Balance

Tobia: "This is not going to be easy."
Peggy: "What now?"
Tobia: "Now that the tall one is back, I have to make a balance sheet?"
Peggy: "Why on earth? It's a waste of time, we've got things to do!"
Tobia: "Let me do this properly:
On the negative side:

1. No more couch time
2. No more sleeping in the bed
3. No barking in the garden

On the positive side:

1. Dog treats
2. Back scratches
3. Walks (?)
4. More attention to us.

Peggy: "I told you, it is a waste of time!"
Tobia: "Why, I am not even finished yet."
Peggy: "You can make as many lists as you want - he is here and so are we. You should just concentrate on getting the most out of it. Now come on outside!"

Realistic

Peggy: “What know? You have the face of someone who almost caught a rabbit!”

Tobia: “That is more or less the case.”

Peggy: “Rabbits? in the garden? Where???”

Tobia: “No, of course there are no rabbits in the garden. But we are in the garden – that is what bothers me.”

Peggy: “Well, we are quite often in the garden. On our own or with the tall one. What’s new?”

Tobia: “It’s just that I had imagined going for a long walk or going to that place where I can run free.”

Peggy: “I didn’t hear anything about going anywhere.”

Tobia: “I guess you are right, I just hoped that we might …”

Peggy: “You can’t really blame anybody for the things you’ve made up in your mind, you know that of course.”

Tobia: “I know, it’s just…. Never mind.”

Peggy: “Get over it, be realistic – those two can’t read our thoughts. And if you have an ill-defined hope, they are even worse off… and consequently so are you!”

Gates

Tobia: "How is the work coming?"

Peggy: "What are you talking about?"

Tobia: "I note that you once again answered with a question."

Peggy: "Naturally, I have to know what you are hinting at, don't I?"

Tobia: "The gate upstairs. You just came down after trying to break through, so naturally I would like you to share your experience with me."

Peggy: "Hm, like the tall one keep saying: Never show a work in progress to an idiot."

Tobia: "I ask you a polite question and then I am an idiot?

Peggy: "I never said you were an idiot! I know why you asked anyway - you want to hear that I am giving up. I am not! It just takes a little longer than expected that's all!"

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Ways of obtaining what you want

Peggy: "Why don't you stop whining?"

Tobia: "I'm not whining, I am politely asking to get noticed."

Peggy: "Whatever - you know they don't like it and that it might even be counterproductive."

Tobia: "I don't think so, at times they need to be reminded about our presence."

Peggy: "You mean that at times you want to be spoiled? That's called begging and it is degrading."

Tobia: "What is so degrading about that? Is it the old discussion about asking permission or asking forgiveness? To me it is just a matter of education or style, if you prefer."

Bad old days

Tobia: "Now look what I found! A photo from back when I was just a wee little thing."

Peggy: "Here we go again."

Tobia: "Oh, it was a beautiful time..."

Peggy: "You don't have to say it, I know 'Just you and your master'. Could we please talk about something else?"

Tobia: "I was completely different back then - all energy, not a moments rest."

Peggy: "To me you look much the same on that photo - doing nothing! But it seems like you didn't hear me: COULD WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE?"

Tobia: "I got carried away. But why don't you want to talk about these things?"

Peggy: "I've told you before that my memories of the good old days are mostly bad, so please could we move on?"

Tobia: "Sorry, I had forgotten about the beating up, being tied up, left in the shower box..."

Peggy: "STOP IT!"

We've moved!

New blog

Solitary

Peggy: "I know, I know, you don't need to repeat my words but this is not fair. Being left alone all weekend with them dropping by only now and then!"

Tobia: "But you keep telling me that life is not fair."

Peggy: "I said YOU DON'T NEED TO REPEAT MY WORDS. Here we can talk fairness, I mean, we are not talking about an extra dog treat."

Tobia: "It was certainly a long weekend, you are right about that."

Peggy: "See! and for example when they finally came by yesterday afternoon, how long did it take you to pee?"

Tobia: "I didn't really time it...."

Peggy: "Neither did I but that women who was here, the one that talks a lot, you know - she timed you: 27 seconds!"

Tobia. "Really?"

Peggy: "Yes, really! And still they have the nerve to get angry with us for seeking a little comfort on our own."

Tobia: "Well... breaking through an iron fence just to sleep on the sofa is somehow going to extremes, I would say."

Peggy: "What can a dog do? Probably the tall one is going to install a dog proof gate soon. Ha! Dog proof but let's see if it will be Peggy-proof!"

Pecking order

Tobia: "Another raid for the sofa?"

Peggy: "..."

Tobia: "I've noticed that you usually do it when I am sleeping in the bigger basket."

Peggy: "..."

Tobia: "Are we talking balance of power here?"

Peggy: "..."

Tobia: "There isn't that much difference between them anyway? At least not enough to merit a scolding from the tall one for going on the couch."

Peggy: "Then why don't you sleep in the smaller basket then?"

Moved

Peggy and Tobia have moved!

Junk

Peggy: "Well, they got around to buying us food. Did you taste it?"

Tobia: "Yes, indeed. I like it!"

Peggy: "I knew you would, it's junk food!"

Tobia: "And so what? As long as we exercise as much as we do, a bit of junk food will not hurt us. How do you know it is junk food anyway?"

Peggy: "Because you like it, yesterday you almost ate too much of it! And because of the taste - there is something in it, like when you smell a strange scent on people who come here. Something they put on themselves. It's probably not good for you."

Tobia: "Never mind, I like it."

Relationships

Peggy: "By the way - why do you keep calling him your master?"

Tobia: "Because he is my master! When we first met, there was this mutual attraction and you might go as far as calling us friends but that is really not my style. I'm more for the classic 'A master and his dog'. "

Peggy: "I don't need a master, I just need someone to take care of the practical things, like buying food, taking us for walks etc."

Tobia: "Yes, you are very independent and tough, I am not questioning that. But there are some things that makes me believe that you do appreciate relationships. For example when that singing lady arrives you do show some kind of emotional attachment."

Peggy: "But that is different. I don't call her my master."

Tobia: "A matter of words, I'd say."

Caught again

Peggy: "Hm, did we get caught again? And you keep asking me why I do things, I'm not supposed to do."

Tobia: "You cannot really compare those acts! I was doing what every dog would tell you is very normal, it is our instinct and I was not trying to hide anything."

Peggy: "You are certainly right about that: you are not able to hide anything. And as for the normality, I guess I could find a lot of dogs that could tell you that what I am scolded for is perfectly normal too."

Tobia: "I would say that digging holes in the ground is a habit that goes back to before life with man."

Peggy: "And checking for things to eat is not?"

Tobia: "I know what you are thinking and you are wrong."

Peggy: "Oh - listen to this: mr non aggressive... are we discussing or are we arguing now?"

Tobia: "I mean... never mind. I did what I did and I had a talk with the tall one about it afterwards."

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Traps

Peggy: "Why do they leave the doors open? They know very well that we are bound to do the things, we're not allowed to do. According to me, they are setting up traps so that they can scold us. Luckily we didn't get sick this time."

Tobia: "No, I think that it was just forgetfulness. My master would never test me in that way. As for the tall one, I don't know. He might do it to prevent a shift in the balances."

Peggy: "What are you talking about. There are no news about the pecking order - you are still the bottom dog!"

Tobia: "Are you so sure? There is more in it than that as far as I see it. We are not talking one-tier management system here."

Herding

Peggy: "Quite a lot of people coming and going these days, I like that!"

Tobia: "I've noticed. It seems to me that you want to be center of attention. I mean, people don't come to see you, they come to see my master."

Peggy: "It is not my fault that they like me, I'm really not trying to invade, I just want to make friends, let them know that I'm here. If they send me away, I respect that...."

Tobia: "First you bark a lot, then you jump on people and then you start licking them all over. A bit of manners could be asked for."

Peggy: "Says who? Well, we can't all be sulking in a corner or just talking with one of the guests, now that would be unsociable. I'm just trying to include everybody, get them into the flock so to speak."

Tobia: "Yes, and they better get there fast or you will treat them like stray sheep."

Cruelty to children

Peggy: "What was wrong with your master last night? he looked like something the cat dragged in! I could tell that they had been with the peaceful woman from the smell of it and they had been eating, so...?"

Tobia: "I saw it too - and I heard about them talking about people who abandon or treat their children badly in some place far from here where your woman friend goes."

Peggy: "What's new in that? people have always done that. Well, some people at least. What can we do about it?"

read the rest on: Peggy and Tobia - the new blog

English

Tobia: "I know you are not going to like this Peggy...."

Peggy: "Ci sono tante cose che non mi piacciono! Cosa c'è questa volta?"

Tobia: "I am afraid you will have to repeat what you just said - in English."

Peggy: "COSA?"

Tobia: "Yes, it seems like from now ...




Read the rest on the new blog of Peggy and Tobia

Mamma

Tobia: "My mamma has arrived - yes I know, "Mamma" is not English but she is Italian and I always called her that when I was small."

Peggy: "Si, molto brava come mamma direi - ti ha buttato fuori dopo 2 settimane. Lo capisco, sai, non ho neanche voglia di pensare ai casini che hai fatto."

Tobia: "First: She didn't throw me out, she reached an agreement with my master. Second: I don't think that I created any more messes than your average dog. And third: we are still on very good terms."

Peggy: "Va beh - ma aspetta: Di solito lei arriva quando vanno via loro...!"

Tobia: "Do you mean days of biscuits and sofas?"

Peggy: "Troppo presto dire... c'è qualcosa che non torna."

Tobia: "Well, let us see who goes away, perhaps it will be the tall one?"

Pouncing

Tobia: "Peggy, please! Why do you have to show that you are in charge wherever we go? I'm not a sheep, you know."

Peggy: "A volte me lo chiedo a dire la verità."

Tobia: "Really, it is rather annoying, you know."

Peggy: "Ma scusa, io sono più attento di te a tantissimi cose, quindi per forza devo starti dietro. Se no, cosa succede? tu puoi farti male o scappare o non so cosa ...."

Tobia: "But I'm not a puppy anymore."

Peggy: "Allora perchè di comporti di cucciolo?"

Tobia: "THAT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!"

Peggy: "Mamma mia, ora ti stai anche scaldando. Vai a riposarti, sei stanco."

Tobia: "Let me put this in Italian - I have learned a few words, you know: IO FACCIO CHE CACCHIO VOGLIO!"

Peggy: "Va beh, fai come vuoi, io non posso sempre salvarti il culo."

Tobia: "Non hai capito un ca..o!"

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Moving

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Moving

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Puppies

Tobia: "It was so nice yesterday. All those beautiful people to get to know - they all like me, you know."

Peggy: "Si, certo. E ovviamente gli saltavi adosso dopo 2 coccole e mezzo! Ma non si fa!"

Tobia: "I know but when I sense that there is a strong sentimental connection between us, I get carried away."

Peggy: "Devono portarti via loro! Va beh, dopo il primo mezzora mi sono divertito anch'io. Certo, c'era più lavoro con una gregge grande ma erano tranquilli."

Tobia: "And then all the little ones - they really like us. I must say that size-wise they are much more convenient - and so friendly. For the first time in a long time, I finally had something to eat at a gathering."

Peggy: "I piccoli, certo sono carini, ma sai - non si sa mai cosa può combinare un cucciolo, devo sempre stare attenta. E quindi, come diceva mia nonna: Ricevere ospiti è sempre bello: se non sei contenta quando arrivano, sei contenta quando vanno via!"

Tobia: "Really, Peggy. We had a very nice afternoon all of us."

Peggy: "Si, è vero, ma eravamo tutti contenti quando sono andati via!"

Responsibilities

Tobia: "It is really an awfully big responsibility. I overheard my master saying that if something were to happen to me, he would kill himself. Those were his very words!"

Peggy: "Eh? Non farti le idee strane, lui parla!. Alla fine prende un altro cane, la gente fa sempre così."

Tobia: "Do you really think that he was just telling a lie?"

Peggy: "No, non è una bugia... sono chiacchiere, storie. Per fare scena."

Tobia: "If it is so, I must say that I am quite relieved. It means that the tall one - and you for that matter - won't be left alone if something should happen to me."

Peggy: "Boh - non si sa mai cosa gira nella sua testa - però non preoccuparti per me. So fare!"

Tobia: "Well, I wouldn't say that I worry for you, I just want to know that you'll be all right. And believe me: it takes years of experience to find out what my master is thinking, sometimes it seems like he doesn't even know it himself."

Long evenings

Tobia: "Another lonesome night. Why can't they bring us along? When they come home, they have been with other dogs, I can smell that."

Peggy: "Qualcuno deve stare a casa, no?"

Tobia: "Well, one of us could stay and the other could come along, just as we did last year when we lived in the other house."

Peggy: "Non era un gran che come serata comunque. O stavo in macchina tutta la sera o andavo con loro in mezzo alla gente dove c'era troppo rumore, troppo casino, non si capiva più niente. Infatti ogni tanto c'era così tanto rumore che anche loro dovevano tapparsi le orecchie. Figurati com'era per me!"

Tobia: "Really? But did people really bring other dogs along? don't they know that our hearing is much finer than theirs? I mean, when there is too much noise here, I really don't know what to do but to go away."

Peggy: "No lo so, secondo me la gente ha paura di uscire senza compagnia, di sicuro non è per farci un piacere. I cani che ho visto io erano tutti tristi o annoiati."

Tobia: "Well, of course if my master wanted me to go along, I would come. And perhaps someone would give me dog treat..., but I guess that we - especially with this heat - were more comfortable here on our nice cool pavement."

Eau de Can

Tobia: "Why did we have to take a bath again today?"

Peggy: "Perché dovevi rotolarti dov'era passato una mucca?"

Tobia: "What was the fuss about that? When I am hunting, I don't want the animals to get wind of me. So I add a little scent. Just like my master, when he goes away sometimes."

Peggy: "Ma hai capito che non va? Che ci fanno fare il bagno? Devo dire però che oggi, dopo il giro in montagna e con questo caldo un bagno ci voleva!"

Tobia: "You are right about the walk in the mountains - there was little to eat, I could not run as I wanted and there were so many beautiful people that they didn't want me to greet but it sure was a nice outing. We should really send our thanks to the bald one and the one with the long hair."

Peggy: "Sono d'accordo con te - sono veramente carini tutte e due!"
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Pals

Tobia: "I am really not sure that I can agree to having that pay-thing next to our chats here. It seems impolite and rather ... un-classy."

Peggy: "Cosa? ma cosa stai dicendo? Se non ho capito male - e di solito capisco molto bene anche se non ho mai messo zampe su un PC - il coso li da la gente la possibilità di fare un'offerta libera. Non è mica una tassa in più!"

Tobia: "Are you sure? but if our readers are well-bred, they might feel obliged to donate something. And that would change the relationship we have with our readers."

Peggy: "Cambiare come? quando vengono amici o altri cani qui, mangiano il nostro cibo una nostra offerta libera a loro, ai nostri ospiti e amici."

Tobia: "Well, food is one thing, but money - just talking about it is disagreeable."

Peggy: "Si vede che non sei veneto.... Sto scherzando, non voglio mica fare tutto in centesimi e euri ma le crocchette si pagano!"

Beauty

Tobia: "I heard the neighbor earlier."

Peggy: "E allora?"

Tobia: "Talking about nice dogs...."

Peggy: "E allora? so che non piaccio al vicino, mi ha già dato 'tremenda' tanto tempo fa. Ma non possiamo piacere a tutti: non siamo i lingotti d'oro."

Tobia: "Well, you are certainly right about that, we can't all please everybody. But I never had a harsh word from that man."

Peggy: "Stai dicendo che tu sei un bel cane e io no? Ma sei scemo... aveva le p.... girate e quindi trattava male tutti.  E poi la bellezza non ti porta da nessun parte - non sei una ragazza! Svegliati, lascia il vicino dire quel che vuole, finche non ci tira sassi dietro."

Tobia: "Do you really think he would be able to throw stones at us? I better stay on his good side."

Peggy: "Coniglio!"

Worries

Tobia: "Why didn't you want to stay with the rest of us yesterday when we were napping on the bed? It was almost like the good old days, in fact - it was almost better."

Peggy: "Avevo le cose da controllare giù, non si sente bene da sopra sai. E poi... non si sa mai quando cambia il tempo! Oggi si può andare sul divano, domani no. Mi viene il nervoso...."

Tobia: "You are right about not hearing the same things upstairs as downstairs - but that is the beauty of it. If gives you the possibility to relax, get away from it all. And about the changing climates in the house: It is usually you that reproach me for being a slow mover mentally, that I don't like change but here you are complaining."

Peggy: "Non mi sto lamentando, sto solo dicendo che ora ho un altro impegno: devo sempre capire da che parte soffia il vento."

Buzzwords

Tobia: "Did you see that Peggy? Today somebody from Pakistan has been reading our blog! I wonder why. I really wouldn't think that it was a dog country. Mind you, I am not saying that Italy is gone to the dogs, at least not in the negative sense."

Peggy: "Molto spiritoso! Temo che Italia non sta molto meglio della Pakistan a dire la verità quando si parla di tante cose, per esempio dei diritti delle donne! Per i cani siamo meglio protetti qui - per legge. Ma la gente fa quel che vuol, legge o no. E sono anche abbastanza sicuro che il presidente pakistano non fa parte della bungacrazia."

Tobia: "It is not like you at all to be so critical. What is wrong today."

Peggy: "Non preoccuparti, ho solo le p.... piene oggi, non c'entri."

Tobia: "Please, your language!"

Peggy: "Basta, se no c'entri anche ti!"

Mountains

Tobia: "You don't even have to comment on this: Yes, I am going to whine, as you will probably put it. But when I hear about all the great spaces they talked about after the trip to the mountains, I cannot help feeling sorry for myself. So much space for running and at a nice cool temperature to boot! Life really isn't fair."

Peggy: "Per una volta ti permetto lamentarti - anche perché hanno parlato di gregge di pecore che molto probabilmente avevano bisogno di qualcuno per essere gestiti bene. Quindi quasi quasi sono d'accordo con te."

Tobia: "Now it is going to be even more difficult for me to go on our daily walk, having the view of that same mountain before my very eyes and not being able to go there."

Peggy: "Basta adesso: non sei in grado di arrivarci, la tua vita è qui e poi: una volta li cosa faresti? la vita non è solo correre per i campi! Non stai mica scappando da qualcosa? a parte della canna d'acqua, tutti i cani che incontri per strada, qualsiasi atto di violenza...."

Tobia: "Peggy, you are being very impolite today."

Peggy: "Sto solo dicendo la verità!"

Tobia: "Some people are tactful, others speak the truth."

Personnel

Peggy: "Stavo pensando. Ieri era via l'alto e così - un giorno senza/un giorno con - è molto più chiaro!"

Tobia: "What are you hinting at? Yes, the tall one was not here and we didn't go for a walk yesterday?"

Peggy: "Perché ti ricordi sempre le cose brutte? Abbiamo fatto siesta con tuo padrone, eravamo molto più liberi per fare i c....i nostri. Niente "NO, FUORI, DENTRO, CUCCIA."

Tobia: "All right, so the tall one wants to command but really: we do get a lot in exchange. And to speak the truth - every so often one must do so - to me it has little meaning to let one sergent go, I still have you."

Peggy: "Molto divertente, io lo faccio per te sai! No, come lo vedo io sarà una persona meno da dare da mangiare, più libertà per noi. L'unico inconveniente sarà che tu non esci così tanto. Io le passeggiate posso anche fare da sola."

Tobia: "We have to think about the consequences. And what will the tall one do it he doesn't work for us?"

Peggy: "Non è problema nostro! Sti stranieri che vengono qui per lavorare, se non c'è lavoro possono anche tornare a casa!"

Tobia: "Do you really think that he should go home? I don't think we all agree with you!"

Life

Tobia: "Why is it that life treats us so differently? Some are always happy, it seems like they always get want they want."

Peggy: "Spero che non ti stai lamentando! Hai la vita tranquilla, non devi mai lavorare, ti danno da mangiare ogni giorno, non ti picchiano mai....
Però hai ragione: c'è gente che non è mai contenta anche se ha tutto, che gente che ha niente ma vive bene lo stesso e poi c'è gente come me che sa rangiarsi."

Tobia: "But I was not complaining. I was just wondering why life treats people so differently."

Peggy: "E mentre stai li a meditare il senso della vita io lavoro. Alla fine tu sei sempre confuso e io vivo discretamente."

Tobia: "I am wondering about the 'why' not the 'how', you really don't want to understand me today, do you? I know you have a great talent of getting the most out of a situation. I wouldn't be able to say if the comes from the chromosome X or from being Veneta."

Green

Tobia: "How do you like the new color of the garden shed?"

Peggy: "Perché?"

Tobia: "Why? because it is green...."

Peggy: "Molto divertente! Si mi piace, non perché è verde ma perché si vede meno. Comunque, non voto Lega Nord e non è neanche il colore della Lega."

Tobia: "Well, I was beginning to think that you were turning Lega Nord-ish with all that insisting on talking your own 'language'."

Peggy: "Non parlo mica in dialetto se quello che intendi! Però dimmi ti: cosa si vota se sei di destra, donna e pro-Italia?"

Tobia: "Really, you make the strangest questions: First: I don't vote, I am leftish and I am male."

Peggy: "Maschio.... ogni tanto ho i miei dubbi! Di sinistra, si lo so, e non è il tuo unico difetto. E meno male per Bungosconi che non possiamo votare."

Fluctuations

Tobia: "I don't really understand it anymore.... Too many variations. One day we may go on the couch, the next day we may not. One day we don't go for walks, the next day we do go and the day after we go twice. Some days there are just one person here, the next day three. Some days they stay upstairs all the time, the next day they are in the garden all day...."

Peggy: "Sei scemo ti! la vita è sempre così, si muove. Cosa vuoi? Non siamo mica i pelush, sempre fermi."

Tobia: "I am not stupid. I know life is about change but if I don't let my sorroundings know in a polite way that I really feel rather upset with all these changes, how are they supposed to modify their behaviour?"

Peggy: "Scordatelo! Non cambia mai, ma proprio mai. Prendi quello che puoi mentre c'è. Oggi abbiamo mangiato, domani non si sa! E' sempre stato così la vita."

Tobia: "Oh dear, don't you think we will have something to eat tomorrow?"

Peggy: "oh mamma mia adesso via in depression, ho detto 'NON SI SA!' " E' un modo per dire dio can!"

Language

Tobia: "I really don't want to discuss this. From the beginning, we agreed that this blog was to be written down in English for obvious reasons: A larger audience, our secretary is not capable of writing in Italian and last but not least: after all, I am an English setter!"

Peggy: "L'alto posso mettersi a studiare! Forse sei un setter inglese, ma sei nato in Toscana. Io sono di Verona e mi pare giusto di fare questo blog nella nostra lingua comune - l'italiano! Non è che chiedo di essere trascritto in dialetto veneto, anche se questa lingua è l'unica che riesce trasmettere i miei pensieri al 100%."

Tobia: "Should he just begin studying? It's not that easy for an old dog to learn new tricks. But as I said, we've been over this already. I know why you bring it up. The bald one that was here last night complained and you are so in love with him that you can't refuse him anything. I am rather on the side of his girlfriend and not just because she is very cute."

Peggy: "I'm not soft on anybody. He is nice to me, I'm nice to him, but don't think that he earns other rights! And don't think that this discussion is over!"

Economy

Tobia: "I cannot understand all this talk about money. Why is it so important, or rather why is it so important to some of you? It seems like you are always keeping everything for yourself, the tall one don't want to spend anything. And when they talk about other people, for example the bunga-bunga man, it seems that some don't worry about it at all."

Peggy: "It is not true that me and the tall one worry. We are just being careful! Of course you don't understand it, you never had to make do with what you had. You could always look sad and another dog treat would come your way. Exactly like that short man with the funny color. He seems like one of those persons that can have his cake and eat the one of his neighbor!"

Tobia: "Well, if the neighbor doesn't want his cake? It would not be sensible to let it go to waste."

Peggy: "I know you think like that, just like I know what happens every time I try to save a bone for a rainy day. Bunga-bunga or burgle-burgle. It is your good fortune that your master works his butt off! And that he is kind enough to share his earnings with us! The least we can do is to show him the respect not to waste anything."


Tobia: "But I am not wasting anything, I even eat the vegetables from the garden, you know!"

People

Peggy: "Why have they closed the door? There are someone outside and now I can't go check what he is doing."

Tobia: "Perhaps they don't want you to bark at him?"

Peggy: "You stay quiet, I just tell him that I'm watching him, that he'd better behave, I don't jump on him like someone else! And besides, perhaps he needs a hand, you never know. But they close the door and I can't really take responsability... if something happens, it's not my fault!"

Tobia: "Peggy, I know you are very clever and hardworking but you really shouldn't think the world doesn't turn without your help."

Peggy: "How do you know?"

Money

Tobia: "Have you seen that they have closed our account? That we can no longer earn money with this blog? I don't think it is fair. They could have given us a warning. Or at least give us the money, we had already earned."

Peggy: "Fair? Did you think that they know that word? They just know numbers, not words. Money, money, money. Can't blame them, really. It is a dog eats dog world."

Tobia: "But what do we do now?"

Peggy: "What do we do? Eh, we do what we've always been doing. That is: I make sure that nothing strange happens and you continue sleeping! This way our people can concentrate on working and make up for the earnings we've lost."

Tobia: "I think, I will be extra kind to my master and the tall one now. Also because I saw that he brought back something that looked like dog treats! Anyway, I suggest that we keep up this blog, I really have come to like it."

Peggy: "And you really should be more carefull about what you are saying."

Return

Tobia: "He is back, I am really so very content! Only now I realized how much I have been missing him!"

Peggy: "Hm, well, let's see if he stays! How can you manage things in a place where people keep going away, coming back, bringing in guests... without telling me!"

Tobia: "But aren't you happy he is back?"

Peggy: "I guess so, but really: what is that other person doing here? how long is he going to stay? and what kind of oggly-goggly language are they talking to each other. Seems almost like they have a sore throat!"

Number Three

Peggy: "I can't believe it, did you hear what they talked about on the phone? A third dog. Without asking me!"

Tobia: "But they said it was a well-behaved dog. Of course we have to see how we would get along, after all it is a male and and American to boot. But it is a hunting dog so I'm sure we would have something to talk about."

Peggy: "Which means another good for nothing male sitting around all day doing nothing. And who is to do all the work here? Me, as usual."

Tobia: "Well, each day has enough in its own sorrows - wait and see what will happen. The most important thing anyways is that the tall one will be coming soon."

Peggy: "So what - that just means no more sofas, no more bed room and no more cookies at breakfast. I was beginning to get used to being alone with your master... even to like it. Much more freedom, you know."

Hate

Tobia: "Did you hear our master on the phone yesterday or were you too busy barking at the neighbor?"

Peggy: "I heard him, I'm not a male and therefore I'm able to do several things at the same time."

Tobia: "But what do you think about that man that killed so many people? I really can't understand it."

Peggy: "You would do the same thing if you were let loose in the middle of a flock of pheasants."

Tobia: "That is not the same thing... They were people like himself! When we meet other dogs, we are on equal terms, perhaps we fight... well, some do, it's really not my style, but killing off people like that is not.... excuse the term "human". And what can they do now with a person like that?"

Peggy: "Ha, "human" as you put it is not really what some people are best at! They could and should take a lesson from us. And I could think of a few things, I would like to do to him to re-educate him. Supremacy, my foot!"

Rain

Peggy: "First you kept calling for you dear master because you wanted to go out but after one look at the weather, you turn around and go back to your bed. What kind of behaviour is that?"

Tobia: "But it is raining! I can't go out in that weather."

Peggy: "Nonsense, you're not made of sugar nor of salt, you won't melt!"

Tobia: "But if I get my paws wet, I will get dermatitis and then what?"

Peggy: "Dermatitis, my foot! That comes from using your paw as a pacifier. If you would just stop licking it, it wouldn't bother you so at all."

Telephone

Tobia: "Peggy, I am so content, I just talked with the tall one on the telephone. Or rather: He talked to me but I was too moved, I could just stand there and wag my tail. And he said the nicest things: Dog treat, walks, biscuit!"

Peggy: "Who? what tall one? Ah, ok, I remember him. But he is not here and what good are a few words on the phone, words are cheap! And with him gone, I am the one to take care of everything here. I'll speak my mind to him when he comes back whenever that may be. Some people do just what pleases them, without thinking about the rest of us!"

Tobia: "That is simply not true! You are not the one that has to do everything around here! My master is in charge and doing a very good job indeed!"

Peggy: "All right, I'll keep my mouth shut but that doesn't mean that I agree with you!"

Peggy: "Well, all right, he does what he can but he is always away."

Tobia: "Peggy, you are not being fair and you know it! All that complaining seriously upsets me, you know."

Eau de Terron

Peggy: "Why did he take us upstairs last night?  Well, I guess he was afraid of something and wanted me there to make sure that nothing would happen."

Tobia: "It is because he feels lonely, he needs us more these days and it is our duty to keep him company. And for me it was also a very nostalgic trip down memory lane, just like in the good old days when it was just him and me."

Peggy: "I get it: you are talking about the pre-Peggy era.... Well, I'm here and I'm not leaving!
And if was so goody oldy daysy, why didn't you stay up there when I went down? You could have done that even with the warm stuffy air in his bedroom. And the smell! He complains about us smelling when we are wet. He should take a sniff of his own Eau de Terron!"

Cats

Tobia: "Did you hear that about the kitten? You know the people that sometimes come here, those two that always take us for walks and plays with us, they had a kitten that was run over by a car. Just like that, without stopping, with no motive. Personally I don't like cats and believe that we dogs are in our good right to chase them but at least we are on equal terms."

Peggy: "Well, I really could care less about cats, they are a nuisance.... usually. Did you say that those two people are cat-persons? Hmm, I have to reconsider them."

Tobia: "Peggy, don't expand your dislike of cats to the persons!"

Peggy: "hmm, you're right. I hope they will come by so I can cheer them up a bit. Perhaps tell them to get a dog...

Well somebody ought to do something about cars that drive too fast. Take our road for example: it is only a matter of time before someone gets killed there ... all those mothers taking their children to the kindergarden in four-wheel drives or even bigger cars!"

Going, going, ...

Tobia: "So the tall one has left.... From what I understood he would be going off, just running straigth as long as possible! How beautiful that would be to follow his example. Mind you, I was not meant to be kept in a small garden, always going out with a leash attached to my collar! I was born to run free!"

Peggy: "I bet you were, meant to run free and get lost! You would go running and then you would find yourself miles from here not knowing how you got there, not knowing how to get back. Nah, better stay close to the house, perhaps it is not all we could wish for but at least we have a place to sleep, something to eat and a few caresses now and then. But it sounds almost like you are no longer so satisfied with your dear master! I can't really complain, you know, you just have to give him a smile and lick him a few times and you can get away with anything."

Tobia: "No, I am not getting tired of my master, he is still my master and my love for him is as profound as when I first met him... - it's just that I had gotten used to having two people around and now everything has changed and that always takes some time getting used to."

A note from the secretary

As holiday season is upon us here in Northern Italy, Tobia and Peggy will not be able to keep up their blog for the next few weeks.

Suitcase

Tobia: "Have you seen the suitcases? I don't like the smell of this, changes are coming and of course they are not telling us what it is all about. And then they wonder why I'm licking my right paw! I can't smoke or eat or watch a movie when I'm upset... or even bite my nails. I just have my paw."

Peggy: "Snap out of it, self-pity never did anyone any good! So changes are coming but aren't they always. Life is full of changes - it's not that we live in some stagnant swamp where nothing ever happens... although you do smell like something they pulled out of a bog! Perhaps things will be different tomorrow but why worry about tomorrow, each day has its fill of worries anyway. And then something new will happen the day after tomorrow. Mark my words there might even be new company if one of them goes away."

Tobia: "Yes, and you will not let me come near them as usual, playing the cute little doggie."

It's the economy-...

Tobia: "Why do my master have to work so much, he is always away these days. And when he is home he seems worried by something. I wish, I could do something to help him."

Peggy: "It's the economy, stupid. The tall one is never away, which means that he isn't bringing home anything so of course your master has to go to work. Seems fair to me, he is the one that spends the money too! I can't really feel sorry for them: they must learn the hard way that you can't eat your food twice and at times it is better not to eat all of it right now."

Tobia: "Well, I usually eat my food whenever I feel like it and so far I can't really say that I've been starving. Of course I could desire another type of food.... And do remember that the tall one is the one that takes us for walks and works at home."

Peggy: "I know he does and I know also that he is trying to plan things a bit ahead of time.Not like someone else who never think about tomorrow!"

Friends

Tobia: "Peggy, I was the one to welcome these four women in a civilized manner while you were running around, barking insults at them. Then shortly afterwards you decide that they are alright and will not even let me near them. Every time I get the chance to meet new people, you manage to push me aside. I really must say this is frustrating and it also makes me feel rather sad."

Peggy: "What can I do about that? They were intruding and you never know what people are up to these days. Besides - they were foreigners and that doesn't make things any better. But then I looked them over, saw that they probably meant no harm and I also saw how you wanted to do what any male will do as soon as he sees a female and I decided that it was better to keep an eye on them up close while keeping you out of the way! If it makes you frustrated that you cannot jump on anything female that gets within reach - tough luck!"

Tobia: "But I was only trying to be nice..."

Peggy: "That just goes to show how much you know about females!"

When a dog's gotta do...

Tobia: "But why did you have to kill that hornet? As long as you don't bother it, it will not harm you. And you could have gotten hurt, you know. They are quite dangerous when angry."

Peggy: "Nonsense, they are not dangerous, just very unpleasant. It will of course sting if you don't know how to do it but you learn. Well, some do, I did. I doubt you will, should you ever try."

Tobia: "But you still haven't told me, why you didn't just let it go."

Peggy: "Because it is easier to kill the queen now, this way you don't have the offspring swarming all over the place when they go crazy in the fall.
As I always say: If you just choose the right moment, the work will be so much easier!"

Tiles

Tobia: "Thank God for tiles. At least I keep cool on one side. This heat is really something."

Peggy: "I agree that it is too hot to stay outside and I only go when it's absolutely necessary. But sleeping on the cold floor? Probably you'll get arthiritis if you don't watch out and then what? I would be a little more carefull if I were you (luckily I am not!)."

Money

Tobia: "Peggy, you know that some of our conversations are recorded and then written down? Perhaps we should let the readers know that we are quite happy to have and audience outside the garden. It gives me a sense of being heard, you know."

Peggy: "Well, I am happy that at least here there in these pages, people will have a few sensible, down to earth comments, if they have the time to read it. Personally I don't see how anyone can find the time to sit down for hours in front of that little box."

Tobia: "But you sit for hours looking at what goes on next door.... Anyway, I would like also to thank our readers for clicking on the advertisement links. From the money earned this way we might be able to finally buy our own dog treats."

Guests

Tobia: "You really liked the one with the glasses, didn't you. You were quite excited when you discovered who were here for dinner."

Peggy: "Well, he is nice to me, so I'm nice to him! And I was doing it in a nice way, not like someone else...."

Tobia: "But perhaps this means that my master will be going away? Or perhaps the tall one. I don't know why but I have a feeling that there might be changes coming. I have yet to understand whether they are permanent or just for a shorter period."

Peggy: "I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. So far we haven't been left alone for too long; if the tall one is going away or your dear master for that matter, somebody else will take their places."

Water

Tobia: "I do not like it and I fail to see why we must take baths. It's not that we smell - not compared to my master when he comes home late at night. And he can take a towel and dry himself quickly. For me it takes hours!"

Peggy: "Well, I can't say I like it either. I would prefer a swim in the lake, but I guess it is part of the package, doesn't change anything complaining and he can't stop me from doing my after bath treatment!"

Violence

Tobia: "Oh no, he has taken out the saw again, I don't want to see it. Why does he have to cut down trees all the time? What harm have they done? I try to tell him but he just laughs and calls me a sissy."

Peggy: "Well, you are. If you really wanted to prevent him, you should bark and bite, not run away. Besides we yet have to see him cut down a tree, so far he has just been pruning. We are not talking deforestation here!"

Tobia: "Still, I can't help feeling for those ... beings."

Peggy: "Just like you did for the young bird, you caught last night - nah, you didn't catch it, the stupid thing sat there waiting for you and almost jumped into your mouth. And you got so confused that you spit it out again. And of course he arrived in time to take it away from us. You're a disgrace!"

Everybody talks

Tobia: "Another hot day! I really don't like summer but I guess I already told you. It seems like the weather this year goes to extremes. Earlier we had weeks of rain... or was it for days...? Anyway it was cold too and now it's hot."

Peggy: "You are beginning to sound like the news casts: "Another heat wave has arrived!!!", "Temperatures rising!, "Is there a risk of drought?" Don't they have anything else to shout about? So far I don't see anything strange, summer usually is hot."

Tobia: "I was merely pointing to the fact that the weather is becoming more extreme."

Peggy: "So what, they've made a mess of it and now we just have to take the consequences! And that doesn't mean sitting down doing nothing! There are ditches to dig, pipes to clean, trees to plant. I could make you long list but I don't have the time and they are not listening anyway!"

Barriers

Peggy: "You looked too funny when you came running and suddenly discovered that there was a pile of wood in front of the fence you wanted to jump! Your three brain cells were working overtime in order to decide what to do: brake, jump higher or turn. Well, it is better that you can't jump that fence anymore. Remember the times you did jump and then couldn't find your way back. You had to wait for them to come and get you."

Tobia: "I don't know what to think, really! When we came here, there was a big garden and we could go where we wanted. Now we can't go where they grow vegetables, we can't go near the road, we can't dig holes, we can't chase lizards, we cant talk with the neighbors, we can't greet passersby... Are we just allowed to sit and watch?"

Peggy: "Stop whining, it could be far worse."

Health

Tobia: "Are you feeling better? I was rather impressed by your taking ill last night. Of course I would be very displeased by the idea of you getting poisoned... although I admit that it would open new perspectives."


Peggy: "Well, if you counted on me dying just because I ate a bit of fertilizer, you are mistaken! It needs more than that to finish me off. And I didn't "eat" it, I just tested it to see if was any good!
Of course your master overreacted and took me to the vet. A lot of good did that do! I am not going to let anybody pay a lot of money just to feel my belly and put something up my rear end. I tried to tell that but of course your master wouldn't listen. And of course we came away 50€ poorer! That is dog food for more than a month."

People

Peggy: "Why do people let a dog into their houses and their lives if they don't want to or don't know how to take care of it? There ought to be a law against that!"

Tobia: "I am not the one to speak, considering that I have been fairly lucky but you can't really legislate for this kind of issue. After all, what goes on inside the 4 walls of this house is a private matter."

Peggy: "Yeah, but who is paying the price? Dogs that never get outside on a walk, dogs that are beaten up, dogs that are tied up!"

Tobia: "Are you getting older Peggy? You are showing a softer side that I didn't know was there."

Peggy: "Soft? and if you mean sentimental when saying older, you might as well forget it. I am not getting soft, I am angry! Somebody should do something but I guess it is just as I always say: 'If you want something done, you better do it yourself!"

Birds

Tobia: "Did you see it? I almost had it. It was so close, I could taste it! It could have been my first prey, I really don't count the ones that are still in the nest."

Peggy: "I saw it, don't get exited, it was a sparrow and barely out of the nest. My grandmother could have caught that one. And you didn't catch it, remember!"

Tobia: "You are just angry because you (for once) wasn't there to push me away."

Peggy: "Who is pushing who away? I just want to check that you aren't doing things, I wouldn't do. Remember, you are the one that always get hurt!"

Summer

Tobia: "Summer is back. Such a nuisance, I really prefer spring and fall. Summer is too hot although I must say that I am quite content about living in this house. The pavement is always nice and cool when I need to cool down."

Peggy: "Everybody talks about the weather but nobody does anything. Fortunately, I'd say. I would hate to live in a world where the weather was decided from Rome. For one thing we could be sure that the weather would always arrive late!"

Tobia: "What do you know about politics? You are a dog!"

Peggy: "I have ears and eyes, don't I? And from what I hear, Rome is doing just what Rome has been doing always: Giving bread and theatre to the people and saving their own bottoms. And what do we hard working creatures of the North get....? We are the ones that make this country run!!"

Neighbors vol 2

Peggy: "Hey, Tobia! Where are you going?"

Tobia: "I am going inside, I cannot stand conflicts, you know that very well."

Peggy: "But this time none of us are involved, it is Lupe (the neighbor) that is getting it! I wouldn't miss that for anything."

Tobia: "What is fascinating in watching somebody else's misfortune?"

Peggy: "Misfortune? if she did something in the house, she wasn't supposed to do, you can hardly call it a question of fortune, can you? And besides if she ever puts on airs again, we can rub her nose in this!"

Dogs

Tobia: "Why did the tall one get so angry yesterday? It is in our DNA to protect the territory and therefore we must bark and threaten every other dog that gets close. And being the bigger one - and the male, if I may add - of course I also have to protect you."

Peggy: "You're right about the protecting but stop pretending! Yes, you are bigger than me but that only shows when we are behind the safety of the fence. As soon as you are out on the street and we meet another dog, you are ready to jump up in the arms of your master! Chicken!"

Stress

Tobia: "It seems like the level of stress in our house has diminished. Perhaps we will now have days of longer walks, more cookies - or rather cookies, more time with my master.... I know it is often too hot, summer really has its good sides."

Peggy: "For one thing summer isn't hot this year, it has been raining for weeks now, not that I mind, you know. Second: Your dear master will probably be upstairs hacking away in front of that thing with the moving pictures, if I know him right. And the tall one will get annoyed and I really can't blame him. I mean, why on earth do you let a dog into your house, or two dogs for that matter, if you don't want to take care of them?"

Tobia; "My master does take care of me, only sometimes he is a bit forgetful and at other occasions he doesn't have the time."

Peggy: "Wrong, he doesn't find the time!"

Fairness

Tobia: "It is not fair that you can take the walks without leash but I am tied all the time! Oh, how grand it would be could I only run free!"

Peggy: "That's exactly why you are not let off the hook! You would start running and before your brain registered it, you would be miles away and you would probably not be able to find your way back. You should do like I do, always keep an eye on the tall one, you never know what he is up to!"

Tobia: "I know of someone that didn't keep an eye on my master last night, he found you on the couch, didn't he? It was your luck that it was not the tall one.... Why do you keep going on the couch anyway, you know they don't want us to."

Peggy: "Have you seen my bed? It's in great need of a new cover and as long as they don't give me one, I have to use something else and the only thing around here is the couch."

Tobia: "Who made the holes? Anyway, there is also the smaller bed, you know the one that was brought here for you."

Peggy: "Me? in the smaller bed? You must be kidding!!! I have my position to think of!"

Biscuits

Tobia: "Now they are eating again. As far as I can smell, it's really a delicious but after the tall one moved in no more tidbits tableside. <sigh> I can’t help getting a tad nostalgic about the good old days, when it was just my master and me”

Peggy: “Don’t go in there, you know they’ll kick you out. Do like me: go in there when they are not around.”

Tobia: “And then they come downstairs and you find yourself in a pickle.”

Peggy: “Well, then I take my scolding and that’s it. I don’t sit around sulking for hours like someone else.”

Elections

Tobia: "Have you heard the good news? My master let out a cry when he heard about the elections in Milan, Naples and Trieste. Center-right had lost all! I hope that this means the beginning of the end."

Peggy: "Well, if they did give the vote to dogs, I would of course vote Lega Nord. Let's keep Italy Italian! Or rather, let us keep Padania Italian. I hate to say it but for once I agree with you but also with the women of Italy and with mr Bossi. We have done our duty and we cannot tolerate the behavior of the Dear Leader of PDL."

More rain

Tobia: "I knew something was brewing!"

Peggy: "Sure, sure... but I bet you thought that it was the tea!"

(The music is from the Channel4 "Brideshead Revisited")

Concentration

Tobia: "I don't know what is wrong today, I can't concentrate. I keep drifting, thinking of nothing and to boot I have a great need for caresses."

Peggy: "A willy-nilly if there ever was one, a bit of rain and wind and off you go. Concentrate??? It is that one track mind of yours that needs fixing. Well, I I hadn't really noticed your problems, it is so difficult to see the difference - whether you are concentrating or just staring off in the void!

Friends

Peggy: "Rita's here, Rita's here! Oh dear oh dear oh dear, how are you, what kind of lotion did you put on your legs this morning, where have you been, do you have something edible in that bag oh dear oh dear oh dear, I've been missing you, a lot, really a lot, a big lot! Oh dear oh dear oh dear."

Tobia: "Peggy, really! Let the poor soul alone for a moment, you are really being a nuisance, you know."

Peggy: "Well, who is it that can't see a female without getting excited, and not just females I could add!"

Tobia: "At least I go about it with a bit of style, not dancing around like a fly in a bottle."

Hot

Tobia: "I really must say that this heat is rather too much. And it is only May, I can just imagine what July and August will be like."

Peggy: "Nobody asks you to run around digging holes and barking at lizards! Those things you can do in the morning or late afternoon but not in the middle of the day. 'Mad dogs and Englishmen...' - in this case it is "Mad English Setters"! And just because the weather is hot now doesn't mean that it is going to be hot until September. Anyway, why worry about July, who knows what'll happen anyway. The important thing is to get through the day without too much trouble, having the food and water, you need and perhaps a few caresses...!"

Work load

Tobia: “What is ailing you these days? You keep close to the tall one all the time and when he’s not there you stay glued to my master. It almost seems like you are not feeling well. But then, once we are outside, you keep arguing with the neighbors or barks at anything that might be an intruder.”

Peggy: “I don’t know what is happening, I sense something – agitation, stress, preoccupations – and my instinct tells me that I should stay close to protect in case something happens. You keep talking about your past, your genes but I know that in the mix of my DNA there are both genes of sheep dogs and I need to know that everything is calm, that there are no enemies around and that the people, I protect, are calm.”

Tobia: “I think you are overdoing it just a tad. I mean going into the bathroom with them seems hardly necessary.”

Peggy: "Look who's talking! Who is the one sitting outside the cabin when his master is taking a shower?"

Stormy weather - inside

Tobia: "Did you sleep last night? I heard you moving around quite a lot."

Peggy: "Don't get me wrong, I'm not that soft on them... if they want to throw things down the stairs, slam doors or shout, it's not my problem.
...
But I know it's better to stay out of the way when that happens, you never know what they'll do, I learned that with the family where I stayed before.
And sure enough: this morning the tall one got on my case just because I tried to tell Rocky where she could go. I mean: let's keep things apart: Just because he's upset about something doesn't really give him the right to get angry with everybody, does it?"

Tobia: "Well, you are the one that starts out every morning looking for someone to pounce upon! And you always find someone."

Rest

 

Tobia: "Peggy, are you all right? You look almost like someone taking a rest?"

Peggy: "Very funny, very funny indeed! I've been busy all morning and could use a rest but I don't have time for that, you know. 

I'm not resting, it's just that the tall one has put up some kind of netting that is difficult to see through so I have to look underneath it to keep an eye on the neighbor! Me, resting? Ha!"

Stormy weather

Tobia: "I don't like the rain, even less with a strong wind like that. Why do we have to go outside?"

Peggy: "Haven't you been house trained? do you want to be punished for peeing in the corner?
Before coming here, I stayed with a family... No, I won't even tell you what they did when I made a mess in the house. Let me just tell you that there is a reason why I always run away as soon as I have left my "calling cards" - even now when I never do it the house. The fear doesn't go away." 

Tobia: "Poor little Peggy, here you don't have to worry - come now, I'll go outside with you, even if it's raining cats and dogs."

Double feature

Tobia: “How about that! Two walks today – almost  like the good old days before we moved here, do you remember? Perhaps it is the start of a new era….”

Peggy: "You are not really paying attention, are you? Can’t you see that your master is behaving just like you these days. Staring off in the distance or staying upstairs working. Hardly talking to anybody. That just eats up all the oxygen in a room, if you ask me.

But if it means more walks for us, I don’t really care what is going on. And it seems like you've already forgotten what you told me the other day: It's the season, so it's not going to last!”

Times of trouble

Peggy: "What's all the fuss about? Lights burning at all hours, both of them gone forever and when they finally come back, they go straight upstairs where we - well, rather - where I can't check what they are doing. It is driving me crazy."

Tobia: "It is the season, I think. My master is always like that this time of the year. Don't worry, it will soon be over and then he will have lots of time for us."

Peggy: "We'll see about that. I bet that they have to do so much work now because they were too lazy earlier. And of course we have to pay the price now! That's not right!"

Information overflow

Peggy: "What on earth are you doing there? It's been almost 3 minutes that you are frozen in the same pose. Don't you have anything better to do, or are your three neurons arguing about who is to be in charge?"

Tobia: "But Peggy, it's spring, the air is full of sounds and odors. So much information have to be dealt with... you just can't go running off in all directions, you have to evaluate, concentrate...."

Peggy: "Yes, and in the meantime arrives a hundred new inputs! Might as well get going, you'll have to learn to decide on an incomplete sets of information."

Tobia: "You are repeating yourself, you should know by now that this is the way I am, and you can't change that."

Peggy: "Males!"

Food

Peggy: "Did you see that rabbit's head on the field the other day? Why didn't the tall one let me take it home? I hate to see food go to waste."

Tobia: "You will eat almost anything, won't you?"

Peggy: "Look who is talking! I don't eat salad, oranges or some of the other strange stuff that they eat. And that you, for an even strange reason thinks are edible too, just because they eat it with pleasure."

Tobia: "What about coffee then? I've seen you drinking it, even without sugar..."

Peggy: That's because I need it, I don't really like it but with all the things I have to do, I must stay alert and awake!"

Contemplation

Peggy: "How can you stand there for hours looking at nothing, not moving? That is not being a dog - that's a vegetable!"

Tobia: "Vegetable? No, I guess the word you mean is vegetating."

Peggy: "Smart alec...."

Tobia: "I do like to contemplate the various issues, we are facing everyday. Think about them in detail. Give the thought time to mature and ripen."

Peggy: "And in the meantime the door will be closed and you'll be left out in the rain."

Temper

Peggy: "Where did your so-called English temper go? You've been barking at I don't know what for 5 minutes now. Sooner or later the tall one will come barging out, shouting at us and we'll have to go inside. It'll be all your fault!"
Tobia: "I'm barking at you!!! Can't you see that I am standing two paws away from you and barking in your ear? Why do you keep biting my legs, running after me whenever I want to investigate something, you don't let me near the food if you are not quite finished eating, you keep growling at me if I set paw in you bed, but oh - you can pass through mine when it suits you, you chase away all the prey, I have taken a stand at, you keep running"
Peggy: "OK, OK, I get your point. You just want me to go away, do you! Well, you're missing me as soon as we aren't on the same side of the door."

Long walks

Peggy: "Why on earth are we staying at home two or three days in a row and then suddenly we go for a 3 hours walk? Well, at least he had brought along water. And always those 'stay behind', 'don't pull', 'NO'.... I can't see or smell anything if I stay behind all the time and it's not my fault that he is slower than me!"

Tobia: "I did like the walk today but we could have left earlier, before it got so hot. I didn't even want to take my usual runs on that fenced-in field. And then the long walk home... I kept wishing that my master would call and ask if we wanted to go back in the car.
But I guess we are being ungrateful."

Peggy: "No, not at all, we just want to be treated in a decent way!"

Rain

Tobia: "Rain again today..., how tedious. First weeks of sunshine, dust everywhere, my coat turning sepia. Now rain, rain, rain. "

Peggy: "We aren't made of sugar or salt, a bit of water doesn't hurt anyone!
How can you let yourself be ruled by the weather? When a dog's got to do what a dog's got to do, then you can't really wait for the weather to change.

Tobia: "But I don't like to get wet... and then there is the smell.
Allow me but it seems like the weather is not what it used to be. So much for walks and staying outside."

Peggy: "Hah - 'what it used to be...' You are three years old for barking out loud, it's not that you can remember the days before global warming. Life is now, not yesterday, so stop whining and come outside to play."

Domesticated

Tobia: "I must say that the word domesticated may be interpreted in many ways. I believe that a domesticated animal should be treated well, be allowed to stay in the house, sleep on the bed and be eating cookies if he likes."
Peggy: "No, domesticated only means that you have to be there when they need you, the rest of the time you better stay out of sight. And expect only to eat what they don't want to eat. So learn to fend for yourself. In a way it is just a step above the illegal immigrants on the social ladder."

Getting things done... in time

Tobia: "Peggy, I am not religious but after all it is Easter Sunday. Couldn't you relax, just for once?"

Peggy: "Relax, me? with so many things to do. I have to keep watch, check who has been trespassing, control what that no-good neighbor is doing... well make that plural, now we are sandwiched between 2 no-good bitches. Luckily I can count on the dogs on the corner of the street to give early warning when someone is coming that way.

Of course I could just spend the day sleeping like someone else and what would happen? Tomorrow I would just have twice as much to do and where does that leave us?"

Contests

Peggy: "What was all the fuss about yesterday? First we had to stay out of sight, being quiet, not going on walks, then they went away and when they came back it was all smiles... and still no time for us!"

Tobia: "You can't really understand these things, you don't have it in your genes. It is about culture, education and succeeding. It's called a contest, where you prove to everybody that you are the best. Very English, I must say."

Peggy: "Well, I don't have to ruin a whole day, just to show them who is the top dog. Give me 5 seconds and I'll have eliminated all kinds of competition.
I do that every day, no need to turn it into the event of the year!"

Smoking

Tobia: "Have you seen that my master has taken up smoking again. I can't really say that I like it. It might be different, if he would smoke the pipe and not those cigarettes. I could picture him and me next to the fireplace those long winter evenings. It is probably the stress before the competition tonight that made him begin again."

Peggy: "Of course I've seen it... and smelled it. Stress? he is just using that as an excuse, they always find one. A bit of self control is what they need!
Pipe or cigarettes - eh - that's all the same to me. At least he is not smoking in the house, it's bad enough that his clothes and breath smell like I don't know what.
Besides, you were only allowed near the fireplace once in and that wasn't even you beloved master but the tall one."

Constants

Tobia: "You do look like you are the main character of a new novel by Stephen King, eyes ablaze like that."
Peggy: "The lighting was wrong! That can hardly be blamed on me. Besides not everybody is all looks and no brain! Remember that looks+brains=constant."
Tobia: "Well, if that is true, in my case this constant is very high."

The tall one is back

Tobia: "I am so very pleased that the tall one is back! Of course it's nice to live with my master, almost like in the good old days when it was only the two of us... <sigh> Here I could tell you a long story about the days before you came along..."
Peggy: "Oh, stop it, you were bored out of your skull! Left to your self for hours and hours. Why do people get dogs and then leave them alone or tie them up in the garden and beat them up? I just don't get it! Besides, the rules of the house are much more flexible when the tall one is away."
Tobia: "Peggy, I know that I am going to pay for this later but I have to say that in your case I really understand why your owner sometimes had difficulties restraining from physical violence. Take for example last night when the chocolate disappeared from my masters bag left open in the hall. A good thing that he (like me) believes in non violence."

Bags

Tobia: "Something is brewing, I really can't say that I like the sound of it. Last night they talked about something called airports - or was in hare pots? you never know with these Italians, they put H everywhere where it don't belong. I'm worried that they will be going away."

Peggy: "Well if they are, one of the ones with long hair might come and stay here. Which means long walks and couch time! You should think more about what you are getting than about what you are loosing, that's what I think."

Tobia: "Well, I'm going to stay right here in front of the car so they can't go anywhere."

Peggy: "Fool - the car has to go out the other way and you will be left there, sighing as always!"

A step too far

Tobia: "Peggy, I told you not to do it and look what happened: Now the tall one is angry with both of us and you have been confined to your corner! Is it really necessary to test the limits every 5 minutes? Why can't you be content with what you've got? I don't really understand you at times...."
Peggy: "Well, 'the world' as you put it, as far as I know, is a place in constant movement, and just because I was not allowed to go on the couch yesterday doesn't necessarily mean that I should stay in the hallway today. Where would we be if we just accepted things as they were last year?"

In charge

Tobia: "I've been contemplating... or perhaps I should say that I have merely been giving thought to the fact that you are always trying to control everything 360 degrees from the ground up. Can't you see that you are seriously risking a bleeding ulcer? And that wanting to be in charge of everything, you're not really able to go in depth with anything."

Peggy: "Here we go again... the same old "A jack of all trades, a master of none". Well, mr. Professor, we both know very well who would survive outside this garden on his own and who would not. Remember, it is a dog eats dog world and I might be smaller and of less noble breed but I have my diploma from the school of hard knocks and I'm going to be the one eating!"