The First Noel

Like almost every other day, Samuel was up before the sun on December 25th, quickly followed by myself, whose excitement and enthusiasm for the holiday could not be outdone, even by a sackful of Santa's Elves.

For his first Christmas, Samuel had amassed quite a number of gifts, though it took him a while to get the hang of unwrapping them. The alluring scent of the meaty treats beneath the paper made the task much more appealing, and he was soon the owner of a new bag of kibble, a smorgasbord of treats, and several new toys, including a squeaky cracker and a replacement for the chicken he destroyed a few months earlier.

It was then off to Barry for food and Wii Fit fun. More presents were opened as Samuel entertained himself with his newly acquired stuffed turkey. He greedily eyed the real turkey as we prepared the dinner. We were accompanied at the table by his doe-like eyes, telling a tale of woeful neglect. His shameful attempts at begging worked and he was soon reward by a smattering of meat.

Fit to bursting, everyone set about firing virtual bows and arrows and engaging in sword fights in an attempt to work off some of the pudding. Even Samuel joined in, insisting on standing in front of the TV every time we tried to bowl.

Fowl Play.

With the idea of Christmas better understood, a visit to The Museum of Welsh Life brought Samuel face to face with the season's second most famous star; the turkey. Three of the birds held their ground as they were eyed by this plucky pug, no doubt picking out the one most suited to the Christmas table. Samuel sniffed the air cautiously as the turkeys advanced a few paces. Then, with a defiant call to arms, they wobbled forward with military precision and chased us out of the clearing.

Though turkey might be the festive meat of choice, after this close encounter Samuel would do well to stick to kibble.

A Thing Called Christmas

Since the living room took on the scent of an alpine forest, Samuel sensed things were afoot. The room he knew every nook and cranny of was now awash with twinkling lights and little red socks. The fat pine tree nestled in the corner hadn't been there before either. In the kitchen, trays came hot from the oven, loaded with small spiced pies that were savoured with cream and tea.

The white stuff of a few days ago had been strange enough. But this? Some investigating was called for.

Bringing the Outside in

Samuel didn't quiet know what to make of the new festive arrival.

What's This? There's White Things in the Air

Late November saw the UK assaulted from all fronts by an Arctic blast that swept the country into the the season's first big chill. Temperatures plummeted to below freezing and Samuel began to appreciate the comforts of his newly knitted jumper. Though Wales didn't see the drifts of snow that blanketed parts of Scotland and North-East England, enough settled to show that winter had well and truly arrived.

Your first experience of snow must, in all probability, be a strange one. Though I don't remember mine, the camera was charged and ready to document the dog's. After a surprisingly uneventful drive, with none of the slipping and sliding I'd prepared myself for, we arrived in Crymych for a stay with the parent's in law. Snow had settled here the day before, and the night's sub zero temperatures had morphed it into an icy crust that coated the grass. Despite feeling it as he pattered across the lawn, Samuel would have to wait until morning to truly see snow.

And when he did he was clearly confused. After attempting to eat it, as well as dig it, he allowed himself to simply enjoy it, and ran around the garden with all the excitement that only snow can incite.

An afternoon walk saw him gliding ungracefully across frozen puddles in an expanse of land we festively named "Winter Wonderland". When the ice unexpectedly cracked beneath him, he realised things weren't always as they appeared to be, and scampered off through the "white stuff" in a scene that echoed Jack Skellington's arrival in Christmas Town.

Halloween Happenings

All Hallows' Eve passed without a trick. Treats were aplenty however, and included fancy dress, walks around the lake and running off with the jack o' lantern's lid.

Power Struggle

The fight to be 'Top Dog' continues...

Knitted by Nana

Can you smell that? Autumn is here. There are conkers and colourful leaves. The park, once green and vibrant, is now carpeted in rich reds and browns. Hearty soups and stews are replacing the fresh salads of summer, and hot chocolate is back on the menu.

Yet one thing signals the onset of crisper weather more nostalgically than all others; the knitted jumper. In this tradition, Samuel was not to be left out. Though a tad too big, the warmth afforded by his first item of clothing was not to be shunned and he took to it enthusiastically. This first addition to Samuel's winter wardrobe was lovingly knitted by his Nana, and was accompanied by a woolen chicken which has since lost its beak...and feet...and eyes...and comb...and...well, you get the picture.

Assing around

"You think we look funny? Wait until you see the Texas Longhorn in the next field over. Besides, with a tail like that, shouldn't you be in with the pigs?"

Day Trips

Samuel's first summer saw him voyage far and wide in pursuit of adventure. He took in local history at The Museum of Welsh Life; visited family in the South and the West; surrounded himself with literature in "The Town of Books; and even chased a mouse through a banqueting hall.

Yet his favourite trip of all was back to his old, salty haunt of the beach. Whilst there, he took on an estuary, bit off more crab than he could chew, and traveled in style in a rowing boat.

Who says it's a dog's life?

"To Sea, Yer Scallywag!"

Arrr, me hearty!

Though not the weather for swashbuckin', Samuel's first experience of the high seas was a stroll along the pebbled beach of Llantwit Major. Scurvy dogs were barked away to Davy Jones' Locker, and anyone who came too close to his booty o' treats and driftwood were made to walk the plank.

Landlubbers beware!

Two Peas, One Pod

A visit from family often brings with it such questions as how to keep them occupied for the duration of their stay, what topics of conversation to raise and, on this particular occasion, how will they react to your new Pug puppy, or, more specifically, how will your two-year old nephew, who is equally inquisitive and just as raucous, react to your new pug puppy?

Although the in-laws had heard many a tale about Samuel and his antics, aside from a quick glimpse at the breeders they had yet to see him in the fur, as it were.

For Samuel, the visit was an all-you-can-eat buffet, with milk, ham, bread and cocktail sausages falling freely from above. For Rudie, the aforementioned nephew, he had found a new partner in crime, and followed "Dog" around like his shadow.

In Black and White

Today's news is tomorrow's dog paper.

Samuel's Newest Toy

A soft toy paw-picked by him. Just like its smaller counterpart, it won't stay that colour for long!

Bath Pug

The time had arrived. There could be no putting it off any longer. Samuel needed a bath.

This first bathing ritual was approached with military precision. Towels were gathered; shampoo was opened and its scent tested for pleasantness; treats were assembled in bountiful quantities so that any anxieties could be quickly and tastefully assuaged. Even Samuel himself underwent some preparation, with the removal of his collar and the insertion of cotton wool into his delicate little ears.

And into the bath he went!

His wining soon gave way to a less vocal but equally annoyed stare, which went into the distance and the bathroom door beyond it. He wanted nothing more than to escape! Against his wishes, he was lathered and rinsed until the water coming off him was as clean as that going on. After a quick towel dry and a run in the sun, Samuel was as good as new, and as pouffy as a powder puff, and was swiftly rewarded with the biggest treat he'd ever seen!

Park Life

"All the people...so many people" went the song, but they forgot about the dogs.

With command of the lead somewhat gained, it was time for Samuel to venture further than the orderly layout of the park's paths. The blooming flower beds and curving concrete walkways of Victoria Park are juxtaposed against expanses of grass that seem all too inviting to an energetic pup.

There is, however, an etiquette that must be adhered to. As much as Samuel wanted to simply bolt towards the nearest squirrel, we had to be cautious. Whilst other, more seasoned dogs could be called to heel with a simple mention of their name, Samuel, as of yet, was not so willing to return.

It was hesitantly that the lead was unclipped and Samuel granted his freedom. What he encountered was a smorgasbord of sights and smells; trees, acorns, others dog's doings, as well as the dogs themselves.

Samuel's vivacious nature hasn't been appreciated by all the dogs he's encountered, in fact, he can be quite off putting to the more elderly park visitors, yet his list of friends continues to grow with each visit, and amongst others, he counts Eric the Pug, Gertie the Miniature Schnauzer, Jackson the Collie and Dave the Chihuahua/Pug cross as his playmates.

Box Watching

Re-runs of "It's Me or the Dog" no doubt.

What are you looking at?

When Samuel encountered his reflection for the first time he was unsure what to do with it. He had first been intrigued by the brown paper wrapping that concealed the looking glass, yet once removed, the mirror held his attention like yogurt and snails had done before.

Was he looking at himself or at another dog? Samuel wasn't sure. He barked, and the reflection barked back. He moved, and the reflection moved with him. Why wouldn't this dog leave him alone?

Cyber Dog

Samuel about to check his latest blog post. A truly 21st century canine!

"I Pledge Allegiance..."

Here is Samuel celebrating Independence Day. He has since been initiated into the Honorary Ameripug Hall of Fame.

Tug of War

After the somewhat tentative introduction to his collar and lead, it was now time to put Samuel's restraint to the test. This wasn't his first time on the lead. He had already traveled up the road and back several times, swerving to avoid lampposts and stopping to sniff at every opportunity. A tumble had been narrowly avoided on numerous occasions as his love of crossing paths produced a tangled mess of legs and lead.

This particular trip was different. Samuel was going to the park. There were ducks there, and difficult terrain to navigate. An uphill walk stood before him and the expanse of green. How would he cope?

Well, fine it turned out. Though there were no humorous encounters with any proud water fowl, the trip to Thompson Park was comical, if only for the way Samuel insisted on walking us there.

A Tasty Treat

Destined to become one of Wales' most pampered poochs, Samuel relishes the idea of sampling all manner of treats. The natural yoghurt went down particularly well. Here he is licking the spoon clean. Who knows what he'll be like with the cottage cheese?

Working Like a Dog

Samuel after an exhausting day of editing and eating.

A New Kind of Editing

Since Samuel's arrival, we've found that our other interest have taken a back seat, and that the little time we have to dedicate to them is often small, stolen moments when his Pug Highness is snoozing. To try and attempt any sort of non-Pug related activity during waking hours often proves fruitless.

Take writing for example. With a whole book draft to edit, Samuel was quick to offer his services by biting at those words he thought surplus to the overall text. He obviously more of a "Marley and Me" fan.

The Great Outdoors

With Samuel now wholly comfortable with the house, the back yard was an entirely new place to explore. Everything caught his eye, and was quickly investigated by a sniffing nose. Twigs, clods of mud, a snail, stones, a piece of coal, leaves and a woodlouse were just a few of the things that ended up in his mouth.

Hot Dog

Samuel enjoying the sunshine, albeit indoors. Well, he is a Pug.

Collared!

Being a free spirit, there's nothing Samuel likes more (food and sleep undoubtedly excluded) than to run loose, unencumbered by the many trappings of domestication. Unfortunately, life in the 'Big City' is not so Enid Blyton inspired, and whilst he had previously enjoyed the freedom to roam, he was soon to learn that a collar and lead is a necessity for a young city pup.

Needless to say, whilst all other introductions thus far had gone relatively smoothly, Samuel's acquaintance with his 'restraints' was a little more passionate, and at the start, it looked like he would be the one who lead the lead. After several attempts, the relationship became much more amicable, and Samuel came to understand that through his endurance, he would be rewarded with many long and exciting walks.

Clocking Off

So Samuel's first day home drew to an end. The whole experience had been a sensory overload, not only for him, but for us. Our noses had become accustom to the subtle scent of dog; our eyes were continually on the lookout for any ground sniffing or inclination towards a particular area of the carpet; our ears found a sudden yelp unfamiliar yet comforting. Our lives were never going to be the same. As we pondered this realisation, Samuel was only thinking about one thing, and no doubt dreaming about another.

And we wouldn't have him any other way.

Samuel the Sausage Slayer

The first toy to feel Samuel's sharp end was the string of sausages. Answering his feral instincts he was quick to pounce on them, teeth at the ready. Unsurprisingly, it wasn't long before one of the forlorn faces lost its nose.

At the time of writing, only two remain.

New Dog, Old Tricks

Samuel partaking in what I'm sure will become his favourite post-meal activity. I think I sense a pattern forming...

Cometh the Food, Cometh the Pug.

Samuel's first meal in his new home was less about the food and more about the food bowl. Thinking he'd appreciate the gesture, we bought him a decorative mat to place beneath his bowls, which we hoped would go some way in helping to limit the wide trajectory of his kibble. It turned out that this mat had a mischievous way of causing the bowl to slide, and it was on this first occasion of slippage that Samuel found his voice.

"Yelp! Yelp! Whine...whine...whine...and then run away!"

And so it continued, inching up to the food bowl after each vocal display of confusion, gulping a few morsels down before shuffling backwards on his rump.

We've since removed the mat and Samuel has come to learn the harmlessness of his bowls. He now eagerly gobbles down breakfast, lunch and supper without a second thought.

Nothing can come between a Pug and his food!

New Digs

Rather than start to unpack, the first thing Samuel did once he arrived in his new home was to be sick! Surely his first impression wasn't that bad? I'd spent the previous days cleaning relentlessly, as if royalty was expected, and was not bargaining on such a blunt opinion. However, his sickness shortly subsided and he was soon inside the house, sniffing intently.

Barri and I watched him as he surveyed the landscape that was our living room. Where would he even begin? There was so much to explore, so many new scents to be sampled and savoured. Would he rush to the tall vase? Perhaps it was to be the towering bookcase that took his fancy? Of maybe, he might just become enamored with the TV and the lure of its wires.

His eventual choice was far less exciting. After cowering beneath the coffee table like, well, a scared pup, he once again sought solace in sleep. Having become accustom to the comforts of a warm and inviting lap, he saw no reason to change his habits so soon, and was shortly snoozing, Toad nestled comfortably at his side.

Homeward Bound

The journey home was surprisingly uncomplicated. Samuel hailed from a breeder in West Wales, more specifically, from Princes Gate near Narberth. To give him his more formal, registered title, Rugdash Warrior Chief had been waiting for our arrival for two weeks and was outwardly unnerved by the prospect of the two and a bit hour car ride home. In fact, it was me who needed to stop at the services for some light relief rather than him. He managed the entire journey with nothing more than a whimper, and was peacefully dozing throughout most of its duration. An old towel and one of his new toys kept him company, whilst Barri and I provided alternative laps upon which to sleep.