You had me at whoof

Well I had a lovely Valentine’s Day - thanks for asking. It was just the three of us in the end. Me, my ever so patient partner (ESPP) and the dog.

Let’s call him *Hugh.

We had a little visitor for five days while his owners escaped on a relaxing city break to Europe, taking in the fancy bars, having a romantic walk along the river and enjoying the delights of a mini holiday.

We picked up poo, tried to stop*Hugh the dog from eating a plant, didn’t sleep because of the whining, and that was just me, found some little surprises under the piano and were generally run ragged. Of course, I jest.

It was worse than that.

The little blighter managed to intervene in our romantic meal for two and then, as we retired to the sofa to watch Midsomer Murders - we know how to live - I looked round to see my ever so patient partner giving the little hound a foot massage.

The pup is so cute though that you just can’t say no to him so we had a generally nice time with him apart from losing him under the stairs and when he was eating my socks.

He accompanied my ESPP to work and caused havoc in a charity shop but other than that we think he enjoyed his mini break.

We took him for a walk to the park. He only has little legs so there was a lot of dragging him when he stood still in protest to us not giving in and picking him up.

I am not really a dog person in general but I make allowances for him because he’s family and got a job during his stay, so contributed to the household bills.

It’s lovely that dog walkers all chat to each other but for me it is overcoming a bit of fear of large dogs.

When his owners arrived to collect him we became a distant memory in his puppy brain but we hope that when he dreams he remembers us.

I do miss him. Even if he is fickle. *Names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Valentine’s Day can be a tricky time for people so it was nice to report this week on Oddfellows, the friendly society holding social events for members of the community.

It helps combat loneliness and gives time to those who may otherwise live on their own or feel isolated.

Meanwhile lots has been going on with a surprise birthday meal last night for my friend which I managed to keep secret.

I tend to blurt things out so being able to not put my foot in it was a minor miracle.

It was a success and my friend was shocked and stunned that 30 of her nearest and dearest were there.

A good time has been had by all.