It's a Dog's Life: Why So Much Sport?

Tuesday, 6 August 2024 08:00

By Teddy (via Helen Stockton)

This year’s summer of sport has been a testing time for Teddy! His human translator, Helen Stockton explains why

Well, if you don’t like sport, I’m guessing you’ve had a bit of a grim summer! First, we had the Euros, when the whole nation was gripped by football fever, and every person, regardless of their knowledge about the sport, became an armchair pundit, shouting advice at the TV. Or was that just our household?

Then we had Wimbledon, and the usual preoccupation with the British hopefuls. Andy Murray always gets our support as he owns Border Terriers, which naturally shows that he is a sportsman of discernment and good taste. Then there’s the Olympics in Paris. The good thing about them is that we are not reliant on the performance of one individual or team. If a particular competition doesn’t go quite as well as hoped, there is always another.

And there are such a wide variety of sports that there is bound to be something for everyone. This year there is Breaking for the first time. This isn’t, as we first feared, ‘Her Indoors’ being extra clumsy in the crockery cupboard, but a kind of urban dance that involves acrobatic movements and stylised footwork.

I reckon myself and the apprentice might be in with a chance there. When we play together, we have our own set of rules, which ‘Them Indoors’ haven’t quite fathomed, bless them, but which often leads to us prancing around and fancy paw movements. Gold it is then!

One of the problems ‘Them Indoors’ have with watching sport is that I don’t like balls on the TV. I don’t mind them in real life, in fact I often play with them, but on the TV they are a threat to the wellbeing of my household and need an intense barking at. I also check round the back of the TV, just to make sure they haven’t sneaked into the room. You can’t be too careful.

Football is particularly an issue. I normally have one good bark at the outset, get told off and sent to my bed, then rumble through the proceedings, having another few barking sessions every now and then, when it all gets a bit much. I can often get the apprentice, Bear, joining in too, although I suspect she wouldn’t bother if it was left to her. It adds a certain frisson to the viewing occasion.

Sometimes I get it wrong and bark at things that are spherical but are not actually balls. Balloons, round fruit and veg in cookery shows, men with bald heads, these are all grist to my mill. ‘Them Indoors’ are often left guessing as to what has actually set me off but this is all good mental exercise for them when they are only watching the physical kind.

More from Animals

It's a Dog's Life: Foods are Seasonal, Treats are Perennial

Despite enduring health and weight checks at the vets, Teddy still enjoys a treat when the opportunity arises, as his human interpreter, Helen Stockton explains
It's a Dog's Life: World Animal Day

As autumn approaches, Teddy ruminates on the changing season and his human translator, Helen Stockton, puts it into plain words
It's A Dog's Life: Never Assume...

Teddy reveals that dogs, much like their human companions, are individuals with different likes and dislikes, as explained by human interpreter Helen Stockton
Fostering Happiness at Raystede

Could fostering an animal with Raystede offer the joys of owning a pet without the financial and logistical commitment? Hanna Lindon investigates
It's a Dog's Life: A Partly Political Broadcast

As the nation heads to the polls for the General Election, Teddy ponders the policies he would like to see introduced, as Helen Stockton, his human translator explains...
It's a Dog's Life: Our Hobbies are Not the Same

Hobbies are subjective, what entertains some, may be a bore to others. Teddy ponders on his own interests, as Helen Stockton, his human translator explains
It's a Dog's Life: Our Currency is Biscuits

Teddy explains, through his human interpreter Helen Stockton, that currency transactions are not financial ones made through a bank as far as he is concerned...
It's a Dog's Life: Teddy & the Dragon

Teddy has been musing on the origins of national credentials and that the truth of the matter could be quite different to any literal interpretation, as his human translator Helen Stockton explains
Paws for a Cause

Sussex-based animal charity Raystede has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of animals for over 70 years. Hanna Prince visits its Sussex site to find out more
Kids Zone: Lambing in Spring

Tap into the super cute side of spring with a visit to some frisking newborn lambs, suggests Sara Whatley
It's a Dog's Life: Access Denied

Although he's not allowed everywhere, Teddy tells his human interpreter Helen Stockton that he's actually OK with that
It's a Dog's Life: February is not just for Pancakes

Teddy has discovered that the month of February is far from uneventful – with many special days to recognise and celebrate, as his human interpreter Helen Stockton explains
It's a Dog's Life: Cleaning Up

The annual January household clean up makes Teddy feel a bit anxious. Helen Stockton, his human translator, explains that Teddy isn't the greatest fan of cleanliness
Top 10 Garden Birds to spot in Sussex

Alice Johnson from the RSPB describes some of the species of birds you might see during the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch this January
Top Tips: Keep Your Pets Safe this Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night is just around the corner. A night of fireworks and celebrations, it's fun for us, but not always for our pets.
Advertising Feature: Plan Bee

Advertising Feature: The relationship between bees and humans dates back thousands of years, so its reassuring to know that Carl Slade is making beekeeping easier for both the novice and experienced apiarist; we sent Robert Veitch to meet him.
It’s a Dog’s Life - The Quiet Life

Teddy is looking forward to a chilled out month of rest and relaxation, hopefully with some sunshine to bathe in, as Helen Stockton, his human translator explains.
What should you be looking out for in your Sussex Garden this Summer?

A Sussex garden is not only a place of beauty and tranquility but also a haven for a diverse range of captivating wildlife. We have complied a list of some of the wildlife that you’re most likely to see in your garden this summer:
A Summer of Wildlife at RSPB Pulborough Brooks

Alice Johnson from the RSPB offers her handy guide to spotting beautiful butterflies and wildflowers at this nature reserve within the Arun Valley in West Sussex
RSPCA Young Photographer Awards opens for entries

Budding young photographers are being encouraged to enter the RSPCA’s high-profile national young photography competition which is now celebrating its 33rd year.

It's a Dog's Life: Why So Much Sport?

Share

More from Animals