Here in the UK we have official bodies to regulate certain key industries, and they are called things like Ofwat (water and sewerage), Ofgem (gas and electricity markets), Ofcom (telecommunications) etc.
Three days into the annual gathering at Inshriach House, one of the guests (Sean the Poet) proposed that there should be a new regulatory body, to govern the behaviour of a certain nine month old fox terrier, and it should be called 'Ofnob'. Or perhaps that is 'Off-Nob!' Or Off Knob. Whichever it is, I believe Sean was trying to make a joke at my expense.
Really, I thought I was behaving rather well throughout the long weekend, despite having to contend with ten humans in addition to Gail, and also Bonnie, a Staffie x Labrador bitch of a certain age who seemed supremely unimpressed by my youthful exuberance and charm.
It is true that the words "Off, Nobby! Off!" were being uttered fairly frequently, for example whenever I tried to jump up onto the kitchen table, or climb all over Gail's friends to distract them from the apparently upsetting contents of the newspapers they were reading. (I thought I was doing them a favour.)
And I'm afraid my high decibel attempts to warn the assembled humans of an impending badger and red squirrel invasion on Saturday night were met with initial indifference and then some rather unkind comments, including asking Gail whether I came with an 'off' switch.
By day, when out and about exploring the beautiful Speyside landscapes, I'm pleased to report that the humans stopped trying to boss me about quite so much, and the words "Good Boy" were even occasionally spoken.
And in time I made friends with Bonnie. Or at least she tolerated my company so long as I remembered not to jump on her...
We said fond farewells to Inshriach House and all my lovely new chums on Monday morning. I'm already looking forward to next year's gathering!
hahaha that is good story... well...we think the off-word is a ery busy word here too...
ReplyDeleteHello Nobby and Gail,
ReplyDeleteLet me introduce myself. My name is Lindy, I'm nearly thirteen and came to live with Carol yesterday. I've had a bit of an unsettled past recently as my owner died in the Spring, so I'm hoping that at last this will really be my forever home. I've been to some strange places lately.
I'm looking forward to hearing all about the fabulous things you and Gail do.
I've learned the new word "off" too!
Love,
Lindy xx
P.S. from Carol - I picked up Lindy yesterday from a lady who has been looking after her temporarily, but she doesn't fit in with the lady's lifestyle. The poor girl has had a long spell in kennels and been passed round to people who would only take her for a week or two. Her owner's family (when they came out to see what they'd inherited) wanted to have her put down. She's a mixture of breeds, certainly Golden retriever somewhere, and her appetite would shame a Labrador. She's also a counter surfer so has already learned "NO" and "OFF"! Later today to see the vet for a full examination. She's like a little barrel on four legs, but my goodness, she has plenty of energy!
This will be an unsettling time as we get to know one another but I'm hopeful that we'll settle into a happy routine together.
Carol xx
Carol, this is heartwarming news. Wishing you all the best with Lindy as you get to know her better and she learns more new words!
DeleteCheers! Gail.
PS Nobby says hi to Lindy and says a lady of her age can feign selective deafness quite plausibly!
Hari OM
DeleteWelcome Lindy!!! YAM-aunty xxx
Thank you for such a warm welcome.
DeleteLove,
Lindy xx
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteWell, Nobby... what can I say? On the one paw I admire your inquisitive and involved personality, always wanting to be in on the action and snoopervising. However, sad as it may seem to you, there is a hierarchy in societal living that requires you are the one snoopervised with an expectation that you will follow said snoopervision! Let's have a discussion when you come to visit...
Oh, I all I could think about while reading of all the official organisations is The Handmaid's Tale. All those women who are given the name of the masters to whom they must surrender; OfFred, OfWarren, OfGlen... Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Well this was quite the interesting and oh so much fun tail of off knob. I loved every word of it and I laughed a lot and I know you had fun and that all the guests had fun except for maybe the other dog. Maybe by next year you will be another year older and we'll have learned what the word off means but I doubt very seriously that the off button will work for the barking at squirrels we shall see what we shall see. Sounds like a wonderful mini vacation. And I am so happy that Lindy is with somebody that will love her I'm headed over there to see if I can find a picture
ReplyDeleteOH Nobby I bet your excitement of new places and faces just put your senses into overload. And of course any self respecting WFT knows all laps are for sitting on and hands are for pets and who knows might have had treats.
ReplyDeleteI loved every moment of this weekend from way over here on this side of the Pond.
Hugs Cecilia
That looks like a fine time was had by all! You and Gail have such wonderful adventures with all of your friends...you are just a pup that is very excited to be included in all the fun! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteRosie and Redford
It sounds like you had a fun time despite all the "off Nob" comments. There is never a dull moment with you around, Nobby.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a wonderful time even if "off" was said way too much, Nobby. I still hear "off" but it usually is referring to stop jumping up on the guests, Molly
ReplyDeleteWow! It does look like you had a great time, Nobby. All in all, it looks like the "good Nobby" comments outweighed the "off Nobby" ones! BOL
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Rosy
That looks like a fabulous gathering of wonderful people in a beautiful setting and your commentary on the local wildlife should have been received in the spirit of an Attenborough report on the feral activity around them.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, that sounds a little Handmaiden's Tail to me.
ReplyDeleteWe get the feeling that these people are off their rockers as they think they need to ofnob. Lee and Phod
ReplyDelete