Now us furs, like people, have somethings we are good at and other things that, in the grand scheme of things, would stand improvement. I have some particular strengths that I think are worth a bit of celebrating and recognition.
Firstly, as I might have mentioned before, I am good in bed! I curl up comfortably, sleep soundly and move out reluctantly. Other dogs have these skills but I do it with a resoluteness and determination that exceeds average. If there was an A* for this, I would have it.
I also have a particular skill at toy tossing. I spin round and round, holding my toy by a suitable extremity, and then, like a highly trained discus thrower, I release it at the critical point and it goes flying across the room. I have even managed to knock things over which takes particular skill, although 'Them Indoors' have been somewhat lacking in the appreciation department.
Although most dogs can do barking, whining and growling, my vocal range is so varied I can do whole conversations. 'Her Indoors' is particularly skilled at interpreting my comments and giving sensible answers or reassuring remarks as required.
But perhaps my most impressive of all is my ability to walk on my hind legs. I'm quite a sturdy Border Terrier, and I have a good sense of balance, so once I'm up on my back legs I can stay up, perfectly poised, for quite a while. This gives me the opportunity to explore surfaces which would normally be out of range to a dog of my stature. It also means I can see what's going on when normally I wouldn't be able to. The best example of this is in our Motorhome. I have my bed between the front seats and if I stand on my back legs, I can see out of the windscreen pretty well.
This has led to a particularly exciting development. I have learnt how to use some of the motorhome controls. Whilst 'Her Indoors' was away at a conference recently, 'Him Indoors' left me on my own in the motorhome for a few minutes whilst he twiddled about with something outside. I discovered that the big red button in the centre of the dashboard which is the ideal size for paws, operates the hazard warning lights, and the button next to it, the central locking. Fortunately, 'Him Indoors' had the keys in his pocket or he could have found himself locked out of his own motorhome, trying to get me to repeat press the button to unlock it and let him in. The hazard warning light button is rather satisfying as it flashes when pushed, so I've had another go at that one. I push it in and then sit back to watch! The central locking gives a good clunk. This made me jump the first time but I'll know what to expect in the future.
The next step, obviously, is to drive it. I can reach the steering wheel and the gear stick is on the dashboard, although the handbrake might give a little difficulty as it's quite low down. Still, I'm sure there's a way round it if I apply my mind to it. After all, driving a motorhome can't be that difficult, 'Her Indoors' can do it.....
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| Good in bed....! |
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| This button, just here.... |
How to fling a toy!
