Yesterday’s walk was a little short, so today I got to the park early to let Beanie have a good long play session. It was pretty frosty but I’ll take that over wind and rain any day!

I think the frost must help keep scents close to the ground, because Beanie had a great time sniffing around in the “puppy” field before her regular chums arrived.

Today’s playmate of choice was Robbie the Golden Retriever. Robbie’s a big, fun-loving seven month-old pup but in the past he wasn’t that great a chase partner for Beanie – she likes the challenge of a fast, agile dog. Lately however Robbie’s skills have improved, and he’s developed a style of play that’s the perfect counter to Beanie’s. Beanie relies exclusively on her speed, tremendous stamina and single-minded determination to win the day. Robbie uses the tactical approach. If he has a stick, he’ll keep turning away from Beanie so that she can only grab at the shortest end, and he’ll save his energy for a few well-timed sprints rather than letting Beanie wear him out. That big, handsome head of his has more than air in it, that’s for sure!

Today’s play started off with a somewhat unwieldy stick…

…but eventually they found a more manageable size!

And after the inevitable chases, there was wrestling..

I had a very content little Beagle when I left the park, and when we got home Biggles was waiting – fully charged and desperate for play!

It’s just under three weeks before Biggles gets his first real walk. I can’t wait, and if the sounds of frustration he was making as I carried him around last night are any indication, neither can he!

Glasgow Dog Training Club is having a Halloween theme in all its classes all this week, and though I’m normally not a big fan of dressing dogs up, I have to admit that Beanie looks very heroic in her Underdog costume.

That was taken just before we left for this evening’s class. I took loads of photos at the actual event – I’ll post ’em up as soon as I’ve had chance to sort through them. But right now, it’s time to relax in front of the telly with our two Beagles. What are we going to watch? Underdog of course!

Update – 30th October 2008

Here’s the rest of the photos from the party.

And Kathleen – these were the winning costumes:

Beanie had a great walk this morning; really nice weather, lots of pals to play with, and lots of squeaky toys – including a pork chop and a cunningly camouflaged small green rugby ball. As a rule the only toys that hold Beanie’s attention in the house are the ones that dispense treats, but outside all that changes. A toy can be a useful tool when you want to get a chase going in the park! The pork chop gave sterling service in that regard, until an extended chewing session robbed it of its squeaky appeal. Beanie wasn’t phased by this setback however – she quickly switched to one of the park’s free alternatives:

Back at home, little Biggles was sleeping very soundly in his crate. I expected him to complain loudly to be let out as soon as I came in, but he just rolled over for a quick look, had a little stretch and went back to sleep. I’ve grown so used to his barking at any disturbance that for a moment I actually entertained the idea that he was unwell. That worry was dismissed as soon as his lunch made an appearance of course – he went from comatose to wired in an instant and set a new personal best for speed eating. Overall I’d say he’s more relaxed today – I think it’s a sign that he’s now settled in his new home, and is gaining confidence that even if we leave the room for a few minutes, we will be back.

I did notice however that he’d sentenced the last of his own squeaky toys to death by chewing. I couldn’t leave our little boy without a squeaker, so I headed back out to Wizard Of Paws to raid their shelves. One particular toy seemed to stand out from the rest, and when I handed it Biggles for a test drive this evening it soon became clear that I’d chosen well!

We’re only letting Biggles play with this when he’s separate from Beanie though – I doubt it would last two minutes if Beanie got hold of it!