Dear Irish Terrier Friends
One more funny story about Marybel and her fan club, not only does she love the postman but is equally enchanted by the Bin Men – they arrive in the Close early on a Monday morning and she’s at the gate in a flash. 
But she’s discovered she can greet them if she gets under or over the gate, which she can manage with equal ease and has taken to meeting them at the far end of the Close.
I stormed out with some anxiety calling and calling and the men replied
“She’s alright, we’ll fetch her back when we’ve done with the bins.”
Our roses are sensational with this incredible hedge of tiny pink Cecil Brunner Roses – their scent is so sweet especially in the evening and they are such an extraordinary joy to me.
Marybell has set up her little hole which she dug in one of the rose beds and uses as a place to ‘keep her things’ tennis balls, toys, chew sticks and once even a silver teaspoon which was rather alarming, and we had words about that!
She gave it up in the winter as it was too wet and muddy but after all the dry weather we’ve had, her treasure chest is back in favour and is her first port of call when she’s let out in the morning. I have already rescued my gardener’s gloves several times!
She keeps a beady eye on the gate and her greatest joy is the stream of visitors. She’s the family baby and is already 8 but plays like a puppy. She’s always ready to leap through her hoop for anyone who’s looking. 
When two of my great grandsons came, they are 7 year old twins, they were very impressed with her leaping, and one said very solemnly
“Shall we have applause and have a clap for her wonderful leaping?”
I’m sure she knew exactly what it was all about and stood on the garden table posing for photographs.
We’re very interested in an Irish Terrier who belongs to some local farmers. They have always had an Irish Terrier on their farm who does all the jobs, chasing the foxes, guarding the sheep, bringing them in and I hear they have a small herd of goats which she manages too!
We met him with the family down on the sea wall and I never saw a more shaggy embarrassingly untidy Irish Terrier, but such a happy dog who works for his keep. I’m trying to get a photograph from them and will put it up on the website as soon as it arrives. I always remember what Colonel Richardson said of the Irish Terriers
“You can teach an Irish Terrier to do anything provided they want to do it” – I know I’ve said this before!
I was surprised that Marybel did not enjoy the heat, I have to confess with some sadness, that I cannot find anybody to hand strip her, apparently, it’s very hard on the hands and dog trimmers get Repetitive Strain Injury.
I’m not sure where we go from here!
She has had her shots for the year, I never like her to have her worming tablet at the same time – Miss Libbs was once quite unwell and I thought it was the worming tablets which were too much to be given at the same time.
But this year the vet refused to give me the tablet and we’ll have to take her back again for a second visit, how could there be any doubt that after all these years I would fail to give it to her – I was rather cross I must say!
The rain has come and the roses are looking bedraggled today but they did need a good drink – it has been so hot and dry, so here’s to the rest of the summer.
Do keep the photographs coming for this year’s calendar.
With love to you all and special hug for the dogs.
