On Easter morning Dave (my dog), never an early riser, surprised me by whining and jumping around my bed at the crack of dawn. I was spending the weekend in our holiday home in Cornwall. After working long hours and travelling across the country for what seemed like days, I had no plans for the weekend, other than binge sleeping or napping or snoozing — all with equal enthusiasm!

Soon I saw the cause of her excitement as a Dave-sized Easter bunny materialised by my side.

Not being very susceptible to my attempts at reasoning, Dave was convinced that the Bunny is meant for her: I argued that chocolate could be deadly for dogs but it seemed she preferred to leave this world with a bang — by munching on a chocolate rabbit as big as herself.

It was way too early for me to turn into a responsible figure of authority but I had to separate Dave and the Bunny by putting them into different rooms.

Sulking Dave.

My Easter tulips.

I needed to make it up to Dave so I dressed her in a warm hoodie and took her for a walk down to Carbis Bay. The weather was quite nippy but after spending weeks in the concrete-and-glass jungle of London, this view provided most nurturing relief.

If there is one thing this dog has learnt in nearly 9 years of her life, it is how to pose for photos.

And twirl.

As usual, we got carried away with our photoshoot and failed to notice how tides creeped up…

knocked us off our feet and got us very wet.

To minimise Dave’s discomfort, her hoodie was removed.

One naked Dave.

It was decided to head to a local pub where we could dry by the fire and have a traditional roast lunch.

Suede boots and big waves are never the smartest combination.

Despite embracing my recently-acquired Britishness in every possible way, I am yet to learn how ‘to down a pint in a pub’ — or to have a sip of beer, for starters. I toyed with an idea of having some cider…

but settled for some lemonade instead.

Enough lunch to feed an army!

Well-fed and happy.

After a few hours of eating, reading, and chatting, it was time to leave Dave at home and see what the locale offers in terms of entertainment.

The Croods! A great family slapstick full of giggles and heart-warming moments.

It was late when we returned home but as ever, Dave was waiting by the window anxiously.

Tell me how you spent your Easter, I’d love to read your stories.