Fred Basset by Alex Graham for July 06, 2023

So Fred, been at the sausages again?

Oh, Fred! What was it this time? Sausage stealing? Digging in the garden? Tracking mud onto clean floors? Whatever it was, it was bad enough to get you grounded. No romps with lads.

You got into trouble, didn’t you? Was bound to happen. Stole and ate something you shouldn’t have. Or dug up the garden.

Since when has that stopped you before.

Aww Fred, I’m sorry. I hope you learn your lesson and whatever you did you won’t do it anymore. But if it’s sausage stealing, it’s their fault for leaving them on the counter.

The family is gone for the day and you are left alone? They did leave you in charge of protectinig the home so don’t feel so bad.

Aww, poor Fred.

Well Fred maybe one of the other lads will stop by for a visit ;-)

They better pick up some pet rug odor and stain remover on the way home.

Our dogs grew up with a dog door. Can’t put one in here, so it’s puppy pads at all doors.

Uh oh. Either you were really bad, or they need you to guard the place until they get back.

Fred’s grounded. I bet he stole some sausages

Maybe it’s too hot outside for you today, Fred.

Poor sweet Fred

Today’s comments remind me of lyrics from one of the English-language translations of the German song Lili Marlene:-

“Orders came for sailing somewhere over there,

All confined to barracks was more than I could bear,

I knew you were waiting in the street,

I heard your feet but could not meet,

My Lili of the Lamplight, my own Lili Marlene."

Poor Fred. But it might not be anything he did wrong. It might be to keep him safe.

Last August, we had an awful outbreak of canine influenza in our area. Even dogs that were vaccinated caught it and were miserably ill. ALL of the area veterinarians requested that dog owners keep their pets home for two weeks and avoid dog parks and other places dogs congregate themselves; day boarding facilities were closed, too. Bella caught it and was awfully sick; afterwards, she had to stay home from day boarding for another week and she looked just as hang-dog as Fred does.

Fred might miss his friends, but his home is safe and comfortable. Just right for long naps!

Great time to contemplate your own existence, Fred.

Poor Fred what did you do steal sausages