Happy dog

We have had a weekend guest, our son's Welsh Mountain Dog, the endearing and boisterously puppyish Madoc. Having two large dogs in the house is hard work, so we have spent a lot of time running their legs off in the garden, endlessly chasing the balls we throw for them. How come dogs never seem to tire of this activity, even when we're dropping with exhaustion?

While my back was turned for a few minutes, they disappeared. We discovered that they had found an escape route from what we smugly thought was an escape-proof garden. They were in the field next door and having a great explore, but reluctantly returned when called.

Phew, what a pong! Long-coated Madoc had found something smelly to roll in, probably fox poo as there are lots of foxes around. We were unimpressed, but he was very pleased with himself ...