I decided to visit the flower festival next door this morning, show my support. As I was admiring an olympic themed display I noticed a black lab sniffing a geranium at ground level. My first thought was "how odd bringing a dog with you to church." Looking at the young woman who was reaching out to catch him. 2nd thought "that dog has a collar just like Barney's" followed swiftly by "Barney! what are you doing here!" I collared him - literally and walked him home where the back gate was wide open - he's worked out how to open that now and the other 2 dogs were still in the kitchen... Luckily no one was bothered and the vicar knows Barney of old. He clearly hadn't come looking for me - he was quite happy having a mooch about sniffing. My face matched the geranium's though!
Re: my loyal companion?... I Know Pippa, generally I keep the back gate bolted as he's worked out how to open it, then jump the front wall! All the comings and goings yesterday it got missed. I also have to lock the back door as he can open that too. thanks heavens he hasn't worked out how to turn a door knob or I'd be in real trouble!