Durris: one wood, two stories...

You know what?

It turns out that I am not the only AWGV* working on the VisitWoods project. And possibly not even the cutest.

Meet wee Kate.

She came along to Durris Forest with her Mum Cathy, who, like Gail, is an 'official' Web Guide Volunteer.

Kate seems very keen and intrepid. While I was patiently posing by the entrance to the wood... 

... young Kate was off and away exploring the forest tracks all by her ownsome, well equipped with her smart ladybird backpack and integral hood.

 

It is a most enticing place, for dogs and humans. 

Now there are two versions of why Kate is here being held high in the arms of her Mum, and I am skulking in the background.

My story is that I ran up to wee Kate, jumped on her and barked loudly, simply to warn her to keep clear of the oncoming forestry vehicle, so she didn't end up looking like a companion to Flat George.

Gail's story is that (and yes she actually said these words when we got home) "Bertie you were being such a brat, getting all excited and scaring the poor little girl over and over again. Really, Kate was very brave, and Cathy most tolerant and gracious about your appalling behaviour. You need to learn how to conduct yourself calmly around little humans. Nobody would ever believe that you spent the first two months of your life in a household with five young children. I'm quite ashamed of you. And you are usually so well behaved when we go out for hikes. Whatever happened? No wonder Cathy in the end decided to lift her precious daughter safely out of reach. You'll be staying on a short lead for the whole walk next time."

Gosh Gail did go on. 

Whose version do you believe?

*AWGV - Assistant Web Guide Volunteer

They should have called for me!

What's the point of having a fox terrier in your neighbourhood if he's ignored in times of need?

Harrumph.

Gail and I were returning from our walk in the park this morning when we ran into Harry Schnauzer and his human, Alan. We stopped for a wee blether.

I am SO ENVIOUS of Harry. You'll see why.

After some boring preamble about weather and the importance of dogs being contained in the back of a car so as not to interfere with the driving (as if), Alan then casually observes to Gail, "we could have done with Bertie round our place last week".

My little flappy ears prick up.

Apparently Alan and family have, or rather had, two elderly rabbits in a cage in their back garden. One night in April a fox was spotted, sat on top of the cage, unable to figure out a way in. Well I could have told them foxes don't give up so easily. Foxes and fox terriers are well matched you see.

So anyway, a few days after the initial sighting, Alan's wife Jeanette goes into the garden first thing, and finds an empty cage and rabbit entrails strewn across the grass.

The horror.

If only I had been called in earlier.

And where were the rest of the rabbit remains? Where was Harry?

Well before long, out came Harry from behind a bush. I guess it's hard to smile when your jaw is crammed full with the limb of a much loved family pet, but I know fine well that inside he was grinning from ear to flappy (like mine) schnauzer ear.

I'll say it again. I am jealous.

Trials and tribulations of a VisitWoods Guide

I am such a hard working and conscientious chappie. On Saturday I once again assisted in an inspection of a local wood: Countesswells this time.

I examined the footpaths for any irregular odours.

I conducted a thorough review of the forestry operations.

I saw to it that the place was tidy.

I politely greeted the other visitors, whatever their shape or size.

Oh but Gail really does need keeping an eye on.

If you think my paws were muddy by the end of the visit...

You should have seen hers....

PS Some health and safety advice from Gail: when stepping backwards to achieve the perfect camera angle for a photo of your (muddy) dog, always remember there's a reason he might be muddy...

Time to check Horatio's leg lifting progress

Once again, I'm bursting with excitement.

Guess who came to see us last week?

Horatio's 'mum', Mandy, that's who!  And she brought me this super smart bandana, all the way from Scotland's capital.

Those are Mandy's legs in the background

I was a bit disappointed at first that my wiry pal Horatio wasn't with her. After all, I could have given him a master class in how to resist having a bandana tied around one's neck. On top of a refresher leg lifting tutorial of course. Apparently he sometimes gets confused and lifts his front leg...

But anyway, I cheered up hugely on learning that I'll be meeting with Horatio and all his family next Sunday. They are going to be staying by Loch Muick for a week. I've been poring over the map and trying to decide on a good route for a walk.

Loch Muick is on the Queen's Balmoral Estate.

WFTs versus Corgis, anyone?

Oh I just can't wait!