Adventures of Humphrey

December 28, 2025

**28th December – A Lazy Day, Muddy Friends & French Attitudes**

After another successful **night shift** guarding the hoomans, we all agreed a lazy morning was absolutely necessary. We stayed on the sofa until lunchtime, which suited me perfectly as my leg was still a bit sore. Healing is very important, and I take it seriously.

Eventually, we dragged ourselves out of the apartment. It was **much warmer today**, which instantly lifted my spirits. I strutted through the streets like a happy pooch who knew exactly how handsome he

looked.

Our first stop was **Notre Dame Cathedral in Lille**. As usual, I wasn’t allowed inside—apparently my paws are *still* not holy enough. Honestly. I waited patiently outside in a lovely sun trap and watched another dog below playing fetch, which helped pass the time. I didn’t even mind being left out for once.

Next stop: **a dog park**. I could hardly believe my luck. Sadly, Dad announced there would be *no fetch* because of my sore leg. Rude. But then—*miracle of miracles*—a **French Australian Shepherd** arrived. He was seven months old, and we became best friends instantly.

We charged around, wrestled, and forgot all about sore legs. He had an excellent party trick: running at full speed straight toward the

hoomans and covering them in mud. Absolute legend. We took turns chasing each other and generally causing chaos. Best day ever. The hoomans, for some reason, were not impressed.

When it was time to leave, I refused to cooperate. Unfortunately, the hoomans insisted we go back and get cleaned up. It was *only* a bit of mud—honestly, no need to be so dramatic.

Once everyone was cleaned, we headed back out for **mulled wine** (again), then stopped at a pub for another drink. The place was busy and cramped, but we managed to get a table upstairs. I was very grateful for the warmth. I made friends with most of the locals, though the table beside us clearly weren’t dog people—they looked at me like I was a common street mutt. *Pah.* I am a pedigree and a truly beautiful specimen.

We went for a short walk afterwards. Dad gave some change to a homeless man with his street dog, and that dog had the nerve to bark at me. Honestly—so rude. You could have bought a treat with that money.

By then, we were all tired, so we headed back to the apartment. The hoomans had takeaway while I snuggled on the sofa, drifting off to sleep dreaming of my muddy new best friend and our excellent teamwork.