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.