a poem for Captain Tom on his birthday

Thursday and tonight we will clap for the NHS and key workers to show our appreciation for all that they do to keep us safe, despite the risks they face on the frontline.
But today is Captain Tom Moore's 100th birthday ( he's actually now Colonel) and so the human has written a little verse just for him.

The first step was the decision, 

to do something -  To aid,

Those who had helped him

When in their care, 

He owed them much, he said.

Those carers on the frontline now

Like he was in his teens,

Aiding covid patients now, many on machines.

But fighting too, for masks, for gowns, 

For aprons they may don,

To help them help their patients,

To help them to fight on.

To many Tom seemed feeble,

He couldn't walk unaided,

But his aim to help the NHS

Well, his vision never faded.

I’ll walk the length of my garden 

100 times or so.

And as he did this day by day

We watched him bravely go.

And bit by bit he carried on,

And bit by bit we knew,

We were watching love in action,

And strength and courage too.

Tom has reached his target and inspired us every day,

He truly is amazing, in his very humble way.

And though this war’s not over, 

You are a hero, Captain Tom.

So I raise a glass. A Hundred Years,

Deserves a glass of Dom!

Cheers! We love you Captain Tom! (woof!)

A dog’s life during lockdown

Life during lockdown has changed and there are some things I've noticed. The human takes me out for walks much earlier than normal. We now set out before 7am, just like we do when we are staying in hotels, but now it’s not to avoid any accidents, it’s to avoid other people. How very odd.

The parks were getting too busy later in the day and, as we have a garden, the human thought it better to take early morning walks and let those who do not have any open space enjoy the parks throughout the rest of the day.
Our early morning walks take us to the local park and at that time of day there are one or two joggers, the odd person walking to walk, and passing cars. The human stops occasionally to take photos of windows, and utters "How cute!" when she's not even looking at me!!! Its mindboggling.

 This one got a "How very cute!"

 I’m not too sure why people have now to be avoided but I’m beginning to suss  that some of them may be dangerous. You’ll see why. 

Some humans now need to wear muzzles!!!
 It’s hard to believe, I know, so here’s proof. The human has explained this to me a little. It’s not that all of them are dangerous, some are wearing muzzles to stop them spreading the virus, or from catching it. But it would definitely stop them overeating (woof!)

Another odd thing, I used to get scolded (on a very rare occasion I might add) for making too much of a racket. NOW, every Thursday night the humans are out there, blowing whistles, rattling tins and banging pots and clapping and when I bark along and join in I'm praised for being a good boy and supporting the NHS and key workers. They really are wonderful and deserve to be protected and valued. The human doesn't want to hear the words low-skilled nor indeed lowly paid ever again and wondered whether anyone has done a banner stating National HeroeS yet?? This results in me being given a biscuit, so I've been trying this a various times during the week but I must be doing something wrong. These are indeed trying times. I've heard the humans say that. But I am trying, trying my very best (woof!)
Stay safe and wash those paws!

It's Easter week and, as we approach Easter Sunday, we are already seeing plants and flowers spring back to life and bringing a welcome bit of colour to cheer us during these dark times. Many will be looking forward to Easter Sunday, to celebrate the risen Christ, a most significant day in the Christian calendar. Those of the Jewish faith will be celebrating Passover now too. For the kids, they have another reason to celebrate, despite the coronavirus- the annual Egg Hunt is still on, as the Easter Bunny has been declared a key worker by the New Zealand PM. Hooray! 

However I want you to look at this beautiful drawing of yours truly. I think the artist captured my stunning good looks, athletic prowess (obviously the hare had a headstart!) and lionlike locks quite brilliantly (woof!) and I want to tell you a little bit about it...

It all began early one morning when the human received a text message informing her that the birthday gifts she had ordered for her granddaughter's upcoming birthday had been delivered to the wrong, or rather the right address, but the human had sent them to the wrong address. Oops!

The person who received them (we'll just call her L, for lovely) said she would leave them on the doorstep just prior to collection in order to safe distance during the coronavirus on arranging a time. The human was very apologetic as apparently this happens a lot. The parcels were actually dropped off that day by lovely person. Then the birthday card,  which was also sent to Lovely's house, had to be redelivered by this neighbour and she said she would deliver it later when walking her dogs. So the human mentioned me and my blog and they exchanged photos of their canine companions and the lovely neighbour said that she would ask her son to draw a special Easter card for the human's granddaughter. The above is the result. I don't know about you, dear reader, but among all this madness and toilet roll hoarding (personally I've never had the need of this. The human obviously thinks my morning offerings are gold dust and quickly collects them, wrapping them up safely, before depositing them in special safety boxes they have in parks) it's refreshing just to come across simple human kindness. We are hoping, the human and I, to meet lovely person when the craziness ends. 

The weekend promises to be a scorcher. The human and I have only ventured to our local park twice this week, both times before 7am to avoid joggers, and to let those neighbours with children and no gardens the opportunity to enjoy it later throughout the day and we will continue to do this. The human has decorated the house, not as much as usual, but a bit just to cheer us up and carry on as usual insofar as we can. 

Have a very Happy Easter, everyone. Stay safe and stay home and wash those paws! Woof!

And here's one the human did inspired by the above illustration. She knows it does not compare too favourably with that one but, hey, we're on lockdown and she's bored. Happy Easter!