I am 13 months old today

I had a cracking time today. It is 13 months since I was born and it felt like my birthday again. I was not feeling too good yesterday morning, probably because of that needle pointy thingy that the vet stuck in me the day before. But today, I was back to normal. Daddy took me for a long walk this afternoon and I vote for that every day. We went to the golf links as usual and then on through Old Down and round Old Down Wood and back via Sheepcombe and the waggon wash. We've been there before, but as it was a Saturday afternoon, as well as nice and sunny, there were loads of other furry friends to play with. Two of them (including another flat-coat) took my kong, but that is no more than I try to do!

Sunday afternoon

Sunday afternoon is definitely a good time to meet more admirers, walking off their Sunday lunch. I met a lot of people and dogs on the way to the bluebells at Sheepcombe Brake and Lower Hazel. Some recognised me as a flat-coated retriever and reminded me that the breed is the 'Peter Pan of the dog world - they look eternally youthful and are always playful' - see www.flat-coats.co.uk. I can't argue with that!

Sheepcombe Brake

This morning I had my first walk in Sheepcombe Brake, although Daddy has been loads of times before. I don't think it will be my last. (A Google search came up with this page - driving with dogs - which looks very useful.)

I met a very playful Schnauzer. Daddy thinks it was a Standard Schnauzer with a salt and pepper coat as opposed to the Giant Schnauzer that won Crufts. I am now crashed out in a cool spot; I am hot as it is very sunny and warm today and I have been running around a lot.

I can't believe there are so many dogs!

I can't believe there are so many dogs! I saw a record number this morning of all shapes and sizes and a lot of admirers. I went to the waggon wash at Sheepcombe as recommended by Basil. It's a bit muddy at the moment and I didn't fancy a swim today.

I heard a woodpecker in the woods and wondered what that was all about - hitting your nose against a tree trunk several times a second???? 

I also saw the bin men this morning. I am going to enjoy their visits, they have biscuits!

My weekend went very well. Thank you very much Auntie Avril and Uncle Roland for looking after me; I hope I was not too much of a trial and I look forward to the next time. Daddy days he missed me like a scratch on the hand - I have no idea what he is talking about.