Monday 18 February 2013

The ungrateful birthday boy




I'm three years old today you know.

When Gail told me yesterday we were going to 'Pet Comforts', our favourite Aberdeen pet shop by far, to buy me a fox for my birthday, I was so excited. Finally, a real live fox to play with! Surely a three year old wire-haired fox terrier is entitled to no less?

Slowly the truth dawned...


It turned out that this was what she had in mind.

Oh well, one can always pretend.

PS from Gail: as some of you know, Bertie was born on exactly the same day that my fourteen year old Westie Hamish died. So many fond memories. I make no apology for re-posting my last ever photo of the dear chap.

38 comments:

  1. Bertie - Congratulations on your third birthday. Maybe you'll get a sausage for dinner. Your predecessor , Hamish , is still remembered all around the world.

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  2. Many happy returns Bertie! That fox didn't put up much of a fight!

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  3. Are you sure you're three? It seems like only last year that Gail was 'only going to look at a litter of WFT!' Happy Birthday, Mate.

    We think a Wire FOX terrier should have a REAL fox, but you've got the measure of that stuffie.

    We remember Hamish...fondly, though we only just started reading blogs then.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  4. Happy birthday Bertie. We have a lovely WHFT called Barney. He had a very similar fox for his first ever toy when we collected him at 8 weeks old. Barney has slept with him every night since. He has been chewed, shaken, thrown, pulled, washed and pawed and he is still going strong almost two years later. Good old Frankie Fox. If Berties fox is anything like Frankie he will be going strong for years to come!

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  5. Ah, Hamish. Good dog. Great dog.

    And Happy Birthday, Bertie! Buon compleanno e tanti auguri! Baci, baci, baci.

    I'm going to Idaho soon and will hunt real mice. I could try to catch one for you... though a mouse is a poor substitute for a fox.

    P.s. I like your video. Mom says it's super fun to see you bounce a little.

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  6. Happy birthday Bertie. Go enjoy deading the fox. We are right there with you as it is the season when they are out and about making a racket here. Have a fun day and have a marvelous Monday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  7. Happy birthday Bertie!!! I assume you will de stuff the fox quickly and efficiently?

    Lovely photo of Hamish - he looked very handsome in that coat.

    Woof

    Groucho

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  8. Happy Birthday, Bertie! You and Foxy sure had lots of fun! :)

    It's my birthday today too!

    ...Whisky

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  9. Happy 3rd birthday Bertie OMDs you had a fine time deading that stuffed fox. Be sure to pause for a moment today in honor of Hamish...that gentleman paved the way to Gail's heart just for you!
    Hugs all around
    Madi and Mom

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  10. Well many happy returns mate! I had exactly the same issues at Christmas when I was told there was a rabbit called Lola waiting for me at home.... Deccy x

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  11. Happy birthday, Bertie!!! It does seem like yesterday when you arrived to help bring a smile to Gail's heart.

    Hamish was one of our pals too, so we send both of you...you here on earth and he somewhere in the blue...our love.

    (Today is also our human brother's birthday.)

    Wirey love,

    Jake and Just Harry

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  12. HAPPY HAPPY YAPPY THIRD BIRFDAY to you Bertie!!
    So Gail OUT FOXED you with the Stuffie Fox...THAT's OK buddy... beclaws you DID get a super toy out of it.
    We do remember about your Birfday. Maybe Hamish put a wee bit of himself in YOU as he went by on his way to the bridge.

    You enjoy your Special Day buddy.

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  13. And you need make no apologies - we still miss Hamish - after all he and Petey were dogfathers to some of our pups!!

    XOXO
    Lilly, Piper, Celti and Ivy

    PS - Happy Birthday Bertie!!

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  14. You's doin a great job of deading that fox. Probably explains why it doesn't run away.

    We remember sweet Hamish. You probably have some of his spirit living within you.

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  15. Happy Birthday, Bertie! Frankie stole my line about your being "outfoxed". He's always one step ahead of me!

    Have a wonderful day!

    Your pal, Pip

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  16. Happy Birthday Bertie! It might not be a real fox, but it looks like you were having fun throwing him around the yard.

    Millie

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  17. Happy birthday, Bertie! That's a pretty pawsome fox, even if he's not technically alive. I bet he'll be lots of fun.

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  18. Happy Birthday Bertie! 3 is a fun age, your 3 year old friend Hailey and Zaphod (who we don't know how old he is)

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  19. Happy Birthday Bertie! Can't believe you are three years old already.

    You know Hamish was one of my dearest friends ever and my heart was broken when it was time for him to go. We had the best talks, he and I! I and many others will remember him forever.

    Enjoy your fox, Bertie, and don't even think of having a real one. They stink to the heavens!

    Birthday kisses,
    Stella

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  20. Happy Birthday Bertie, you sure had some fun with the fox lovely to see you enjoying yourself
    Have a Great rest of the day hope you get a nice dinner
    See Yea George xxx

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  21. Happy Birthday, Bertie! Hey our fox still has it's squeeker! Ruby likes to de-squeek things as quickly as possible!! We hope you have a wonderful day!

    -Bart, Ruby and OTTO

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  22. Happy Birthday Bertie - and we love your fox!!! Got to keep in practice until the real one appears you know

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  23. Happy Happy Birthday Bertie...that video emphasises just why they call you 'bouncing', huh?! LOVE the stuffed fox, sorry you didn't get the real thing....there is always next year!
    Kisses,
    Ruby

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  24. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU....(i would sing it but my voice is awful!!).

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  25. Happy Birthday sweet Bertie. Matbe your fox will come alive at night.....sweet Hamish memories
    Benny & Lily

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  26. Wow, Bertie, kind of a cheap trick. Hopefully she will at least tie that fox to a string and dash madly around the countryside with you in pursuit.

    Always nice to see dear Hamish again. Such a game little chap.

    Kisses,
    Dexter

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  27. Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to our furend Bertie, Happy Birthday to you......

    We were so excited to first read that you were getting a real live fox. Then, oh no! Gail fooled you. Regardless, Mr. Fox looks like he is enjoying your company.

    Hope you had a great birthday!

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  28. Happy Birthday Bertie, your a great fox terrier. You were tricked, but you got a fun toy.
    Sally Ann and Andy

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  29. Happy happy belated birthday. Sorry about the fake fox but it does look like you had some fun with him. Hammish looks like a real darling and it is certainly kismet that you were born on the day he departed this world

    urban hounds

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  30. You got a foxy for your birthday! Well it might not be real but it looks like you were really showing him what you would do if he were real. I hope you had the best birthday every and this is a great year.
    Hamish is watching over both of you I believe.
    Thanks for being a friend
    Sweet William The Scot

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  31. HAPPY HAPPY WOOFY BIRTHDAY TO YOU BERTIE!!
    Oh my goodness, you're three?! You don't look a day over...er...one!
    (I must be careful, because I'm getting all confused with dog and human years, but in dog years, you're 21 today!!!)
    I think that fox is as good as the real thing! You look like you're really enjoying it, although I hope that tomorrow, you do not post a picture of it in shreds!
    Did Sally (the Pets Comforts Dog) wish you a happy birthday? I was very lucky on my birthday and got a dog-birthdaycake from Pet Comforts!

    Oh, and I'm having mixed emotions about Hamish. It's sad to hear that three years ago today, he died. But I'm sure he had a brilliant life, and would be pleased to see you enjoying your fox!
    I send sympathy to Gail.
    And woofs.
    And wet kisses.

    Enjoy being three! Woof!
    Pippppppa
    (oops, pressed the "p" button too hard with all of my excitement!)

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  32. Happy Belated Birthday!! Your fox experience is one I think we've all had, sadly. Looks like you managed to turn it into a positive though and I hope that you're still celebrating through the week! I am sure that Hamish has met my brothe Max by now and they were delighting in seeing you have such a good day!

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  33. Real or stuff, foxies are fun to play with!! Hey Bertie, my 3rd birthday is coming up on May 21st. We are both the same age, how cool is that??

    Happy Birthday to my handsome Bertie!!

    wags
    Addi

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  34. Happy Birthday Bertie! :D Now that was pretty cool of your Mom to take you to the Pet Store and get ya a fox! He looks like a fun fox to play with :)

    Waggin at ya,
    Roo

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  35. Happy belated Birthday, Bertie! You give that fox a good shaking...terrier style.

    Wyatt and Stanzie

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  36. Bertie we are so sorry we missed your 3rd birthday. We rather like your new foxy friend, hope you have given him a real Terrier shake.

    Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie

    PS. Please could Gail email us, our email addy is on our blog page. Many thanks.

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  37. Oooo, I'm so bad and SO late! But I hope you had a very happy birthday, my little Happy Chappy friend! I think Gail's choice of gift is superb...what a cutie-pie you are! I just loved watching the little video.
    I must tell you, I bumped into my first 'Highland Terrier' at the vet the other day. I can understand the attraction - what a sweet face and adorable, independent personality.
    Wishing you many, more happy birthdays, Bertie...and many more visits to Petco too :)
    Lotsaluv from your friends in South Africa.

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  38. Yikes! A VERY belated Happy Birthday, dear chap! We're impressed you get to take your stuffies outside for a good workout. Mama stops us at the door everytime, muttering about how we never bring them back inside and they get all wet and nasty. You have Gail pretty well trained.

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