I’m not sure if I’ve told you, but I’m now sharing my space with a lady friend (she IS just a friend before you think otherwise). She has really long legs and it was a while before we saw eye-to-eye. I’ve had to learn to share everything like cuddles, food, space and I don’t get much of the sofa now because her legs are everywhere. But it is nice to have her around and she is becoming a real friend, as she never tries to put me down or take over. Also, I still know I’m favourite in the house and she lets me be the boss because I know how the family works.
Her name is Bella the greyhound. And although I don’t want to tell tales she has one bad habit: weeing on the floor in the night. I’ve told her to cross her legs but I don’t think she can do it because they are too long. If you have any ideas to help her please let me know.
Life has been pretty good over the last few months and we have had some more of those woolly babies that are called lambs. This has meant mum and I have been going down to the barn all through the night to check on them. I like snooping about in the night – the smells are great and there is always something to follow. The problem is I don’t want to work the next morning and I try to pretend I’m asleep so I’m not asked to go out. But nobody around here knows that you are supposed to let sleeping dogs lie.
Trouble is, I’m the farm bouncer and I have to identify trouble or possible trespassers. But there are so many visitors I am never sure who is friend or foe and I need to greet everyone in the same way until I am sure who they are. I am careful not to scare anyone, as I really don’t want a reputation that will ruin the image I have worked so hard to get.
Most people know that I’m just doing my job and I’m a hard worker who will try and help anyone in distress, which includes telling any of the farm crew – no matter how large – to pack it in. I have got it wrong sometimes, like when I chased the cows the wrong way up the track, and ended up in the dog house. Everyone was shouting at me and I got really upset, but I just have to accept that I’m not always right and keep trying to please. It is lovely when I get it right though and everyone tickles my belly or carries me or gives me treats. When someone you care about is proud of what you have achieved it feels really good.
I have had a good week this week. All the young ‘uns were really kind and I met some older ‘uns who I think will get along with me fine in time. One already brings me treats so I hope she comes again. Anyway, I am off to enjoy the dog days of summer and my new hobby of catching bubbles in the pond. It’s great fun, if you like getting you’re face wet.
If any of you want to contact me directly to find out what’s happening at the farm then now you can! I’m going to take a bit of time out from racing around over the summer and will have time to answer any comments or questions on a regular basis. I would love any animal jokes (suitable for everyone of course) and I am pretty good at helping with problems if you want my advice on anything. There’s an old head on these strong little shoulders that might help. You can reach me on my own email address: alfie@futureroots.net.
Favourite jokes this week:
What dog loves to take bubble baths? A Shampoodle!
What is a cow’s favourite hobby? Going to the mooooooovies!
(originally published on the blog on 14 May 2011)
