For what seems like a lifetime, the park has been a no-go area, similar in topography to the Somme. Deep, sap sucking mud across acres of open space. Now, it’s dried out a bit and whereas a month ago would have been sheer recklessness to go there with two crazy collies that romp and prance with gay abandon and not a thought for the after effects. If they can find some fox poo to roll in as well, then so much the better. Last time we were there with them, they were virtually unrecognisable by the end of their game and given that our home is filthy enough as it is AND we’re all whipped up in a frenzy over Alabama rot, we have been exercising them by on-street walking throughout the winter.

Today though, it’s 22 deg c and glorious. The ground is firm and there is no danger of serious mud cake mode for the dogs so here is JD in the late sunshine, watching his dad and waiting for the ball to be flung. In his eyes, have tennis ball, have undying, total devotion.