Passing Muster

Last night a very nice man from Battersea Dogs Home popped-by to check on how well Emmie is settling with us.

I'm please to report that she/we passed with flying colours. Clearly, the on-the-job training programme is paying-off and the three walkies a day are maintaining fine fettle.

But catostrophic events of Sunday might have also contributed to our good report.

On Sunday morning the dog *and* our whole house stank.

Cold as it was outside, all the windows were open; joss sticks lit like a hippy commune; and scented candles enough to warrent an evening of amour with the accompanying tones of Mr. B. White esq.

Another fact of life is that all dogs -- and especially springers -- love to roll in foul-smelling waste, excrement and carrion.

And true to her breed and more unpleasant instinct, our darling pooch happened upon the Holy Grail of foulness in the park and enjoyed a damn good roll in it too. I'm not sure what it was -- fox poo, decaying fauna, fox poo mixed with dead or mad cow, who knows -- but it really was noxious.

This was far too gross a substance to be dealt with by a customary wipe-off with a damp towel -- though I did try, but it only served to make matters worse and the smell more intense.

Nope -- it was into the bath and a shampoo and set for doggie dear. But lacking proper canine soap, I used a few applications of Pippa's expensive Bond Street stuff (heck, I use it too, so what's the harm?).

Suffice it to say, the results have been a triumph on three fronts. Emmie's coat is lovely and soft, shiny with great body [because she's worth it]. She was a little forlorn after the indignity of the bath, and therefore extremely biddable and very well behaved all day -- and since, I might add. Finally, her (sic) condition really impressed the inspector, so we may all continue in our peaceful cohabitation.