Dining out etiquette

I have noticed that when humans are served food in a restaurant, they are allowed to eat it right away. 

For example, here are Gail's recent visitors Jim and Lori tucking into some sticky toffee pudding (a delicacy which I understand is not commonly available in their home territory of the Pacific Northwest). 

But when the waitress brings me a bowl of special home-baked dog treats, I am made to wait patiently until all the humans have finished eating their food and are ready to leave.

Apparently this is all in the cause of teaching me good manners so I don't expect to be given food from the table.

Have you ever heard anything more ridiculous?

Anyone would think I had been negligent in my "pose nicely Bertie" duties during our day out together in Stonehaven.





Which of course was not the case.

Muddy paws etiquette

If you should happen to step in a Scottish bog:

Then the correct procedure is to find a wee lochan* with clear water and a stony base, and wash your paws off before jumping all over your favourite human.

Believe me, they prefer 'wet and clean' to 'wet and muddy'!

*A small loch.

A fragrant visitor (etiquette)

Gosh it's been a busy few days.

We had a visitor, Helen, up from London, and it fell to me (Gail having some work to do) to ensure she was made especially welcome in our home.

And you know what? I've discovered that when thick woolly socks cover feet softened with blueberry moisturiser, you have a particularly appealing combination. I could have chewed on Helen's feet all day. Indeed that's what I tried to do. It's the proper way to greet guests, no?

Oh and we did go out for some nice walks too. Here's Helen and I enjoying the spectacular view along the coast south of Aberdeen. Long time readers of my esteemed predecessor's blog may recognise Dunottar Castle in the background.

And if you are thinking that Helen is focussing on whether or not I attack her boots, rather than on the castle, then you are wrong. That is just an optical illusion.

Later we went to inspect the azalea garden in Hazlehead park. I was secretly pleased to find the flowers mostly weren't in bloom just yet - surely that guarantees another trip in a couple of weeks?

Oh but they did already smell nice, those azaleas.

Almost as fragrant as a certain person's feet....