At the next checkup, his bandage was replaced with a nice blue one. A lady in reception took a shine to Smudge ….

Shhhhhhh …. Don’t tell Mum!

(Mum …. She’s buying me a ball!)

Treats make the world go round

Smudge has managed to knock his ball into next doors garden and now hes lying on the cool, tiled kitchen floor taking it easy… l’m giving him plenty of water and when we returned from the hosp. l gave him a light spray of h2o and put the fan on. You need to raise your game to keep up with me! M

Hurrah! lm quite impressed actually, that you re up to texting so soon – l thought that between the hunger, the headache and the nausea you wouldnt be texting anyone! How are you feeling? Was the op a success, or did they remove your wisdom teeth by mistake? Smudge and l are playing ball in the garden. We’ve been playing nearly an hour and he really seems to enjoy it! (we got it back off the neighbours) M

Thats it! After 55 mins playing ball, Smudge has taken refuge in the house, leaving me in the garden. M

Who’s old – the surgeon or Smudge? l think our canine friend has acquitted very well actually. We have resumed play and l love the concentration Smudge displays as he tenses in anticipation of the throw. Then he chases the ball, brings it back to me, and we do it another 5,000 times, and he loves it! Hope you’re enjoying the oromorph – its pretttaaay good stuff! M

Now you tell me! Hes been leaping around a bit this afternoon and now we’re heading round the block. Spike Milligan used to live near here and me + Smudge are going to track him down! Have they offered you toast yet? M

Bon apetite mon petite blancmonge! We’re just in the door and l’m preparing dinner. Microve indian for me (only the best…), Winalot + biscuits for Smudge. The food prep would proceed much faster if he didn’t keep bringing his ball into the kitchen, dropping it at my feet and staring at me! M

That’s great Tina! l gave Smudge some ice cream on our walk and he seemed to enjoy it. He subjected almost every pillar, post and tree to extensive examination and marked his territory every 10 yards! M

We’ve dined in the garden and l gave Smudge seconds because he ate his meal in 2 mins, then stood beside me, staring up at me as l ate my curry (which was surprisingly tasty actually). He then engaged in some very expressive whimpering before stalking off. He’s probably online updating his dog-blog. M

He certainly is! l’m washing the dishes right now while S. is relaxing on the sofa watching TV. Remind me again- WE’RE meant to be the dominant species, right? M

(You’re not getting him hooked on Star Trek are you, now?! – Tina)

Nah, hes studying the BBC news intently. He s very interested in current affairs you know. particularly the situation in Africa. You can see it in his eyes… What time would you like us to take you home tmw? M

Absolutely no problem at all Tina – you take your time and let me know when you’re ready. The local tabby came by, meowed at me a little and was about to join me in the garden when Smudge padded out to have a drink. You should have seen tabbies face! He was not pleased. He retreated to the neighbours roof and surveyed Smudge with wary distaste… M

Glad l’m keeping you amused Tina! Strangest thing – l’ve put Smudges blanket on the floor, but he’d rather lie BESIDE it. He must relish the cool. He loves the sofa though. He’s extremely comfortable laying on the big cushions. We’ll be going to bed soon and will cordially invite Smudge to water the lawn one last time – any hints? M

Open window it is! l love an open window myself, but have been wary of doing that in the new house, but with the fierce Smudge in the room we should be fine. l will sing ‘Outside’, and might even cock my leg and show him as its done! ls there any particular tune l should use? M

Smudge just gave me a dirty look, sighed, and lay his head on the cushion. l think he wants to go to bed. M

We’re just having breakfast and Smudge is in fine fettle. He gave me a hard time 30 mins ago. whimpering and turning in circles, but a quick game of ball + a hearty meal restored his spirits! Do you need a rain coat Tina? Today’s gonna be a wet one! M

Possibly Tina! The cooking timer went off while playing ball last night and l looked at Smudge, expecting him to go frantic. Instead he looked me in the eye and growled – Just throw the damned ball ok? And l thought he was a professional… We should be ok, weather-wise, but l’ll bring a jacket for you. M

Smudge is a fun guest to have round, though most guests don’t insist on going to bed with me (that was hilarious!). M

(and yes – I did get Smudge back in the end!)

- Put the loudspeakers on so you can hear the running commentary – very Irish, very greyhound racing, very well done!

His Eminence Smudge in deep discussion with the Bishop with regards to the forthcoming Papal visit to the UK

Once HDfDP have the results it will hopefully strengthen their position when they lobby both the train operating companies and Government, to ensure that the needs of deaf people accompanied by hearing dogs are included, particularly with regards to space for their hearing dog.

If you have any questions, please e-mail Philip at philip.biggs@hearingdogs.org.uk

I’ve had a few problems when travelling by train. This tends to be with other passengers rather than when booking. In my experience,  the train companies are more than happy to give my hearing dog a free ‘seat’ to sit so he is out of the way of other passengers. In practice, this doesn’t always work. My dog is very jumpy and nervous on trains because other people are always stepping on him. On one occasion a couple had jumped on the train in my carriage, and the empty seat next to me being the first one they saw, the man demanded that I get out and give his wife the empty seat. I said no as I had a hearing dog on the floor next to me, tucked out of the way. He grabbed my handbag and my arm, and proceeded to pull me out of my seat. Other passengers started shouting at him to leave me alone. There were plenty of empty seats on the train. My dog was disturbed by the commotion and got out and into the aisle, making it difficult for anyone to go anywhere. The man and his wife did go off to find other seats – without an apology – it was then that I noticed he was wearing a hearing aid. Oh, the irony!

Click on this weblink  www.passengerfocus.org.uk/assistedtravel

If you answer ‘NO’ to question one you will only have access to a limited amount of pages.

Click on the title ‘Passenger Focus Assisted Travel Survey’ in the middle of the page. That will direct you to the homepage of the survey.

For many disabled passengers, the assistance provided by the Assisted Passenger Reservation System (APRS) is crucial in enabling them to travel on the National Rail network. Train companies ask passengers who require assistance to book at least 24 hours in advance using APRS. We would like to know what you think about the service.

Recognising the value and importance of this service to passengers who require assistance to use public transport, Passenger Focus undertakes regular research into the service and we are repeating that work this year.

In addition to this research we have worked with voluntary groups to create a survey which can be used by other organisations. We are supporting organisations who wish to run the survey so that they can get direct feedback from their members. There are just 24 short questions about the service and a space to say more if you choose to. So please take part and tell your friends about the survey too. The Assisted Passenger Reservation Service (APRS) provides vital assistance to disabled people using the national rail network by providing them with a facility to pre-book assistance for their journey.

It takes only a few minutes to do and the closing date is Friday 2 July 2010.

Note from mum: Smudge is permanently in the recovery position. He really hasn’t moved a paw for the last 2 days outside of dinner time. Lots of cuddles and little walks should help!

S’me. I’m fine! We had nice shade & ball games in garden. They were gassin lots, but catchin Z’ds now in car with air con. Bliss!

Wanna see u soon so am aimin at comin home with u from office this pm. 6.OO or b4.

X’s Smudge :>

Night. Had a nice day, what with sun & swimmin! Had fresh water shower to get salt off! Back in car tomorrow, & then not too long before us two being back together. Will be lovely.Smudge :>x  P.S. Am  havin a garden lunch nr Portsmth 2moro!

Nite Mum! Am gettin megga good ZZZ’ds. Same strategy as last night! Good thing is Kirby likes his own XXLbed. Bet he snores! Take care of u. X’s. Smudge :>