It’s A Dog’s Life

With Bear being the first female pooch in the house of Teddy, this month our favourite Border Terrier muses on all things gender related, with his thoughts translated into human, as they always are, by Helen Stockton

The arrival of my apprentice, our puppy Bear, has thrown up some interesting issues in the gender department. ‘Them Indoors’ have always previously had male dogs, mainly because ‘Her Indoors’ childhood pooch was male, but, as discerning readers will have undoubtedly noted, Bear is female. ‘Them Indoors’ decided that as she is their third Border Terrier and future breed deviation is unlikely, a female puppy would add variety.

However, one thing we have noticed, is that people often automatically assume Bear is male. Now I know Bear is a gender ambiguous name, but an assumption of maleness seems to come before formal introductions. I also appreciate that human perceptions of femininity differ to ours. For example, I think a fine beard and luxuriant facial hair are great qualities in a female, but, by

I think a fine beard and luxuriant facial hair are great qualities in a female

‘Her Indoors’ tweezer and magnifying mirror routine, I gather this is not a shared view. Additionally, Bear has ear-hair at least two centimetres beyond her actual ears, which I reckon any selfrespecting senior man would be proud of, so I guess there are some grounds for confusion. Short of peering at our respective undercarriages, which is not something you can do discreetly with a small dog, there is no easy way of finding out.

Our behaviours don’t give much indication either. I’m a discerning sort, dainty with eating and drinking, fastidious with personal hygiene, and frankly uninterested in the more unsavoury canine occupations such as swimming, mud wallowing or rolling in unpleasant things. I’m not bold, and new things make me anxious. I am also uninterested in stalking, or, heaven forbid, catching anything furry or feathered. Bear, on the other paw, eats and drinks with abandon, takes every experience in her tiny stride, has been practising her stalking technique, rather alarmingly, on me, and shows a not entirely wholesome interest in any small furry that crosses her path. The bunnies in the garden are in for a hard time when she is fully grown. However, she shares my dislike of getting her paws wet, and after rain, picks up each foot like a trotting pony. She also seems to enjoy having her fur blow-dried which is something that ‘Her Indoors’ must like too as she spends enough time doing it.

So, gender in our household is a fluid concept, and to be honest, I’m not sure Bear has any notion of femininity right now. She is just a puppy and has more important things to think about such as playing, pestering her Uncle Teds and chewing her way through whatever she can get her tiny teeth into. Which just goes to show that peskiness isn’t a gendered quality, male or female, it applies across the board! l

Food delivery

www.sussexhomechecks.co.uk Simple and straightforward Making helping fun – a personalised alternative or addition to hiring a carer in Sussex and surrounding areas ‘For when you need reassurance’

STUDIO PROOF

PROOF DATE/TIME: 21 May 2021 9:31 am OUR FILENAME: June 21 Sussex Home Checks 1-2 Peace of Mind for you and your loved ones We provide personalised wellness checks for your loved ones in sunny Sussex. Our peace of mind services ensure daily tasks have been completed to enable anyone to live happily in their own home. As a local, family run business, we really are passionate about supporting families with our daily Medication home checks. Our service enables people to live Meals their lives independently, enjoying their normal Simple and straightforward services for any scenario:

Scheduled checks

Booked in daily/weekly/monthly.

Unscheduled checks

24hrs notice for a next day visit

Telephone reminder service

Available anytime between 7am and 10pm as many times a day as needed. We are also able to offer emergency checks for those who need it. Making helping fun – a personalised alternative or addition to hiring a carer in Sussex and surrounding areas ‘For when you need reassurance’ Simple and straightforward services for any scenario:

Scheduled checks

Booked in daily/weekly/monthly.

Unscheduled checks

24hrs notice for a next day visit

Telephone reminder service

Available anytime between 7am and 10pm as many times a day as needed.Making helping fun – a We are also able to offer emergency personalised alternative or checks for those who need it.addition to hiring a carer in Sussex and surrounding areas Peace of Mind for you and ‘For when you need reassurance’ your loved ones We provide personalised wellness checks for your loved ones in sunny Sussex. Our peace of mind services ensure daily tasks have been completed to enable anyone to live happily in their own home. Our core checks are: Peace of Mind for you and your loved ones We provide personalised wellness checks for your loved ones in sunny Sussex. Our peace of mind services ensure daily tasks have been completed to enable anyone to live happily in their own home. As a local, family run business, we really are passionate about supporting families with our daily Medication home checks. Our service enables people to live Meals their lives independently, enjoying their normal routine and hobbies with their friends. Blood sugar testing CompanionshipWe know that it isn’t always possible to check in on your loved ones with busy modern living or if your Fall Alarm relatives live further away. We will be a friendly face to check they’re ok, that they are eating, have taken Concierge

Simple and straightforward services for any scenario:

Scheduled checks

Booked in daily/weekly/monthly.

Unscheduled checks

24hrs notice for a next day visit

Telephone reminder service

Available anytime between 7am and 10pm as many times a day as needed. We are also able to offer emergency checks for those who need it.

Making helping fun – a personalised alternative or addition to hiring a carer in Our core checks are: Sussex and surrounding areas ‘For when you need reassurance’ Peace of Mind for you and your loved ones We provide personalised wellness checks for your loved ones in sunny Sussex. Our peace of mind services ensure daily tasks have been completed to enable anyone to live happily in their own home. As a local, family run business, we really are passionate about supporting families with our daily Medication home checks. Our service enables people to live Meals their lives independently, enjoying their normal

Simple and straightforward services for any scenario:

Scheduled checks

Booked in daily/weekly/monthly. Simple and straightforward Unscheduled checks 24hrs notice for a next day visitMaking helping fun – a services for any scenario: Telephone reminder service Available anytime between 7am and 10pm personalised alternative or Scheduled checks Booked in daily/weekly/monthly. as many times a day as needed. addition to hiring a carer in Unscheduled checks We are also able to offer emergency checks for those who need it. Sussex and surrounding areas 24hrs notice for a next day visit Telephone reminder service Available anytime between 7am and 10pm as many times a day as needed. ‘For when you need reassurance’ Peace of Mind for you and We are also able to offer emergency checks for those who need it. your loved ones We provide personalised wellness checks for your loved ones in sunny Sussex. Our peace of mind services ensure daily tasks have been completed to enable anyone to live happily in their own home. Our core checks are: Medication Meals Our core checks are: Blood sugar testing Companionship Peace of Mind for you and your loved ones We provide personalised wellness checks for your loved ones in sunny Sussex. Our peace of mind services ensure daily tasks have been completed to enable anyone to live happily in their own home. As a local, family run business, we really are passionate about supporting families with our daily Medication home checks. Our service enables people to live Meals their lives independently, enjoying their normal routine and hobbies with their friends. Blood sugar testing CompanionshipWe know that it isn’t always possible to check in on your loved ones with busy modern living or if your Fall Alarm relatives live further away. We will be a friendly face to check they’re ok, that they are eating, have taken Concierge their medication and that they haven’t had a fall. Shopping services We are here to give you the reassurance that your Tea and cake visits loved one is getting the help they need at home Food deliverybefore a carer is needed. Simple and straightforward services for any scenario:

Scheduled checks

Booked in daily/weekly/monthly.

Unscheduled checks

24hrs notice for a next day visit

Telephone reminder service

Available anytime between 7am and 10pm as many times a day as needed.Making helping fun – a We are also able to offer emergency personalised alternative or checks for those who need it.addition to hiring a carer in Sussex and surrounding areas ‘For when you need reassurance’ Our core checks are: Simple and straightforward services for any scenario:

Scheduled checks

Booked in daily/weekly/monthly.

Unscheduled checks

24hrs notice for a next day visit

Telephone reminder service

Available anytime between 7am and 10pm as many times a day as needed. We are also able to offer emergency checks for those who need it. Peace of Mind for you and your loved ones We provide personalised wellness checks for your loved ones in sunny Sussex. Our peace of mind services ensure daily tasks have been completed to enable anyone to live happily in their own home. Making helping fun – a Our core checks are: As a local, family run business, we really are passionate about supporting families with our daily personalised alternative or addition to hiring a carer in Medication home checks. Our service enables people to live their lives independently, enjoying their normal routine and hobbies with their friends. Sussex and surrounding areas Meals Blood sugar testing CompanionshipWe know that it isn’t always possible to check in on your loved ones with busy modern living or if your ‘For when you need reassurance’ Fall Alarm relatives live further away. We will be a friendly face to check they’re ok, that they are eating, have taken Concierge their medication and that they haven’t had a fall. Shopping services We are here to give you the reassurance that your Tea and cake visits loved one is getting the help they need at home Food deliverybefore a carer is needed. ALL OUR STAFF ARE: 3 DBS checked 3 First Aid trained 3 Fully insured www.sussexhomechecks.co.uk

Peace of Mind for you and your loved ones We provide personalised wellness checks for your loved ones in sunny Sussex. Our peace of mind services ensure daily tasks have been completed to enable anyone to live happily in their own home. As a local, family run business, we really are passionate about supporting families with our daily Medication home checks. Our service enables people to live Meals their lives independently, enjoying their normal routine and hobbies with their friends. Blood sugar testing CompanionshipWe know that it isn’t always possible to check in on your loved ones with busy modern living or if your Fall Alarm relatives live further away. We will be a friendly face to check they’re ok, that they are eating, have taken Concierge their medication and that they haven’t had a fall. Shopping services We are here to give you the reassurance that your Tea and cake visits loved one is getting the help they need at home Food deliverybefore a carer is needed. Simple and straightforward services for any scenario:

Scheduled checks

Booked in daily/weekly/monthly.

Unscheduled checks

24hrs notice for a next day visit

Telephone reminder service

Available anytime between 7am and 10pm as many times a day as needed. We are also able to offer emergency checks for those who need it. Making helping fun – a personalised alternative or addition to hiring a carer in Sussex and surrounding areas ‘For when you need reassurance’ Our core checks are:

Simple and straightforward services for any scenario:

Scheduled checks

Booked in daily/weekly/monthly.

Unscheduled checks

24hrs notice for a next day visit

Telephone reminder service

Available anytime between 7am and 10pm as many times a day as needed. We are also able to offer emergency checks for those who need it. Peace of Mind for you and Making helping fun – a your loved ones personalised alternative or We provide personalised wellness checks for your addition to hiring a carer in loved ones in sunny Sussex. Our peace of mind Sussex and surrounding areas services ensure daily tasks have been completed to enable anyone to live happily in their own home. Our core checks are: As a local, family run business, we really are passionate about supporting families with our daily ‘For when you need reassurance’ Medication home checks. Our service enables people to live Meals their lives independently, enjoying their normal routine and hobbies with their friends. Blood sugar testing CompanionshipWe know that it isn’t always possible to check in on your loved ones with busy modern living or if your Fall Alarm relatives live further away. We will be a friendly face to check they’re ok, that they are eating, have taken Concierge their medication and that they haven’t had a fall. Shopping services We are here to give you the reassurance that your Tea and cake visits loved one is getting the help they need at home Food deliverybefore a carer is needed. ALL OUR STAFF ARE: 3 DBS checked 3 First Aid trained 3 Fully insured www.sussexhomechecks.co.uk

Simple and straightforward services for any scenario:

Scheduled checks

Booked in daily/weekly/monthly.

Unscheduled checks

24hrs notice for a next day visit Telephone reminder serviceMaking helping fun – a Available anytime between 7am and 10pm as many times a day as needed. personalised alternative or We are also able to offer emergency checks for those who need it. addition to hiring a carer in Sussex and surrounding areas Peace of Mind for you and your loved ones ‘For when you need reassurance’ We provide personalised wellness checks for your loved ones in sunny Sussex. Our peace of mind services ensure daily tasks have been completed to enable anyone to live happily in their own home. Our core checks are: As a local, family run business, we really are passionate about supporting families with our daily Medication home checks. Our service enables people to live Meals their lives independently, enjoying their normal routine and hobbies with their friends. Blood sugar testing CompanionshipWe know that it isn’t always possible to check in on your loved ones with busy modern living or if your Fall Alarm relatives live further away. We will be a friendly face to check they’re ok, that they are eating, have taken Concierge their medication and that they haven’t had a fall. Shopping services We are here to give you the reassurance that your Tea and cake visits loved one is getting the help they need at home Food deliverybefore a carer is needed. ALL OUR STAFF ARE: 3 DBS checked 3 First Aid trained 3 Fully insured www.sussexhomechecks.co.uk

WALKIES A worn-out dog is a wondrous thing. Snug in its bed like an uncoiled spring until, sources renewed, and ready once more to drag me reluctantly through the door for yet another exhausting hike. However –Simple and straightforward this time I'll take my bike! A perfect gift for those who remember the good 0ld days” ” services for any scenario: Scheduled checks Booked in daily/weekly/monthly. If you like this, you will find more like it in "Rhymes for our Times". a collection of inspired poetry written Unscheduled checks by Fran, a no-nonsense 80-something. 24hrs notice for a next day visit Some are wicked observations on modern life; others are more profound and poignant: all will make you smile.

Telephone reminder service

Available anytime between 7am and 10pm as many times a day as needed. Price £5, all monies go to St Peter & St James Hospice. Find the book in the Hospice shops We are also able to offer emergency or call Jude on: checks for those who need it.01444 459 433 or 07597 020 512 Peace of Mind for you and STUDIO PROOF PROOF DATE/TIME: 23 July 2021 5:04 pm your loved ones OUR FILENAME: Aug 21 Judy E Sharp 1/4 We provide personalised wellness checks for your loved ones in sunny Sussex. Our peace of mind services ensure daily tasks have been completed to enable anyone to live happily in their own home. Our core checks are: As a local, family run business, we really are passionate about supporting families with our daily Medication home checks. Our service enables people to live Meals their lives independently, enjoying their normal routine and hobbies with their friends. Blood sugar testing CompanionshipWe know that it isn’t always possible to check in on your loved ones with busy modern living or if your Fall Alarm relatives live further away. We will be a friendly face to check they’re ok, that they are eating, have taken Concierge their medication and that they haven’t had a fall. Shopping services We are here to give you the reassurance that your Tea and cake visits loved one is getting the help they need at home Food deliverybefore a carer is needed. ALL OUR STAFF ARE: 3 DBS checked 3 First Aid trained 3 Fully insured www.sussexhomechecks.co.uk