When Gail's New Scientist magazine arrived this week, she told me all about how, from a very young age, my predecessor Bouncing Bertie took a great interest in scientific matters, and she suggested perhaps I might like to follow suit.
I noticed there was an article all about dogs in this issue and so I took a peep inside.
Well. I am embarrassed to tell you it was all about how my own species, both feral and fully domesticated strains, are considered a threat to biodiversity and in general a Bad Thing for the environment.
As you can imagine, I was all for putting the magazine onto the pile for shredding (by me, of course). But then Gail pointed out there was a useful section on 'How to be an eco-friendly dog owner'. These rules for humans seem quite reasonable so I've decided to give this science business one more chance after all.
Although whether Gail is successful in training me not to stray remains to be seen...
What else has been happening this week?
Well the most exciting event by far was my first ever visit to Gail's cottage on Loch Torridon. I'll be giving you a full report on Friday, but here's a sneak preview.
Long time readers of previous blogs will recognise the view from the garden so beloved by Hamish the Westie and Bouncing Bertie.
I made myself right at home inside too,
And then found the perfect spot, right by the front door, to show off my rapidly lengthening legs.
I think this is a place where an (eco-friendly) dog could be very happy.
yes that is the place... and we are surprised how long your legs now are... maybe your gail has a magic potion, that is amazing how fast you grow...
ReplyDeleteWell Nobby, my human has read the column on eco-friendly dog owning, and we have discussed it at length. Fortunately we don't seem to have problems with sand dunes, (there aren't any) and anyway, dogs are not allowed on the beach. Of course she always picks up after me, and says the bit about bedding is common sense - and baths too! Other than that, we don't often stray off the roads around here, or the promenade when we walk along by the sea. So I hope we're doing our bit.
ReplyDeleteGlad you have been to Torridon, and we like your "bed"!
Love,
Inca xx
P.S. - what do they say about pussy cats?
Hi Inca,
DeleteWe are glad that you too are an eco-friendly dog. The article quoted today was just about dogs, but Gail tells me in the past she's read several scientific papers about how bad pussy cats are for birdlife.
Toodle-oo!
Nobby.
PS We had some guests over in Torridon who are vegetarian and suggested that perhaps I should be too. Much to my relief, Gail firmly rejected that idea!
What a beautiful view you have, Nobby. We think you are really liking the cottage life and you do have very long puppy legs!
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWell, Nobby, while you may not have the same fascination for science as Bertie had, you could certainly lay claim to being a keen observer and reporter! Given the subject of the post and your introduction to Torridon, perhaps you could be an eco-ranger? Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
'Eco-ranger'. I like it!
Deletelast things first today, your legs are really looking grrrreat and I am impressed that you are off leash and standing staring at the stunning view and not running away. wow... I read all the things and I do all of them except the flea treatment. in the deep south of USA baths and washing are not enough to fight fleas. Nex-guard is taken by mouth and the only way to keep ones home and dog free of fleas. that magzine has a lot of good stuff in it
ReplyDeleteNobby please as Gail to share any hints she discovered on of How to Grow Younger. I adore you official first photo on THE ROCK at your Cottage.
ReplyDeleteJumpin' catfish you do have very very long legs. :::whispering::: should you chose to make a made dash, that means you can run faster and longer.
Hugs Cecilia
Gail says: the short answer is that it's all very complicated but we might learn a thing or two from 'immortal jellyfish' (Turritopsis dohrnii)....
DeleteYou sure look like you are enjoying your trip to the cottage, Nobby. Where we live, dogs are expected to remain on leash in our parks since that is the only reliable way to keep us from going off trail and destroying sensitive things.
ReplyDeleteHi friend, Ojo here! Shred that magazine! Also, what a nice box you have! Do be careful not to turn into a cat. In a box. Bye for now!
ReplyDeleteChester used to shred boxes so that they'll fit into the recycling box. That's helpful, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI might suggest you look for the following magazines: National Geographic "The Genius of Dogs" which came out late 2021, and Life "Dogs: Why We Need Them. Why They Need Us." which we found recently on the grocery store check-out lane.
What an informative article, thanks for sharing instead of shredding. We can't wait to read your post Friday about your time in Torridon, what a beautiful teaser shot of you and the view!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Sunny, Rosy & Jakey
OMD....You legs certainly are getting long! :) And you look great in that beautiful garden.
ReplyDeleteHave humans given up on climate change and given it to us?
ReplyDeleteNobby I'm not sure that following our nature makes us bad. Humans put us places we might not otherwise have been. My kind aren't welcome in NZ for instance and there has even been talk of eliminating cats in NZ. How would humans cope without furry friends? Anyway we feel sure you will not be a menace to anything (except possibly magazines). Your legs seem to have sprung out in no time at all and I am really envious that you have two gardens to play in. Paw smacks Mr T
ReplyDeleteWow, your are all legs! Now you have to grow your body into them, BOL!
ReplyDeleteThat doggy picture in your not yet shredded magazine looks SO much like our Angel MJF...
You sure have a beautiful setting for your cottage.
Apologies for delay in visiting - just work and life overwhelm really. I see that Nobby is settling in nicely - what joy puppies are. And the ultimate social asset I've decided - every day I walk on the beach and almost always its because of Oscar that people stop and chat. As for eco-friendly dog ownership, I have thought a lot about this and actually I agree that in isolation owning a dog is drain on resources. But the wider truth is that we don't live in isolation - if I didn't have Oscar I would certainly travel more for example. There are other benefits too to our health and wellbeing for example. So it is complex as always; such is life.
ReplyDeleteGail says: Your point about the wider truth is well made. And I too travel much less for having a dog.
DeleteWe here are just shocked that the magazine survived long enough so that we could read it, we would have shredded it immediately! You showed great restraint for being such a young pup, Nobby! And we love you new long legs! So cute!
ReplyDelete