Howdy and Co.

Some old dear friends, passing through, stayed with us last night and gave our guest area, otherwise known as my office, a particularly good test. That's because they brought their dog, a Labradoodle named Howdy, and he spent the night up there with them, navigating our narrow steep staircase with aplomb.

Howdy is a Labrador crossed with a poodle, the offspring of which is crossed again with a poodle. The resulting pup bears a designation involving letters and numbers, but the reality is the most adorable big dog you'll ever want to see.

Really big, folks.

He has a Labrador-sized head, with curly fur on it, which makes a truly impressive spectacle. And he is fast. He had many opportunities to indulge his speed, as we have a considerable assortment of lethargic rabbits and squirrels who have grown lazy under the disinterested gaze of Bronte.

When he wasn't out chasing these creatures, he made sure to keep an eagle eye out for any interlopers who might dare to trespass. We thought he looked just like a boy in a dog suit. Click on the images to see why.