It’s Thursday morning and I’m busy doing what beagles do best – chewing. There are three dogs in the house today – we have been joined by Benson, a miniature schnauzer. Nana gave us all chews when we returned from our walks. I was a clever girl and scoffed mine in double quick time. Then I waited for one of the older dogs to tire and snatched his treat away while he was distracted. Very nice it is too.
I’m not sure what I think of the sleeping arrangements here. I was preparing to bed down with the humans last night, when Nana sent me to my basket. I left immediately but she put me back in and sat with me until I settled. I waited for an hour, then sneaked back over to the bed. Nana picked me up and put me back again so I stamped my paw and glared at her. She stroked my ears which made me feel sleepy so I let her think I was going to be a good beagle princess and went to sleep for a few hours.
I woke up after a lovely dream in the small hours. It was dark but I was wide awake so I bounded over to the bed and jumped right in the middle of Nana and Grandad. Grandad made growly noises so I squeezed into Nana. She sighed sleepily and gave me a little cuddle. Grandad barked again and stomped off to the toilet. He was very cross. Nana scooped me up and we spent the rest of the night snuggled up in the spare room. Silly Nana. She should have done that in the first place. I always get my own way. I am a princess.
I woke Nana up at six thirty this morning with a little lick to her nose. She was very obedient and let me straight out for an early morning wee. I chased a few birds around the garden then came in for a quick snack. Nana wanted to go back to bed so I let her sleep for a little while but insisted she got up at 8am. She gave me breakfast, then took me for another lovely walk.
My training regime is going very well indeed. Nana is generally responsive to my whims. She needs a little more work on her silly ideas about me sleeping in my basket at night, but all in all, I’m happy with her progress.
Jacqueline Beard Writer 