And they must be barking to ignore our terriers so we’re redressing that by bestowing them the Bobby prize on the 20th National Dog Day.
For canine fans every day is a dog day but today your best mutts might just get a bigger bone, a chewier chew toy..
It transpires that the labrador is the nation’s favourite and that the Scottish terriers, in all their forms, don’t even figure in the top ten.
Which maybe suggests that we invite the world to join us at the paws of one devoted Skye Terrier Greyfriars Bobby.
Bobby on a pedestal
Well, everyone who lives in, or around, Edinburgh does.
And we will today when another of our American cousins visits and asks us to take us to Edinburghers’ favourite spots.
We fully expect them to be just as entranced as Walt Disney was when he heard of the faithful companion.
Who would return nightly to sleep on the grave of his crofter master and who is now buried next to him.
A neighbour’s best friend
As odd as it may seem, not everyone is a doggie person which is why my Dear Old Dad never found room for a basket at home.
Although one summer in my Mum’s heartland of Co. Donegal we came close with our guest house’s pet, Welsh Corgi Dinky.
Of course, as we all know, a dog is not just for Christmas…
All that walking and making plans for them when I travel the world.
Which is why we dote instead on our feted next door neighbour Royalist Roy’s Scottish Terrier Hamish.
Lottie dottie about dogs
Not that we would want to put dog lovers off holidaying with their pooch pals.
It certainly hasn’t with my old friend from the American Travel Fair, IPW, Lottie Gross.
Who has carved out a niche for herself with her 365 things to do with your dog in the UK and Ireland.
Which Amazon describes as mapping..
‘The rugged countryside of Ireland to the beaches of Cornwall, Kent and the Scottish Highlands.
‘Plus castles, country houses and cracking walks to be had in between.
‘With the long list of brilliant activities accompanied by essential practical information for dog owners.
‘Such as local bylaws, rules for dogs, wildlife to be aware of, safety tips, solo travel with dogs, activities with reactive dogs, and accessible dog days out.’
Take her lead
Lottie, as anybody who meets her quickly discovers, is clearly dottie about doggies.
And a fantastic award-winning travel writer and editor to boot.
For me today I will pay pilgrimage to my favourite dog in the world.
Who will always get my Bobby prize on National Dog Day.