Reunion

“Poppy…” It was very dark but I heard mum whispering my name. I rolled over onto my back and looked around. My parents were not asleep in bed which is where I expected them to be. Then mum called me again. What a liberty! It was far too early to have breakfast and I don’t like being woken up for anything less.

Heading home

“Poppy!” This time it was Dad and he wasn’t whispering. I raised my head and looked over my shoulder. Both mum and dad were up and dressed, ready to leave our little holiday house. Our holiday must be over! Just five minutes later, I was in the red car stretched out on the back seat. We were off.  As we drove through the countryside the sky became much brighter but I was still sleepy. As far as I was concerned, they could wake me when we arrived home. I’m a Lhasa Apso and I need my beauty sleep! I dozed off again and dreamt of sitting in my own garden keeping guard on any cats and chewing sticks.

An unexpected change

Of course, nothing goes according to plan because halfway through our journey we stopped at a house I had never seen before. Dad got out of the car and walked up the path to the front door. He knocked three times.  After clipping on my lead, mum lifted me out of the car and we both followed dad. The door opened slowly and a face peered out at us. I was shocked but also really pleased because it was Lewie’s dad, John. Great!  I was going to see Lewie again. We all followed John into the hall and then into a large kitchen. The table was full of lovely food. Mum and dad were invited to sit down at the table.  It was really nice to see Lewie’s parents. The only trouble was… where was the little Fox Terrier? What was he up to? Mischief I expect!

It’s a dog’s life

Moments later, I heard a whimper and a very low growl. I looked behind me and saw Lewie curled up in his basket feeling very sorry for himself. He still had a dressing either side of his body where the hedgerow had hurt him. You can also read about that story called Friend in Need. John then asked Lewie to show me the garden whilst assuring my parents that it was quite safe. John even put some breakfast in a bowl outside so that we had something to eat and drink. The little terrier hobbled across the floor and out into the fresh air. He seemed to be in a lot of pain.  I followed. The garden was fairly long but turned to the right at the far end. This part of the garden could not be seen from the house.

Leopards don’t change their spots

It was obviously this exclusive area was this little dog’s favourite place and he wanted me to share it with him.  I felt pretty sorry for him struggling to walk. We were now out of sight! Suddenly Lewie exploded into action, racing to the bottom fence.  I was surprised but followed him anyway. He inspected the bottom fence in a number of places before pushing at one of the fence panels. It just tilted up allowing him to slip through the gap. Not this again, I thought! He then gave me the look which I knew only too well. So obviously I pushed the panel out of the way and crawled through the gap behind him. I’m a Lhasa Apso so I can handle any situation, even if it means being very naughty!

Swinging the lead

For the next hour, we played in the meadow chasing rabbits and annoying the local cat. I know that I should have stopped him. I am older and a lot more sensible but I like to take risks and have fun too. Later, we crept back through the gap and into the garden. We had not been missed. When Lewie’s mum came to fetch us, he was hobbling again. I just stared at him and gave him that look. He’s obviously playing this game quite well! His mum then picked him up and carried him into the house. He was given lots of treats and cuddles. As my parents prepared to leave, I looked at the little mischief maker sitting on his mum’s lap and I swear he winked at me. I will say it again. That dog is trouble.