You may remember that a few days ago we said goodbye to Hilary’s old car – a blue Ford Ka that she had had since the end of 1999, which was now being traded in with the garage! Hilary was quite sad and actually did speak to the car to say thanks and goodbye!

She also took a photo of the accumulation of tax discs she had gathered over the years (having left the current one in the car, of course, in case it went missing or I chewed it!) Very pretty too- she hadn’t realised they rotated the colours over a three year cycle!

So, yesterday, came the time when Hilary had to drive the new car for the first time! In the morning she had taken me out in Tim’s usual car (which she has driven on occassion before but isn’t really used to). But she knew she had to try the big car, which is an estate and really a small people carrier, so a lot bigger and higher than a Ka! In the afternoon I asked Tim to go with her for a practice run so she could get used to it before chauffering me around. After all I deserve a smooth ride without sudden braking, stalling and crunchy gear changes!

On their return it was my turn! I have my own compartment in the car- the spacious boot, which is much better than having to travel on the cramped back seat of the Ka. My humans have special towels and sheets to cover it with in case any dirt from the car gets on me. I am very good at jumping in (though I must say the new car is a bit higher and I have to be careful). This is me admiring the view from the car when I have just got in.

I made sure I was seated securely as Hilary drove off and we headed off to Kinfauns for our walk. She did very well with the driving even if she winced everytime another car came towards us on the narrow roads as she wasn’t sure we would get past! This is me in the boot – can you see me looking out? As you can see I can sit up properly in this car which is excellent!

It was such good fun I happily came out in the Almira again with Hilary this morning for our forest walk. She is beginning to get used to the car now which is good though I think parking and manouvering in small spaces will still be a problem!!! My humans have decided to share their two cars – rather than have a defined car each. This is me in the Primera, which has a bit less height when my door comes down. Actually, as one main consideration when buying each of these cars was the boot space for me, I think that they are both MY cars and the humans are merely chauffeurs!