Hello everyone. Sam here. It's been a few weeks so I thought I should let you know how I am getting on.
Well, I was pleased to see that I made it onto the calendar sharing November 2019 with the beautiful Sacha. What a proud boy I was to see that!
November and December went by in a bit of a blur but then came something called Christmas. Mum went quite potty putting decorations up, nowhere in the house was safe from being decorated. Even the tagine that sits on the dresser in the kitchen fell victim to a spare bit of tinsel and a fairy so the poor architectural tagine now looks like a Christmas tree! There are lights everywhere too. She's started "undressing" some of the rooms now so we'll all get back to normal soon though I must admit the game I played bashing baubles on the main tree with my tail was fun.
Christmas Day came and the room with the big tree in was full of presents and there was a bag of presents for me! Mum gave me my first present and I was so pleased that I walked round the house with it still in its paper for ten minutes wagging my tail madly. Then dad showed me how to find what was inside it. It was a new toy! When they gave me the next one, I took it to my bed to open as I was a bit shy. Then I went back for another one until they had all gone. I've now got lots of new "indestructible" toys as I had demolished all the ones that I had inherited from Bob. There was a big green bone but that had to be sent back to Santa as I tore the end off it within two minutes! Mum said I was really good, especially when they all sat down to eat Christmas dinner and I lay under the table. (Don't tell mum but a few bits of turkey were smuggled down to me). Mum says it was a far cry from Bob who used to take his own presents, unwrap them, then quietly take presents from other people's bags and unwrap them too. Mum says I don't need to mention the difference between me and Bob when Christmas dinner was being eaten. She says you will know.
Then on to something called "New Years Eve"
Mum and Dad had a small party involving lots of food, party poppers, a small amount of alcohol and more loud pully things. Guess what, I was really good then too! I didn't get under Mum's feet when she was getting all the food from the ovens, I didn't slobber all over the kitchen floor and I just sat waiting for the food to be finished in case a little made it into my bowl (it did and I particularly like prawn crackers). Even the big bangs didn't bother me.
The next day I went to meet my new cousin who is called Rusty and he's a 15 week old Border Terrier. He scared me a bit so I hid behind Mum. He's really bouncy!!
I have finally learned how to keep still when Mum sits on the floor to give me a good stroke and cuddle. Mum says I'm like a coiled spring ready to jump into action and start licking her face but she just tells me "down" so I lie down again. She tickles my ears, rubs my tummy and strokes my back. I love it especially when she strokes under my chin. Unfortunately we have a dark red rug in front of the fire and it isn't that colour when my hair is all over it so Mum is testing the Sebo to it's limits. Time for a beige rug methinks.
Mum says I have my funny little ways such as knowing when Dad is about to put coal on the fire so he is on his knees on the floor = time for cuddles, Mum shutting the remotes in the coffee table drawer before bedtime = time for an extra big cuddle; Mum putting something into a kitchen cupboard = big licks and another cuddle; going out do my last toilet and zoom into my bed looking up at Mum appealingly = Mum sitting on the edge of my bed and giving me a big cuddle etc. Mum now calls me "Sammy Sunshine the Cuddle Monster"; Dad going to the kitchen at 10pm to make a drink = time for a few doggy choc drops sprinkled on the floor for me to search for (I know this even when flat out and snoring), Dad saying "Shall we go to do the chicks Sam?" = my answer - can I leave mum? no I can't she has got to come to the gate with me! (It's fine when she's gone to work but I don't like leaving her in the house on her own).
Mum has gone back to work now and it was nice her being here but Dad and I are now back into our routine. I think I give Mum the best greeting when she gets home from work, its certainly more enthusiastic than the greeting she gets from Dad!
Mum had bought me a new halter as she doesn't like me having things attached to my collar. It's a special one with a ring for my lead on my chest which means that Dad can lead me properly (he still needs a bit of training on dog-walking) and the new harness soon taught me to even ignore other dogs (well mostly). I'm still interested and move towards them but Dad signals on the lead so I stop.
Excited piddling is happening less now and in fact it hardly ever happens.
Mouthing is almost non-existent too though I sometimes forget myself. I was nearly 4 years doing it so I think I've done quite well learning not to do this in such a short time so the odd forgetfulness can be forgiven Mum says.
I think that's all my news other than to say I have a Mum and Dad who love me to bits, I'm warm, well fed, have two beds (get me!), lots of toys, I'm taken on interesting walks and jump in the car for rides (a particular treat), I have lots of visitors, get to meet new doggies who stay in the cottage, plenty of space to run like the wind when the feeling takes me and I love my training/play sessions. I really like it here so thank you Auntie Glenys and team (Oh, Mum and Dad say thank you too!). By the way Glenys, Mum says something about I had big boots to fill and I've done it. I think that's good. I can sense that Mum and Dad both love Bob and it feels as though he's been back and taught me a few things but I'm me and they are very glad about that as I am such a huge personality and make them laugh so much.