I had almost forgotten that my flat-coated retriever neighbour Jake's was six today. And I couldn't believe my flappy little ears when Gail said that I was invited to the birthday celebration too.
Really, Gail is always running across the street and coming back with mouth-watering reports of meals cooked for her by Jake's Mum, a vibrant, friendly lady whose Jewish mothering instincts are delightfully well developed in all matters pertaining to food. Sadly all too often I am left home alone on the grounds that "two intact male dogs in a confined space is not a harmonious combination", apparently. Something about an excess of testosterone.
Talking of which, does having a Jewish mum make Jake Jewish too? And if so, quite how intact should he be....?
Well discretion being the better part of valour, I decided not to inspect Jake's nether regions too closely. After all he is a lot bigger than me.
And anyway there was a most delicious smell coming from the kitchen counter.
Sadly, Jake's birthday muffins were only for the humans.
Oh and in case you are thinking that Jake's Mum's spelling does not match up to her cooking, I should explain that one of her human offspring had gobbled up the 'A' muffin earlier.
Despite the disappointing lack of dog treats, Jake and I had a most companionable time. I only growled at him once.
I also explained to Jake that I'd bought a stuffed fox for his birthday 'cos I felt a bit sorry for him, not being a fox terrier and all, and how I thought perhaps having his very own fox to tear apart, or even just to retrieve (so boring), would be the next best thing.
True to form, silly Gail of course forgot to take any photos of my so carefully chosen gift.
PS Gail would like to apologise in advance for any offence caused by Bertie's sketchy understanding of Jewish cultural practices. After all, he is only a dog.
