Friday

Over the last few weeks I have noticed that Isis is becoming increasingly aware of where I am as I move from room to room. The Polymath observed this change in Hairy One when we stayed in Wales a week ago. On her first visit Isis chose to stay in my bedroom when she was left to her own devices. This time she selected her own chair in the sitting room.

At home when she has had her tea at six o’clock Isis retires to the back room next to the kitchen. A little while after, I join her with my meal. (Interestingly, she no longer attempts to steal food from my plate. I don’t think that this is a tacit amnesty but because I have increased the size of her meals and she no longer feels so desperate.)

On Wednesday evening I am sorting out the kitchen. There is a large pile of washing on the floor. It is a long time since Isis had her tea and retired.

She emerges from her comfortable den next to the radiator, curls up on the pile of washing and goes to sleep. When I have finished faffing in the kitchen she follows me into the back room and returns to her bed.

Isis came from the Aeza cat and dog rescue and adoption centre in Aljezur, Portugal. For information about adopting an animal from the centre, contact kerry@aeza.org or  www.dogwatchuk.com