Three Good Things*

In this case it was a dog, a flooded field and a stick.  Mortimer loves water but usually ignores sticks, he's never been that interested in the return part of the game. This changed today when we added a variant to our morning walk and let him off the lead in this field.

Whaaayyy!!!

There is nothing better to add cheer to a grey and blustery winter's day than watching a dog charging about just for sheer fun.

Love this!

Look I'm bringing it back

Throw it again. Please!

*Apologies to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Mortimer's Christmas Day

Mortimer felt it was his duty to help us unwrap presents on Christmas Day.

Let me help

But best of all was when he received his own present. Christmas Day favourite was from Molly the Labrador.

This looks like my kind of bag

So this is mine?

No you can't have it

Are they BBQ flavour?

You said they were mine!

The sausage nearest the camera looks very worried!

Shambles

A few weeks ago we had a friend to stay and, as it was sunny,we took Mortimer for a walk on Old Hunstanton beach. We received these photographs a couple of days ago. Never have I seen such a shambolic looking dog!

It's only a bit of sand

O.K it's quite a lot... and salty water too

But he did have fun!

Caught!

Me? Scrump? No!!!

Planning for Santa

Mortimer has decided to get ahead this year and has been browsing the internet for Christmas present ideas - mainly for him you understand!

He came across the Stylish Dog Company and thought some things should go on his list.

Apparently a new dog bed wouldn't go amiss and this would be suitable.

For extra chilly nights then this faux fur throw would be just the ticket.

Mortimer often pops out for a walk in a bandana, and as a dog not afraid to show his feminine side, quite liked this check & floral combo.

A new collar is always appreciated particularly when it's this dapper.

And if this was filled (or should it be emptied!) on a daily basis then it would be perfect.

Finally he found a gift for me - apparently it will have a permanent note to buy more bones!

Rainbow Reindeer

At least I think that's what it is! A couple of weeks ago my parents visited and being huge fans of Mortimer couldn't resist buying him another toy (courtesy of a local charity shop).

Haven't seen you before

He is for me isn't he?

No, you can't have him back!

I have to confess I thought that the 'horns' would be the first to go but, two weeks on, they're still intact. Although Rainbow Deer has lost a bit of weight.

Culled

Just another Sunday

Somehow Mortimer knows when Sunday comes round and he meets up with the other dogs. It could be that breakfast is different, although Jim says that Zelda knows and he has the same breakfast each day. It could be we don't rush about on a Sunday but whatever the reason he can't wait to get into the orchard for the 10 o'clock meet.

Although there are the four regulars we are often joined by other dogs and their owners.  Last week we met Louis. At first he was a little shocked by all the big dogs but soon got the hang of them and was joining in enthusiastically.

Meet Louis

He is a real character and we hope he'll join us again.

Just having a rest

Spot Louis

Meanwhile Mortimer appears to be leading young Bennett astray.

Mortimer made me go down the ditch

Just look cute Bennett - works every time

As I said - just another Sunday morning.

Healthy option

Mmmmm veggie bone

Bennett's first Sunday meet

Last week was the first time Bennett was allowed free running with the Sunday pack. They all got on famously and Suki in particular took a shine to him. He ran around trying to keep up but did get easily distracted by muddy puddles!

New member

Big dogs!

Looks interesting

Tasty

So you're Suki

Mortimer tries distraction

But Mortimer - it's just too big for me

He's always like this Bennett

Back to the puddle

Will you protect me?

Whoa! more friends

And not a cross word barked

Inevitable!

Meet Bennett III

We've mentioned David & Patricia before, a generous couple who are Guide Dog Puppy Trainers. They get potential guide dog puppies and keep them for about a year, introducing them to all sorts of conditions, getting them used to public transport and generally basic training. Then they give them back to the Guide Dog Association to complete training. Bennett is their 26th puppy!


A little while ago we went round to see him (aged 10 weeks) and for some reason Mortimer was not at all comfortable. Maybe he thought Big Ted had come to life.

What's this?

Mortimer just loves Patricia but even she couldn't tempt him over.

C'mon Mortimer

Then Andrew tried.

He's not that bad Morts

Outside Mortimer was a little better and decided that maybe Master B. could be a playmate after all.

Chase me!

Unfortunately puppies flake quite quickly.

I need a quick nap

This blossom is pretty

Defending his corner

We visited a couple of weeks later and yes, he'd grown, and Mortimer was a little more comfortable.

12 weeks old

Please can we play?

Another couple of weeks and he can join us on the Sunday morning meet. Can't wait.