Ailsa took several weeks off work after Christmas which was good because it was very hot which she does not like and we have air conditioning at home so it is cool. Of course, this meant we could play a lot but because it was so hot we had to go to the dog club at 5.30am every morning to play ball – I thought we would be the only ones there but there were more people and dogs there. I have a new friend now, his name is Mungo and he is a golden retriever – he is a safe friend to have because he is not interested in Ailsa or balls. After the club we went to collect our post and some fresh bread and then we went home and did not go out again.

At the end of January we went to sheepdog school again – gosh it was hot – I thought Ailsa might melt. We sat under a tent gazebo and Ailsa was really pleased with me because there were four dogs under that tent and we all ignored each other – that is because it was so hot. I am definitely improving with the sheep as well – Brad said I have improved out of sight.

At the beginning of February Ailsa went away for a few days to Sydney – she went to pick up Jetske, a friend from Botswana. Erika who helps keep the house clean because Ailsa is really bad at housework moved into our house to keep me company. It was really nice having Erika there all the time – when I first arrived she and I were scared of each other but now we are really good friends and play together a lot. Jetske stayed with us for a week and we showed her lots of things around Canberra – I think she was surprised, particularly when she saw a kangaroo hopping down a main road. She lives in Africa and she told us stories about lions and monkeys and elephants – I’d like to see where she lives but Ailsa says it is too far to go on the plane. While she was here we took her to a sheepdog school with Bernard from New Zealand – it was hard to concentrate on the sheep because I had to look after Jetske as well and keep her in sight, after all she was a guest. At least she got to take some photos of me with the sheep to show her family in Africa. I really missed her when she left, I hope she comes back again and brings her husband Peter as well.

The weekend after she left we went to another sheepdog school with Robert and this time there was only Robert because all the other teachers had gone to sheepdog trials. It was good working with Robert again and I think he was pleased with my progress. On the way home we stopped and had ice cream at the shop – the woman was surprised when Ailsa asked her to put mine straight in my bowl – anyone would think she had never seen a dog enjoying an ice cream before. She was even more surprised when Ailsa put liver sprinkles on mine but I like it better than that sticky topping humans like.

Then, a week later it was my birthday. I had a really good day, lots of playing, chicken sausages for breakfast, a nice big ice cream and my favourite roast chicken for dinner. I got lots of presents too – more balls and a very smart new red collar with my name and phone number embroidered on it in blue.

Next time I will tell you more about my progress at sheepdog school.