The Good the Bad and the Smelly - A Dog's Life

The post about older dogs got me thinking, I am a old pooch now. Thirteen and a half years (91 one in human years), my eye sight is not so good anymore and I don't like running for the ball or stick quite as much as I used too, and I pee in my dog bed when I am asleep apparently. Anyhow,  it got me reminiscing about my life, when I was a younger pooch . I thought I would share with you a few of the good, bad and smelly times in my life.

My first day at Puppy socialisation classes  that was fun, NOT !. We arrived at the class and I was the smallest pup, scary or what !. I had to do this game were the puppy instructor held on to me and let go when Nikki called my name, to see if I would respond by  running towards her . How stupid was that ! . What did the instructor think I would do, stand there and have a scratch and look around the room aimlessly. duh !. I was in a room full of giants, of course I would run too Nikki.  

Anyhow, eventually I become more confident and was able to socialise,  ie, sniff back side with the rest of the pups. (I suppose that was what they meant by puppy socialisation)

I have got a bit of a scowl on my face I know, but cute nonetheless..

Going on my first windsurfing trip in a camper van that was great.  I got too stay in the cosy van , while Nikki and Richard went windsurfing in the pouring rain  ( I really don't understand humans sometimes and their obsession with water). When the rain stopped Nikki and Richard took me for a long walk on the beach, then I shared some fish and chips  and  slept on their bed. Waking them up every hour or so, as I kept hearing noises  , it was probably just the wind but just incase I had to protect the van by letting out a woof at regular intervals throughout the night. Nikki and Richard looked a bit 'Ruff' in the morning I don't know why..?

 

Me and Nikki sitting in front of the camper van.

 

When I was just 4 months old I tripped over a step and apparently was quite vocal about my pain, so Nikki picked me up and rushed me to the vet, passing two speed cameras on the way . When we arrived to the vet, I was feeling much better and the vet gave me the all clear. Nikki was relieved that nothing was wrong with me, but not so happy when she got two brown envelopes asking her for money, because apparently she was driving a liitle too fast to the vet and had to pay for two speeding fines ! .  Oh well never mind I was worth it :)

Moving on to one of my best smelly times that was when we were living in the countryside in Berkshire. I used to drive Nikki and Richard crazy by rolling  in some very interesting stuff left behind by sheep, cows etc. What bliss :).
 

Tenerife also offers good smelly opportunities. When there is a high tide very stinky dead fish often get left behind.. The only problem with my smelly times, it only last a short time, as often that not, Nikki insists I have a bath to wash off the wonderful smell I have just acquired !

Me after having a bath, I smelt really bad apparently. That 's just a matter of opinion though !
 

Moving to Tenerife was exciting, a whole post was dedicated to my move if you click here you can read all about it .

Being the Ambassador for Tenerife dogs has been great and a very important part of my life. I have met some wonderful people online and in real life who work really hard to help  the poor doggies in Tenerife who are not as fortunate as me. I have acquired celebrity status by being a spokesmutt , but I think I have stayed grounded ( very close to the ground :)

                               Photo of me at the computer

I was very ill six months ago, I eat something nasty when out for my walkies and that was a very frightening experience. I thought I was a goner !. I had dehydrated badly and my kidneys were poorly. With the help of my vet I pulled through. I have got to mention here my mate Pete, who runs Poochie Pet Hotel and Rescue.  Pete probably saved my life, as when Nikki phoned him up to explain I was ill, Pete told her to go back to the vet immediately and not to leave it any longer even though I just visited the vet that morning.

 

I had just come out of intensive care in this photo

All round I have had mostly good experiences in my life and very few really bad experiences. So I have been a very lucky doggie. I have been loved, spoilt, fed well, and no question if I need veterinary care the credit card comes out immediately . I have been on lots of holidays and have had fabulous walkies. In the countryside and on beaches chasing sticks and balls. Which have been  kindly thrown by expert ball and stick thrower Richard.  Nikki, I have got to say is not much good at throwing, she has a bit of a girlie way of throwing balls and sticks.

I will end with the very best moment in my life which was  when Nikki and Richard decided to adopt me, I was of course the cutest and most intelligent pup of the litter so it was not surprising that they adopted me, they have such good taste.

How cute was I !

My cat chasing days are not quite over yet though, hopefully I  have a year or two left or even more who knows.  I just have to take it a bit slower now.  As the saying goes...

 "There is life in the old dog yet'

Hasta luego mis amigos and woof woof
Snr Basil

 
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