Now please don't think I'm being ungrateful when I remind you that I am not always allowed to accompany Gail on her ventures abroad.
Far too often in fact, I am abandoned in favour of her bicycle, and when I suggest it might be possible to adapt her bike so I could come along too, I get a curt response along the lines of:
"Oh don't be ridiculous Bertie, that is not a practical suggestion at all."
Well I would like to introduce you to Elvis, whom I met yesterday morning in the historic town of Landsberg am Lech.
Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you. Elvis is a fox terrier, and could even be my twin.
And very comfortable he is looking too in his eminently practical two wheeled pedal transport.
So now that we are all agreed that there are no longer credible reasons for leaving me behind on ANY future vacations, I'm happy to tell you all about what a fine time I'm having with Michael and Renate in Bavaria.
The sun has been shining, and there are lots of lovely places - old towns, lakes, parks, forests - to explore hereabouts.
The local restaurants are dog friendly, and back at their apartment Renate and Michael are generous with both treats and sofa space.
In fact, I feel so comfortable here (and with all the horrid Brexit goings on back home), I am seriously considering applying for pawlitical asylum.
