Clumberdoodle Archie And His 6th Week Onwards

As stated in my previous post, pupdates will be a lot less, as there will be fewer “Firsts” so I will only pupdate when anything interesting happens.

Pupdate 19th July 2017

Well things were going quite well until last night. Archie had been sleeping quite happily in his crate down in the kitchen for weeks but it all changed tonight. He begrudgingly went in to the crate, we closed the door started to walk up the stairs and he became very vocal. We thought he would calm down after a while, but no he went on and barking and crying for ages. He was really distressed, a bit like his first night with us. After about half an hour Steve went down to see if he wanted to go to the toilet, (although he had already been) but anything to try and placate him. He did go out for a little wee, but probably only to get a treat. He was put back in the crate but he started again, so again after another half an hour, went downstairs and saw that he was very wet around his mouth where he had been biting the bars and he was also scratching the bars with his paw.

We decided to swap his crate for his nice plush bed to see if that would do the trick.  It didn’t, because as soon as we left the kitchen he had got out and was scrabbling at the door.  We had no option but to bring him upstairs, but there was no way that he was going to stay in the crate even in the bedroom, so he was let out and he promptly fell asleep on the floor in our bedroom.  It was now about 12.45 a.m. but we all needed some sleep.

I can hear many readers shouting “oh no, he has won you should have left him” but he was very distressed, so it was cruel to leave him in this state.

We were having a bad thunderstorm with lightening and heavy rain, so am not sure if this unsettled him, although we were out walking earlier in the day in a thunderstorm and he didn’t take any notice of it.  I will do a pupdate tomorrow to see how he sleeps tonight.

Pupdate 20th July 2017

After speaking to a few people, they too had a problem with their 4 legged friends overnight because of the storm, and I was hoping that explained Archie’s behaviour the night before.

Archie went to his 3rd puppy class and I have to say he was very good and a lot calmer, well after the initial meet and greet, so definitely making progress.

He is always quite tired when he comes home, so was hoping that when it was bed time there would not be a repeat of last night, especially as there was no thunder.

He again reluctantly got into his crate and we went upstairs and it appeared all was quiet, but then he started to bark and bark and bark.  We left him for about 15 minutes but he did not stop, so his problem definitely was and is not thunderstorm related.  Steve decided to take his Kindle downstairs and sit in the kitchen with a cup of tea to see if Archie settled.  He did not let Archie out and hardly took any notice of him and after about 1/2 hour Archie fell asleep.  Steve crept upstairs and we were always thinking that once Archie woke up he would start again, but no, he slept right through until just before 7.00 p.m.  Will Steve have to go and read him a bed time story tonight before he can be left alone!!!!

Pupdate 21st July 2017

Pleased to say that thankfully back to normal, and he is back sleeping downstairs in his crate with no problem.

Pupdate 22nd July 2017

We went and visited another National Trust property today, this time Buckland Abbey at Yelverton.  We checked the weather in the morning and it was forecast sunny with the odd shower, so we thought a nice walk first, then a look around the Abbey and then a light lunch.  However it did not quite work out like that.  We arrived, it was dry so we started our walk and it was very pleasant.  We decided to do the “red” walk and the first part of the walk we had to walk through an area where there were sheep, so dogs have to be kept on leads, but Archie is quite partial to sheep poo, so it was almost impossible to stop him with so much around.

Once we were through the sheep it was then through a lovely wooded area.  Well this would have been lovely but it started to rain, which got heavier and heavier and was certainly not a shower as it was persistent for about 3/4 hour.  We didn’t take any wet weather gear with us, apart from anoraks so we got soaked through.  Poor little Archie also got soaked and looked really bedraggled, his lovely fluffy long coat now sodden and flat and as previously said he does not like the wet, so he looked very sorry for himself.

“I told them I didn’t like the rain”

We decided on the way back to the car that we would abandon looking around the Abbey, abandon lunch and head for home for all of us to dry out.  The hairdryer worked hard and although it took quite a while Archie’s fluffy coat was back to normal.

Later during the afternoon, the sun came out and Archie played in the garden.  We have a plastic boat that we use as his paddling pool, which he is not very keen on, and he much prefers it when it is upside down and empty!!!

Pupdate 1st August 2017

Well Archie is certainly growing, I did buy 2 crates in readiness for his arrival a small  24″ and a larger  30″.   When we collected him he was 91/2 weeks old so he was quite a bit larger than when we first saw him and the small crate only lasted for about 3 weeks before he outgrew it.   I also bought a small bed (a make called Archie’s bed) so naturally I had to buy that, but he has now outgrown that one and he can only just fit it into it, but sometimes just cannot get all of his body in it, so a new larger Archie’s bed is on its way.

So here is Archie in his bed when there was plenty of room

And now there is not enough room for his whole body 

 

Archie’s new bed has now arrived and now there is room to spare

Pupdate 12th August 2017

Agricultural & Horticultural Show at Cornwood

I saw that a local Agricultural & Horticultural Show at Cornwood (well Cadleigh to be precise) was advertised to take place today and as it was only a very short distance from us, thought it would be a good socialisation time for Archie.

There would be horses, sheep, various stands, dog displays etc but my main reason for wanting to go, was that also included was a family fun dog show. I thought it would be a bit of fun to enter Archie in the puppy class with a real hope of perhaps winning a rosette to display in his room. I am a great believer that it is the winning not just the taking part that is important.

So the brushes came out and Archie had a good groom before we went, although this is really a complete and utter waste of time to make him look beautiful as soon as the brush and comb leaves his very fluffy puppy coat he is back to looking a complete scruff bag within seconds, and you would never think that a brush and comb went near him!!!

The show opened at 11.00 a.m and the puppy class was the first class on at 11.30 a.m. I was hoping that there would be no real competition, but how wrong I was.

Twenty one puppies entered and when I saw the competition decided Archie would have no chance. Well Archie got extremely bored just sitting around waiting for his turn to be the centre of attention and decided he would rather play with the little whippet pup that was next to us (which was definitely not the correct dog show etiquette but it passed the time (and boy was it a long time) before it was his turn to meet the judge and impress in the ring. He also went through quite a lot of treats (and cut up sausages) whilst I tried to keep him occupied.

He went through the motions but that was about it and was clearly not cut out for being a show dog. Well it was supposed to be a family fun dog show, but there were some serious contenders who parading like pros, with the handlers making them stand in the “showing position” and they performed as if they were at Crufts.

We waited with baited breath for the rosettes to be given out, but in my heart of hearts knew that one would not be coming our way, and how right I was. First, second and third went to three “professional pedigrees” a white golden retriever (who was gorgeous) a bearded collie who was equally gorgeous and a Staffie (not my cup of tea) but at this moment in time was not really taking much notice as I know Archie had come nowhere.

Naturally I thought he was the best, but clearly the “natural scruffy look” was not a winner. Was I disappointed, yes I was, am I a bad loser, yes I am, as clearly the pups that won will probably go on to be “show” dogs.

There was another class we could have entered being the “cross breed” dogs, but to be honest after the puppy class of 21 lasting 45 minutes, I am sure this category would have taken place late in the evening!!!!

So no rosette, but there was plenty for Archie to see and loads of people and dogs to content with, but I was still peeved that we came away with no rosette, and more peeved that the 3 winners were not in it for “fun”!!!!

Archie is going to have a “free” puppy pamper at Pets @ Home in their “Groom Room” on Thursday 17th August. No clipping involved apart from just around the face and rear end, but a wash, blow dray and nails clipped. This is just a little taste of what going to the groomers will be like in the future, as he will need clipping regularly, or will he actually be the only one from the litter that will be different and will not go curly!!!   It will be very interesting to see what he will look like after an hour of pampering and if indeed it will make a difference.  I will take a photo before he goes in and what he looks like afterwards.  Will I actually like him looking clean and tidy? – probably not as I like the “au natural look” but we will see.   I know he is a male but this pamper is free, so why not!!!!  Please come back to read all about it.

Pupdate 14th August 2017

I have said it before in previous posts that Archie doesn’t like the rain or the wet grass but I thought as he got a bit older he might grow out of this problem but oh no.This morning re-iterated this fact. I went downstairs to let him out to do his morning wee but it was raining, the grass was wet, so Archie just sat inside looking at me standing outside in the rain under the umbrella and I just knew what he was thinking “what is that silly woman doing outside in the rain when it is dry inside”!!. I called him, but no, he was staying put. I knew after a long night’s sleep that Archie needed to go to the toilet and I had to persist in trying to get him to venture outside.

Now I shouldn’t admit to this, but each morning after he has been out to relieve himself which is when I actually go downstairs to wake him up around 7.45 a.m. (I told you he is a new breed called a “Slumberdoodle”)  he then comes up to our bedroom for a cuddle and to actually go back to sleep on our bed before we eventually get up (well we are now semi retired, so we too like our sleep!!).

I digress, so anyway I will not let him come upstairs until he has “performed” (for obvious reasons) so I knew (for his benefit) that he had to pluck up the courage and just go out. I tried and tried but he was having none of it, so it finally resorted to me rolling him over until his feet reached the doorway to the garden and he fell out. I promptly shut the door behind him and he finally relieved himself on a little area of chippings just outside the back door without his feet actually having to touch the wet grass (but actually under the umbrella).This took a nano second as as soon as he had done this he was at the closed door waiting to be let back in. We seem to have the only part spaniel that does not like water, although having said that he does like getting his feet wet in rivers, streams and muddy puddles it seems that it is just wet grass he has the aversion to  – why me????

Steve took him out later during the day (still raining). He physically carried Archie out in to the garden(as again there was no way he was going to go out on his own accord). Plopped down on the grass, where Archie promptly ran off to the chipping area, relived himself and back indoors he went. You couldn’t actually write the script as it is too unbelievable but this is true!!!!

Pupdate 16th August 2017 – Archie delivers long lost twins!!!  However if you are of a squeamish disposition then I would advise that you skip this bit, and there is also photo evidence!!!

If you have read previous posts you will know that once Archie has been out in the morning to relieve himself which is about 7.45 a.m. he does then come up on our bed for a cuddle and a further sleep, yes we are all a bit lazy!!!!  However this morning he started to urge, so Steve bundled him up and took him into the bathroom, which has a tiled floor (so easy to clean).  Whilst Steve was in the bathroom with Archie comforting him, I rushed downstairs for rubber gloves, kitchen towels, newspaper etc etc.  When I came back up I was horrified as to what was on the floor and naturally so was Steve who had seen the action happen.  There were two black sausage shapes and neither of us could detect what they were at this stage.  Steve thought they looked like extremely large prunes and I thought perhaps he had eaten some sort of seed pod.  We were both very worried as to what these 2 foreign bodies were.

Steve then put on his glasses and did some detective work (he used to be a professional one!!) and it transpired that they were the 2 headphone speaker pads that Archie had eaten about a week ago.  I can hear you asking why!!  Well last week Archie was in the lounge on his own whilst I was in the kitchen and Steve was upstairs.  Steve had brought his lap top and headphones down earlier and left them on the arm of the sofa.   Later on in the evening Steve went to put his headphones on and wondered where the pads had gone.  We hunted everywhere as we thought they had fallen off somewhere but found nothing.  We then came to the conclusion that Archie was the culprit so then widened our search outside in the garden in case Archie had decided that after removing the pads from the headphones to bury them in his favourite bush, but no.  There was only one explanation and that was Archie had consumed them.

We checked his poo over the next couple of days and did find some unexplained soft shredded material in them and naturally assumed that the headphone pads had passed through and thought no more about it.  But this morning out they popped one after the other (in stereo!!!) still whole. unbelievable. They had been in Archie’s stomach for a week, but they didn’t seem to have been causing him any problems.  However he must have been glad to get rid of them and he now weighs a bit lighter.  We are also quite pleased that a) he was not poorly sick!! and b) the pads finally passed through his system even though they came out of the wrong end!!!.  So what then were the soft bits that we spied in his poo a few days earlier – we will never know.

I can hear you asking once the pads are cleaned will they be re-attached to the headphones, but they are now a bit soggy, so the answer is NO!!!

WARNING HERE IS THE PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE

Pupdate 17th August 2017

Crate Update A couple of things to pupdate today. Archie outgrew his first crate after 3 weeks of use and has just nearly outgrown his 2nd slightly larger crate. I had to purchase the next size up which should now last him for a long time. It is big enough at the moment to actually put one of his beds in (yes he has got 2) with just a bit of room to spare at the other end, but I am sure it won’t be long before he fills it completely.

It is really rather too large to fit in the kitchen where he has been sleeping so it is in situ in the dog/boot room extension. Last night after he had been out to relieve himself before he went to bed, he walked calmly in the crate, and there he stayed all night until about 7.15 am. I do hope that he likes it just as much tonight!!!

Puppy Pamper -Today was the day he went for his free puppy pamper at Pets at home and yes it was absolutely free. It would consist of a wash, dry, brush, nails clipped and a trim around the face (which he needed and now he can actually see) and also a short clip around the rear end.

Here are a couple of photos before he went

It was the first time that Archie had actually been left with anyone else and whilst we were actually looking around the shop (as we had an hour to kill) I could hear him performing!!! He actually loves being groomed by me up on the work top, and particularly loves the hair dryer. However it was obviously a different story with someone else.

We went and looked around another couple of shops in the complex and then went and had a coffee, all the time thinking would I be phoned to say he was too upset and to come and collect him. The hour passed and no phone call and we went to collect him.

We arrived just in time to see him being carried away from the grooming table

Well out he bounded all fluffed off and he looked and smelt lovely, but he did look a bit different as his face had been clipped which although is a complete benefit to him, I am not so sure that I actually liked it, but no doubt I will get used to it, but he did look a bit strange.

The chap who had tackled him, said he was quite noisy, but he did calm down a bit – eventually, but on the whole he said he actually wasn’t too bad, and they just have to get on with it, but we did notice ear defenders hung up on the wall, so no doubt they have to put with noisy dogs all the time. So I needn’t have worried, and it obviously did him the world of good, as he had to “man” up!!!

Here are a few photos what he looked after the pamper.

I don’t suppose he will stay looking like this for very long but he seems pleased with his new look as he is smiling!!!!

Next time it will be a proper groom, so watch this space.

Pupdate 27th & 28th August 2017 – Archie’s Busy Bank Holiday

Archie (yes we were only included as it was really only him they wanted!!) was invited to a large family BBQ on the 27th August. It was held at Steve’s brother Mike’s house and included were Mike’s 4 grandchildren who insisted that they wanted to see Archie, not us, just Archie, as they had only seen photos of him.

Steve and I were naturally apprehensive as Archie lives with just us (two boring old fogeys) so being thrown in the lion’s den with loads of people and small children was going to be a big ask of Archie and we wondered if it was going to be a recipe for disaster. However, we had no choice and Archie had to be there.

We arrived and word must have got out that Archie was approaching the building, and the 4 “little ones” were there ready to greet him, before we had even opened the boot to let him out. Archie was obviously very pleased to see them and he was very excited as the first thing he did was to give Harrison’s ears a good washing. He then trotted around the back to be met with adult members of the family, going around to each one wagging his tail and making his acquaintance with them all – so far so good.

We arrived just as the food was being dished up, which Archie thought was great fun – human food at last!!! However he tried his hardest to find the odd bit of chicken but luckily without success. He nearly put his paws up on the hot charcoals but I managed to stop him just in time before he would have had cinder paws!!! He did however a bit later manage to lick out the remains of some dessert bowl that someone had left under their chair and then he found a little sausage roll, again which had been left unattended under a chair.

After the children had eaten it was then “play time” with Archie, and he was put on the lead so they could walk him around and around and around the house taking turns to lead him. First he was lead by Aurelia who did a sterling job and then Freya who clearly has her sights set on becoming a very good dog handler and the question has already been asked of the parents “please can we have a dog”. Little Bethany was not quite as enamoured with an excitable puppy and didn’t want to take him for a walk or give him any treats, she was clearly an onlooker. Archie was taken around and around the house and you could see going his through mind every time he passed “Do I really have to go around again?” It was also quite amazing as he just trotted along beside the youngsters without him pulling him at all (what am I doing wrong???).

They then took it in turns to make him sit, lay down and high 5’s all rewarded with a treat many, many times, so even though he had not consumed any BBQ food, his belly was full of treats.

To be honest, Steve and I needn’t have worried as Archie was a little star and behaved impeccably except for one little incident when he became very excited when the children were running with him trying to catch them. Harrison however fell over and Archie was at his ears again but then Archie had an another idea. We were only saying just a couple of days ago that he hadn’t done any “dry humping”, so Harrison was the 1st (something to tell his own grandchildren!!!) but according to him he gave Archie a piggy back!!!!

It was a full on day and by the end of the day Archie was cream crackered, as he had been on the go the whole of the time “entertaining the grandchildren” but he seemed to enjoy it and we were over the moon how he coped and for a young puppy he deserved a medal!!! Needless to say as soon as his paws touched the floor of the boot he was asleep and apart from his tea, he stayed asleep for the rest of the day.

28th August – Bank Holiday Monday

Archie had a really good night’s sleep, but it was a lovely warm day, so we decided to have another full on day and take Archie to the beach to hopefully get him to swim in the sea! !! Yes a Bank Holiday Monday, perfect weather for the beach knowing that hoards of people would have the same idea WHY???? We are members of the National Trust and found a fairly local beach South Milton Sands, that was “dog friendly” all year round so that was the one we picked. We had hoped that being a “dog friendly” beach it might put off people who did not like dogs, but oh no, it was absolutely heaving. A field had been opened up to take all the cars and we had to queue to get into the car park. We glanced over to the beach as we approached and as the tide was in, it was like sardines!!! Was it best to just turn around and go somewhere else? Well what was the point at that, every beach would have been the same.

We actually found a good car parking spot at the bottom of the field right next to hedge and decided just to walk down to the beach and leave all our picnic stuff in the car and not try and take it all with us. Well it wasn’t only picnic stuff, there was 2 chairs, a windbreak, a parasol (for shade for Archie) Archie’s bag, beach bag with towels etc so we would have probably needed 2 trips to cart it all down and back!!!

That proved to be a good idea as we walked down to the beach by which time Archie was going “nuts” digging in the sand, as well as trying to say “hello” to as many dogs as he could and also wanting to go in the water, all at the same time. We made our way around the corner from the lovely sandy beach to the rocky part which was very quiet and found a rocky part of the beach which Archie loved as he is very much into rock climbing!!!

It was very quiet over here and Archie was let off the lead and with his freedom didn’t know which way to run first. After clambering over some rocks we found a narrow channel of water that was deep enough to swim and I waded out. Archie was very excited and followed me over the rocks but would not take the plunge as although he has been up to his tummy in rivers he had never been out of his depth proper swimming. He teetered on the edge of the rocks and wanted desperately to come to me whining and barking but he just wasn’t brave enough to leap off. However I went over to him, held his front legs and his back legs came off the rocks and I held onto his harness and he paddled with gusto trying to get back to the side. So did he swim – yes but with help. We left it at that as I didn’t want to force him to do any more.

We then walked back to the car, unloaded the chairs, parasol, picnic and had a very pleasant and very peaceful lunch away from the crowds, it was lovely. After lunch we walked back down to the rocky part of the beach and went in for another quick dip, but Archie declined and was just happy rock climbing and running through the shallow rock pools. He did however manage to find a dead fish in a rock pool that he was most interested in and would not rest until it was taken out of the rock pool and thrown out in the deep sea. He was very clever to find a fish in the first place, and showed Steve and Mike how to catch fish, as they go fishing in their little day boat but never catch anything!!!!

We walked back up to the rocky beach to dry off as Archie did manage to get wet and bedraggled (not the fluffy long coat we are used to) where he too was quite happy to sit on his towel on the rock to dry off!!!

It was then back to the car for a last cup of tea before we drove home. Archie still looked a bit damp and smelt of the sea but nothing a good bath wouldn’t cure, but perhaps that will have to be in a couple of days time, as I think he had quite enough water for one day. Another quiet evening after another full on and exciting day.

Pupdate 30th August 2017 – Archie catches up with his brother

Today Archie met up with his brother for the second time. Last time they met was quite a few weeks ago and this time the meeting took place at Biscuit’s house – so his territory. Well as soon as we arrived and went through the front door they obviously recognised each other as madness prevailed.

We had to let them out in the garden as quickly as possible as in their excitement I could see ornaments being knocked off shelves and other damage being done. Once in the garden they just didn’t stop and were chasing each other around and play fighting, it was lovely to see and clearly they had respect for each other. Each one trying to be top brother but they came out equal. They had both grown but Archie is still the scruffy one with his long coat and Biscuit is the neat and tidy one as he had been clipped.

When they calmed down a little we then took them for a short walk which ran alongside a river and again they went mad. Biscuit’s owner said that he was not really keen on the water but that all changed as Archie and Biscuit were chasing each other in and out of the river – and through the mud and they were both absolutely soaked. They didn’t let each other alone and they were clearly loving each other’s company.

It was then back to Biscuit’s house to have one last play in the garden, and then they both laid down face to face and it sounded as if they were actually talking to each other – hard to believe, but Jane & I just watched and listened in amazement. We were so taken with this that neither of us actually caught it on camera which was a shame but it was really funny and we are sure that they were just having a good old doggy gossip. It went on for a good few minutes and neither drew breath taking in turns to chatter. It was also a shame that I didn’t get a good photo of them both together but they didn’t sit still long enough. Then it was time to go and to say our good-byes and looking forward to their next meeting and no doubt they will both have grown even more.

Pupdate 1st September 2017

Archie is definitely growing up, as he cocked his leg properly for the 1st time today. He has been trying to do it over the last few days but today he succeeded. However it is not every time but it is a start. Perhaps his recalls will improve now!!!!

Pupdate 8/9/2017 – Archie’s 1st Sleepover

Steve and I had a big “do” to go to on the 8th September 2017, and it was going to be an early start and a late finish, so Archie went for his very 1st sleepover at our Son Adrian’s house and naturally as it would be his first time away from us we were a bit apprehensive.  Adrian came to collect him late in the afternoon and Archie’s overnight bag and bed were all ready.  Would he go willingly with Adrian? yes of course he would, as he is always very excited to see him.  Off he trotted out to Adrian’s car and off they went, although he didn’t have far to go as Adrian only lives a couple of miles away.

As soon as he left It was very strange not to have Archie’s presence around and we were missing him already.  All during the evening we wondered how he was behaving knowing that his routine would be completely put on the back burner.  We didn’t get any phone calls to say there was a problem but a just a couple of re-assuring texts to say that he was fine, so we were able to enjoy the evening.

9/9/2017 – Archie came back

We had a little lay in, and it wasn’t long before we  had a phonecall from Adrian saying that he was up on the moors with Archie and he would bring him home about 10.30 a.m but warned that he was very muddy and wet!!!  In he bounded covered in mud so after his initial excitement of being home again it took about 1/2 an hour to get him clean.  You would have thought that our Son would have brought Archie back nice and clean – no of course not, he didn’t want to get his house all muddy!!!

Anyway we had a detailed report on how Archie was, and we needn’t have worried.  He made himself at home with Adrian and they seemed to have had a great time.  However, Archie did sleep in his own bed at the bottom of Adrian’s bed, which was quite surprising as we were convinced that he would have made a beeline for Adrian’s bed.  It wasn’t until the morning after he had been let out that he cuddled up to Adrian on his quilt – a sort of routine had ensued then!!

Our only worry was, would he be happy to sleep in his crate downstairs tonight and not in our bedroom?  I am pleased to report that there was no problem and it was back to routine as normal.  I am sure now that he will be quite happy to go and stay at Adrian’s if we ever need any dog sitting!!!

Pupdate 13th September 2017 (The last one on this post) – Archie is a Juvenile Offender

It was a reasonable day weather wise today (although a bit windy and with sun and showers forecast)  we decided to go to Wembury Beach which is not far from where we live for a coastal walk and to take a picnic.  We parked at the Wembury Beach & Wembury Church car park which is now owned by the National Trust and went for our walk following the coastal path towards Noss Mayo and following the mouth of the River Yealm.  It was very blustery in the exposed parts and we did encounter a few showers but on the whole it was very pleasant.

We got back to the car and the sun came out so we sat at a picnic table and enjoyed our lunch looking out to sea.  After lunch we decided to go down to the beach, so Archie could have a dig in the sand and to play with his tennis ball in the waves.  As soon as we got down to the beach it started to rain again so you could count the people on the beach on one hand and there was no one sunbathing or swimming apart from 1 surfer in a wet suit. so there was plenty of space for Archie to run and around and enjoy himself at the seaside.

He played for a while and then the official looking National Trust Chap who was collecting the car parking money made his way down the beach to where we were playing.  He alerted us to the fact that dogs were not allowed on the beach between 1st April and 30th September and asked us to leave.  I have to hold my hands up as I did think that this particular beach was “dog friendly” all year round, so we made our apologies and left – we were actually ready to return to the car anyway, as Archie was in fact now soaking wet!!  So although names and addresses were not taken and we didn’t get fined or our National Trust Membership revoked,  Archie got us into trouble and he is not yet 6 months old.  Another 2 weeks and he will be allowed back on to this beach!!!!

Footnote

I thought just before I sign off, to tell you about one of Archie’s little foibles that he has, and that is that he has an obsession with labels.  If anything and I mean anything that has a label on it, Archie has to try and remove it OCLR (Obsessive Compulsive Label Removal).  Perhaps he will grow out of this now he is approaching 6 months old, so I will keep you posted!!!

This will be the last post on this particular post as Archie is 6 months old on 17th September 2017 so I will start another post so you can read all about his progress into the naughty teenage stage and into adulthood!!