Dog Days

This weekend was full of of dogs, with a bit of motor racing thrown in for good measure. On Saturday I went round to see my oldest friend and his wife for a farewell dinner. I've known V since he was a spotty first year in halls of residence at university, but a lot of beer has passed under the bridge since then.

He's a big swinging dick (BSD) in the City now but thankfully hasn't become one of those irritating ones you see in bars trumpeting their imaginary self-importance. Mind you, he has had a bit of an ethics bypass, but that's the world of finance for you. His wife R is Spanish and a sweetheart - not least because she makes strong gin and tonics by the pint glass, which is a fast way to my heart.

They breed dogs in their space time so spent most of the night trying to satisfy five small balls of fur with treats and ear rubs. I'm not a huge fan of small fluffy dogs but in their case I'll make an exception. Add into that an excellent meal and fine wines and it was an evening to remember. V is the one person I never take wine for when invited round for dinner - he's a wine buff with a stunningly good cellar and anything I'd buy would have invited good natured ridicule.

Sunday saw me round to R&B’s for Grand Prix day, Monaco this time round and Monaco in the rain, which always makes for an interesting race. Hamilton drove a very skilled, and very lucky, session to clinch the winner’s podium. But the tragedy of the race came near the end. Adrian Sutil from Force India drove a cracking race and was up to fourth when Raikkonen lost it and slammed into the back of him, taking him out. I understand he was in tears later and I’m not surprised – that crash cost his team millions and him the best finish of his career. But he drove a really mature race and I’m sure he’ll be back.

R&B have two dogs, Charlie and Toffee, and it’s always nice to see those two. Charlie’s the Alpha dog and won’t stop barking when you come into the house until he gets the chest rub he sees as his due. Toffee’s a lap dog and likes nothing better then squirming onto you and trying to lick your face. I'll miss them nearly as much as R&B and their two lovely kids - sorry G&S, young adults.

People often say you’re either a dog or cat person. This is rubbish; it’s perfectly possible to be both. Dogs are easy to understand, very affectionate and will put up with a lot, but they are kind of dumb. Cats are beautiful, smart, mostly standoffish and occasionally nasty bastards to small rodents, but you let them get away with it because of the upsides. Few things compare to a happy cat purring away beside you. The ideal house is one with both, so long as they get along.