…I’m Turning into Mrs Pumphrey
When the entire family used to sit down to watch ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ (longer ago than I care to think now) one of the characters which raised the most laughs was Mrs Pumphrey and her small spoilt little dog, Tricky Woo. I mean, she was so besotted with this silly little dog, made daft demands on it’s behalf and generally treated it like a human child. Honestly, how ridiculous!
But I find I’m turning into Mrs Pumphrey!!! And Higgins is Tricky Woo!!! It’s apalling, and I’m ashamed…
We’ve beem agonising for sometime over holiday arrangements for Higgins. Our last dog, Spike, was so upset after his one stay in kennels I vowed not to do it again, and the plans made when we decided to have Higgins meant he wouldn’t need to go. But circumstances change, and we had to find alternative arrangements. A chance sighting from the Park and Ride bus of a logo on a car led us to Barking Mad, a countrywide franchise of doggy holiday homes, where your pooch can go and stay with a family, with all his toys and bed everything to make him feel secure and at home.
And yesterday was Higgins’ trial sleepover. The lovely Sharon (whom I had bombarded with emails and instructions about how Higgins likes his blankets arranged and which was his favourite teddy) arrived to screams of delight (and peeing, when will he grow out of that?) from Higgins who had found out about the pocket of treats on her first visit. He went off happily in the car to spend the night with a nice lady and her two whippets and I imagine is having a wonderful time.
I on the other hand have been moping about, worrying, while my nearest and dearest say, ‘But he’s a dog…’
‘No, it’s Higgins!’
He’s home this evening , around five, and I imagine will tell me as much about his stay as any small boy just home from camp. And, all being well, will go off there again at the weekend to stay while we go to visit the grandsons in Rouen for a few days. During that stay he will be sending me a postcard and there will be holiday snaps which I’m sure he’ll like sharing with you…
See, I told you…I am turning into Mrs P…
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Our doggies go to auntie Anne, who pretends they’re her own doggies, and they adore her, so we always go on holiday with our minds at ease. Hugo refuses to send the dogs to kennels, horrible places aren’t they. Penny, I don’t think your treatment of Higgins is anything abnormal, it’s perfectly normal to me. Have a wonderful time in France. Love Vanessa xxx
I think that sounds like the perfect solution. Now you need to get a large hat and lashing of blue eye shadow…..
BTW, do dogs have to have up to date vaccinations for this sort of arrangement?
Awe, hope he had a lovely stay and will be waggling his tail to return!
Herriot’s vet stories were some of the first “grown up” writings I read on my long summer hols in the North Yorkshire Dales! Daft goings on…don’t remember much of the tv shows….
My Dad always told me that the only reason to have a pet is to spoil it.
My 13 cats completely agree!
Jane
Hi Penny, I just love your post today! Mrs. P to a T!
But I do understand, I have the same concerns about Bella who has never been away and doesn’t even like to be in a car. Unfortunately for her we are moving south this week and so she will have a loooonnnnngggg drive!
Hope you enjoy your break Mrs. P!
love Val