Mrs Downs Diary
The slumbering, snoring creature laid flat out under the table is not John after a bottle or two of wine, but George, Meg's puppy, back for a week's holiday while his owners go away on theirs.
George, an only dog at home, loves being part of the gang. Leader of the pack he is not, although I sense latent aspirations to such a grand position. He is best mates with Holly, the spaniel, who being the youngest of our dogs, has the energy to keep up with his endless tumbling, rolls, neck grabs and play fights. Bud, the Jack Russell, the oldest dog, remains as aloof as ever, and Nell and Meg grudgingly tolerate his attentions around the yard.
Out on a walk however George is proving to be a very disciplined dog, and shows much of his Mum's talents for retrieval, keeping close to heel and coming back when called.
Mrs Down's Diary appears every week in the West Sussex Gazette. The full version of this article appears in August 25 issue.