It’s that time of year when Biggles temporarily catches up with Beanie age-wise: he’s now 10 years old too. Considering how he is now, it’s easy to forget what a handful he was as a pup. The first time we saw him in the flesh he was out cold, having thoroughly exhausted himself by warbling and wailing non-stop in his breeders’ car. His first outing with us was in a purpose-made puppy carry bag, and all I can remember about that walk was struggling to hold the bag while he tried to bust his way out of it, and the noise. Especially the noise. For years it was impossible to walk in a group and have anybody get out in front of him, because if they did the consequences would be loud and long-lasting. His uncontrollable outbursts even got us thrown out of a dog-friendly cafe in the Lake District – a region renowned for its tolerance for four legged visitors. Then there was the sock hoarding; even as a pup he recognized the value of socks, and any attempt to get them back off him was met with a growly response.

These days he’s a joy to live with. Woofy outbursts no longer happen unless there’s a legitimate reason, although The Bigglet’s’ idea of “legitimate” sometimes differs from mine. Certainly I’ve never felt the urge to alert the whole neighborhood when I’m about to have my dinner, and I never hurl insults at the postie, but I think we’re pretty much on the same page when it comes to Poodles with silly fur-dos. He still has an obsession with socks but now he’s more than willing to swap them for a biccie, as per the terms of the Biggles Sock Exchange Program. On hill walks, he’s the ultimate path-finding guide, but perhaps the best thing about him is that he’s a snuggle machine; you can always count on a really soppy cuddle from his lordship.

We wanted to make his 10th birthday as enjoyable as possible, and I think we did pretty well. It started with a short walk, quickly followed by breakfast served in snuffle-mats. This was followed by a substantial piece of a 24-inch long tripe stick which went down particularly well – so well in fact that even my camera’s state of the art focus system couldn’t keep up with him as he grabbed the tripe stick from hand.

Biggles focuses on the tripe stick as I focus on him

but there’s no keeping up with him as he lunges for the tripe!

On this occasion, Beanie has slightly better manners

The longer afternoon walk took us by freshly ripened blackberries and though I offered to hand-select the best ones, Biggles demonstrated his experience and maturity by going for the self-service option.

Then came the pressies! Biggles has toys coming out of his big floppy ears but none of them can compete with his favorite eight-squeakered monkey, so we got him something he really would appreciate: a new bed for the lounge, complete with firm, fur-lined sides that act as the perfect chin rest.

As tradition demands Beanie got an unbirthday present too. In her case a fresh toy was definitely on the cards; her “indestructable” tuggable fox is in urgent need of stitching, and her other favorite – a stuffing free squeaky raccoon – has been in two pieces for some time. The delivery of a fresh intact raccoon was highly appreciated, though I’ve a feeling it may not last long, because popping stitches were heard after the first tug.

To top things off, the pups got a to share a freshly baked sardine birthday cake lovingly prepared by their mum. Obviously I took the candle out before serving it to them, but still they both nearly choked as they tried to swallow the cake without chewing, as is customary in our house.

All in all a great day for the pups, but unfortunately it was overshadowed for us when Biggles rolled onto his back and proudly showed us his wares. There was nothing wrong with his naughty bits – they’re as furry and easy on the eye as they’ve ever been – but we noticed that the lump on his foot was inflamed and appeared to have grown slightly. We took him to the vets again the following day, and he’s now booked in for an op to remove the lump early next week. I’m very hopeful that whatever the lump is, it won’t turn out to be anything nasty; if it does, the vet says Biggles may need to have the affected toe removed. Fingers crossed for my poor little boy!