I was walking with Ben along the Shropshire Union Canal today and a jogger stopped to ask about Ben, he thought he was a Wolfhound so I put him right. He was a Sgt. Major from the Irish Guards base nearby at at Tern Hill whick is only a mile from my home. He invited me to take Ben along to the base one day and for him to meet the Guards and also Merlin their Wolfhound Mascot.

Seems Merlin has a good life, he wanders over the base all day (when not sleeping) and visits all and sundry. He is actually in the army and holds rank of lieutenant together with an army number, he's on the payroll and earns a good wage, for a dog, which pays for his food and grooming.

So as soon as we can, off we will trundle to meet Mervin and the Irish guards.

Bring your camera

What a fab opportunity Robb As Ironstone says - take your camera and post the pics on here. Would love to see them. Ben must be on his best behaviour or he may be thrown in the cooler

How exciting Robb, come on we are waiting to see the photo's! Make sure that Ben does not get any ideas and join up on the quiet

How exciting Robb, come on we are waiting to see the photo's! Make sure that Ben does not get any ideas and join up on the quiet

Hello Rob,

Very interesting.
Send us please after the visit more information.


Best regards
Joerg and Yoki

houndy wrote:


Its Ben's behaviour that I'm worried about.

I'll try to get up there next week and take some pics if security considerations don't prevent me. It is an Army base and I'm not sure if taking pictures will be welcomed. Either way I'll give an update after the event.

What a fantastic opportunity! I'm sure schmacko's or pig ears will go down well with Merlin. Army food isn't that great. Lets hope Merlin doesn't pull rank....

How cool! Looking forward to some pics

Hi Robb - has Ben had his visit to the army base yet?

No not yet Trisha, I've been very busy unfortunately. I'll try to go there as soon as I can. Will update you as when I've been.

C'mon man,there's folks on here need to know,and plenty to polish and paint in the army...