Guest Blog Post: “Canine Car Wash,” in Nick’s exact words

Most things are more fun if done with a dog, fellow blogger Nick and I agree. I say all the better if there’s some Labrador mixed in! Here’s Nick’s account of one such occassion…

I have a confession to make. I use a ‘legal high’ and I am addicted. His name is Dudley and he’s a chocolate Labrador. Packing a far bigger punch than anything obtained ‘under the counter,’ he delivers mirth and laughter to our house without evening trying, but his most striking quality is his ability to turn the mundane and the ordinary into mayhem.

What could be more humdrum and uninteresting than cleaning your car? A classic Sunday morning chore, and for most of us, one to be endured, not enjoyed. That is, until you get a Labrador to help you. Stealthy forays into your bucket when your back is turned leave you brushless, the only clue as to the perpetrator being the nest of bubbles that still cling to Dudley’s eyebrows like fog patches. Wrestling the brush back from my hapless assistant, I soldier on determinedly. Bending down to clean the wheels, I find myself at his height, a sure cue for mischief. Waiting right until he has nosed his way into beside me, I cup a handful of bubbles and blow them at him, sparking a whirling, spinning frenzy as he chases his tail in confused excitement. Churning his way around the garden, every rotation as mesmerizing as watching an Olympic gymnast doing a floor routine, I struggle to take in each turn and grow giddy with laughter and amusement.

With him still distracted, I finish the job and go in search of a watering can, ready to dowse the suds off each streaking panel. And then I remember. Of late, the ‘can’ has become the object of his desires, his number one toy. It becomes a foot race to reach it first. I lose of course, but then I am winning also, my smile growing ever wider as I watch him stealing his prize and doubling away from me at speed across the garden. Looks like I’ll be washing those streaks off another time then. Thanks Dudley.

About the writer: Nick is a teacher with a passion for the outdoors, dogs and writing. Since getting his pet Labrador Dudley as a puppy two years ago, he has been inspired to blog about all the hapless, fun and joyous things that Dudley gets up to. Nick’s ambition is to grow and develop his  blog along with his writing talents and hopefully feel confident enough to write a book about his life with his canine companion. He also writes regular articles for ‘North Wales Magazine’ and enjoys walking and running. Mostly, with Dudley. Visit his blog here.