A day in the life of a pampered pooch
Our granddaughter Kiera Falcus, 22, asked us if we could look after rosie, her Tibetan spaniel (the love of her life) when she went on holiday. Of course, we said yes — and a huge itinerary, entitled A Guide To The World’s Best Dog, arrived with rosie. As you will discover from this cut-down version, we couldn’t go far wrong if we followed Kiera’s instructions:
8AM: Time for rosie’s first walk. She knows her walks as ‘wee wees’, so say this in a high-pitched, excited voice. On return, rosie gets her first Bonio of the day and her breakfast is put out. A few bits of dry food are to be left out all day for her to pick at, but her proper dog food (half a tub) is to be put out now. If she refuses to eat it and stares at you, ignore her. She is manipulative when it comes to food. However, if she does eat it, she is to be rewarded with another Bonio. After this she will require cuddles and games. She also enjoys a flake or two of cereal, the corner of toast from your plate, or some of your fish and chips if you should feel like sharing.
MIDDAY-1PM: She’s ready for a second ‘wee wee’ and gets a smaller treat after this walk.
4PM-5PM: Another walk, after which she gets a treat and then tea. If she did not touch her breakfast, mix it and return it to the floor for tea, so she thinks it’s a new meal. Do not let her manipulate you with her sad eyes. She is not ill, Grandad, and will eat eventually. You can give her bits of turkey, etc., as she is on holiday, too, so can be spoilt.
7PM-8PM: This is the final ‘wee wee’ before bed. A treat of your choice for her on return.
9PM: To signal bed time, in a high-pitched voice tell her it’s time for ‘pee pees’. While doing so, follow her to the staircase and applaud as she runs up to bed. Playing the Coronation Street theme tune also works. If she scratches on the door wanting to come onto your bed in the night, put her on the top of the bed for cuddles. Above all, enjoy her! She is beautiful and wonderful and will have the best holiday ever.
P.S. GRANDAD: When brushing, please be gentle. She is a sensitive soul. JULIA AND TERRY FALCUS, Newcastle upon Tyne.