The New Kid on the Block

I thought I'd waffle on about dogs today, man's best friend and all that.  We love dogs and do try to be welcoming to all our four-legged visitors although we do ask they remain outside whilst we are serving lunches (12 noon till 2.30pm) with, of course, the exception of assistance dogs. Minky from the big house knows where the treats are kept (in my pocket) and she's not afraid to ask for one.

Lexie

Butler (left) and Mazey

Lexie (our youngest and most demanding) would, if she could speak, tell everyone her dad has got a cafe.  She loves it at Renishaw, she snuffles round under the tables outside looking for the smallest dropped crumb - doggy heaven.  She's known to us as the Lexie Ness Monster as she often will swim the length of the big lake at Renishaw, for some perverse reason known only to herself, she loves to swim through water lilies and will often swim round in circles in a patch of them. Very odd! Mazey has been on duty at the kennel seen from the cafe window for 14 seasons (just as many as Adrian), she's 14 today, old, senile and extremely smelly. Even Butler, our occasional house guest, loves it at Renishaw.

Last March we were lucky enough to be asked to work in the hall for a weekend when the staff were on holiday. It was great fun, a little 'Upstairs Downstairs' but thankfully we had the guidance of the Caretaker/Butler. The dogs love to lay in front of the range in the kitchen and are very reluctant to move. Pictured is Adrian cooking dinner for 6 without disturbing the residents (front to back: Humphrey, Hector who sadly died last month and Minky).

When Lady Sitwell acquired Sophie I didn't think little dogs could get much cuter, but it turns out I was wrong.  On Sunday I was introduced to what has to be the cutest little dog EVER. Alexandra appeared in the cafe with a wire-haired daschund sat in her handbag. Only 11 weeks old and at the time without a name, the new kid on the block even managed an "aah" and a smile from Adrian.  Of course when I asked for one, the answer was a resounding "NO". No amount of "please can I, please can I, please can I" would melt him.

Of course not everyone is a doggy fan so I apologise to those amongst you and thank you for your forebearance.

Hope to see you soon.
Lou x