Inshriach 2021 Report: New friends and old!

So I've decided Hemp's not such a bad chap after all.

I mean, I'm not saying we're ever going to be best buddies. But it turns out that if a house has an abundance of generously sized rooms, and is surrounded by glorious open countryside ideal for long walks, then there is space enough for both a lively young border collie and an occasionally grumpy wire fox terrier to coexist peaceably enough for a few days.

What Gail didn't tell me before we arrived at the Inshriach House gathering was that another former adversary, Max, and his new 'sister' Bonnie (in the smart red coat) would also be present.

Only very long time readers will remember Max. I met him on our Inshriach visit in March 2011, when he rather thrillingly killed a chicken belonging to the owner of the big house, and thus generously diverted attention from any misdemeanours I might have committed that weekend.

Time's winged chariot speeds on and Max, two years my senior, is now both deaf and blind, his arthritis limits his movement and his hen chasing days are well behind him. All he really wants now out of life is for everyone to be his friend.

Also a bit of a shock at this annual gathering of mostly older adults was the appearance of three young children. Now neither Gail nor I are much accustomed to the company of energetic human youngsters and, bright and adorable though they undoubtedly are, it took us both a while to adjust...

I must say I was rather grateful that the children's preferred targets for attention were the other three dogs present and they mostly let me alone. Possibly Gail had said something about my, er, 'leaky' bladder and this put them off, although I'm pleased to say that my tartan belly band was widely admired and no-one present, not even Hemp, was inclined to mock.

So I enjoyed lots of long rambles through the woods by day...

...and by night I was never short of an amenable human to cuddle up against. 

It was in fact, all in all, a lovely few days, and Gail and I want to say a huge Thank You to our dear friends John and Françoise for organising the gathering and inviting us once again.

Bertie and Hemp - not quite best friends

This is me out for a walk with Hemp a couple of weeks ago.

Hemp and I are not quite best friends.

This weekend, Gail and I are going to Inshriach, near Aviemore, for a country house party with our friends John and Françoise, and about dozen other humans.

Hemp will also be there.

I am not sure what I feel about this.

Any advice on how to deal with a hyperactive young border collie who thinks he's smarter than me (yes, really!) would be most welcome.

Last year I tried barking but it didn't work.

The Not So Silent Rooms ....

I expect you all want to know what else I got up to during my time at Inshriach House (see previous post) and if I behaved myself.

Well. 

I went on lots of snowy walks with the humans. 

I am now (almost) always well behaved on walks. Except of course when there are Highland cattle to scare away.

Indoors, I concentrated on looking adorable.

Which worked quite well, especially on Lyn.

This fellow Max joined us on day two. Only problem was, he seemed to be under the impression that he was some kind of a Top Dog. Which of course was JUST NOT TRUE. 

As I told him loud and often. 

We did make friends in the end, after a fashion.  Well, at least for as long Gerry had treats to dish out. 

Talking of dishes, boy, you will not believe how much those humans ate. 

And after dinner we all settled down in the comfy sitting room.

Well I was comfy, anyway...

On Sunday night we listened to Sean read one of his intriguing ghost stories *. The title of the tale was 'The Silence Room'. Was someone trying to make a subtle point about my barking, I later wondered...?

I have to admit I was not the quietest member of the party...

Also, to continue in confessional mode, I did, er, 'dampen' the hall floor a couple of times.

And, I now want to formally apologize to Lyn, for objecting so strongly to her riding in the passenger seat of the Mini. Had I only realized what a fine lap she has, I would most certainly have been gentler on her wrist...

Yes, I must concede that my behavior was not at all times perfect.

However, the fact that the owner of the house will be tucking into a delicious casserole one night this week, made from a freshly killed and very local chicken, has, I want to point out, absolutely nothing to do with me. No, the culprit shall remain nameless.

And you would think that butter wouldn't melt in his mouth....

PS Watch out for my next post, which will be my long awaited important scientific publication on climate change.

*The Silence Room, by Sean O'Brien

Taking centre stage

My South African golden retriever friend Toby has been very busy recently, rehearsing for the part of Sandy in a school performance of 'Annie'.

Now, not wishing to blow my own trumpet, but I believe I can teach young Toby a thing or two about holding centre stage...

Alert readers will have spotted that I am not in my normal living room. No indeed, we have upgraded for the weekend. Do you like my new residence?

There is another dog staying here too, called Max, and we have what are apparently known as 'dominance issues'.

I shall tell you more about this most interesting little holiday* at Inshriach House (near Aviemore) when I return to Aberdeen next week. 

Meanwhile, Gail is saying "You've got to learn, Bertie, that it's not all about you."

But she's wrong about that, isn't she....?

*I have, of course, been continuing to work on my climate paper, in between other stuff..