Scary monsters

What we have learned today.

Monkey has added a couple of things to his ‘I’m scared of this as well' list.

On today’s walk he reinforced his dislike of transit vans and added a bus shelter – just the one so far – and wheelie bins.

He also decided that the swooshing sound a car tyre makes when it goes over a wet patch on the road – not a puddle – just a wet patch, is enough to make him jump forward.

He also discovered last night that he would like to be Scooby-Doo. Walking on the green in the twilight he moved away from me by a lead’s length – about six feet (two metres) while he was ahead of me I stepped on a twig. You could almost hear the yikes as he jumped up in the air. Luckily he didn’t try to jump into my arms!

Anyway back to today’s additions to the list. The bus shelter we pass most days is open fronted

Today’s evil bus shelter is one we have passed on the opposite side of the road several times without any fuss. However, walking on that side of the road necessitated a run round behind me as we approached it

Go figure.

Wheelie bin day leads to all sorts of shenanigans as some bins are on drives to our left – others are on the edge of the pavement to our right.

 If I could get Monkey on skis I swear he could win Gold in the downhill slalom at the Winter Olympics.

Poor purple puppy

Purple puppy is no more.

Purple Puppy's last moments before being bin-bound

I love my cuddly, squeaky toys - as regular readers will know - and usually I am very gentle (certainly compared to Frankie who belongs to the Lady Of The House's friend Alyson who destroys any toy in seconds!).
But yesterday during my mad ten minutes in the garden I loved purple puppy a bit too enthusiastically and his little purple neck opened up and lots of white stuff like candy floss came out.

I excitedly pulled more out and got it into my mouth, so the L O T H stepped in and got the flossy stuff out of my mouth and took it and puppy away. I think he went in the bin.

When the Man Of The House came home, he told the L O T H that I was obviously only trying to floss after my meals like you should.

I don't know what that meant - but they both laughed. Strange people.

Irresponsible dog owners let us all down

Hasn't it been a wonderful hot, sunny day today? Well it has been here. Hope the weather's been good for you too.

Me enjoying the sunshine

I did a spot of sunbathing in the garden and then had a great time enjoying the scents and sights of the nature trail this afternoon with the Lady Of The House.

On the way we round she stopped for a chat with two young men who were from the council investigating complaints from local people about owners who don't clean up after their dogs.

The L O T H told them that she thought it was horrid to see mess left by owners.....so she said for folk who don't even own dogs it must be even more annoying.

The men asked her if she thought there were enough dog bins and she said of course. We were standing at a crossroads of paths and there was a green bin right there, and (from experience) she knew there were at least two more very close by. No-one could use THAT as an excuse.

Some people do let their dogs off the lead in that area....maybe they think that's an excuse if the dog runs off and they don't see what it does (or turn a blind eye). But our view is that owners have to be responsible for what their dog does...wherever and however.

It's not fair when the irresponsible minority spoil it for all of us. People who walk through the nature reserve are likely to look at all dog walkers and wonder if they are responsible for the messes.

I would be really sad if they ban dogs from that area......