Preparation for a Big Trip

Next Saturday, Gail tells me, we are heading off for a Big Trip to England.

Readers might remember that I have ventured south of the Border once before, but that was last summer when I was a still 'just a puppy'.

Now that I am fully grown (nearly 18 months old) I am more aware of some of the differences and the 'sensitivities' between Gail's country of birth and mine, and I have a few questions and concerns. 

First and foremost, given that I am such a sociable chappie, will the other dogs in the park understand my Scottish accent?

Gail assures me that the language of dogs is universal, although I might struggle with some of the humans, especially when we are in Yorkshire. 

I gather it is usually warmer in England than up here in Aberdeen. Since Gail's request to borrow the Scottish National Party's luxury motorhome for our journey down south was ignored, I hope that our little car's air conditioning is working. 

I am assured that is it.

And what about doggy passports? I don't think we've applied for one yet, although I know my predecessor Bertie possessed one. 

Apparently I am not to fret. Bertie's passport was for trips to Germany and Switzerland. I won't need one for England.

And another thing. I've heard Gail's Scottish friends commenting on how lucky we are up here to have the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which gives us so much freedom to roam in the hills, forests and fields. I'm concerned that they don't have the same rights in England.

Gail tells me that we are fortunate indeed here in Scotland, but not to worry because in England there is an extensive network of public rights of way. Even better, these footpaths tend to connect pretty villages with cosy dog-friendly pubs. So country walks will very much be on the agenda, and the only drawback is that I might have to be on the lead more than here, at least until I learn not to chase sheep. 

Well this all seems most satisfactory, I must say. And I'm looking forward to seeing my standard poodle cousin Coco in Derbyshire, even though Gail tells me she's an old dog now and will probably not want to play. 

Oh and I'm wondering (to myself) if different customs in England stretch to dogs being allowed to jump on tables and chew up pens, and notebooks, and spectacles......