As the front door is eased open, the slightest tinkle of Buddy’s dog tag is enough to trigger his sworn enemy who lives across the street, behind a house and in a soundproof kennel.
It’s a fair distance, so sharp ears must be holding a mighty grudge; in a way the barking is quite comforting.
The shattered silence means we’re on the road, running. Before long, we pass the milkman, the Puppet theatre, and pad on through the gates at Kirklee into the Botanic gardens.
There’s a gentle peacefulness about the park, an absence of people, no rumble of traffic, the stillness broken by a variety of bird sounds echoing from the Kelvin.
Steps must be navigated to catch the river, which is good for man and beast. It gets the blood pumping and the small dog out of breath, which is beneficial for his heart, and mine. We both need to keep the old ticker in shape.
The park takes in some of Glasgow’s finest buildings, the Kibble Palace, Òran Mór perched at the top of Byres road and the old Rio Stakis hotel flanking Great Western road, and just beyond the trees, on Queen Margaret drive, what used to be the BBC studios.
A bench has been covered in colourful knitwear, so taking its place alongside those buildings as a landmark of interest.
Back home, creeping up the path, Buddy’s name plate lets him down badly again; the always on duty sentry lets out his best ‘I know you're back’ howl.
Humanity may be awake, but they’ve only just stretched, buttered the toast and poured the coffee.
Another day of lockdown lies ahead. The terrier yelps painfully when the lead is slipped over his head. That looks nasty, Buddy, the swelling.
What on earth have you done to your jaw?
* Keep up with Buddy and Ronnie as they sample Glasgow's 'Park Life' during lockdown.
