Saturday

Well, you can’t win them all. This morning the very fine rain fizzles out just as we reach the park. A comfortingly grey day for Isis and she thoroughly enjoys her walk.

At Hounds Club there are twenty-five dogs in attendance. Isis behaves beautifully, sitting in her bed, next to my chair. Not even a hint of a spin. Not a nibble of a foot. Not a growl or a woof.

Today there are three groups: two of greyhounds and ours which comprises two pups, a very nervous young greyhound and Isis.

You can lead a horse to water, as they say. I lead Isis to the carpet. But can I get her to walk? No. Ju., the trainer, offers suggestions and has a try herself. Another dog owner gives us pieces of sausage. I give Hairy One encouraging rubs. But she stands, with all her podengo determination, spreads her little toes into resistant stars and refuses to budge.

Ju. thinks that the number of dogs and owners is just too much for her. I think she must be right.

We sit out the rest of the session. Both Ju. and I think that as Isis does not show signs of distress she will benefit from just being there.

As Kerry told me before Isis came to live with me, this is a very brave little dog. We stayed in the hall for well over an hour and she was perfectly calm. Well done little dog. We’ll try again next time.

And we have plenty of of homework.

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