With and without

Our walks took place between vicious showers of rain and hail today, in an episode of brilliant sunshine. Dog walking falls into two categories in this household: Small Dog walks - reluctant, slow, dragging behind on a long leash, trying to turn for home at the first hint of a breeze or a raindrop.

Just the kind of walk that Millie likes.

Sometimes we meet other dogs. Today, Millie taught young Rascal that cats can face down even the yappiest dog. Only her flared ears and stiff whiskers betrayed any degree of concern.

Yip, yip, yip! Yip, yip, yip! YIP!

Eventually, faced with a seemingly-calm response and a refusal to play or run, Rascal shut up, and just gazed at Millie in wide-eyed wonder.

Protective Flossie was less tolerant; a sharp bark and a low growl told Rascal that his interest in her cat was sufficient for today, thank you. Rascal's owner, who had been careful to keep him on a tight leash, thanked Millie for the opportunity to teach him something new, and went off up the hill.

We, meantime, toddled back home again.

Flossie and I let the short-legged ones into the house, then went off for a Big Dog walk.

Or, rather, a gallop. We galloped this way.

And that way. An empty bottle was found, to help in the galloping.

We got home before the wet and windy weather started up again.

Millie would have loved it.