Posting days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Saturday

A dull day means that we can return to our park. Isis remembers her lead on – step outside – treat – hop into car – harness on – treat routine. Though I do have to remind her that a low growl when human presents the harness is not part of the deal. She accepts this and waits very patiently while I grapple  with straps and clips among the fronds of her underside.

Once at the park, she can’t wait to get out of the car. She is excited but walks well on the lead.

First we meet Gemma, Ben, Pippa, Elsa and their people. It never ceases to amaze me how, when other dogs’ muzzles are virtually touching hers, the fierce bowl defender turns into the meekest little dog you could meet. Even gentle Ja. cannot persuade her to take a treat while Elsa’s whiskers are within tickling distance.

I have the strong impression that she would fight a human to the death over a shred of food but she has never, ever, shown any aggression towards other dogs.

I allow her to choose the route and off we go around the pond and off to the woods, exploring , scrambling, sniffing and sniffing and peeing territorial pees.

As we leave and drive over the first speed bump, a short, low growl rises from the back seat. This is to remind me that we don’t appreciate being jolted. I slow down even more and we return home with no further comments from the back seat driver.

Once home, she’s off again into our ex-garden to make sure that no impertinent blade of grass has dared to raise its head above the ground.

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