When I walk my dog in the field opposite my house, I usually take along one of those long plastic tennis ball flingers. This is because I got tired of nearly putting my shoulder out to produce a throw that it took him three seconds to retrieve. These devices are marvellous and once you get the knack, you can launch that tennis ball really impressive distances.

I’m pretty good at it, even if I do say so myself. If tennis ball launching were an Olympic Sport, I would definitely make my national squad.

A Dalmatian in the UK has given birth to eighteen – yes eighteen! – puppies. You can see the story here. By the way, the media loves the references they can get in about it not being exactly one hundred and one, but being a good start.

10. I’m not really a people person.
Dogs love people. It’s why they are so popular; they love us and we love them right back. That strong bond has been cemented over thousands of years, and is now unbreakable. There are a tiny minority of anti-social dogs, but that’s mainly our fault for treating or breeding them wrongly. In the main dogs can’t wait to meet – and lick - as many people as possible.

9. You go without me; I’ll be fine on my own./ Oh you’re home – I didn’t notice you’d gone.

The media has been bandying the phrase “arctic conditions” about a lot. Well, yes it’s been cold, and yes we’ve had some snow, but arctic? Not quite!

We have been out and about in it though, and Star loves the snow. I took this in our local park, and I love the way she is too busy posing for the camera to keep up with Jenny. She obviously wants me to get her good side.

Take care,
Julie x