Diary of a Dog Sitter

by Penny Whatley and daughter

Last week Tony and I spent a few days in France and our daughter Lara and son in law Ryan either bravely or foolishly offered to look after our three dogs. Not a mean undertaking since they have two children and two dogs of their own. When we returned home and collected them Lara handed me an envelope and said, "Read this when you get home. I hope it makes you laugh as it did us."  Penny


Diary of the Dog sitter

Well here they are and aren't they beautiful. Not nearly as scary as you first imagine and personally I think they are just wee teddy bears.

Day 1

All is just grand. Let the dogs out early. Indi played with Tipsy and Guido savaged Blue. Bless him; it's lovely to see him so full of energy. Found a finger by the side of the house. No one said they had lost one so threw it over the hedge - silly place to leave it anyway. Katy seemed to have difficulty holding her fork at lunchtime - honestly, 5 years old and still can't use cutlery properly. Found Tipsy sitting on the shed roof after lunch. What a peculiar pup. Seemed to be a little cold as he was shaking so I tossed him a blanket to lie on.

Day 2

Well really, it's no wonder the Post Office loses so many millions every year. Our postmen who I have to say is normally very particular just chucked the letters over the gate and sped off again, at what has to be said, a tad too fast for this busy junction. It was shame really as Haze seemed so eager to meet him. Oh well, maybe tomorrow. Blue has joined Tipsy on the shed roof. I don't know why, as earlier her and Guido were getting along so well playing a game of chase. I love it when Blue does her piglet run around the garden, tail tucked in and ears back; she looks so cute!

Day 3

Collected the kids from school and they went straight to their rooms and seemed to have wedged something under the door handle. I didn't send them to their rooms as they hadn't been naughty but I suppose it's a nice place to play. It was lucky I had cooked tortillas for tea as they slipped nicely underneath. Have taken to feeding Tipsy and Blue on their new favourite place. Perhaps they like the view. Ryan finished work at about 9.30pm and as myself and the dogs were happy playing in the front room, took his dinner to the garage. He asked for a quilt at about 12ish. How he expected me to push it through an inch gap in the door, I don't know but we managed. I went to bed before him and strangely he was gone very early the next morning. He rang later saying how much he was looking forward to seeing Mum and Dad or something like that. It's nice to know he misses them.

Day 4

Our neighbours have always been great. They wave when they see us, have a chat over the fence and are generally very personable. So, imagine my surprise this morning, when saying good morning to John, all I got back was "twilight flaming barking". I think him and Barbara have had a row but I think it's a bit much to call her barking - I've always thought her to be a very steady sort of person. Put the rubbish out this morning and it seems that all the neighbours are off on holiday. Must all be going to Germany to watch England play. Can't say I'm not pleased - noisy lot that they are. No post delivered today. Apparently they are doing a new thing called "Collect it your b....y self" or that's what I think the postman shouted as he drove past. Dogs are just fine and dandy, well at least the white teddies are. Mine are still you know where. Ryan came home for lunch, well kind of. He drove into the drive, opened the van window and I threw his lunch in to him. The dogs were so pleased to see him, they surrounded the van and did this really cute smiling thing to him and Guido must have been stood funny and I think his shoulder blade was pushing his fur up on his back and neck. He really is very impressive. Children insisted on joining the dogs on the shed roof after school. I said no to start with as I thought they might fall off, but they reassured me that no way was that going to happen. Guido spent the afternoon talking dog language to all of them, barking and doing his funny smile.

Day 5

Last day of dog sitting today. I know that I speak for all of us when I say that they will be missed when they go. It's been a funny week with my family - they've all been so grumpy, but I swear today there is almost a carnival atmosphere in the house. Good old Fridays eh!?