As I am leaving town for a while I have to leave my much loved Portuguese water dog, Rico. My lovely friends and family have rallied around to look after him for us while we are gone. To help them understand him, and for fun, I summarised his Ayurveic constitution. Like everything in nature the 3 doshas are present, but in Rico as in many of us, there are 2 dominant doshas. He is definitely Kapha/pitta. Have a read.....

I am of average fame and weight (pitta) with large calm eyes (Kapha) and a cute wet nose (Kapha). My teeth are healthy and large (Kapha) and my hair thick and wavy (kapha). I have a nice expansive chest (kapha) and my legs and hips are average and muscular (pitta). I like the warmth although I can overheat easily and need lots to drink (Pitta).

I have a strong yet fussy appetite (Pitta and Kapha) and my favourite taste is sweet (Kapha). I am on a raw food diet mainly, which helps to keep me healthy, consisting of chicken necks, carcasses, gravy beef, bones and biscuits (unfortunately these are more likely to be dog biscuits not gingernuts!)

My digestion is fast (Pitta) and I poo a lot (pitta). When you walk me you need to take 3 plastic bags…yes three!!This is my worse attribute I am told.

I have excessive thirst especially if I have eaten biscuits and need to drink in the night (Pitta). I love to pee in the park marking my spot and can take my time sniffing, marking out my territory (kapha). Talking of walks I love to exercise (pitta) thank goodness otherwise my Kapha would get aggravated and I could be lazy and slouch around eating gingernuts all day (only in my dreams)

I have a lovely nature, very sweet, and my mood is always happy and joyful (kapha). I am a pacifist and would rather make love (if I could) than war. I have a good long term memory and can remember people and places very well (Kapha). I still remember getting mauled by a large dog so am still a little scared, but try not to be too much of a sook. I prefer little dogs now.

 I get very attached to people and tend to follow you around (only because I love you)!  (kapha aggravated).

Finally I love my bed, my special pillow and my teddy (especially my bed). I am a great sleeper, my sleep is sound and prolonged, and I am in no hurry to get up in the morning (kapha).

Well that is me, Rico…..