A Rival for Fenton

Well, well, well. Darling Billy had his first romantic encounter today. He went chasing after a golden lab on the towpath. He was absolutely mad for her! All the calling in the world wouldn't bring him back. The bitch's dad was running way ahead of me and could clearly see that Billy was humping his beloved. But did he stop them? No! Images of lots of little labradoodles came to mind, not to mention a paternity suit! I shouted, I yelled,I swore, I even did my four-finger whistle that my brother taught me years ago. The man just kept running, not hearing me because he was plugged into his music.A cyclist came up behind me - 'Please stop that man!' I begged. I watched as he did just that thing. But then the man ran on again, puffing Billy still humping his lady love. Panic began - what if darling Billy disappeared forever? Running is not my best talent, but finally I caught up with the guy, wheezing away like a a goodun. Me - not him! He removed his ear plugs, but he still couldn't hear me! Finally, I got through... 'She's 10 and a half, an old lady,' he said. 'She hasn't had this much attention for years! That's life. They're enjoying themselves! How old is your dog?' 'Two,' I said. 'and five months.' 'Well,' said the man. 'How would you react if you were chased by a 20-year-old stallion?' Let's just hope we won't appear on You Tube tomorrow!

Dog blog

My boy Billypop, he makes my heart go giddy-up! Billy will be 2 years old at the end of this month. And he has brought us the most enormous pleasure. We love him so much Now we're looking to find him a wife because he really should breed. He is such a lovely doggy in so many ways.

Puffing Billy

Billy moves with such speed - but after a wonderful retrieving session he lay down and had a good pant. Dogs seem to know exactly what they need to do and when. Yet another lesson for us to learn!

Billy and the red coat

Billy has been having long walks every day and is still wearing his red fleece when it's freezing. I must work out how to publish a picture of him sporting his very fine garment. He's hinting about going out again - he's 18 months old now and is feeling a bit frisky. On the lookout for talent, no doubt.

Billy in the snow

Billy is a dog who really knows how to live in the moment. And he just loves the snow. After a wonderful long walk yesterday, with three other doggy pals, he came home with impacted ice on his paws. I filled a saucepan with warm water, and paw by paw, we defrosted him. He looked a little bemused at this new trick, but hey, he was going to enjoy it anyway. As we know it's not what happens to you in life, it's how we deal with it that counts!

Billy and Christmas

Billy has the Christmas message alright - unconditional love. But he's just been told off for eating some of the Christmas decorations...And that was after noshing two or three of the sausages I got at the Christmas fair in Beaminster. Billy is 17 months old now but clearly is still a puppy. We went to see my friend Maxine, a fab artist, and her latest work. Billy somehow rubbed his tail across a still wet painting...It must be worth a million now! xxx

Christmas has started

Christmas has started for Billy. He has stolen the stollen! My husband just sat down with two early pieces of his favourite Christmas cake. He turned his back for a second and Billy wolfed down the bigger of the two slices. But of course Billy only stepped in selflessly - saving Simon from himself. He's such a thoughtful dog...