Megs Blog

2009-04-04T10:32:00.000-07:00

Wind and rain today. They took me to Grantown on Spey and I had to stay in the car. They came back out after AGES and took me into the wood to get a bit of a run. That bit was great. They found a really good wood AND I got a stick. I've been banned from sticks - ever since I cut my tongue on one in Inverness. Wasn't my fault!

I'd been playing away find and decided to have a wee lie down adn a chew at the stick. But HE hadn't properly taken off all the knots in this stick and a piece got stuck under my tongue. When I crunched down to break it into a more manageable sized piece. OUch! And I noticed something a bit warm and wet in my mouth. I staggered over to HIMself (the stagger really just to get a bit more sympathy) and he put his hand IN my mouth and pulled it out covered in blood. That's when the panic set in. But in five minutes or less, all the blood had stopped. And we could get on with the game. But he would not give me the stick! Don't know why?

So - ever since then - until today - I've been banned from playing with sticks. I've tried everything to get them to play iwth a stick. Picked them up and dropped one at their feet. Broken them off and ran around like mad with one in my mouth, then dropped it at their feet. But no - always the same story - not allowed sticks.

It was great today to get back to running around like mad (my favourite thing, by the way) and chasing the stick. I got so revved up for it that even I gave the stick a good chewing to. That showed it. Gave it back in half.

After a while (and meeting a few laboradors) we got back to Nairn. And off we went down the beach. Great. I love going down the beach. But especially into the wood. Culbin forest is my favourite wood anywhere. It's great for chasing things, like balls or sticks.

Will soon be back and will write more then.

Meggie.

catchup

2007-11-21T01:07:00.000-08:00

Well it's been a while since I wrote a few lines. But hopefully this will catch us all up.

September & October
Lots of walks along the beach and in the wood. I'm really good now and apart from the occasional 'accident' I hardly ever have to pee on the rug now. Mostly just to show them who's in charge of course. And to show my authority.

They don't seem amused, but then they have to clean it up, so I guess they wouldn't be.

November
21st today. Hurt my leg. Probably yesterday, but maybe even the day before. You see I've taken to running after and playing with a ball. Probably a bad idea to give in this early. He's been kicking a ball up and down the beach for ages and I've managed to totally ignore it. But one day during October, I spotted a ball on the 'new' bit of beach we were on. And I could not ignore any more. I started playing with. And to be fair to them, they picked it up pretty quickly. They throw the ball, I run to it. And leave it there. Then of course, there's the alternative. There's always an alternative. They throw it. And I bring it back to them. Well almost. Don't want to totally 'sell out', do I? So I bring it as far as I have to before one of them will pick up the ball and throw it again. It's pretty good fun. And I could do it for a long time. Probably all day. And in fact, all night too. Would be better than sleeping. In fact, I can think of only 'eating' that is better. Come to think of it, if they also fed me down on the beach.....I would only have to stop for a few minutes a day. But they seem to have other ideas. And we 'have' to go home. Why?

Anyway, as I was going to say. I've hurt my leg. He's been putting ice I think it is. It's cold anyway. Onto the back right leg. Silly bugger, it is my left one that's hurt. No only joking. It is my right back one. Well he's been putting this bag of ice onto the back leg and it has helped a bit. It was quite cold, but I think it is a bit better. Can't jump up onto my chair, which is a bit of a bugger. But soft git has put my 'new comfy beddie' in front of it, so I'm 'making do' with that.

Oh. last night She decided I should have a more comfortable bed. Probably cos i've started waking her up during the night, when I remember I'd forgotten to do a 'complete' pee. Well you never know when you're going to need to spray. So I usually like to keep some back!!

Anyway, I've started waking her up to let me out. I wait until about 4am before I do this of course. And she thinks it's cos I'm waking up because my beddie is not comfy enough. Well all I can say is RESULT!

This new beddie is a quilt. Very comfy and soft. So I slept all night last night, just to show my appreciation.

Well I'm off to rest my weary leg. I'm told I'm taking it easy today. Just to give it a little extra rest. Probably the correct answer. Although I will miss my ball today. And my beach.

Oh well. And he's off to make Beef Jerky. Runs ScottishJerky.com you know. But I don't seem to have seen any of it. Sherry, that's my cousin. She told me. she used to get some. Well find some from time to time. But me. Nothing.

Well I'm off to nurse my sore leg. I'm just going to mope about the house today, I think. A good day to do that, cos it's raining. And it's gonna rain - ALL DAY - although that doesn't bother me much.

Bye for now.

Meggie.

Golden Wedding - off lead - and running fast

2007-08-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

Well. I've been with these folks for almost a month now - 4th September will be it. And they seem never to stay at home at the weekend. This week we're off to a Golden Wedding anniversary dinner. I got to stay in the car, cos doggies are not allowed in hotels apparently. it was interesting how people seemed to come out of the hotel - all dressed up in their finery, then burst into flames. Well almost burst into flames - plenty of smoke anyway. Just doesn't seem natural. Plenty of noise too, but I just slept through it all. Best way really. On one side the main road, on the other a wedding party's overflow of smokers. Fun fun fun - these humans!

He came out at various intervals to see 'I was alright'. More like to check that I wasn't eating the car! he took a couple of 'little people' with him one time who proceeded to speak in very high voices and 'prod' at me. All very amusing really.

So then it was back to another house I did not know and a 'sleepover' again. This time, I decided it would not be appropriate to 'adopt' the house by marking it. Seem to have lost much of the urge since my 'season' has finished. So I was complemented as 'very good' and only insisted on getting up once at 4.30 for a quick pee. Didn't really need one, but I was bored and fanced getting Her up from her bed. She looked far too comfy!

So next day we went for a walk in Perth. Down by a burn along a path. It was quite nice and I met 'Fred' an Airdale terrier who was very nice. Had this terrible habit of putting his front paws out and high above my head though. So I was not amused by him.

Next I met this big dog who seemed to want to play, but wasn't allowed. Then a very fat lab, which was only 9 months old and was at the height of her season. Her owner said she was 'keen'. Owner could have done with losing a bit of weight too if I'm brutally honest.

So it was back to the house - via a couple of bikes - that I kidded on I had not seen. Then into the car and back up north. That was a long journey, but we stopped once and I had a ball running over some rocks first by a waterfall, then running through the heather as we took off up a path. That was my idea - a good one I think. Brian moped off back to the car - something about being cold without his jacket, which he'd forgotten to take with him. Left in the garage. Eejit!

I was very tired by the time we got home and slept very long. Couldn't move before 6.30 so allowed them a long lie. Only seemed fair - once they'd fed me, of course.

I'm now being allowed off the lead most of the time, which is good. I also like very much to run from one of the humans to the other, as fast as I can. It's quite food fun really. Seems to amuse the folks too. I can run up the sandbanks much faster than they can. They're a bit pathetic at it actually and continuously fall down. So I bomb them by running at them and straight over them. Good fun really, although they seem to complain about sand in their faces.

Yesterday, we were playing 'hide and seek'. He hid below the bank, and I'd walk on the top then come down onto the sand and find him.

One time I took a dive from the top of the sandbank and slightly misjudged it and landed flat like a belly flop on the sand. Then ran along and found Him and trying to get close, I pushed my back paws too far and fell on my back again. So I was covered in sand.

Then she'd hide above the bank and I'd run fast and find her. Pretty easy really, but it seemed to amuse them. Part of the job description of a pet and not too difficult to do, so I'm fine with it.

Life is generally pretty good. They do sleep a bit late and I have to admit to having fallen into this trap. I'm now sleeping right through to 6.30. Trouble is I have to get Her up to feed me, cos I'm ravenous at that time. I do continue to sleep after I've got a full tummy though. Not much to do really until I get my walk. I'm then back and 'doss' around a bit until 'teatime' and a walk, then it's just a short sleep until breakfast again. It's a god's life! You think that's a mistake. You're mistaken. Got to show them who's boss you know!

Slept all night - Off the lead - and my first tick

2007-08-22T03:57:00.000-07:00

Slept all night last night. Right through to 6.30am. But then I was 'ready to rock and roll'. So I started trying to wake the folks up. Hey you guys. Cumon, it's late now. Time to go. I'm awake and 'full of beans' and bursting to get moving. So I did a bit of running around and trying to lose some energy. Eventually I got fed. That helped, cos I was hungry. But in a way just gave me more energy. I was bored waiting by this time, so thought I'd investigate a pair of 'binocliears' I found. They were made of rubber and metal. So quite good to chew on. I also found a medal thing with a piece of ribbon holiding it. So I threw that around for a while too. He kept 'instecting' and trying to find out what I was doing. But I was two steps ahead of him, cos I'd taken the evidence outside. So he didn't discover till later. But by then I'd forgotten what had happened. So that was fine. I got a good chew at the binocliears though and managed to get most of the rubber off. Who needs the rubber part anyway? So I've helped in a way.

Today for the first time on a walk, I was allowed off the lead. I stuck pretty close to Him, just in case he got scared. But he was fine. Called me back every so often for the first while, but I did n't really want to go that far ahead anyway and kept checking he was alright. He was fine.

On the way back, we met a whole lot of dogs that were splashing around in the water. It looked great fun. One was doing dive bombs into the water and bouncing out the other side. Another was copying. I wanted to have a go, but he wouldn't let me. Something about learning bad habits. It looked great fun though.

Then someone called 'murphy' came running towards me. He had a sniff at my bum but didn't really know what to do. So off he trotted again. Well galloped actually. He was quite fit looking and was really enjoying the water. Just wait until I'm able to run through the water like that 'off the lead'. Still got to get his confidence up a bit first, I suppose.

Then when we got back. I wanted to get back into the house and quickly. Never know when these pesky kids are going to start their inane chanting and screaming. He decided it would be a good idea to take me for a walk down to play with the traffic.

The first couple of cars scared me quite a bit. But after that I decided to lie down and take it easy. After that it was fine. But then he made me stand up against the wall and 'watch' the traffic going by. That was a bit scary, but again once I got used to it, I was fine. I decided I'd had enough and wanted back home. But he said I couldn't get home till I was calm. Calm. Next thing I see is this person on a bike. As readers will know, I don't much like bikes. Well this was a woman at the other side of the street on a bike. I was fine though. Trying to be calm.

Just before we came back. And I thought he was going to take me back first. I saw Stella. She's the little yappy thing from across the street. She's alright though and we had a nice chat the last (which was the first) time we met. So I wagged my tail. And she wagged her tail ready to meet up. We had a grand 'blether' and she sniffed my bum. I sniffed her nose afterwards. And we had a grand chat about where she'd been on her walk. I told her about murphy and the boys in the water. She also thought it sounded great fun. Then her owner said 'come on puppy' and they were off. We followed back into the house after that and I slept.

My first tick
Yesterday I was really itchy and Brian said I had a 'tick'. Isn't that something to do with a clock?
Anyway, he put some greasy stuff on my neck before we did our walk. Then when we came back he insisted on 'instecting' my tick and my neck. I didn't like that much. Especially as he then started prodding around my neck and pulled the thing out. Felt a bit better for that, although I'm still a bit itchy.

Last night they seemed to think (or so they said) I had a tick in my bum. Cos during my walk my bum got instected for ticks. He didn't find any he said. I think it was just an excuse to put his thumb of my bum actually. Funny habit these humans. Woudn't it be nicer to just sniff?

I barked

2007-08-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

Well it's Tuesday and I decided to give Him something to think about. So I barked. Did not overdo it. Just barked once. He was delighted 'good doggie' and all that. You'd think I'd just had a litter of puppies or something.

So I barked. I heard something outside and wanted to warn them off. But there was nothing there. I had a look outside to check.

This morning - went ot beach for walk. Another couple of dogs there. Barking barking barking. Honestly, what's all the barking for? It must be strange for people. I guess they don't know the dog was just repeating 'throw my ball', as they obviously were not doing it. What 's a ball anyway?

The other dog was also barking - 'me too' it was saying. Then they decided to walk right in front of us. So we took off in the opposite direction. Down onto the beach. Nice..

Got back and He wanted to play. How can 'squash the dog' be play? Well I sucked up to him anyway. Only he can reach the food now since he caught me yesterday. Didn't do any good though. Some of the games are quite good though. They're getting a bit more inventive. Has been a bit boring until now. But hey, they take a time to settle down and into my routine I suppose.

She does seem to understand that I need to get up and have a walk about during the night. Thought that was going to be more difficult to train her to do. But no - she seems to be able to leap out of bed quite quick now. Couple of poos on the kitchen floor sorted that one out.

I've had a hard day today. Since my walk, I've lain around mostly in the bedroom, but also a bit under my table on my own blanket. Well when He closed the bedroom door, I had no choice.

Looking forward to my tea. Comes around 6 o'clock. Tonight I'm getting 'dry stuff' again. Quite like it though. Such a pity He caught me in the food yesterday. I could have had two teas. One around 5 and another when He gives it to me at 6. Such a shame, because I can't reach it now.

Never mind. I'll find a way sometime soon.

Must go for now. Have a bit of sleeping to get in yet. Otherwise I'm going to be too tired to get up at 4am and parade around a bit kidding on I need. Why do humans waken up so late? I'm ready to go around 6.30 every morning. But they just want to continue sleeping. Don't they know the best of the day is passed by 7.30?

Signing of for now.

Yours

Meg

My weekend

2007-08-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

Monday 20th
Had a walk this morning along the beach. It was good cos there was almost no-one there. Just one silly spaniel that was obsessed with its owner. No time for me. What's a girl to do? And me 'ready' too. I couln't even find out if it actually was a 'he' or a 'she' - too far away to smell them.

Today
I finally found the food. I've known for some time that they go into the the back room to get the food. But today, I discovered exactly where and that it was open to the top. Getting close to dinner time, I started to get a bit peckish so I had a wee nibble. Nothing much just thought I'd help myself to a snack. But hey. Did I not get caught? Had to really apologise and do all the 'you are so powerful - I am just a lowly dog' stuff to get away with it. But of course, I did. Stupid stupid stupid. He bought it.

Trouble is - he's now moved the food up high. I'll have to figure out a way to use the ladder, or to jump up there next. Just give me time for a bit of thought. I'll get there. I'm not a collie for nothing.

Getting close to dinner time. So I'd better go. Otherwise he'll forget. They haven't figured out when I speak to them yet what I mean. Probably better that way, as the onus is on them to stop me peeing on the floor. Once I can talk, they'll expect me to 'ask out'. Still. Quite a good game for as long as it lasts though.

Tioraidh for now.

Meg

Sunday 19th
Did a really soft shit today. Think it might have been due to the chicken I got last night. At least I didn't have a hangover, like some I could mention.

Got taken for two walks today. They're both here today too. I like that, cos I get lots of attention. We went down the beach and hung around the garden. One of them got onto a bike. I don't like bikes. How many times do I have to make this obvious. I don't like wheels, big or small. So that then means I don't like bikes, scooters, prams, bikes, prams, scooters, cars, bikes. So what does he do. Cycles around the garden. So I hid. Found a good spot under the bushes. The got a brush, cos she said I had bush in my coat. Honestly. If he hadn't gone onto the bike, I'd not have gone into the bush. So why isn't he getting brushed rather than me? Don't make doggie sense.

Saturday 18th
Was taken back to the kennels today. Something about visiting old friends. I liked the woman with the uniform on. I remembered her. She had been nice to me when I got there from Skye. Got taken round the back where everyone goes for 'toilet'. Don't know why, but we walked around the field. It was fine, if a bit wet. Of course, then they complain I smell when I get back into the car. No doggie logic.

BBQ
We went to a barbeque today. Well tonight. They were burning food on the barbeque and I was not really allowed any. Met a big dog called Judy and another one called Rona. A little terrier thing. But judy wanted to be the boss. She was kidding on she was a 'boy dog' and sniffing around me. Didn't mind that. Hey, why not? But she was all talk. Anyway, a little later I started to take the P a little from Judy. She didn't like that. On her territory too. I did a P on her carpet. That'll show her. Now she'll wake up and smell me for the next few days. Said I was sorry of course to the humans. They don't really get it. So I'm fine with them now.

One of the humans gave me some chicken. I quite liked that, human food. A bit nippy on my tongue though. But not bad.

Friday 17th
Brian tried to get me to go into a cage thing today. Said it would be good as I've then only got to protect that area, rather than the whole garden. Poppycock. Just means I'm stuck and can't 'get at' anything

My weekend at Glamis Castle

2007-08-16T03:16:00.000-07:00

Friday pretty uneventful really. Just the usual walk in morning. Walk at evening. Have created a bit of a game though. That is to get the folks up during the night. I need to get out during the night to 'advertise' to the guys in the neighbourhood that I'm 'around' and 'receptive' to a little bit of 'how's your father'. But I don't seem to be able to get away from them. So I get them up during the night on the pretext that I need to 'go'. They basically open the door and let me out. So I nip round the corner and do a little spray. Other than putting aposter on the fence, I don't know what to do. Seems not to have worked yet though. No 3am serenading from the 'boys' yet.
Seems they either don't know I'm here, or they've all had their 'jewels' taken away and given to people as doggie balls.

Saturday was more eventful. We went away far in the car. To a castle. There were lots of people around which I did not like much. But we all had a picnic, which was good. Then we stayed overnight on a farm. There were lots of strange noises during the night which kept me awake. But I kept the folks awake too, cos they thought I was going to 'do things' on the carpet. He slept with his hand on me all night. I couldn't move but he woke up and got me back on my carpet. Suppose I was dripping a bit. But hey, if you can't design and write a poster campaign, how are you gonna advertise your presence. (Most male dogs are so dumb, they can't read anyway. So smell is the best means of communication)
I was very good though. Got to go out at 6 o'clock. Had a quick pee and back into the room.

Sunday - Went to a 9th birthday party. There were kids there. I like kids. They are about my height, and I'm able to 'play' them easier, as they think I'm cute. There was also another dog there. He was quite nice although a little boisterous and although I wanted to play a bit. I wasn't allowed. So I had to play the 'serine' and 'gentle', which of course I am.

Once that was done. And I got NO sausage rolls (which I could see they had). One person did insist on giving me these little 'bites' however. So the party wasn't all bad.

In the evening, we went back to Glamis. This time opera. I was used to Glamis by this time. I could live there. Plenty of grass fields to run around in. And no sheep! What a bonus that was.

I thought all fields had sheep. But no, these were great.

There were cars though. And lots of people. Too many people.

We then drove all the way back to Nairn. Too far. Too long. I slept most of the way. Got home very tired and slept again.

Monday and Tuesday - full on 'season' now. And I'm ready. But where are the guys? There appears to be no 'real men' left around. They've all had their 'jewels' removed. Still tired from the weekend, so not too keen to go for the two walks a day. Have managed to cut them down to one a day for now.

Wednesday - no walks. Felt a little tired all day. Slept most of it.

Thursday - He took me to the doctor. I got a 'ninjection', I think he called it. Said I was now able to walk without the lead and wouldn't get sick. But they wont let me off the lead cos I'm in season. So it comes to the same really. Still on lead.

Had to sit on this table and the doggie doctor spoke to me and to Him. Appears I'm intelligent. And healthy. Well I knew that!

But I've still got them all intrigued as to 'what' I am. No one knows. Vet thought I was probably just collie, but said no-one will really know. I guess that makes me a 'nenigma'. I'm quite chuffed to be a 'nenigma'.

Got my jag though, so now I'm ready for walks.

But still have a week or so of my 'season' before I can get 'off' the lead properly. Can't wait!

I'll show them running. I can run like the wind. Just wait and see!

Meg.

learning steadily

2007-08-09T02:59:00.001-07:00

Thursday now and I'm getting 'people' round to my way of thinking a bit more now. They seem to want to take me to the beach twice a day. I do like the beach.

Today however we did not make it to the beach. She took me to near the beach where there was lots of noise, other dogs barking and it freaked me out a bit. Think it freaked her out a bit too. So we came home.

Did a shit outside when I got back. Have found a bush that I like to shit on. So tend to do it there if I can get outside.

Went down the beach with Him yesterday. Noone else aaround. I really liked that. Then there was some strange people around though. Some making noises. Some sitting folded up - don't know what theyu were doing - He said 'reading' or something. Strange behaviour. Then there were others that were making a noise with a small dog. Didn't like that too much, but we walked by them and it was fine. On our way back though, we met two big black dogs. I've got my period so they were a bit interested in me and He had to lift me. It was a bit scary, so I wanted back into the metal thing that takes us to the beach and back. Safer in there. Back to the house and I was OK then.

Haven't done any more woopsies on the carpet. Door seems to be open all the time, so I tend to go outside to do it. Think that's what they want. But what I don't understand is THEY seem to do all their business INSIDE. So I thought that was how it worked. We'll see.

Didn't want to eat anything on Tuesday. Until then I put up with the dry food they were giving, but I decided the time was right to mount a 'protest' about the quality of the food on offer. So I stopped eating. They were giving me the same dry stuff every day. I made them feed me by hand, but didn't really like it. Where was the proper food? So they gave in (ha ha) and gave me some other stuff. It is much more like meat and is delicious. I could eat and eat it. I ate half a tin that night. And I got the same the next morning. I like it very much. Hope they will keep the quality up from now on.

Seem to be dripping a bit more today. Period really kicking in. Feeling a bit down and vulnerable. Not just the new place, new people and surrounds. But this damned period is getting me down too. Seem to be getting encouraged to drip onto their blankets and towels. Seems stupid when it easily gets wiped off the floor. Strange habits.

Not much happened yesterday. It was a lovely day, so I spent much of it in the sun. The sun is really nice and helped my tummy feel a bit better. Better food also helped my tummy feel better.

Taught one of the 'people' to 'doggie dance' today. Quite good fun. I've now managed to get Her to dance with me. Took her a while to learn to do it, but she's getting there. I like to jump up and they seem to understand that alright, so it was just a step further to get her to move about a bit.

Off for now. Lots of lying around to do today, then off to the beach later. Bye for now. Meg

Woke full of energy

2007-08-07T04:10:00.000-07:00

Woke up today bursting with energy about 5 o'clock. Tried to get the 'people' up, but they weren't having it!

SHE was talking to me. Some drivel about going back to beddie. Beddie, I'd just done all the sleeping I needed. Sheep to herd. Dogs to see. Doesn't she understand?

SHE left. Not without mentioning a 'walkie' however. I think (although not yet sure) that this means going for a walk. SHE suggested that HE might wish to take me.

Eventually, a few minutes later. HE did. We went to the beach again. I still like the beach. But because there was just one of them, it was difficult to herd. So I stayed mostly beside him as we walked. Still quite pleasant for maybe 45 minutes. When we got back. I wanted to go again. HE said we couldn't. Don't really know why not?

So we settled down and he had some 'coffee' - strange smelling water - and I had a shit on the rug again. Because I could not get into the living room, I had to have my pee on the carpet near to my shit. He started spouting off something about it not being 'good' to do this. Well I'll teach him to take other dogs in here.

Settled down a bit now. Will probably sleep for a while.

Monday 6th August

2007-08-07T03:53:00.000-07:00

Another new day and starting to feel a bit more comfortable now. Woke up around 4.30 but after getting thrown out into the cold yesterday. I thought I'd just lie and 'kid on' I was sleeping until about 0745. Then I decided it was 'time to talk', so I tried waking them both. One got up eventually, which was good cos I was getting a bit bored with no-one to talk to.

One of them left for the day into oblivion. Didn't see - I think it's a bitch - her all day. The other - I think he's a dog - well he's got a dangly thing. Not like a proper willie, but I guess that's what it's meant to be.

The other took me in his car. We went for a few short journeys and I sat in his seat (just to show him who's in charge) while he went into places.

On one ocassion he came back smelling of beef. Quite fanced a bit of beef. But none was on offer. Just the dry shit I get hand fed now.

Anwyay, we went to the doctor - apparently I've to get another needle. Another. How many more do I need? Got a chip before I left on SAturday. Got another a couple of days before that. now anotehr one. I wonder if that 's what 'people' do. Each time you go to another 'set' you have to get innoculated against catching any diseases from them!

We also went back to the kennels in Inverness. I quite enjoyed my trip in the car. i've found a good spot to put my head. HE calls it a console, but for me it's just right. I can rest my head on it and ride out any bumps in the road. Means I get a decent sleep while we're travelling. Then when we stop, I can sit up and SEE what 's happening outside.

heard some of my chums at the kennels, but didn't see any of them. They seem to be the other side of 'oblivion'. I suppose I'm in 'oblivion' now.

We took back this scary metal thing and put it outside. I went to sniff it when I got a chance and it smelled of the doggies in the kennels. I wondered if they were coming to stay also, so thought I'd better just mark my ground. THIS IS MY HOUSE. So I shat on the rug in the hall. That'll let them know it's my house.

The dog people wasn't too pleased and took my poo away. Didn't even get the chance to roll in it. Was called away from that too.

Not much else happened until evening when SHE came back in her car. Just before that I'd managed to get into the living room though. Just in case the other doggies were on their way, I thought I'd better mark the living room too. So I had a wee pee there.

As soon as SHE arrived, we went right away to the woods and on to the beach this time. I liked the beach a lot and hope to be able to run fast there soon. They told me I'd be able to get off thelead once I come back when I'm called. Also once I get my innocul.... something, next Thursday.

Better when they're both there. Means I've two people to herd. Can be a little difficult to herd just one. And they called me a 'failed sheepdog'. Not me. I just knew how much an easier life it would be if I didn't have to chase and herd sheep all day.

Was tired after my walk and slept again - very deep this time - it amused the people that I could sleep with my eyes upturned. But I was really tired this time. They seem alright, so I was able to relax a bit more and sleep properly from about 10 o clock. They took me off to bed about 12.

Sunday 5th August

2007-08-07T03:45:00.000-07:00

Got a bit more used to my new people. They put me on this long lead thing. A bit better than the short one, I'd been used to at the kennels. Don't much like having a thing around my neck however. How demeaning! They tell me it is for my own good. Yeah right!

Anyway, they both seemed to fawn on me all day, which was fine. Still not too sure about this 'inside the house' stuff, but well if that's what they want me to do. Well I'll not really argue. Still expect someone to 'catch' me and throw me out though.

Was taken for another walk today. Quite a long one. And rather enjoyed it. Through the woods. Lots of different smells. Gawd lots of dogs seem to live around here. Just knew my sisteres and brothers before. And got to know a few at the kennels. But here. It's doggie Picadilly Circus.

Got wet. Don't really mind that though. Gives the 'people' something to fuss about when we get back.

Starting to settle in to my new home. Think I'll stay after all. Not sure about eating in the morning though. They seem to want me to eat before 3 o'clock in the afternoon. I'm used to eating at night with all the other dogs. Not at 8 o'clock in the morning. What are they on about?

Tired after my walk though and I sleep (on my chair) for most of the evening, while they seem to sit in front of their 'animation box'. There was some good stuff on and I have to admit watching it a bit. But it and the heat in the room really just put me to sleep. One of the people stretched out on the couch and did the same. He thought I could't see him, but I knew that was why I could not have the couch. He wanted it for himself.

That was Sunday, broadly.

Saturday 4th 2007 - from about 2 in the afternoon

2007-08-07T03:08:00.000-07:00

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