Dear diary
Today I was savaged by a Chihuahua!
I took my reactive rescue, a Breton Spaniel, with anxiety issues, to the dog park which is normally a place of fun and inclusivity. The dog, I noticed too late, kept clear of 3 Chihuahua mixes, as I sauntered towards them. One particularly belligerent one headed straight for me, clearly incensed that I should venture into this public area , a tall male human! , and sank his teeth into my ankle area!
Of course I exclaimed, expressing my obvious disapproval and discomfort, particularly as we are in the traditional season of “Good Will to ALL Men! “ (oh the irony! )
Finally the owner called her dog off. No word of apology!
“ So do you have cats at home ? “She blithely asked me.
“ Well, yes I’m looking after two rescued cats as it happens.”
“ Oh , well there you are then!”
Clearly all my fault ! Mystery solved!
Subsequently I find out THAT Chihuahua is affectionately known as “ Piranha “
My go to trousers are roushed at the ankles and from now on are referred to as my
“Chihuahua’s.”
“Down at heel” has a new meaning entirely!
Dear Diary,
Today, I realized as a Pet sitter, a diplomatic dimension is also required in this humble job.
I set out this morning cleverly, or so I believed, multi tasking (I am male so reader imagine my sense of pride and satisfaction!) I TOOK The BIN out as well as the dog!
Ok, so I’m on my way to the collection of waste disposal containers.. en route the dog decides he’s found a perfect spot: a doorway(!) to perform his first spray..
Out of the corner of my eye I spy a Hilda Ogden, with night attire, slippers and cigarette to complete the ensemble. She is staring fiercely at me and the hound. If looks could kill I would be stone cold dead, at the very least!
I pull the dog along sharply but not before using my portable water bottle to try and dilute my charge’s offensive liquid.
As I pass I’m bold enough to say, “ Feliz Navidad!”
The old crone cannot but respond with a rare smile cracking across her wrinkled face.
Diplomacy.
Not everyone loves dogs remember.
(This is with a background of pouring rain)
Surely raining cats and dogs!
I discuss this incident at the dog park.
No one else bothers with the water bottle.! Shock! HORROR!
Minister of Foreign Affairs could be my
next job?
You lead, I’ll follow.
Loving the Dairy updates. Keep em coming. 
Ahh thanks! Well these are not fiction lol!
I think you mean diary .. no cows involved .. so far!
No cows involved? Well i’m unsubscribing 
Dear Diary,
The rain in Spain? I’m an expert. I know exactly where it’s falling in Spain.. this Christmas and New Year. Right HERE!
People local to the area are up in arms! Rain at Christmas! Outrageous! ( Worst Christmas weather, wind and rain, since 2010?)
It is a total game changer; no beach, no cafe life, no dog park reunions, people have put boards up against their front doors in my street! Luckily I’m on the second floor! Don’t panic, Mr Mannering!
I knew it was bad.. the dog came down with me in the lift but one look at the street river and he promptly headed back home! And he’s a Spaniel!
But actually my sit has turned into a joy overnight! Very few people venturing out so fewer to bark at, no one sitting at outside cafe tables so no food debris to skirt around, no annoying dogs sharing the dog park so ball games go ahead, more water polo, in fact.
The dog focuses on his business much more sharply and it’s often once around the block to achieve “Bingo!”
The Home Owner has been lovely. “Mark there’s a weather warning in the area. Stay safe. It’s good to rest and put your feet up!” Freddi won’t mind at all!”
“But I’m British and waterproof!” Winter Olympics anyone?
Cabin fever has been setting in.
I take the dog on the terrace. He decides if we go any further.He peers through the bamboo fencing.
Finally there’s a dry gap forecasted!
We fit in 15,000 steps! Oops.
Silent night coming up!
We hate being Boxed
in on Boxing Day!
