life is more fun with a dog

Today Penny and I went for a ride on a train. Normally I'm so bored on the train that I sleep, but it was quite a different experience with Penny along. She brought a whole new dimension to the trip, in her reaction to the rumbling and squeaking of the wheels, the tilting and swaying of the floor and the movements to and fro of the other passengers. She enjoyed looking down the corridor between the seats, checking out whether any of the passengers might be friendly. (They weren't.)





I originally set off to walk to the station with my sister, who was going to town, but then I thought Penny might as well experience train travel for the second time in her life. (Her first trip was when she was about nine weeks old.) So we went as far as Clifton Hill, half-way to the city, and then hurried under the subway to catch the homeward-bound train that was waiting at the opposite platform.

If only Penny hadn't stopped to sniff that pole... We missed the train by ten seconds.

However, there was an interesting-looking small park nearby, so we explored that. It was dog-friendly, and had a sign to let us know where Penny could be off-lead,and there was also a special dog-bowl under the drinking tap - very much appreciated, as the day had turned quite warm.

After a quiet walk we hurried back to the station, only to miss the next train by a few seconds. The station master, having seen us rush in twice, suggested that we not go too far away this time, so we waited in the cool tunnel of the subway.

On the return trip the train was less crowded and a couple of young students sat near us. One of them wiggled just one finger at Penny, which of course she took to be an enthusiastic invitation to go across to see him. He was surprised and shrank back from her - apparently not from a dog-owning family. But he seemed okay when I told him she is just friendly.

It was interesting to see that eventually she relaxed enough to lie down. Of course, we arrived at our station as soon as she did that - but I think she'll be more inclined to enjoy our next trip. I'm glad that in Melbourne dogs are allowed on trains. I've heard that they are banned in Sydney trains.