Archie eats his greens

After last week’s drive in the car resulting in vomit twice (the dog, not us), we decided to try again, not quite so long in the car, and with him sitting in the front on my knee so that he could see out. Success! Though he wasn’t exactly happy, we made it.

He was terrifically happy when he realised that we had arrived at a BEACH. His first. He loved bounding about in the sand, picking up I don’t know what (I put my foot on a syringe to hide it from him!) so seaweed was a positively healthy option. (He didn't actually eat any).

He saw many dogs from afar, but none to play with... then we spotted her - a schnauzer - coming down to play on the beach. They made a beeline for each other, and they just had the BEST FUN together! Archie, though he didn’t realise it, was let off the lead/rope. They charged around and rolled and wrestled and stopped for wee rests for a second or two before charging off again. We all enjoyed watching them, and we had a good chat to Bridie's owner about schnauzers being the Best Dogs Ever. Bridie's owner reckons that schnauzers recognise each other and love to play together because they play the same way. Hmm...

Then we went and sat on a bench and while the humans had ice creams, Archie sat and watched the constant stream of people and dogs going by on skates, scooters, bikes, prams and just strolling. The people were using all the modes of transport, not the dogs.

Then Archie had his special doggy treat - a liver muffin at the wee cafe. He went crazy for it! He had the other half when we got back home without any vomit. Progress.

During the holidays, we’ll build up his positive feelings about car travel. Who knows - this summer we might be able to go away with him for a day or two.