We’re well into 2021 and so far it’s even worse than 2020, which is no small accomplishment, and nothing to celebrate.

Dogs are supposed to love routine, so the endless repeating pattern of life in lockdown should be great for our two, and in some ways it is; lots of snuggly lie-ins in the big bed, humie servants constantly available to cater to every whim, and the certainty that tomorrow will be just the same. The downside is that dogs are also really good at sensing the moods of their humies, and there’s no doubt that Beanie and Biggles are picking up on the escalating tension, frustration and worry that this ongoing situation is creating.

Predictably Beanie has been the most affected. She’s become Velcro Beagle, constantly following us round the house and needing frequent reassurance that everything is OK, but even happy-go-lucky Biggles is aware that something is going on. He’s been hoarding extra socks to use as tender if and when the apocalypse strikes, and is incapable of sleeping unless his big white bum is pressed tightly against one of us.

The other night I went into our “posh” lounge alone to chill out in front of an old, familiar movie – David Lynch’s Dune – but it wasn’t long before I heard scratches at the door. I ended up sitting right in the middle of the sofa – on the gap between the seat cushions –  with a fully expanded Beaglet on either side. Satisfied that I couldn’t sneak away again without them feeling it, Beanie and Biggles both relaxed and nodded off. When Kyle Maclachlan proclaimed “The sleeper has awakened!!” I could barely hear him over the stereo snoring.

Movie intermission, Beagle-style. And don’t think you can go wandering off and leave us alone in here Dad!

I’m very aware that we’ve got it way easier than so many others. While some people aren’t even allowed out of their houses to exercise their dogs, we’re able to go for walks in our beautiful local countryside.

But a guilded cage is still a cage, and outside that cage the world is being turned on its head. Keep collecting those socks Biggles! We may need them before all this is done!