Our dog Clifford has developed a few bad habits in his "later middle age" here at Struan Farm (he's now 14+ years old).
The one that annoys me the most is barking for brekkie at first morning light. It's fine when John is here, since John is an early riser regardless, but when I'm here on my own Clifford and I start those days off somewhat grumpy with each other. I don't like being summoned outside from a cozy bed to feed the dog when it's cold, dark and damp. But he keeps it up, sitting comfortably in his house, woofing, until he's fed. Especially if he sees lights on or hears movement in the house. We've tried ignoring him so as not to encourage it, but that hasn't worked. And I find a barking dog incredibly annoying, whether it's ours or the neighbours. So this breakfast situation with Clifford is now what it is.
I've tried to take some positives away from it. I'm up and out early, and usually take a walk before my own breakfast since it's too damp to work in the gardens until mid-late morning. Often I grab my camera. In winter the mists and branches of the skeleton trees capture me.
Okay, you're right. Maybe Clifford is doing me a favour. Just don't let him know that or I'll never hear the end of it!
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