Well, you’ll all be pleasantly surprised to know that I’ve been remarkably well behaved since Hilary and Tim left this morning. They went away at some ridiculous time of the morning, so while both Monty and I had the good manners to be around to say goodbye, Clare stayed in bed and slept! How very rude of her!

She finally had the decency to get up around 8 am, and I whined at the front door so that she’d take me out. I suggested to her that Hilary usually lets me haul her through the nettles and into the neighbouring field, but she wasn’t having any of it. I think perhaps she’s wise to some of my antics.

Following on from this, we went for a walk to Gallowflats. Took the car to get there so it wasn’t quite so long as last time we went. I was very well behaved. Initially I came back to Clare as soon as she called me and went round behind her to sit at heel without being asked to do so. I then found a rabbit to chase though so went off after that at very impressive speed. Clare ignored me and left me to it – she is a wise human. I then impressed her even further by leaving a dead rabbit when she told me. By now my halo was well and truly glowing.

All in all it’s been a very calm and peaceful morning, and I’ve been a very well behaved dog. Just you wait Clare…..