Yesterday saw me excitedly driving to my Veterinary Surgery to pick up Betty's and Barney's Passports. Some of you will remember that I'm taking them to France with me for our Summer holiday. We've booked our Eurotunnel passage and have been told to turn up at least an hour early to let the DEFRA staff check the paperwork before our crossing. Does anyone travel with their dog(s) regularly on Eurotunnel/Ferry/Aeroplane and do you have any handy hints and tips for a smooth journey? I imagine we'll look like The Waltons with 6 adults, 6 children and 3 dogs travelling in a three-car convoy.

While grooming Barney over the past week I have noticed that the hair at the tail end of his back had changed texture. It seemed very greasy and much more coarse than normal, it also appeared to be shedding more hair (if that is possible) than the rest of his coat. While our wonderul Vet was checking their micro-chips and finalising the passports I asked her about this.

Apparently it's an early indicator of a condition known as 'Stud Tail' and it can be caused by excessive testosterone which may lead to baldness at the base of the tail! I felt one bald male in our house was enough (sorry hubby) and asked if she could suggest any treatment to prevent this happening. The short answer was, "Castration". Too late for my husband but the right time for Barney who is 18 months old now.  We had been talking about when to get him 'done' so Stud Tail has made the decision for us. He is booked in for the surgery tomorrow.

I watched him rolling in the long grass this morning, drying off after a dip in the local stream, full of the joy of being dirty and wet outdoors. My eyes were drawn to what won't be there in 24 hours and I thought it best not to tell him what we have planned. No point worrying my poor boy and I'm sure he'd want to opt for the balding tail. I'll let you know how he gets on.