Went for something they call a "walkies". Have to have my collar and lead on – what a pain! I try my best to bite it and run off with it but they always manage to get it on me! Hannah took me round the Green and lots of people came over to stroke me and call me cute and "ahhhh". Then they took me out when it was dark just round the block. They keep saying they must take a poo bag with them and they put this plastic bag in their pocket – they really are quite strange in their little rituals, but it seems to keep them happy. The only problem is they keep telling me to go to toilet, but I have already made it quite clear I am not going when I am tied to a string! I wait until I get home when I am free again.

I have had to have some puppy food in a "special packet". Lorraine says it is the best you can buy, but I don’t like the smell of it. She says they are all different flavours, but they all taste the same to me and eventually she gives in a cooks me something nice, but I have to wait ages! She is not very quick is she?

Apart from the Green during the day, most of my walks have been in the dark; I don’t mind as Brett is usually with me. The only problem is these monsters that come down the road! They roar and have big bright eyes – I get so scared that I sit down or hide! I watch and wait until they have gone by as I am afraid they will eat us. You see they have already eaten some people and dogs as I can see them inside! If you don’t taste nice I think they let you go as sometimes they stop and the people and dogs get out.

Today I have been out in the morning with Lorraine. It was terrifying! There were loads of monsters and some were huge and made more noise than the little ones! There were also long ones and they had eaten loads of people. These people looked very unhappy. But I have worked out that as long as you are on your guard they don’t eat you. So I stop, sit down and watch them all the way. They are not going to get us. I don’t think Lorraine has worked it out yet, lucky for her I have. She just says I am taking too long on the walk. I told you she doesn’t catch on very quickly.

 

WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!   It’s me again; here’s what I have been up to lately:

Lorraine keeps getting out that vacuum thing. It doesn’t seem to eat big things so I think I am alright. The good part of this activity is that I am allowed to bark as much as I like! I obviously go crazy. However, I don’t think it is very kind of her to keep saying "I am going to get you!" do you? I think she has an unhealthy obsession with this thing as it is always out, but I have noticed that it is only when she and I are alone in the house. She even takes it upstairs for ages – I think Brett should know about this!

Most days a man called "Pat" comes to the door, but he doesn’t come in. He has a big red bag and an orange jacket on. He pushes paper through the letterbox and I bark at him. Lorraine says this is OK and that I am a good guard dog! It is always a fun time as I race to the door to get the papers first! Lorraine runs too – it is great. If I get there first I run off and she chases me. I have to give them back eventually as she gets quite serious and stern with me. How could she?

They used to leave newspaper on the floor by the back door, but I just kept ripping it up and dragging it all over the place so they don’t bother now. Sometimes I drag the newspaper out of my cage and rip that up. This again makes them cross, but as I can’t read I don’t know why they keep putting it in there! Perhaps they will teach me.

 Trevor playing in the garden

"WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!  I am here again 

The other night they gave me something very yummy as Hannah had a chocolate bar. They said I couldn’t have chocolate as it was not good for dogs so they gave me a piece of digestive biscuit. It was lovely, but it had a strange effect on me. I just went completely mad – running, barking, biting – I was enjoying myself, but they said it was "unacceptable behaviour!" They shut me out of the room 3 times and in the end Brett had to pin me down! I submitted, but as soon as he let go I ran again and jumped and bit! I kept running in figures of 8 around the lounge and I knocked over some ornaments. Lorraine said she recognised the behaviour as Hannah has been allergic to sugar and that I am not to have any more. Hannah used to run around the garden screaming if she had sweets or sweet drinks and apparently I am the same. They thought it looked as though I was on drugs or was a psychopath! Do they not recognise puppy behaviour when they see it? They have a lot to learn.

Went to the vets again, but this time they didn’t stick sharp things into me. I just got weighed and they gave Lorraine a little tablet for worms – I hope she doesn’t give it to me as I don’t want worms in my tummy! I have put on lots of weight and they thought that was good. When I had to stand on the scales Lorraine told me to sit nicely so I did. She was so proud of me and the lady weighing me was surprised as she said I was so young to be doing that. So I think I may have redeemed myself a little. Afterwards, we went for a walk before we got back in the car. A couple of people spoke to me – Lorraine kept butting in; some people just walk by and I don’t understand why they don’t stop and stroke me so I try and follow them to force them to! One lady made a strange noise as she approached us so I sat down behind Lorraine. Lorraine said to her that the "coughing" had frightened me. Must watch out for that noise again and hide as I don’t want to catch germs! One man was doing some work in his garden and had music playing so I made Lorraine stand and listen – she didn’t seem to want to and kept pulling me away – he looked up and smiled so I don’t know why she was embarrassed.

 

WOOF! WOOF" WOOF!  Further news from me

 

Oh dear, I am in disgrace again!  There are some black rocks in the lounge piled up.  The door was left open so I stole one to play with.  I had a great time as the black started to come off to reveal a nice white underneath.  Lorraine ran down the stairs when she saw me in the hall with it shouting; I assumed we were playing so I ran away with it and she chased me.  Apparently it is a mock coal off the fire.  Bits of it had fallen off so when she put it back it did not look like the rest!  Lorraine and Brett took ages trying to make it look right, but it still looks odd; I don’t know why they just don’t let me have it now, but they said it may be poisonous so perhaps it is best.  Just to wind them up later when we all sat in the lounge I kept putting my paw on the hearth and looking at it.  When they said no, I just gave them a look as if to say “Who me?  I am only looking”.  At the same time as the rock incident, I took a tea light out of a lava rock on the hearth and crumbled it all over the lounge.  They were cross with me, but if they will leave me alone what do they expect?

Lorraine’s Mum has a saying now as I have attacked some things in their house too!  She has bowls of something called ‘pot pouri’ which smell rather odd, but are great fun!  There are lots of things like fir cones and sticks and I carry them off and have a good old chew.  Everyone gets worried about me being sick and then they take them off me (when they can catch me as I am very fast!)  I also ‘attacked’ some silk flowers in Nana’s hall – they were looking very inviting in the corner and so I sneaked off very quietly and  pulled one out and chewed it!  Nana did laugh – she is great!   Lorraine was rather cross funnily enough and said she would have to replace them.  Nana said not to worry as I was only a puppy and they were not important.  So there! The saying which Nana uses is “It has been Trevored!” and she laughs so I can’t be that bad can I?

 

WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!   

I have now learnt to go upstairs – everyone is so excited! It all happened because they kept putting everything they did not want me to chew on about the 3^rd stair. Well that was all the encouragement I needed. First I went up one step, then 2 and I could reach the shoes, bags, clothes, etc. Then they put them higher on the 5^th stair, so I pushed myself to go higher. The only problem was I couldn’t get back down and I cried. Lorraine said it was impossible being at home during the day with me because I kept going upstairs and everyone kept forgetting to shut the doors. I got so excited going upstairs that I usually pooed! Natascha was very distressed about me pooing in her bedroom, but it was just that I got so excited at being up there. Lorraine made her clear it up much to Natascha’s disgust, but Lorraine pointed out that that was the agreement when they discussed getting a dog. Natascha made a lot of fuss and noise about it and said it was truly the most dreadful thing to have to do (but I am still sweet and cute aren’t I?) Well, Brett had to build a barrier at the bottom of the stairs to stop me. He went into the garage and got some wood and nails and a noisy thing called a drill. I helped obviously – I chewed the wood and ran off with the nails and barked at the drill. Brett really enjoyed himself having a little helper; it’s great for him to have a little mate I think. The only problem was the next day I learnt to jump over it. Lorraine was so cross with me so now I humour her and don’t jump over it most of the time.

WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!

On Good Friday we had friends and their 3 children over for tea and we all had a great time, but I gave everyone a fright. Natascha noticed that there was blood on my Baby Trevor toy (yes, that was the name of my toy when they bought it!). Everyone started jumping around and trying to catch me. Great fun! When they caught me they prised open my mouth and discovered that a tooth had fallen out. Panic over. They found the tooth on the carpet in the dining room and Lorraine was worried that it wasn’t the right time for my teeth to start coming out. She said she would have to ask someone about it. The next day I lost another and a few days later another – she then decided that it must be the right time. I have now lost so many that Brett is calling me "Gummy Bear"! They have now bought me a Puppy Teething Blanket! It is pastel colours with pink plastic chewy corners and a rabbit stuck with velcro to the middle which squeaks! Whatever will these humans think of next? It looks just like a piece of washing from the washing pile so I am happy, but it doesn’t smell as good as socks and knickers!

 I have been to the vets again for the worming tablet and I have let everyone down again! I did a wee up the scales which apparently is not the done thing! How do I know – it smelt of dogs so I thought I should scent it. Lorraine was so embarrassed, but didn’t tell anyone it was me! She had walked me around the car park before we went in so that I could go to the toilet, but I saved some just in case!

I have now worked out what the bags are for when we go out for a walk. They actually pick up my poo and bring it home! How strange, but I think because they love me so much they must treasure everything about me and can’t bear to part with anything that comes out of me!

They have a few new names for me now besides Trevor/Trevi. They call me "Monkey Dog", "Trev the Rev" & "Clever Trevor" – they also call me "No" a lot too!

Take Your Dog To Work Day

Usually when Lorraine goes to work I go to Nana & Grandad’s, but they went on holiday to Switzerland so Brett had to take me with him in his van! He is a service engineer and is on the road during the day calling at various places. He put my harness on and secured me on the front seat; I was so excited it took quite a while! My travelling cage was put in the back, together with my bowls, water, food and toys. It looked like we were off for a few days! First of all he took me to his office to meet everyone. I was on my extendable lead and had a great time with everyone making a fuss of me. One of the men rolled up balls of paper and I chased them! We then left and got into the van to go to our first job. I sat in my seat belt on the front seat, with my paws resting on the armrest so I could look out of the side window. When we arrived at the first job I had to go in my cage in the back of the van because Brett works in kitchens and I’m not allowed in! He wasn’t too long and took me for a lovely walk at lunchtime over some fields. It was great! We visited other places during the afternoon before we came home. I had a lovely day and Brett said I had been a very good boy..

Gardening

Lorraine likes to grow some things in pots that she calls ‘herbs’. Sometimes they are blown off of the bench where she keeps them in the garden and I have a great time! The other day one called ‘mint’ fell off in the wind and I ran round the garden with it. The plant fell out of the pot when I shook it and I then chewed the pot thing all up. I was so excited when Lorraine came out into the garden 10 minutes later and started shouting and chasing me. It seems that the mint plant should stay in the pot and that I should not chew it. She didn’t tell me that!

When the Summer started Lorraine and the girls planted 160 marigold plants in 2 flower beds. I helped by walking over the ground and picking up some of the plants for them! Everyone was excited as usual! Although the plants looked very nice, I liked it when there were no plants after the daffodils and tulips had finished. The daffodils and tulips didn’t last as long as other years because I trod on them and they were squashed! Lorraine and Brett told me not to walk on them and I really tried not to, honest, but sometimes I chase butterflies and bees and I forget because I am looking up at the sky! Someone is always banging on the kitchen window shouting ‘Trevor, get off the plants!’. I jump and skip about trying to get off the flower beds, but it is normally too late.

Back to the marigolds…. On the Sunday we had roast dinner and I got a lovely bone; they had decided that I was old enough. I was only allowed to have it in the garden because I may make a mess. They left me on the lawn having a good old chew. After a little while I did what any decent dog would do and decided to bury it to save it for another day. The family don't seem to get this idea. I came in and there was a general look of horror, then a gasp and then a scream! I was covered in mud (it had rained!) and Lorraine said ‘Oh no, the marigolds!’ They ran outside to see where I had buried my bone, found it and dug it out! I was disgusted. I think they should have respected my hiding place. I had dislodged quite a few of the marigolds and flattened a few more, but my bone was very nicely buried. They then told me off! I don’t get it. Lorraine then got the camera out and took a photo of me and Brett took me upstairs and put me in the bath. There was mud everywhere. I had a brilliant time. They now watch me when I have a bone and I am not allowed to bury it in the flower beds.

Walkies

I go for at least 2 walks every day and I love it. I have learnt to sit to have my collar and lead put on, but I always chew the lead until we get down the road. We either go ‘round the block’ or over the fields, round the pond or down by the river. I am allowed to have the full length of my extendable lead when we go over the field, pond and river. When Brett takes me over the by-pass to another river which is quite shallow he lets me paddle, but last time I decided to sit down in it and he was not very happy! I have met lots of friends and always try and say hello to everyone.

When Lorraine takes me out she loves me to find ‘rubbish’ and pick it up and/or chew it. I do it because it excites her and I am curious to learn what everything is. I have picked up plastic bottles, wrappers, cigarette ends (which I try and eat), tissues (which Lorraine has to fish out of my mouth and makes such a fuss) and I even found quarter of a pizza one day when I was out with Lorraine and the girls. I carried it along for quite a way because they all kept laughing and saying how funny I looked. I had a nibble then found something else so I dropped it. The best place for bits is outside the corner shop. The children visit the shops and quite often drop a sweet or 2. Lorraine tries to steer me away, but I quite often get a tasty treat. I also like to find discarded drinks bottles and lick out the contents. It seems to brighten up Lorraine’s day. I don’t bother doing this with anyone else – I save it as a special treat just for her so that she feels special.

WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!

The Broken Lead

One day Brett said he would take me out and put on my collar and lead. He then got called upstairs into the office for 10 minutes. I was very bored so ……….. I ate my lead! It was the special extendable one. I chewed right through it so I now have 2 leads! Brett has tied it together for now and they will have to buy another one! Not a good day.

The Neighbour’s Shoes!!

Our next door neighbour Alison came round to show Lorraine her holiday snaps. She has 3 children and they are lots of fun (although I tried humping them and got told off!) The children were going upstairs to play and Lorraine pointed out that shoes left on the floor would be chewed so their Mum made them put their shoes on the stairs over the Trevor Barrier. We played games, had crisps (I ate the dropped crisps and they were extremely yummy) and had a great time. Eventually, Lorraine and Alison had to go upstairs to listen to someone playing the keyboard. They were gone a long time – a very long time for me – so I got rather bored, but I found they had left me a lovely toy to play with – Alison’s shoe! Lorraine was the first one to walk into the kitchen and, at first, she couldn’t make out what I was chewing on the door mat. But when she got closer she was horrified and I was in BIG trouble; I had completely demolished Alison’s shoe! It was a slip on style which crossed over at the front but which was now not crossing over but rather hanging all over the place. I had made such a good job of chewing it that it had to go in the bin and Alison had to walk home barefoot! Later on one of the children who is 4 came down to put his rubbish in the bin and, when he opened it, he asked why his Mummy’s shoes were in the bin. Lorraine showed him one shoe before and one after it had been ‘Trevored’ and he laughed! He was the only one laughing at this point.

When Brett came home in the evening Lorraine did the before and after of Alison’s shoe from the bin and Brett could not stand up straight for laughing for ages. Good old Brett.

My 1^st Holiday to Cromer

This summer we went on holiday camping in Cromer. I had the best time ever. They took my travelling cage and I slept in the main part of the tent whilst they slept in some compartment type affairs. I woke them up nice and early most days for an early morning walk – this was Brett’s job. I didn’t see anyone else for quite a while. We only had Hannah with us as Natascha was in Brazil for a month trekking.

I met loads of other dogs and learnt that not everyone wants to play nicely! Some dogs are not very nice and I don’t understand why. I am now being a little more cautious. I was tied to my stake outside of the tent and said hello to everyone that came past. Most people stopped to talk and one dog called Alfie ate my dinner! (Good job if you ask me because I wasn’t going to eat it. They took tinned dog food and I don’t like it much. I held out for the sausages which were on offer some days or chicken).

Lorraine has a matching set of melamine plates, bowls etc. and one day she was dishing up some food for me and decided to use one of these bowls. When she put it down and turned her back to get my food I took a big bite out of the bowl and broke it! Brett came running into the tent to see what the noise was and saw me with a lump of bowl hanging out of my mouth. Luckily everyone laughed, although Lorraine was a bit moody about it! What is wrong with her, can’t she take a joke?

On the Friday we went for a walk and ended up in Sherringham. The clouds were looking very big and black and Hannah wanted to go to the circus. Brett said he would walk me whilst they went to the circus. When we went to pay, Lorraine said "I don’t suppose you allow dogs in?" and they said no. I looked at them with my cutest eyes and sat very nicely and then another lady said "Well your husband is going to get very wet, will your dog sit quietly?" Lorraine told them she didn’t think so because I was only 9 months old. They then agreed that I could go in and sit ringside! Brett thought they saw a ticket sale escaping and that is why they let me in – I think it is because I am sooo cute. When the horses came in I poked my head through the wrought iron fencing and watched fascinated. I had not seen these creature before and didn’t know what they were. Then we saw some clowns, acrobats and tiny goats. I barked once, but then fell asleep on Hannah’s lap because I was so tired from the walking. At the end the ring mistress said she thought they would have to start charging for dogs as I had so obviously enjoyed it! When Lorraine told Chris (my first human Mum) by email, she said I must be the only dog to have been to a circus!

When we left the circus, it was pouring down. I walked about a quarter of a mile and then sat down and refused to walk any further! Brett had to pick me up as we had 2 miles still to go. He put me inside his fleece as I looked like a drowned rat and I was shivering! We ended up in a pub and I ran round and round drying myself on their carpet barking. I then ate the rest of my pic-nic sausages, had a drink and then went to sleep wrapped up in Brett’s fleece in Lorraine’s arms. Most people coming in thought she was holding a baby and were very surprised as they got closer to see me!

The Dog Parlour

I have had to be clipped at the start of the Summer as it was so hot. I went to Posh Dogs and the lady there clips another Bolognese. I looked like a little lamb when they came to get me, but Natascha doesn’t like it when I get my fur all cut off. It doesn’t take long to grow though so I had to go back the other week. The lady at Posh Dogs is going to look after me in her house when everyone goes on holiday at the end of October. We had to go and visit to check if it was suitable and I went too. I am afraid that Lorraine wasn’t too pleased with my conduct though (what’s new?) as I did a wee in the kitchen up the cage of another dog that was staying with her! The lady said not to worry and got out a mop and bucket and cleared it up. Lorraine had a very red face and kept saying how sorry she was and that I am usually now very good. Really?

The Poo

Natascha went away for a month to Brazil on a big adventure. We really missed each other. While she was away I would go into her room with Lorraine and look on the bed and then under the bed for her. Lorraine kept saying she is not here, but I didn’t get it. Eventually, though, she came home and I was so excited. I barked and jumped and licked her and then went up to her room with her. I was so excited that I did a poo on her carpet! She was horrified! I haven’t done that for ages and, because everyone was so pleased to see Natascha, I didn’t really get told off. They just told me to remember to poo in the garden.

WOOF WOOF ITS ME AGAIN

The Basil

I am never too sure what I am allowed to touch in the garden and what I am not so I quite often get it wrong, as you probably know from reading my diary. Well, Lorraine’s neighbour, Roz, gave her a variegated basil plant as she likes to use fresh herbs. Lorraine had it on the window sill for a few weeks and then, as it was mild, put it out into the garden. She sat it in a very nice terracotta jug thing so that it poked out of the top. It was very tempting and I ignored it for a couple of days, but then curiosity got the better of me and I took it out, in it’s little plastic pot and dragged it off. When Lorraine opened the back door she saw a lump in the middle of the lawn and, when she went to investigate, I shot indoors with the ‘empty’ plant pot and went through the kitchen, hall and into the lounge. Unfortunately, the pot was not quite so empty as I thought! There was potting compost in a trail after me so Hannah chased me and Lorraine went mad! She was shouting and ranting and then had to get that vacuum thing out again! I was not popular. She has put the basil back in the pot and I am really trying not to touch it again, but I can’t promise.

The Dog Minders

The whole family went off to Majorca for the last week of October and I had to go to the lady that clips me. She looks after up to 2 dogs in her house and takes them to work with her. I had a great week. The only really bad thing I did was that, when I arrived with Brett, I did a wee up her kitchen wall! Well, I could smell other dogs and got excited and wanted to make my mark. Apparently, I did a wee last time Lorraine took me there. Brett was really embarrassed and Tracy had to get her mop and bucket out again. She was looking after another dog mid-week called Sandy and we had a great time playing together. I was dog tired by the time I got home and slept a lot!

My Birthday

On 22^nd November I turned one. Apparently, that meant I was special for the day (I thought I was special every day!) They gave me a tug of war rope and Hannah made me a birthday card, although someone needs to tell her I can’t read! (I have chewed through part of that toy already!) They made a fuss of me and sang this song which went ‘Happy Birthday To You’! I loved it, because I always love it when people are excited. Natascha has a boyfriend called Aaron and I love him too. He bought me 2 dog squeakers – one which is supposed to be an ice-cream and one which is supposed to be a burger. He also bought me a washing up brush because I had stolen Lorraine’s from under the kitchen sink ages ago and really enjoyed it. Well, the ice-cream didn’t last long; I bit off the whole top so they threw it away in the bin! The brush has faired a little better, but does not have an end now! The only survivor out of my presents is the burger as it so big I can hardly pick it up! It drives everybody mad because I put my paw on it to squeak it. At first everyone said ‘how sweet, he is using his paw’, but now they say ‘For goodness sake, take your paw off that thing, you are driving us mad!’ I love to squeak it about a 100 times in a row! Doesn’t annoy me.

WOOF WOOF I AM BACK AGAIN

Xmas

We had a holiday called Christmas – not sure what it meant apart from lots of food, people about all day and lots of attention. I obviously loved it. I also got a few more presents. One is a blue Christmas cracker which squeaks. I usually like to squeak this when everyone is ignoring me watching TV at night. I squeak it very loudly for as long as it takes for someone to get up and play. Can be for a very long time, but I don’t mind, I’ve got all the time in the world! I also got some doggie biscuits called Snowballs. Lorraine has to break them up as they are so hard. She tried with a small pointed knife, but nearly cut herself! So, she put one in her mouth and bit it into pieces for me. She was nearly sick! The bits got all stuck in her teeth and she said it tasted horrid. Well, obviously I didn’t take to them when I heard this – glad she tried them first!

Snow

It was so great the other week – guess what, this fluffy, cold white stuff fell out of the sky and landed in our garden! I ran out and barked, jumped and ate it. It was so tasty I ate loads and loads! I made tracks all round the garden. Lorraine said the snow showed how dirty I was – charming. Brett and Hannah came out all dressed up in hats, coats, gloves etc. They rolled snow around and around – it was so exciting. Eventually, they said they had made a "Snow Lady" and Lorraine made a scarf, hat, eyes, mouth and nose for it. They called her Mrs Marley. Honestly, they are all quite mad here! Well, later on when I went out in the garden in the dark, Mrs Marley made me jump and I barked. Hannah came out and said "It’s OK, it’s just Mrs Marley – you saw us making her earlier". Oh, yes, I remember I barked. Well, this conversation went on and I was taken in. When I was let out later, we had to go through the same scenario! I kept forgetting what this snow thing was! We were all glad when she left.

Grandad took me for a walk to the cemetery. It’s a strange place and he goes to visit old friends who I must say are not very evident or talkative, but he seems to enjoy it! On this day, the snow had gone from the ground and I ran round a large tree as I usually do. I promptly ran terrified straight back to Grandad because, guess what, Mrs Marley was behind the tree!!! She was following me. Grandad laughed when he came round the tree, tugging me behind him, and saw her. He said "It’s just a snowman silly". Well, I don’t like them – they give me the creeps because they keep popping up all over the place.

The Compost Bag

In the back garden, there is a large green, canvas bag called a compost bag. Lorraine puts all the peelings, tea bags, mouldy fruit etc., in it. When I see she has put something new in, I go and have a look and usually take it straight back out and carry around the garden for a while. This usually is enough to get Lorraine back out in the garden with me, chasing me asking for her compost back! We always play a lot – she really loves it. Some days she doesn’t see me and I just leave onion peelings, a piece of potato, some old flowers all over the garden. It looks quite nice to me – the garden is so plain, but they always clear it up. Brett decided that I must not keep rooting around in this bag and he put an empty hanging basket upside down on the folded over bag. He felt very pleased with himself that he was stopping me from getting into it. Lorraine looked at it and laughed. To prove her right, I went over, took the basked off and opened the bag to get inside! See how clever I am? Lorraine then put a brick on top. That stopped me. Spoilsport.

The Hanging Basket

Today, I decided that I would play with the hanging basket on top of the compost bag. I collected it and carried out around the garden. Unfortunately, my back legs got caught in the chain! Lorraine heard me yelping and screaming and came running out. She rescued me! Hannah cuddled me and I was so shaken I would not let her put me down when she had to set the table for dinner so she had to set it whilst holding me. I felt very sorry for myself. The hanging basket is now in the garage.

Last updated 09/03/07