Friday, 18 November 2011

Human Grandad's 90th birthday

So, Gail and I are off to Nottingham for a few days to celebrate Human Grandad's 90th birthday.

I wanted to buy Human Grandad (HGD) a present but Gail said that he doesn't really need more 'stuff' and that what he would like most is for us to spend time with him, and take him out for short walks in the Nottinghamshire countryside.

Well that sounds fine by me.

Gail has been briefing me on how best I can help make sure that HGD enjoys our walks. She says now that I'm one and three quarters it's time to take on some responsibilities.

So let me stop bouncing around for a moment and see if I can remember all the instructions.


  1.  I have to go quite slowly, or at least if I rush ahead I have to keep looking round to check that HGD is still in sight.
  2. I have to remember where we have been and how to get back, in case HGD forgets the way.
  3. HGD is very thin these days and feels the cold, so Gail and I need to check that he has a good thick coat, plus hat, scarf and gloves with him. If he wears his hat with the funny flaps, I am not to laugh or feel embarrassed.
  4. There is a danger that HGD might take a tumble, as he is rather wobbly. But I needn't be too alarmed if he does. He will most likely get up again, apparently unharmed, and say to Gail, rather proudly, "I used to play rugby, so I know how to fall". But best not to lick his face when he's down anyway.
  5. I am not allowed to bark in the car, as sudden loud noises make HGD very anxious and jumpy. Human Granny says it's something to do with his time as an RAF pilot in 'The War'.
  6. Sometimes HGD tells the same story over and over again. I don't know why Gail thinks that this is exceptional. After all, she's always repeating things too. Like "NO Bertie, NO, NO, NO, NO!
  7. I am to observe how HGD will always touch his cap, if we meet a lady when we are out walking. This is apparently a polite old-fashioned human gesture and sets a good example of civilised behaviour.

Well none of that sounds too impossible does it?

I am so looking forward to my visit.
Posted by at
Labels: , ,

23 comments:

  1. Declan18 November 2011 at 07:41

    Well have a splendid time Bertie & wish HGD a very happy birthday from me.. Deccy

    ReplyDelete
  2. rottrover18 November 2011 at 07:45

    Bertie, you sound well-prepared, buddy. Your HGD is four years older than our HGD when he went to the bridge. Have a wonderful and gentle celebration! Do you get to ride the train?

    -Bart and Ruby

    ReplyDelete
  3. Angus18 November 2011 at 08:02

    Now that sounds like a cause for celebration .

    ReplyDelete
  4. The Life of Riley18 November 2011 at 08:46

    I hope your HGD has a wonderful 90th birthday.

    Having someone really listen to you is the best gift, so don't forget to ask HGD (and listen carefully to what he says) about the dogs and cats he has known during his 90 years. You can tell alot about a HGD by what he says, and I am sure he has some interesting stories to share with you about his first pet and the animals he has loved since.

    Woofs,
    Riley

    ReplyDelete
  5. STELLA and RORY from Down Under18 November 2011 at 08:57

    Hi Bertie, wow sounds like our Poppa. He is nearly 86 and walks a bit wobbly too. He tells us Cricket stories about when he played and about when he was in the Air Force and most of all about our angel Nana who he was married to for nearly 65 years. Yep. Lots of great stories. You enjoy your Grandpa's birthday and give him a gentle slurp. Have a wonderful day. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

    ReplyDelete
  6. Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie18 November 2011 at 10:03

    Dear Bertie, we know you can follow all those rules. You're an exceptional fellow! Happy 90th Birthday to your grandpa. What an amazing milestone!!
    Smooches from pooches,
    BabyRocketDog & Hootie

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ruth S18 November 2011 at 11:33

    Hope you have a lovely visit Bertie - I'm sure HGD will really appreciate all your care and attention ;)
    Rx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dexter18 November 2011 at 12:12

    You will do a great job with HGD, no doubt. I suspect that the two of you are quite the dapper pair waltzing around the countryside and the ladies will swoon when he touches his cap.

    Slobbers,
    Mango

    ReplyDelete
  9. Douglas18 November 2011 at 14:07

    Wow Bertie, your GrandPeep is having his 90th birthday? He must have had a pawesome life so far!

    Rooooo!
    Douglas

    ReplyDelete
  10. HoundDogMom18 November 2011 at 14:31

    Wow that will be a very special celebration for you and your grandpa. Have a great time. Sniffs, The HoundDogs

    ReplyDelete
  11. Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom18 November 2011 at 14:34

    Haves a great time...and a very Hap-pee Birfday to Granddad!!!

    :o)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Frankie Furter and Ernie18 November 2011 at 14:55

    Bertie... Please tell your H Grandpa that I said HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY...

    If I remember right... he is the one who came to the States.. during the war time. Please tell him thank you fur his SERVICE too.

    I know that you will be very gentle and Totally RESPECTFUL of him.
    Maybe he can tell you some COOL rugby stories.
    Now about that tellin the stories Over and Over... THAT is GRRRRREAT... it allows EVERYBUDDY to memorize all the details and that is Fangtastic.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Two French Bulldogs18 November 2011 at 18:32

    Have fun at grampie pawrty. Tell him Happee Birthday
    Benny & Lily

    ReplyDelete
  14. The Black and Tans.18 November 2011 at 19:56

    Have a good time with your HGD and please wish him a very happy birthday from all of us.

    Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie

    ReplyDelete
  15. Bella Roxy & Macdui18 November 2011 at 20:24

    He sounds like a wonderful grandpa. Do you get to go in the train again?

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra, Bella & Roxy

    ReplyDelete
  16. Jo's World18 November 2011 at 20:40

    Hi Bertie!

    How exciting to have a 90th birthday. Please take him our very best wishes for a wonderful party. You DID get him a cake or some special cookies, didn't you. I mean even when older people don't want Things, they seldom lose their sweet tooth. Give him two smooches, one from you and one from all your friends!

    Kisses,
    Jo, Stella and Ali Z.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Jed and Abby in MerryLand19 November 2011 at 05:58

    Happy Birthday to your HGD! Bet your visit was his favorite gift of all. Our HGD was in the American Army Air Corps during WWII, then he was career Air Force for a total of 30 years. Those flyboys never lose their charm!

    Jed & Abby

    ReplyDelete
  18. Asta19 November 2011 at 16:13

    Bewtie
    Those wooles sound vewy sensibull and not hawd to follow at all
    I know you and Gail will have a most wondewful time wif youw Gwammpa

    Pleez tell him that youw cousing fwom NewYawk(fow now) sends hew bestest wishes and loves civilized behaviow
    smoochie kisses to all of you
    love
    ASTA

    ReplyDelete
  19. Scooter19 November 2011 at 18:41

    I am sure that you will have fun with him Bertie.
    happy birthday to HGD!!

    wags
    Jazzi and Addy

    ReplyDelete
  20. Kari in Alaska19 November 2011 at 20:23

    HAPPY 90TH!

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

    ReplyDelete
  21. Martha 20 November 2011 at 14:57

    Many Happy Return to HGD - that is a great birthday! Just think of how big the cake is going to have to be for all those candles......!
    We hope you remember some of your rules Bertie but not all of them as we reckon HGD will find your antics adorable!
    We will practice doing 90 barks in celebration.
    Have lots of fun.
    Martha and Bailey xxx

    ReplyDelete
  22. Maxmom21 November 2011 at 05:15

    Hey there Bertie Bud...
    Good rules those are!!!
    Hey bud, I must tell you something. My HGD (who passed over the Rainbow bridge in 1998) was an 'Instructor Pilot' for the RAF, here in SA during the war. Please tell your HGD that news. My HGD trained pilots to fly 'North' during those days. They were difficult times, with lots of bravery.
    Please wish him a wonderful, happy 90th birthday. My HGD was born in 1919 and would have been 92 this year.
    Sending lotsaluv
    TOBY IN SOUTH AFRICA

    ReplyDelete
  23. TwoSpecialWires25 January 2012 at 02:21

    We took very good notes. All those suggestions apply really well here. We understand them and now will try our best to teach Bella. OurGramma and HGD sound very much alike.

    Thank you
    Jake and Fergi

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)