Friends

Our morning walk takes us past the home of Zelda the guide dog and even if we're on the other side of the road Mortimer insists on going over to see if she is in. He gets very excited if she is as she always comes up to say hello. He doesn't mind if we don't stay, it's just good to have a quick morning exchange.

Is she in today?

Yey! She's home.

Snow dog

Mortimer loves snow, he's been lucky that every winter we've had at least one heavy fall for him to play in. This last few days have had a promising snow forecast but it didn't really come off, but there was enough for Morts to play in.

Yey!

All the gang love snow

C'mon - throw me a snowball

Beard? what beard?

Think I deserve a biscuit

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!

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!

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.

Mortimer's birthday list

As Mortimer has his second birthday on the 18th he decided to do a bit of research for some present ideas. And this is what he came up with.

Big Dawg perfume from Harrods, when he meets his lady friends on a Sunday morning. Apparently " an aromatic medley of bergamot & neroli, with a touch of lavender & musk creates this ideal scent for the sophisticated modern dog". £52.95

Mortimer doesn't like a lot of bling but thought that this Estate Collar, also from Harrods, would be quite nice. £102.00

The L.A dog lounger. P.O.A

A luxury hamper from hollyandli  £76.00

And finally for the day itself

from maxandmargot a birthday tee. £16.50

I'm reckoning not much change from £500. How about a butcher's bone?