me another chew....... As you can see from the last photo, I have a special face that I use sometimes when necessary, that says 'who me, what have I done?'. It works every time ........tee hee! Love Pickle xx