Dog-tired.

The phrase dog-tired, according to Wiktionary, is an old English phrase that derives from an old tale of Alfred the Great who, apparently, used to send his sons out with his extensive kennels of hunting dogs. Whichever of his sons, be it Athelbrod or Edwin, were able to catch more of the hounds would gain their father's right hand side at the dinner table that evening. These chases would leave them 'dog-tired' yet merry at their victory.

Well, a few people were quite merry today in Kinghorn as the the band played, the beer flowed and the sun shone and with some it had obviously taken its toll. These cannot truthfully be described as hunting dogs – unless it's ferrets your after – but I suppose things have to be scaled down in these days of austerity.

Perhaps we should just let sleeping owners lie-in.

Song.