Finding my voice

Now it probably won't surprise you to learn that I've always been a dog with a lot to say for myself; what can I tell you I'm a vocal fur! There's always so much to comment on: people coming to the house or even just walking past (how dare they!), horses, other dogs (it'd be rude not to), birds flying over, squirrels, rabbits and then, occasionally, just barking for the sheer joy of sharing my voice with the world. It's something 'Them Indoors' can take exception to as my bark belies my size and can be surprisingly sharp when they're not expecting it. I don't know what they grumble about, they've both got robust hearts, as far as we know anyway....

And it's not like 'Them Indoors' are the strong, silent types themselves. 'Him Indoors' would deny it, but he likes a bit of a chat. Get him on the phone and he's there for the duration. He also talks to me although it has to be said that not all of that content is sharable and there's a fair amount of practising of alternative names. 'Her Indoors' chats to her family, her friends, visitors to the house, and of course, to me. She keeps up a little running commentary when we're doing things together, including when we're out for our walks, which has led to her getting funny looks from ignorant pedestrians. 'Her Indoors' takes comfort from her well-worn mantra that talking to your dog is not a sign of madness unless they start talking back. I can't think what she means....

Last week, me and 'Her Indoors' had a joint talking appointment at our local radio station, Uckfield FM, discussing my latest book, 'Sit, Stay, Roll Over'. I allowed 'Her Indoors' to do a bit of chatting to Tony the presenter, after all, what do you have staff for, and I did the backing soundtrack with some panting and moving about. If you haven't already heard it, you're missing a treat, take a listen.....

My radio interview

'Her Indoors' paid a price for such loquaciousness, she lost her voice later in the week and could only croak. This had it's advantages as she couldn't tell me off. She tried shouting in a whisper, but as I've got a bit of senior deafness I couldn't possibly hear her. Still, it didn't last for long and after a couple of days, it's come back and we're back to regular. I can't say I'm sorry. I missed our little chats and the occasional endearment that she sends my way when I'm looking all cute and innocent, curled up in my basket. Us dog's may not talk in the conventional fashion, but we're certainly big on communication in our own, inimitable way...

Professional communicators!

Just contributing a suitable backing soundtrack