4th/25th      Kate went to the vets and hasn’t come back yet. Norman says that this has happened before and that she always comes back eventually, but I’m not used to not having her about. Gavin is maintaining normality for us though in terms of walks, food and cuddles. Every few days, we get in the car and go and find where she is. Although she is poorly, she is allowed to come out and see us. We have a quick cuddle (and I wash her face) and then go for a walk round the hospital grounds. The hospital grounds are fascinating – so many people and sniffs! We spend quite a long time sitting at the entrance watching people and ambulances coming and going. Some people have ‘skinny friends’ called drip stands with them that rattle along after them on leads, but I’m ok with that. I don’t like the smoke area though – it gets right up my nose and offends my olfactory organs. Sometimes people watch me playing ball on the grassy area from their windows. Kate goes back inside and Gavin, Norman and I go home for a couple more days; we always make sure she has a few dog hairs to take back in with her to remind her of home.

I have been very good whilst she’s been away but although I pretend I’m not missing her, I do really. We all do. One weekend she was allowed home for 48 hours. She spent a long time training with me and was pleased to see that I hadn’t forgotten anything! In fact, having watched Gavin go get the paper every morning (Norman gave that one up years ago!) I helped him get it from the door. He encouraged me to take it to Kate and I was well rewarded. When the freebie paper came that evening, I heard it arrive even though we were out in the back garden and proudly carried it all the way out through the house onto the patio and gave it to Kate. Again praise and treats were heaped upon me. I think I’ve found a new trick! And to think as a puppy I was discouraged from touching (alright, eating) things that came through the door.

Whilst Kate was away, it was our turn for severe flooding. Gavin only just made it home to Norman and me on the Friday night. Luckily our bungalow is on top of a hill so we kept our paws dry (except when I went swimming in the floodwaters, of course)

26th/30th     Kate is home at last! I tried to show her I didn’t care, but could only keep it up for a couple of minutes. Then I did my best limpet impression – but then she needs a close eye being kept on her. Every morning when the paper arrives, I shoot off the bed and carry it in for her. She now keeps the clicker and a pot of gravy bones by the bed.

Plans for my concert are coming together – the big day is 10^th September. I have drafted a poster.