Snarg.

As I said, I’m not one for raucous birthdays so the aftermath is pretty tame. With that in mind, a lazy, pathetic dog, a chocolate pudding and a shitload of washing up.

I’ve switched to my 50mm for a little while. Thinking about selling the 24-70 and getting a 35mm prime – it’s like £1000 just sat in my camera bag most of the time. Seems such a waste.

I have to leave him in his crate on his own. I haven’t felt this bad in so long, even though I know it’s for his own good.

Been teaching Sudo that not every ball is his, and that he’s only allowed to go for it when he’s told. He’s not perfect yet, but he’s much better and just so damn cute when trying to restrain himself.

I’ve started having Sudo up with me whilst I work. It’s completely changed his behaviour – he’s a lot more chilled out most of the time now, and he’s really good company. I thought he’d be super annoying, but he sits quietly waiting for strokes and occasionally chases Amelie. So proud of this dog and all the praise he gets from strangers!

Amelie told me (through the medium of being a cat slag) that she’s sick of all these little cats and dogs having their photo taken. Why not her?! She can be just as cute as any of those other things (her words, not mine).

Yes, I am one of those people who talks to animals. And plants. And computers. And furniture. And food. Working from home can be lonely.

Artie, Benjie and Jem’s kittens are around 3 weeks old now. There’s loads of images, so hit the drop for more. They’re very cute, but not very willing to have a photo taken!

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Sudo has a girlfriend. She’s really helping him with his confidence with other dogs, which is quite comforting. He’s still very subservient with other dogs (including her – he spends most of his time getting bowled over!) but he plays a lot and seems to enjoy it and that’s all I care about.

Action shots are not my forté so these aren’t great, but you can tell how much fun they have.

Shoes are functional. They go on your feet and make it easier to walk on rough surfaces. I used to love shoes, but vegetarianism destroyed that for me. There are basically no mildly attractive shoes that don’t use leather or suede and don’t grind up horses to attach soles. It’s annoying. I used to love my green nikes, but Nike don’t make a single animal-friendly shoe. I once tried to find a pair of Orchid Kevin Porters, but he stopped riding for Orchid so they don’t make a vegan shoe any more. I now go for anything that’s canvas and looks like the sole is vulcanised. I normally end up with converse.

Take all of the above, and limit your choice to size 2.5 – 3 (UK) and you’ve got how annoying it is to buy shoes for Charlotte.

Update: So I’ve been informed by Henry at Vegan Kicks that Nike uses animal-friendly glue and synthetic leather in a lot of their shoes, so I’ve got to keep my eye open and do better research in future! Thanks Henry!