First time at Grandma's

Surrey Triumph Owners Club circa 2003

Alan and I really enjoy riding motorbikes, Triumph's mainly and this past weekend saw us going to the Isle of Wight British Classic Motorcycle Club Rally. We go every year and usually have a laugh. There's lots of drinking, fun and games and a little risky behaviour. Well this year we had the dog to think about. So I asked my mum if she would have her for the weekend which she agreed, only because Dad is up to walking her. Well she knew something was up. She watched us packing the car up and then she realised she was being put in the car. She must have thought it was Cornwall all over again.

Anyway I dropped her off and tried not to make a big deal of leaving. This would be the first time she would be without Alan or I and I was concerned. Mum tried to relieve my worries by saying that if she got too bad Dad would either eat her or make a waistcoat out of her!!!!. Anyway I left for the IOW and called in at regular intervals. She was ok but miserable. She was sticking to Dad like glue and ignoring my mum!!!

Well the weather over the weekend was abismal. It rained, poured and gusted so badly I thought our tent would fly away or collapse. Sunday came and we packed up very damp tents and bodies. Mum had roast lamb waiting for us and I was eager to see the dog.

I pulled up at the house and Dad came to the window, motioning me to stay by the car. Then mum came out of the house and round the corner with the dog and on seeing me Niamh went loopy. I was so happy to see her. She came bounding up to me and licked my face all over. Mum commented that it was the happiest she had been all weekend. I cuddled her and asked her if she had been a good girl. Mum said she had but that she hadn't been terribly happy that wa all.

Alan and I took her for a walk immediately and I've never seen a dog do large loops around us so fast. She churned up the sand as she wizzed around us. She was jumping about and was so pleased to see us both that I couldn't stop laughing.

So despite the damp weather, which miraculously dissappeared once lunch was on the table, we had a good time and the dog was glad to have us back.

It's good to make her realise that we will go away but that we will always come back to her. And as long as my Dad is able to walk her then I think Mum will happy to have her.