A COUNTRY WEEKEND...

After a busy week, Barney is going to have an even busier weekend. He had some more `training classes` on Wednesday evening and again yesterday morning and he is now getting very obedient at things like sitting down when told, laying down and coming back when called - reminds me of my National Service basic training. Anyway, today we`re off on a family visit to see my brother-in-law and his wife and to introduce Barney to the winsome charms of Judy, their two-year old Wheaton Terrier. They live in the depths of the Kent countryside in a rural paradise with walks close by commanding panoramic views over the Weald of Kent, so we`re looking forward to an afternoon`s ramble. It`s probably Barney`s biggest test for travelling in the car, so we`ll see how he copes with it. He`s got to get used to it, though, as we have some much longer journeys planned for later in the year.

And tomorrow, we`re off to a gathering of the golden retriever clans organised by the Southern Golden Retriever Society, of which Barney is now a member. It`s called a `Fun Day` but I have my suspicions about that. Apparently there are going to be 80 to 100 golden retrievers there and I suspect they are really meeting up to plan their strategies and policies for the next few months, as well as having a good time in yet another peaceful corner of the county. You see, I came to the conclusion years ago that you never really `own` a golden retriever - they dictate our way of life and the daily routine; by and large they tend to be in charge of the `relationship` and have a habit of getting their own way. Just like having a wife, really. Coming, dear!