CAP'S CAL MAC CRUISE

Anyone who knows Cap, our foxy-faced little collie, surely must realize he is one of the most intelligent dogs around. This was borne out by his adventures last Spring when he decided to embark on a Cal Mac cruise. This might not qualify him to be the most intelligent dog around if it were not for the fact that his cruise was totally free, and he was thoroughly pampered and cosseted as well.

I was away at the time and the first I knew of Cap's epic voyage was when I was returning to Coll. As I ascended the gangplank, tired and laden down with suitcases I was asked by the night watchman if I might recognise a Coll dog which had strayed aboard two days earlier. Not really convinced I would, I told him I would try.

An iron door was opened and to my amazement a small foxy nose pointed out, and a delighted Cap emerged to bounce up and down around me.

Cap had been working with Neil Galbraith who had taken him down to the pier one morning to fetch fencing stobs. Cap, having got bored with watching Neil move fencing stobs decided to go to the end of the pier where he met up with the school children going aboard the Lord of the Isles. Joining them was a pleasure for him as he regards human friendship second only to sheep work. Once on board he belonged to no one, and the gangplank was up and the boat away from the pier before anyone questioned who was responsible for him.

In the meantime, the unfortunate Neil tramped the hills for two days, calling for him and no doubt cursing the wretched dog for hiding.

Cap spent two happy days on the boat, the crew told me. He had a nice walk on the Lochboisdale pier: of particular interest were the bases of the lamps. He lived off Cal Mac sausage suppers, a great deal more tasty one would imagine than boring old dog meal. He greeted with delight and pleasure anyone who cared to talk to him, and altogether had a most interesting and amusing time.

I took him down the gangplank with me when the boat docked on Coll, to find him trotting up it again as soon as my back was turned. Perhaps Cal Mac should advertise dog cruises? They could be very popular.