Monday, October 22, 2012

No labour on Labour Day


Today is public holiday (a.k.a. day off work) in New Zealand called “Labour Day” so first a little bit of history…
“Labour Day commemorates the struggle for an eight-hour working day. New Zealand workers were among the first in the world to claim this right when, in 1840, the carpenter Samuel Parnell won an eight-hour day in Wellington. Labour Day was first celebrated in New Zealand on 28 October 1890, when several thousand trade union members and supporters attended parades in the main centres. Government employees were given the day off to attend the parades and many businesses closed for at least part of the day.” (source http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/labour-day )
It is our only public holiday until Christmas Day. Labour Day (spelt with a "u" in this part of the world) signals the start of summer. Many New Zealanders go away for the “three day weekend” or stay home and catch up on chores around their house and garden. It is traditionally the time to plant tomato seedlings, as the winter frosts should be over.
Now I’ve been thinking that I work more than an eight hour day. I spend my time cleaning food bowls, getting my humans to exercise, getting my humans to open doors, following them around the house, greeting the neighbours, checking on the neighbourhood cats, sniffing around the property, educating young Enzo in doggie ways, wrestling with Enzo (to show him who is really top dog!), depositing fur around my estate, posing for cute photo opportunities, fetching things and moving my toys around the house. I bark at strange cats, I bark at strange cars and I bark sometimes just for joy. I make strange noises when I stand at the front door and put paw prints over the floor boards. I train my human to think she is training me, and so far I have taught her how often to give me extra food. I retrieve balls; I lie on my back and allow her to feel relaxed (as she passes a brush through my fur), and I make her smile. I follow her around; lie on her feet (to keep her feet warm) as she writes my blog.  I accompany her in our car, and if she goes out without me I always eagerly great her when she returns home. I know I work more than eight hours each day, so today I think I will do this all day and I'll see if she notices!
 
Woofs,
Riley

10 comments:

Molly the Airedale said...

You're a very hard worker, Riley! You definitely deserve a rest today.

Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly

Anonymous said...

Definitely take it easy today!!! Enjoy it!

Ranger said...

Good-day Riley,
Happy Labor Day! You do work hard and deserve a day off. You also made me BOL today so I am giving you my BOL Award. Send me your email address so I can give you the BOL Award.
Chow,
Ranger

Pees. It is so sad that you do not have anymore holidays until Christmas. We have loads here and I do love a good holiday.

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

In the U. S. A. we celebrate Labor Day in September.

Now here is what I (Frankie Furter) think about this whole thingy.. YES we DO work a LOT longer and harder than our peeps... butt we are SMARTER and WE Pace our work schedule with a Nap here and there.

BUTT I say... HooRay fur the ones who understood that PEEPS needed a shorter work day and WEEK... beclaws they just are NOT up to OUR standards and Methods.

How Sam Sees It said...

You have definitely earned some rest!

Sam

Jacqueline said...

We know you work hard, sweetie and are hope you enjoy a relaxing day!!...We hope you handsome boys are happy and well!...Thank you for your sweet comments in the last few months while Mom has been gone...Happy week ahead, lovely friends...xoxo...Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat, Daddy Cat

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Howdy Riley, gosh you are a hard worker. You deserve a Labour Day holiday. You just have to get your mum and dad to share the couch with you and Enzo. Enjoy your day mates. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

IRIS E DONA said...

You are such a hard worker !! enjoy your holiday !

Kisses
Iris

WFT Nobby said...

I too feel that I work a more than 40 hour week. Is there a union we can join?
Toodle pip!
Bertie.

Berts Blog said...

At first I thought, "how True this is, maybe we should have a national Dogs day" to celbrate our wonderfulness, but then I thought, if we let them get away with One Day a year of greatfulness, then they might ease off on the other 364.

So yes it is true, you and I and all our other friends work very hard. Lets push for a "everyday of the year as Dogs Day"