"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.