This is a rare story where we were just bystanders! But it still makes us laugh every time we think of it.

For a few years, the family we camp with, the Parretts, had two dogs. A springer spaniel and a border collie. They were both energetic and loved to go for a walk in the woods. Once in the woods they would disappear into the overgrowth and gambol around, having the happiest time! Then, when they got back, it would be time to brush the dogs out and remove the tics!

Although, Sean and I tried to take them for a walk once, and as soon as we took off their leads for them to run around the woods, they turned and ran back to the campsite! Clearly, they didn’t feel we were trustworthy enough!

Anyway, Sarah arrived back from a walk one day and gave both leads to Adam as he sat in his camp chair and began to brush them out. She got a plastic cup to put the tics in. There was a surprising number.

The dogs, meanwhile, were not particularly impressed with being brushed and so were moving around, tangling around Adam as he tried to control them! It was an amusing spectator sport!

Adam, being incapacitated couldn’t get up when one of the children needed help. Sarah had to leave Adam with the tic cup and dogs.

So with the tic cup in one hand and the two leads in the other, he really had his hands full. So when he saw the tics climbing up the sides of the cup. He panicked they might escape and get on him! Adam decided to blow them back in! Big mistake! The tics flew up and filled Adam’s beard!

At this, Adam leapt up, yelling, the dogs started jumping, and we all doubled up laughing as he swatted at his face, calling for Sarah to come to the rescue!

Just a mention of the ‘tic cup’ causes laughter!