Saturday 4th 2007 - from about 2 in the afternoon

Just settling down to have my afternoon munch when some people arrived at my kennel front. They looked alright, so I went outside to see. My friend 'Joy' was a little scared of new people. She'd come back in the van with me from Skye, where we'd been living on a farm. Anyway, as Joy was scared, I usually had a look out and told her what I saw. This time, it was two people
who spoke some strange 'doggy' language. Something like 'what's your name?' but rather it was 'hello doggie woggie. What's your namey name then?' Honestly we may be dogs, but it does not mean we're stupid and have to be talked down to.

They seemed alright, but away they went back to oblivion which is what we called the 'other side' of the hedge towards the outside world.

Just a few minutes later and along came Elaine, one of the people who fed and looked after us. She said I should play up to these people, as they were interested in taking me into their house. I said I was fine with Joy and the others, so hatched my plan. I saw the people again in the office where I was taken to when I arrived. They seemed alright or so the otehr dogs in there told me. Next I knew I was on a lead and heading towards the field we go to for our short walks. They did not understand how to walk 'professional sheepdogs' and could not get the hang of my weaving around. Don't these people know anything I thought. I have to weave around to properly herd 'all the sheep together.' But they did not seem to appreciate this.

So, we have a few walks round the field and then they finally let me lie out in the sun. That bit was fine. It was a fine day, and we don't get much sun in the kennel. So it was nice to just 'soak up the rays' a bit. I started warming to them at this point. Anyone who is going to let me 'soak up the rays' can't be all bad. So after a while, we headed off back to the office and bang. Next thing, I was getting dragged into this car and taken away in a merc. Well I'd always fancied a Mercedes, but never thought I'd now own one.

They continued to talk this inane 'doggie woggie' talk all night, and seemed to want me to come into their house. That felt a bit strange at first, as I'd been used to living outside. Well in a barn anyway. They put my food and water inside the house too. I suspected this was a reuse to confuse me. Well they succeeded. I didn't know what to eat and drink. I wasn't that hungry and was a bit confused about what I was meant to do. Lots of different new noises, which tired me out. But I knew this could all be a trap. Anyway, this meant they wanted to feed me by hand. Just a bit different from before. I thought - I could get used to this!! What else can I get them to do?

I wasn't sure about my place, so kept running back outside just in case I got told I was a dog and shouldn't be indoors. But they kept encouraging me to come in. Changed days indeed. Eventually I gave in and allowed them to take me into their living room. I chose the couch which I thought would fit me fine. They didn't seem to agree, but we compromised (for now) and I bagged the seat in front of the telly - a strange device with animated flat people that shouts at you from the corner. They seem to like it!!

That night I was determined to stay awake. Well you never know when these people might turn nasty. And I wasn't going to let my guard down.

Eventually, it was time for bed. Half way through the night, that is.

As I'd dozed in the living room, as well as it being a bit strange, I woke about 4.30am as I usually do. Woah. Strange place. No longer in my barn in Skye. Woah. No longer in my kennel in Inverness. Oh yes, I remember. Nairn. House. Living room. Inside. Woah. People.

Better wake them up to see if it's all real.

HE eventually got up - seemed a bit miffed I'd woken him. But he let me go out the back. Some talk of 'pee pee' or something like that. Anyway, I did not need any of that stuff. I was just awake and 'ready to go'. He went back to bed. So I wandered for a while. New smells everywhere.

Around 6.30, I did need to go. So I just 'went' in the part of the kennel they call 'the kitchen'. They found it a little later, and I was 'invited' to go out again. This time I'd 'saved' a bit so I was able to go.

Note to any prospective rehoming dogs out there. Always do some stuff on the carpet early on. They're so grateful when you then do it next time outside. I made the mistake of 'going' outside first. So they thought they'd got me sussed. I learned though and this 'poolie' was a great idea. More on that to come.

This was the end / beginning of my first full day.

Meg