When we traveled recently, we had no alternative but to take our old dog that had never lived anywhere else than on the farm to the city to reside in a small backyard of our boy’s home. The four hour trip to the city was amicable – happily sitting in a confined space among holiday cases and boxes.

He found his way around the boy’s yard quickly, understanding where he could sleep on rainy days and soon had the boys around his little finger (paw) as regards to coming into the warm house at night. He commandeered the bean bag – which has come home with him as a bonus and ensured he was fed by being extra pushy when needed.

The boys had to do a little work to make him an acceptable as a city dog. I believe this included a warm bath in the bathroom (I dread to think of the mess), and the purchase of a chewy bone and a ball. He was however banned to the shed when one hosted a dinner party. His social graces were not up to scratch. (Excuse the pun but “scratch” is the operative word!)

Both his temporary masters like to walk – usually fast and long distances. But a walk with the dog was a different affair. Every tree had a message that needed an answer and his age also slowed him down – “downright embarrassing” I believe. But for a dog who has ruled the farm for so long with few other dogs to talk to - this was like Christmas!

Amazingly, for a dog who barks at anything that moves on the farm and runs after cars if given half a chance, city traffic and other noises did not worry him at all. (Mind you he is going deaf, so that probably helped.)

Back home again he is glad of the freedom. The biggest decision he has to make now is: does he sneak into the house to be near the fire at night or does he stay out on the verandah on his new bean bag? It’s really touch and go. Sorry – I draw the line at having a massive bean bag cluttering up my lounge room!