Annual indignity: Booster time at the Vets

Mr - soon to be 13 years of age - Thumper, was born in our house and has pretty much owned the place and surrounding woods and fields ever since, despite the dogs interupting his peace and quiet.

He gifted us the biggest (and quite the most beautiful brown, white and golden furred) rat i've ever seen at the back door this morning. Poor rat. He hasn't brought back such a sizeable beastie for years. Perhaps he knew about his 8.30am annual booster appt and wanted to negotiate a way out.

He's been enjoying the rarity of us doing the odd job in the garden as the weather improves at the weekends, he lolls about, supervises and shows us his tree climbing prowess. The compost bin lid or the neighbour's coal bunker on a sunny, warm day is his current choice of a luxurious heated snooze palace.