Basil's Blog

Walt ventures out of the office

Basil — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:19:16 +0000

Walt has had a couple of visits to the office now, so I thought he should be introduced to the surrounding areas as if this is going to become a regular occurance he needs to become better acquainted with Harringtons head office and all the surroundings. Unfortunately, I was far too busy to take him (there was a board meeting taking place which I had to be part of, and someone had mentioned lunch….) so I sent him out with one of my staff, and gavestrict instructions that he was not too walk too far, that Walt had to be kept on the grass, well away from the road, and if he didn’t come back safe and sound…… anyway I digress.

Walt has such a fantatsic walk, with so many new experiences he asked me to tell you all about it on here, so as I am such a lovely big brother…. yes i am!!

His first story was all about the scary dandelion which he wasn’t too sure about

Now listen hear Walt - Dandelions are V.special and can tell you the time! Yes they can.... don't look at me like that!

and he had been less than impressed with the lorries which kept rumbling past and disturbing his walk…I suppose they must be very big to such a small puppy!

However soon he had forgotten all about these scary lorries when he became distracted with some interesting sniffs…..

So much to see n sniff...

What have you spotted now?

although he did decide to explore the camera as well. He thought the wrist strap was actually designed for puppies to chew on – so little, so much to learn!

Your suppose to be enjoying the walk not nomming on the camera! Tsk

His only complaint was that the lead had decided to attack him on the way home….

and he had had to return via the scary dandelion….

In fact Walter had SO much fun being out and about he really didn’t want to return to the office at first, and I had to coax him back in!

When he got back he nearly drank his weight in water – well it is VERY hard work exploring stuff! As he had done so well, and I am such a nice big brother I decided to share some of my Harringtons with him (I am just that lovely)

Although I am not impressed that he nommed it all, leaving me hungry!

All together... Paw Basil!!!

I have a plan!

Basil — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:11:21 +0000

I overheard a discussion last night that Dad means to make Walts visits to the office a semi-permanent occurrence and this made me worry. Does dad not realise how big and scary the factory could be to a small dog? What if he goes somewhere he shouldn’t? What if he gets through the doors when we aren’t looking? *coughs to correct himself* not that I care obviously.

So I have decided to initiate Dillon in all things Harringtons related so that when Walt is brought to the office there will be 4 pairs of eyes watching him not just two.

Everyone this is Dillon

I think this is a genius plan, as it means that whilst Dillon is watching Walt I can get on with the important jobs in the office, such as snoozing, emptying bins, having a nap and finding the most awkward place there is to just catch up on my zzz’s.
I started Dillons initiation slowly, with a walk around the office showing him all the interesting sniffs, before moving onto the trickier but just as important role of how to empty a bin.

Make sure you dig right to the bottom - that's where the good stuff is!!

Dillion had a keen eye for the job and was soon point out treats stored in locations that I hadn’t checked for some time, and was not deterred from trying to steal the treats regardless of the obstructions that were put in his way.

Go on Dillion, you can get em!!

We got on splendidly although he did keep trying to steal my big red cushion!

Um..Dillion.....No I know you can hear me...that's my cushion!!

We have a Walt!!

Basil — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:39:26 +0000

So we have got a Walt, and if I’m honest I am less than impressed – he comes in here all cute and cuddly and the family all over him and don’t seem to notice he keeps trying to sleep on MY bed!

Well despite my multiple complaints and subtle hints (so maybe I shouldn’t have tried to sit on him but…) I begrudgingly accepted him as the newest member of my family. However I must say I was very happy to leave the house each morning at dads’ side to go to work, and did secretly hope they might have come to their senses and removed him before we got home every day (they haven’t yet!)

Had only I known that worse was to come I would have enjoyed those final few days just me and dad.

DAD BROUGHT WALT TO WORK!!!!

I thought there must have been some mistake when as we headed out the door he called Walt to come with us…. and when he lifted us in the car I still gave him the benefit of the doubt and thought maybe finally my prayers have been answered……I had everything crossed and then we pulled up at work.

I trotted in with my normal spring in my step to meet my staff and then I realised that the whole office were looking at him, you should have heard them all “aint he cute” “bless he’s so small” “awww” and of course he lapped it up, playing up to the spot light.

I tell you it’s as if they have forgotten I am their star! Although did you notice me ensuring I got my moment in the spotlight too – I will not be replaced. I did eventually relented and gave Walt a tour of the office, well I didn’t want him getting into trouble from going somewhere a puppy shouldn’t, and I think it tired him out cause he fell asleep as soon as his head hit his blanket .

He was all tired after his adventures - bless him!

Actually now I am watching him sleep,*Yawn* I think I might follow his example, until next time.

*Yawn!!!*

We are getting a ‘Walt’…..

Basil — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:15:07 +0000

So I have breaking news from the Harringtons household. We are getting a ‘Walt’!!

It has caused much excitement around the entire household, with the small people discussing number of sleeps until arrival (and I know this is a big deal because sleeps are only ever counted down for exciting things like birthdays, holidays and Christmas) and even the tall people are excited and have millions of lists of ‘must have items’ before ‘Walt’ arrives.

My only problem is I have no idea what a ‘Walt’ is?! The family keep going for day trips away, dressed in their Sunday best and coming back even more excited, although they neglect to take me (which I have great issue with but do they listen to my complaints?!) so I am completely in the dark. Although I am slightly concerned, there has been a lot of looks in my direction and I have overheard a whispered conversation about ‘getting me sorted’ so that I don’t cause any problems when it arrives (as if I would). But I do not know what a ‘Walt’ is!

Hum, time to do some more exploring I think! Watch this space, I’ll let you know when I know anything!

Darlington’s Dog show.

Basil — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:12:50 +0000

Well you wouldn’t believe it but last Friday (16^th September) I had a day out of the office. I was confident that too much damage couldn’t be done in the space of one days absence, and so decided I would go and supervise David (one of our sales team) to ensure that my food was being well represented at the Darlington Dog show.

I was slightly worried when the rain started as soon as the engine turned off, but luckily it was only a light shower and soon passed – although the sun didn’t make a massive appearance at all!

David was easy to spot with his massive branded gazebo, a lot easier to find than the entrance (yes I did walk with purpose in the completely wrong direction, until a lovely Scottish lady pointed out my error) And I was pleased to see that he had opened up packets of treats and food so people could ‘try before they buy’. I was pointing out to David that it wasn’t fair that just because I knew how good my food is I couldn’t try, when my attention was taken by a big brown dog wearing a bright orange fishnet scarf!

That’s when I really looked around properly for the first time and I have never seen so many dogs together in my life – they were all different shapes, sizes and colours. Some were part of massive packs, others were on their own, some walking nicely on leads (a lot better than I walk on mine) and some were being pushed around on little carts. The owners were all dressed in the Sunday best and I noticed that the dogs all looked rather spiffing too! There were lots of different rings with things going on so I left David with strict instructions on how to behave and went for a closer inspection. I did a quick once around all the stalls (mine was clearly the best!) before turning my attentions to the dogs being judged and you will never believe what I saw….

They were me’s, lots and lots of me dogs! Well I had to stand and watch, it was so exciting and I even got to say hello to a few of the winners up close and personal!

After they had finished the Bassett Fauve de Bretagne puppy class I thought it was time I headed back to the stand and supervised David some more. I had such a lovely day and got to make lots of new doggie friends, I also managed to carry out a full assessment of David and he does an OK job so look out for him at future shows.

My first blog!

Basil — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:05:08 +0000

Hello how lovely to meet you!

My name is Basil and you will probably recognise me as one of the two faces of Harringtons Dog food. I am clearly the more cultured of the two and so have decided to nominate myself as the ‘voice of Harringtons’ making it my job to keep you updated about the life of a famous pooch.

At the office

My credentials are:

Name: Basil

Age: 4 (Born June 2007)

Breed: Basset Fauve De Bretagne (A French Breed) but born in South Yorkshire.

I live and work in Yorkshire, but I have some French blood in my veins from a distant relative (my mothers’ grandmother I think), and I am sure it is the French blood coursing to my veins that has led to my refined pallet.

Although I am famous, a hard days work is not beneath me and I spend most of my days at the office ensuring that everything that leaves the factory with my face on it is of the highest standard! A responsibility that I do not take lightly!

When I come to the office I have a very strict routine, starting with a tour of the office before a quick snooze under a desk, I don’t have a favourite spot and share my affections equally around each of the office staff.

I appreciate for a first blog this is rather short and sweet (a bit like me) but I have to hurry home and pack. Harringtons is being launched on the Canadian market as we speak and as I know there are discussions in Canada next week they will obviously need my input.

Now where did I put my dark glasses …..?(Just incase)