Monday 7 September 2009

I don't like trains anymore.....

Well as if being dropped on the road last week wasn't bad enough!

I went down to England with Gail this weekend, to visit her lovely parents. We travelled, as usual by train.

I am never ever ever ever ever going on the train, ever again. Got that? Not ever.

Have you any idea how frightening it is to be stuck on a train for ages and ages when you're just a little chap, and you don't know why the train is taking much longer than it should, and you can't walk up and down the carriage because it's too crowded and people keep stepping on you, and knocking your head with their suitcases? So you start barking to let everyone know you're REALLY fed up, and you can't go for a pee because a train counts as 'indoors', and it's so noisy, and you can tell that everyone else is in a bad mood too, and people are saying nasty things about you because they just don't understand how upset a dog might be feeling....

Do I sound traumatized? Well I still am, a day later, simply thinking about it. Our 6 hour journey to Nottingham took almost double that, both there and back, and PLEASE don't give me all those excuses about floods on the line and signal failures, I don't want to hear them.

I hereby withdraw my application to be special canine ambassador for Scotland, until SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING ABOUT THE TRAINS.

I am so pleased to be back in Aberdeen. And I must say that it was nice to find these beautiful flowers and a card from Yvonne waiting for me on the kitchen table. Well, Gail seems to like them anyway (I confess I would have preferred some liver, or a bone perhaps....)

Oh, and I'm happy to report that my paw is feeling totally fine again now.

12 comments:

Stella said...

Hi Hamish!

I was worried about you and your leg/paw. So glad to hear its fine.
Now I am sure lots of peoples were complaining about the train, but were not used to dog complaints! So how was the middle part of the trip, the part where you got to visit your grandparents?

I am glad you are home safely!

Kisses,
Stella

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

We've never traveled by train before and now we don't think we want to. We're glad you are home safe and sound and your foot is feeling betterh.

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Java

Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie said...

Oh poor dear Hamish. Sounds like a total nightmare for you. I probably would have liked to take a chomp out of one of those rude hoomans legs for clobbering you on the head with a suitcase! I back you in whatever decision you make to withdraw your name from canine ambassadorship.
Your Onetime Squeeze, BabyRocketDog

Sounds like a dreadful trip to me too. I'd have made my doody on the floor of the train in protest!
WelshieHugs, Hootie

Two French Bulldogs said...

Hi new friend
You are a cutie. We came across your paw prints some how. Sounds like you had an adventure!
Benny & Lily

the magic sleigh said...

Wooos Hamish! I am so sorry, I have never traveled by train before, but it sounds awful! Yuck! I don't like really long car rides, I had 4 hours in a car today, I kept sighing and whining for Mom to get us home faster....
I hope you had fun when you finally arrived!
-Kira The BeaWootiful

Rufus and Indie said...

Hi Hamish!
We are so happy to hear you're OK now!
I think you're right: trains should have more respect for dogs!
The flowers are so beautiful!
Kisses
Rufus and Indie

Sally Ann and Andy said...

Dear Hamish,
I'm sorry your train ride wasn't well. I've never ridden on a train, but I can't imagine it is any fun, according to what you had to go through. Perhaps, if the people want to travel again, you might get ride on an airplane. Doggies under 20 pounds can ride in the people part of the airplane in America. So, if the rules are the same in the UK, perhaps you can fly next time. Then, you can proudly represent Scotland as the national dog and travel with ease.
Sally Ann

Unknown said...

Ahh, Hamish, I feel your pain. In about 10 days I'll be squished into my carrier, Mom will lie about my weight and I'll be shoved down by her stinky feet on an airplane for a few hours. No peanuts, no complimentary beverage, no movie. No frequent flyer miles. But then when I get out, I will be at the beach, so my sacrifice will all be worth it.

Here's my secret tip for you --- eat something the night before that makes you a bit gassy. Nothing bothers the two-leggeds more than a smelly blue fog rising from your carrier! Blame it on the dog, we dare you!

Your pal,

Petey

P.S. Next trip, just ask Eric to drive up in his red Zoomer!

ScrapsofMe said...

I think you need one of these stroller thingys. It would get you up off the floor so your feetsies and tail are safe. You'd look good in red:

http://www.discountramps.com/cheap-dog-stroller.htm

It's about time Yvonne made nice with you, but we agree, should have included a nice treaty for you.

Bonnie n Puffers

Maxmom said...

Hey there Hamish

It sounds like you have been in the wars! Im glad to hear that your paw is better though.
We are also sorry to hear about that horrible train trip. I haven't been on a train myself, but I can just imagine it. Sometimes though, car trips can be just the same...especially for an old dog.
At least now that you are home you can demand some nice treats and get back to sleeping in that couch of yours.

We love you! Lots of licks
MAXDOG IN SOUTH AFRICA

Martha said...

Och Hamish, this is terrible! We will write to British Rail immediately - you should not have to endure such a long trip on a crowded train with no toilet facilities - and with grumpy humans!
We hope Gail's parents spoiled you rotten to compensate for your journey.
We are glad your paw is better now. We just loved the very pretty card with the Westies on when you got home........the flowers were nice too but as you say a bone would have been more appealing!
love
Martha & Bailey xxxx

TwoSpecialWires said...

Oh, Hamish. We are so sorry your train experience was so rotten. If we'd known, our people coulda given you some advice. In case you ever try it again, just pretend you don't speak the language (Moma didn't) and break the rules and shrug your shoulders. It worked for her and the Girl. (Something about a hole in the floor and a stopped on the tracks train... we're not sure of the details.)

Anyhow, rest, ole chap. With some liver.
Love,
Jake and Fergi xxoo