Hello everyone,
I am so sorry it has taken my hoomans so long to write again - we have all been very busy with training and travelling and the hot weather. You will know my greatest news is that my hoomans took all of us on a little holiday North of Watford to a place called Cheshire so that I could collect an award. This was presented to me on behalf of Mr Green in memory of his son who went to heaven because of a horrid thing the hoomans call a war. There are very brave dogs who work in the places the hoomans have these wars - they find nasty things that go bang and stuff. My hoomans first ever Springer Mighty Max, was asked to do this work when he was a young puppy but lucky for him the Police took him to find nasty bad stuff for them instead. Mr Greens' award is for the rescue dog who overcome adversity. Last year Titch got it for being a brave boy - apparently he was very thin - he isn't now he is very handsome. I did not get it for being thin - but I am quite thin - I prefer to say lithe and athletic! I got it 'cos some of the hoomans I first met were not very kind to me and then it was also discovered I have a very poorly heart and really should not be around. But, I am cool and love life too much to give it up yet so run around like all the other Springers. I am very proud of my award. Have a look at my photos.
 |  |  |  |
We had a brill time North of Watford, although my hoomans were worried that we would get caught, as we did not have our pet passports! We went on a long walk in a place called Bakewell where they make lovely scrummy cakes - there was the five spangles in our pack (oh,and we took the hoomans too) and then loads of other spangles about 20 of us, all sizes and ages. Miss Gladys got stuck down a ravine and had to be saved by the Big Dog hooman, who did an impression of James Bond to get her out! Then we went to see where the big NWESSR show was going to be and the lovely people invited us to their BBQ - this is a feast of scrummy meat and stuff which we managed to scrounge a bit of too! Some of the hoomans and Spangles stayed there in funny things they called tents but we went to our dog hotel and came back the next day. It was really hot but we had loads of fun. My Lady hooman was proud 'cos I got a rosette in the dog show as well as my award. The others got stuff too - Princess Hilda was a bit miffed as she was only 2nd Prettiest bitch - she is not a good looser so I had to cuddle her up and tell her she was my best lady! Gobby Edgar got a green rosette like me and can u believe it, mad Stanley got a red one. It was for the dog the judge would most like to take home - the hooman Big Dog was disappointed that she did not really want to take him home he said she could have him and one free and take Edgar too!
Then....the mad sprocker Stanley went and won the agility stuff, jumping and all that too. Talking of that jumping and agility - I am going to my classes now - I am getting good at the obstacles and I love running thru the tunnel really fast to get my toy. I am not so good at going over the jumps that Lady Dog wants me too yet as I get soooo excited and just jump over them all!! But we love working at it. Lady dog has ordered me and Stanley some new pole things she calls weaves because we have been so good and the old ones are a bit rubbish as they fall over sometimes. I love going to practice - I get so excited. I have also learnt how to approach other dogs gently and not to take any notice when they come up to me quickly or rudely - I just look at my Lady Dog and she gives me a treat or the ball as a reward.
This week I went to see a hooman they called a vet. He checked my heart and everything - he said I was a fit chap and looking great for a boy with a serious heart condition. He gave me some more of the tablet things I have everyday. He said the best thing was to let me enjoy being a Springer - I liked him - wot a good idea - so I shall!!
Lots of woofs and licks,
Alfred XX
