Toddler alert!

This morning we set off for the beach - another short practice trip in the car (no vomit!) and a walk along the beach. We were there about 10am, so it wasn’t busy, but it was hoachin’ by the time we left. On the way home I put him down in the footwell, and he lay down and dozed. I think this might be better than looking out and getting stressed.

We let him off the lead completely. This was not a good idea. There are lots of nasty things on beaches. He found a big dead crab and ran off with it, and of course, was impossible to catch. We put the lead back on. He went into the sea only because I rolled his ball into it a wee bit. And then I had to get wet feet retrieving it, as he lost interest.

We had a delicious bacon bap each at the wee cafe. Forgot to get Archie his liver muffin… We then brought him home and went to Pets at Home to investigate anti-bark things that Inez suggested. They had a few shock collar thingies under the counter, and a remote control thingie that emitted a ‘negative noise’ and also a ‘positive noise’. £42 please.

Then popped over to Toys R Us to buy a water pistol. £3.99. I did quite fancy the big machine gun-type ones, but thought it might be a bit too Death Wish 3... Got a wee one to fit in my bag, but wouldn’t mind a holster.

Set off to the Meadows in search of toddlers. None. I went down to the playground. Lots of toddlers, screaming. No barking. Drat.

Then a wee girl came near. He barked.
NO! Out with the water pistol - SQUIRT!
He looked shocked.
He barked again.
NO! SQUIRT!
He looked even more shocked and stopped barking!!!

The wee girl, Isabella, was delightful, and was calm and gentle. Her mum came over to talk to me too. Isabella patted him. She cuddled him. He wasn’t greatly enamoured, truth be told, but he sat there, putting up with it. Amazing!!

Thanks for the suggestion, E!