Where were all you Lhasa Apsos?

Well I'm pleased to report that my eye is fine, and Gail has advised me not to dwell on the week's other medical 'issue'. Let's just say that the washing machine has been working overtime, in line with my bowel movements....

Instead I'm going to tell you all about today's walk, our annual outing with the Grampian Tibet Support Group. 

This is the fourth year running I have participated in this sponsored walk, and you know what struck me today? 

Yes that's right. Where are all the Tibetan pups? Do they not support their country's fight for independence? I mean, any park in Aberdeen is awash with Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus. We see the occasional Tibetan Terrier, and I feel sure that there must be a few Tibetan Spaniels and Mastiffs in NE Scotland too. Yet over the years the only dogs I've seen join this special walk have been collies, Labradors and retrievers. Oh and maybe there was a border terrier one time. 

Well today I was the only dog of any breed taking part, which of course guaranteed plenty of welcome attention. 

Earlier Gail had suggested that, as I hadn't been well, I might not be up to the planned nine miles and we would have to turn back if  I showed signs of flagging. 

Me. Flag? 

I don't think so Gail. 

The only flag involved today was the Tibetan flag which members of the group draped from the top of the tower on  Scolty Hill. 

For some, this was the day's highlight, but oh my gosh, from my perspective, something far more exciting happened as we were about to have our picnic lunch.

Do any of my readers recognise this incredibly gorgeous Sheltie?

Yes of course, it's Pippa, my only Aberdonian dog blogging friend, out with her assistant Eve and the rest of the family, who just happened to have chosen the same spot for their Sunday walk. It's Pippa's 2nd birthday tomorrow. I do hope she's going to get some nice presents and tell us all about it.  

I was so thrilled by this chance encounter that I bounced all the way back to the car park. 

What a great day! 

My eye. Boo hoo.

"So Bertie, what's all this about then?" asked Gail, waving her mobile phone in my face in a slightly confrontational manner when she arrived home from work at the usual time last night.

Apparently she had received a text message from my dog walkers earlier in the day.

Hi Gail. I tried calling you but as there was no answer I am texting to say that Bertie got a small scratch today when George had him out. As they turned a corner a cat darted out and before George could do anything the two made contact. The result was a small scratch above the eye. George used an antiseptic wipe to clean it. When George took Bertie back to the house the bleeding had stopped but you might want to check it out yourself. I thought it best to explain this on the phone rather than a note. If you want to phone me you can get me on this number. Regards, Elizabeth.

You would think, wouldn't you, that someone who loved and cared for their pet, on hearing this news would have immediately rushed back to check up on his wellbeing, if necessary abandoning important business, and spending the rest of the day administering comforting cuddles and plentiful treats.

Not so Gail.

No, with her it's all a brusque and unsympathetic "let's have a look at the eye, there now it seems fine to me, really Bertie I hope this will teach you a lesson not to get into scraps with cats, you should know by now that they always win in the end, you simply must be more sensible in future."

I am still sulking.

PS from Gail - I did in fact take Bertie to be examined by the vet this morning and he confirmed that no serious damage had been done. Except possibly to Bertie's self esteem.