Otto here, or Otto the Obedient as I prefer to be known in training circles.  The great thing about the Autumn term is of course the Puppies’ Christmas Party.  It's the must-attend event of the year.  Mum had the audacity to tell me that I was only allowed to go if I showed “significant improvement” this term.  Naturally my progress was exemplary – I’ve whittled my Sit-Stay down to a mere 15 seconds and my Retrieve is such that mum doesn’t even bother doing it now. 

On the day, a well timed romp in some mud ensured me a thorough brushing and manicure before the party so, though I say it myself, I was looking pretty dapper. However, the wag in my tail was quickly wiped off when I realised everyone else was wearing Christmas stuff;  Tara the Doberman turned up in a gorgeous gold tinsel number, Toby came as Harry Potter and there were festive leads and collars all round.  My initial embarrassment soon gave way to wagging when the games got started.  There was Pass-the-Parcel and Grandmother’s Footsteps, where Joan had to catch us creeping up on her whilst her back was turned.

Tara in a Little Gold Number (Bow Wow!)

The best game of all, as every dog knows, is Musical Chairs.  The game where your mum or dad has to do a sit really quickly without shuffling backwards or getting their legs in a crooked puppy-sit and stay there until they’re released, without scratching or licking their bits.  Now they know how difficult it is.

Black Labs sneak up on Grandmother Joan.

In true Yuletide tradition, the evening was rounded off with the Magic Santa game where we had to navigate an obstacle course to retrieve some peculiar objects like beards, pillows and sacks, and then magically two Santa Claus appeared and gave us all chews and Bonios.  Maybe I should be working harder on that Retrieve…

Santas Bearing Gifts