I can't believe its almost two months since I last posted! The time has flown in and I've been very pleasantly surprised that business hasn't dropped off as autumn (and winter!) arrived - rather the opposite in fact. Most of our business now is by recommendation which is great - I'm delighted that my clients (human and canine) are so pleased with what we do.
We've had lots of new friends joining us while the originals appear to be "in with the bricks"!! Willow has been back for another visit and again made herself at home. When her mum and dad came to pick her up, she was absolutely filthy but at least it proves she wasn't shut away in a kennel all day! I always tell people at the first consultation visit not to expect their dog to go back to them clean. I don't want to waste time cleaning them up when we could be having fun instead. Luckily all my owners are very good about that - even Holly, mum of Maisy the gold coloured cockapoo doesn't complain too much when she sees the state of her at home time! Maisy now treats bath time as an extension of the fun and leads Holly a merry dance!
Millie and Molly, the Cocker Spaniels, are back for a week while mum and dad jet off to the sun. We have
Milly and Holly, the black labradors, come every week for a play day and go home tired out - can hardly keep their eyes open. Moss and Blue a yellow lab and a black lab, come every week to use up their excess energy.These four love it when Hector the Labradoodle is here and the feeling is mutual - they have great fun together. Its lovely to see all the dogs socialise and make new friends - its how its meant to be in my opinion.
Another new addition is Harley the Cocker Spaniel puppy who has settled in really well and loves to play with the other dogs. A knock on effect of him being with us is that he goes home and teaches Murphy his much older "brother" how to be sociable, something up until now, Murphy wasn't sure about!"
Bailey, a young Springer Spaniel comes to visit and also comes to our training on a Sunday morning - he has come on in leaps and bounds. All credit to Dale the trainer and to Bailey's mum and dad for following through and working hard with him in between. Bailey has a new "sister" a chocolate Lab by the name of Gracie so she will be joining us once she's had her vaccinations.
Daisy, the Westie is a regular visitor now - she is such a character and keeps up with the bigger dogs no problem - definitely gives them a run for their money!
Jaro, the German Shepherd "puppy" appears to grow overnight - he is getting so big, but because he has been with the other dogs since he was a baby, he is so well socialised and plays with them very nicely even though some of them are just the size of his head!
We still have Maisy and Summer every day and again because they have been with us since they were weeks old, they are so sociable when being introduced to the "newbies". They don't know how to behave any other way and soon have even the shiest of dogs playing happily with them! They make my work easy!
Bella the Beagle is here at least twice a week and Scarlet is still with us on a regular basis. Scooby is also here regularly and still makes full use of the pool despite the weather. He was here for a few weeks while his mum and dad were in the States on holiday - they then sprung the surprise when they came back that they had got married in Vegas!
We have many other dogs come and stay with us - too numerous to mention - but all settle in really well and seem to thoroughly enjoy themselves during their stay. Many of them have been back quite a few times since their first visit and always remember us from previous visits. We pack so much into the day, its no wonder they remember us - hopefully in a positive way!
I'm already taking bookings for home boarding into May next year so it looks like next year is going to be as frantic as this year but it is SO MUCH FUN!!
Friday, 2 December 2011
Saturday, 8 October 2011
And Still they Come!
Been very busy - lots of new friends to introduce to, and have fun with, the stalwarts. I've given up the dog walking side of things and am now concentrating on the Day Care and Home Boarding as there just aren't enough hours in the day to walk the Day Care and Home Boarding dogs and do dog walking too.
The Home Boarding side of things continues to be very popular as people jet off to find the sun. They like the idea that the dogs live with us as part of the family and have all the home comforts at night and lots of lovely play with their friends during the day. It certainly works very well and so far we have had no stressed dogs missing their family!
Willow a little Cockapoo we have staying with us just now is case in point - she made herself totally at home from the minute she arrived and gets on like a house on fire with all the dogs she's been introduced to - she's having a whale of a time. She gets herself up onto one of our rocking chairs at night, snuggles into the cushions and watches TV with us until walk and bed time! She sleeps in a cage at home so we have a lovely big crate for her complete with a soft duvet and in she goes at night with not a cheep out of her the whole night.
The walks in the woods just now are a rather muddy experience, although that doesn't deter the dogs from having a great time - they don't mind the mud, it seems, in fact for some of them, the muddier the better.
I thought it would be time to put the paddling pools away until next Spring but I think I would have a mutiny on my hands if I did as the dogs are still making full use of them - fortunately the kitchen floor is flag stones so when they career back into the kitchen from the pool, there's no harm done - apart from a very wet floor!
They've set up circuit training - pool, sandpit, into the kitchen, a race round the kitchen table then straight back out again for a few laps round the courtyard and then a repeat performance. No wonder they all go home tired at night and sleep the sleep of the "innocent"!!
The Home Boarding side of things continues to be very popular as people jet off to find the sun. They like the idea that the dogs live with us as part of the family and have all the home comforts at night and lots of lovely play with their friends during the day. It certainly works very well and so far we have had no stressed dogs missing their family!
Willow a little Cockapoo we have staying with us just now is case in point - she made herself totally at home from the minute she arrived and gets on like a house on fire with all the dogs she's been introduced to - she's having a whale of a time. She gets herself up onto one of our rocking chairs at night, snuggles into the cushions and watches TV with us until walk and bed time! She sleeps in a cage at home so we have a lovely big crate for her complete with a soft duvet and in she goes at night with not a cheep out of her the whole night.
The walks in the woods just now are a rather muddy experience, although that doesn't deter the dogs from having a great time - they don't mind the mud, it seems, in fact for some of them, the muddier the better.
I thought it would be time to put the paddling pools away until next Spring but I think I would have a mutiny on my hands if I did as the dogs are still making full use of them - fortunately the kitchen floor is flag stones so when they career back into the kitchen from the pool, there's no harm done - apart from a very wet floor!
They've set up circuit training - pool, sandpit, into the kitchen, a race round the kitchen table then straight back out again for a few laps round the courtyard and then a repeat performance. No wonder they all go home tired at night and sleep the sleep of the "innocent"!!
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Rain,Rain,Rain
Torrential rain and blowing a hoolie! Can't get any of the dogs to go out - the kitchen and living room is carpeted end to end with dogs all snoring their heads off but it sounds wonderful. We had it dry up until about an hour ago so we've all had great fun.
Jaro is staying tonight and for the next few nights so he will be in the lovely company of Millie and Molly the Cocker Spaniels. I almost sent him packing earlier as he had jumped into the pool and from there into one of the planters which is filled with lovely dark compost - great for digging in! (no flowers though, thanks to the earlier exploits of Maisy and Summer asssisted by Jaro) He looked like nothing on earth with clumps of mud sticking to him everywhere. Fortunately (?!) he then jumped back in the pool so was just soaking wet rather than wet and dirty.
Milly and Holly the black labs are here for day care from yesterday until Saturday and they are getting on great guns with the gang, Hector in particular - they've become "his" girls - they're in love!
Training went well last night until after the first class when Holly had a "blonde moment" and shut Maisy AND the car keys in the car. Maisy proceeded to sit on the keys and activated the central locking. I think it was just a ruse so Maisy could stay here! (Carol Ann had the "bright" idea of trying to get Maisy to jump about in the car to see if she would dance on the keys - that didn't work, Maisy just looked at her as if she was daft - hmmmm!!)Maisy would be more than welcome to stay but Holly ........ well that's something else! Fortunately David, Holly's husband, who was 60 miles away at the time, came to the rescue with the spare set. Unfortunately that meant we had to put up with Holly until later than we anticipated!! Happily Maisy was none the worse of her adventure and settled down for a snooze to recover from the training.
Jaro is staying tonight and for the next few nights so he will be in the lovely company of Millie and Molly the Cocker Spaniels. I almost sent him packing earlier as he had jumped into the pool and from there into one of the planters which is filled with lovely dark compost - great for digging in! (no flowers though, thanks to the earlier exploits of Maisy and Summer asssisted by Jaro) He looked like nothing on earth with clumps of mud sticking to him everywhere. Fortunately (?!) he then jumped back in the pool so was just soaking wet rather than wet and dirty.
Milly and Holly the black labs are here for day care from yesterday until Saturday and they are getting on great guns with the gang, Hector in particular - they've become "his" girls - they're in love!
Training went well last night until after the first class when Holly had a "blonde moment" and shut Maisy AND the car keys in the car. Maisy proceeded to sit on the keys and activated the central locking. I think it was just a ruse so Maisy could stay here! (Carol Ann had the "bright" idea of trying to get Maisy to jump about in the car to see if she would dance on the keys - that didn't work, Maisy just looked at her as if she was daft - hmmmm!!)Maisy would be more than welcome to stay but Holly ........ well that's something else! Fortunately David, Holly's husband, who was 60 miles away at the time, came to the rescue with the spare set. Unfortunately that meant we had to put up with Holly until later than we anticipated!! Happily Maisy was none the worse of her adventure and settled down for a snooze to recover from the training.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Welcome to Flynn the Pomeranian!
Flynn's first day with us and he's already making friends with the others from behind the baby gate, Maisy in particular. She's the type of gal who wants to be friends with everyone and doesn't take "no" for an answer - she can't believe that someone wouldn't want to be her friend, which is great for me and the rest of the "inmates" here at Ayrshire Dog Care. We've got Scooby, Scarlett, Maisy and Poppy here as well as Flynn so he's getting plenty to choose from. (They are all, of course, fully vaccinated and wormed etc.) He's only 8 weeks old and tiny so it will be some time before he is let loose with the rest and as usual, we will take things very slowly. He seems to have settled in really well already in "his" room and at the moment, (and for the near future), he has taken over Summer's garden where he can have some play time outside and lets us get on with his toilet training in peace!
Scooby's already been in the pool this morning (kitchen floor is swimming!) and they are currently playing "tig" around the yard with Poppy watching from a safe distance - wise girl! She is definitely showing much more interest in the other dogs now and sniffs them and lets them sniff her. She also on occasion, joins in their chase games, making sure she is on the edge of the chaos!
Because Flynn is here as a baby he will quickly get used to all that goes on and as we have started his socialisation at this critical early age, I'm sure he will be as "well adjusted" as the rest of them - well adjusted? - that's a matter of opinion I hear some of you say!
Summer's on holiday, yet again so he won't meet her until Monday.
I'll forgive Carol-Ann for taking her away as she brought us up a home made curry on Monday night. I was desperate to get stuck into it that night but we had training on and by the time Dale and Nat went home, I felt it was a bit late for that!! Please bear that in mind in the future, you McLellands!! (Only joking - I enjoy our cuppa and "post mortems"!)
The curry was out of this world - we had some last night with enough for tonight too - dinner sorted -curry's always better the second night! I think CA thought she was feeding 20 and not two - very welcome though and don't be tempted to cut back on the portions next time (hint! hint!).
We are all settleing down for a snooze now so its time to put the kettle on before the fun and games start again.
Scooby's already been in the pool this morning (kitchen floor is swimming!) and they are currently playing "tig" around the yard with Poppy watching from a safe distance - wise girl! She is definitely showing much more interest in the other dogs now and sniffs them and lets them sniff her. She also on occasion, joins in their chase games, making sure she is on the edge of the chaos!
Because Flynn is here as a baby he will quickly get used to all that goes on and as we have started his socialisation at this critical early age, I'm sure he will be as "well adjusted" as the rest of them - well adjusted? - that's a matter of opinion I hear some of you say!
Summer's on holiday, yet again so he won't meet her until Monday.
I'll forgive Carol-Ann for taking her away as she brought us up a home made curry on Monday night. I was desperate to get stuck into it that night but we had training on and by the time Dale and Nat went home, I felt it was a bit late for that!! Please bear that in mind in the future, you McLellands!! (Only joking - I enjoy our cuppa and "post mortems"!)
The curry was out of this world - we had some last night with enough for tonight too - dinner sorted -curry's always better the second night! I think CA thought she was feeding 20 and not two - very welcome though and don't be tempted to cut back on the portions next time (hint! hint!).
We are all settleing down for a snooze now so its time to put the kettle on before the fun and games start again.
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Quickie!!
Just a quick update on Holly and Milly after their first day at Ayrshire Dog Care yesterday. I checked up with mum this morning and she reports that they were very tired and very happy dogs who snored the night away after I dropped them off - they didn't even want to go for their walk - an unheard off occurrence! Mum and dad were delighted that Milly (who is a bit unsure of strangers) was sitting beside me very relaxed and giving me kisses, while I gave mum and dad a run down of the day. They couldn't believe they had hopped into the van no problem either. The fact that the girls are so relaxed and happy here means that mum and dad can go off on holiday next week and enjoy themselves without worrying. We are really looking forward to them joining the "gang".
Scoobs had a peaceful night here at his second home and went off this morning after making sure he had a last dip in the pool and a roll in the sand pit 5 minutes before his parents came to collect him!
Boris duly arrived this morning for his sleep over and as I type this, is snoring his huge head off - totally at home as usual!
Bella and Scarlett have been for their walk in the woods and luckily we got back home before the rain came on. Bella did her usual disappearing act - off chasing goodness knows what, but she always appears again and from a totally different direction to what I expect!
Its a bit worrying that the trees are shedding their leaves already - too soon, too soon!
Scoobs had a peaceful night here at his second home and went off this morning after making sure he had a last dip in the pool and a roll in the sand pit 5 minutes before his parents came to collect him!
Boris duly arrived this morning for his sleep over and as I type this, is snoring his huge head off - totally at home as usual!
Bella and Scarlett have been for their walk in the woods and luckily we got back home before the rain came on. Bella did her usual disappearing act - off chasing goodness knows what, but she always appears again and from a totally different direction to what I expect!
Its a bit worrying that the trees are shedding their leaves already - too soon, too soon!
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Dogs' Abuse!
Can't be putting up with this - who do my clients think they are - giving me verbal because I haven't been updating my blog for a couple of weeks! I think some of them (Holly!!) think I sit all day drinking tea and eating biccies! I don't know how many warnings Holly has had about her behaviour BUT I really feel she must be on her last warning by now. If it wasn't for the "adorable" Maisy, she'd be out the door long ago.
I'm having such fun doing this doggy thing (on reflection, perhaps I could have worded that better!)- every day is different and I can't wait to see what all my babies get up while they're here!
We've been really busy and lots of "newbies" finding their way to us - and after carefully introducing everyone - they all get on like a house on fire and have great fun. Its great to see them all socialising - how its meant to be in a dog's world!
We had the pleasure of Summer's company for a few nights as Carol Ann was ill so while I felt sorry for Carol Ann, it was great to have Summer here for overnights. Wee soul trotted upstairs to bed each night, snuggled into her duvet and that was her until it was time to get up - not a bother. Glad you are feeling better now, Carol Ann, but missed Summer last night!
Maisy was on holiday a couple of weeks ago and things were strangely quiet however she certainly made up for lost time this week and when she and Jaro get together well - CHAOS!! They love jumping into the pool together from a great distance to create a huge tidal wave so look out if you happen to be within 4 feet of the pool when they do it. Summer doesn't have anything to do with this as she hates the water but will be in the thick of everything else that goes on during the day. Jaro is growing quickly but as he has been with us since he was a small puppy, the others don't seem to notice that he is growing fast and is a lot bigger than them already!
Poppy is coming on really well and enjoys her days here with her friends. Her mum and dad tell me that her new confidence is also very much in evidence now when they are out and about with her.
Hector's mum starts college again in September so we are looking forward to him coming back for a couple of days a week - he's such good company and great with all the other dogs. We have been seeing him on a regular basis however, as he comes to training every week and is loving it and really coming on. He's taken to the agility like a duck to water.
Daisy the West Highland Terrier will be a regular - she very quickly made friends with the others and was soon joining in their games. The "old timers" are always very welcoming to the newcomers and don't take "no" for an answer when it comes to playtime!
We are looking forward to welcoming a Pomeranian puppy next week, courtesy of Naomi who works with Carol Ann. Name to be finally decided but the favourite at the moment is "Flynn". He''ll be here three days a week so again, getting the puppies socialised from an early age can only be of great benefit to them. Its certainly paid off with the other babies who came here when they were 12 weeks - sometimes I think its paid off too well - not mentioning any names! Even with older dogs its never too late, just takes longer and lots of patience, but very rewarding for everyone, not least the dog.
We've had all the regulars coming for day care and sleep overs - Scooby's coming tonight and Boris is coming tomorrow for a sleep over. Scarlett is back with us now that Jane is well enough to go back to work - glad you are feeling better, Jane, and great to have Scarlett back where she belongs! Bella is here at least two days a week. Bella and Scarlett are both here today with Holly and Milly who are here for a wee trial day before Mum and Dad go on holiday next week, then Holly and Milly will be here every day for day care. Bella and Scarlett very quickly showed them the ropes and have all settled in well together. Lots of the other dogs who were in earlier this year are booked in while the parents jet off again so we are really busy in September and October and already November and December have started to fill up with the holiday makers - this on top of the regular day care babies.
Anyway, Stuart has made lunch and more importantly my cuppa so that trumps everything! Will update at some point in the near future (she says, optimistically!)
I'm having such fun doing this doggy thing (on reflection, perhaps I could have worded that better!)- every day is different and I can't wait to see what all my babies get up while they're here!
We've been really busy and lots of "newbies" finding their way to us - and after carefully introducing everyone - they all get on like a house on fire and have great fun. Its great to see them all socialising - how its meant to be in a dog's world!
We had the pleasure of Summer's company for a few nights as Carol Ann was ill so while I felt sorry for Carol Ann, it was great to have Summer here for overnights. Wee soul trotted upstairs to bed each night, snuggled into her duvet and that was her until it was time to get up - not a bother. Glad you are feeling better now, Carol Ann, but missed Summer last night!
Maisy was on holiday a couple of weeks ago and things were strangely quiet however she certainly made up for lost time this week and when she and Jaro get together well - CHAOS!! They love jumping into the pool together from a great distance to create a huge tidal wave so look out if you happen to be within 4 feet of the pool when they do it. Summer doesn't have anything to do with this as she hates the water but will be in the thick of everything else that goes on during the day. Jaro is growing quickly but as he has been with us since he was a small puppy, the others don't seem to notice that he is growing fast and is a lot bigger than them already!
Poppy is coming on really well and enjoys her days here with her friends. Her mum and dad tell me that her new confidence is also very much in evidence now when they are out and about with her.
Hector's mum starts college again in September so we are looking forward to him coming back for a couple of days a week - he's such good company and great with all the other dogs. We have been seeing him on a regular basis however, as he comes to training every week and is loving it and really coming on. He's taken to the agility like a duck to water.
Daisy the West Highland Terrier will be a regular - she very quickly made friends with the others and was soon joining in their games. The "old timers" are always very welcoming to the newcomers and don't take "no" for an answer when it comes to playtime!
We are looking forward to welcoming a Pomeranian puppy next week, courtesy of Naomi who works with Carol Ann. Name to be finally decided but the favourite at the moment is "Flynn". He''ll be here three days a week so again, getting the puppies socialised from an early age can only be of great benefit to them. Its certainly paid off with the other babies who came here when they were 12 weeks - sometimes I think its paid off too well - not mentioning any names! Even with older dogs its never too late, just takes longer and lots of patience, but very rewarding for everyone, not least the dog.
We've had all the regulars coming for day care and sleep overs - Scooby's coming tonight and Boris is coming tomorrow for a sleep over. Scarlett is back with us now that Jane is well enough to go back to work - glad you are feeling better, Jane, and great to have Scarlett back where she belongs! Bella is here at least two days a week. Bella and Scarlett are both here today with Holly and Milly who are here for a wee trial day before Mum and Dad go on holiday next week, then Holly and Milly will be here every day for day care. Bella and Scarlett very quickly showed them the ropes and have all settled in well together. Lots of the other dogs who were in earlier this year are booked in while the parents jet off again so we are really busy in September and October and already November and December have started to fill up with the holiday makers - this on top of the regular day care babies.
Anyway, Stuart has made lunch and more importantly my cuppa so that trumps everything! Will update at some point in the near future (she says, optimistically!)
Sunday, 7 August 2011
Quiet but Wet Sunday
Last post 19 July - not good enough - so here I am to rectify that and bring you up to date. In my defence, I have been really busy as we've had a constant stream of "my" babies and as I've said before, they come first.
I only have stalwart Bella in today - she's been staying with us for a couple of nights - goes "home" tonight. She's currently snoring her pretty little head off as are my lot so all is quiet and peaceful at Ayrshire Dog Care! All change tomorrow as we have a full house starting about 8am so I'm making the most of today!
Bella and I have had a "lovely" walk in the pouring rain but in a perverse way it was really enjoyable. Bella did her usual disappearing act (she is a beagle, after all!) but she always comes back after 5 minutes or so, so I have learned not to panic! Her mum knows she does this too so I am now comfortable with it.
Home for a cuppa, a snooze for the dogs and catch up on emails etc for me.
An update on the little cockapoo I told you about last time. She is coming on really well. The three consecutive days we had her really paid off and we then arranged for her to come two days the following week. She is now out and about with the rest of them and they are DETERMINED she will be part of their happy gang! Its great to watch dogs and how they sort things out in their own world when humans don't interfere and try and force things along. She actually goes into the paddling pool with some of the others and has begun to play chase with them too. She's still mainly on the periphery of the "goings on" but she really is taking an interest now and goes about wagging her tail and looks really relaxed. Its wonderful to see and so rewarding. I keep in close touch with her mum and dad and they have reported she's a lot happier when out and about with them and doesn't hide behind their legs like she used to. She's actually going and investigating on her own. Her family are doing everything right and their hard work is really paying off. Ultimately we are all looking for her to be a lot more relaxed with other dogs after her trauma and I really feel we are getting there. Its always tempting when seeing an improvement to step the pace up but that would be the wrong thing to do so we are still taking it very slowly.
The training classes continue to go very well. Dale and Theo were down on an advanced training course with Lynne Davis (of Dog Borstal fame) last week and both thoroughly enjoyed that. The good news for her "pupils" in our classes is that Lynne was struggling to find anything to improve in Dale's methods and training tecniques! A huge pat on the back for Dale! She puts in a huge amount of time and effort into preparing for the classes as well as boundless enthusiasm and it shows. Keep up the good work! Next year she is hoping to ask Lynne Davis up here so looking forward to that already. Dale has other things planned too, so watch this space!
Jaro the little (not so little, anymore!) GSD is doing really well on his days here. He has already become a ring leader in many of the "tricks" (nice way of puting it) they get up to, to keep me on my toes - he's a very clever little person and his mum and dad have to be early up to keep up with him! He's going for a photo shoot tomorrow night so that will be interesting for Paul at Paws Pet Photography.
Summer and Carol Ann were there to get Summer "done" last Thursday and it went really well. Paul was given strict instructions - No poncing, no primping, no posing, no preening - Summer is definitely not that kind of dog!! They went to Belleisle and had a great time. I'm desperate to see the results. Knowing Paul's work, I'm sure they will be stunning. Paul already has one of the pics on his Facebook page and it is Summer to a "T" - he's got her cheeky expression spot on!
Maisy continues to be Maisy - take that as you like, Holly!! She's another one who is full of mischief and always in the centre of things. I'm sure between Summer, Maisy and Jaro, it won't be long before Poppy the little Cockapoo will be as "well adjusted and relaxed" as them - watch out, Mum and Dad!! You won't be thanking me for much longer - at least that's what I am hoping for in a nice way!! In a few weeks all being well, a little Pomeranian puppy will be joining us so will report on that when the time comes.
In the meantime we've had other regulars for Day Care and Sleepovers - Scooby, Hector and Boris to name a few. It won't be long until Pat goes back to college again so once more we'll have Hector back on a regular basis. He comes to our training classes and Pat and Brendan have been working hard with him in between and it shows. Don't tell Hector but he is booked in for "the op" soon!!!
I've been walking Dixie and Casey too. Had them down the beach on Friday and shudder to think how much sand poor Dawn had to clear up when she came in from work! Dixie has been coming to training classes and both she and Dawn are doing really well and are enjoying it.
We've also had lots of others here for Home Boarding and without exception they have all settled in really well and had a great time. In fact some of them are already booked in for more of the same. What is it with these people and their holidays anyway!! Had another stint looking after Betty and Shadow - the guinea pigs - while the family were on holiday. Had lots of lovely conversations with them, believe it or not. They are very vocal! Great fun.
Another busy week ahead. Its great after all these years to actually look forward to "work"!
Still pouring down and looks like its on for the day. The kettle beckons again. All the dogs are STILL asleep and lots of snoring going on.
'til next time.
I only have stalwart Bella in today - she's been staying with us for a couple of nights - goes "home" tonight. She's currently snoring her pretty little head off as are my lot so all is quiet and peaceful at Ayrshire Dog Care! All change tomorrow as we have a full house starting about 8am so I'm making the most of today!
Bella and I have had a "lovely" walk in the pouring rain but in a perverse way it was really enjoyable. Bella did her usual disappearing act (she is a beagle, after all!) but she always comes back after 5 minutes or so, so I have learned not to panic! Her mum knows she does this too so I am now comfortable with it.
Home for a cuppa, a snooze for the dogs and catch up on emails etc for me.
An update on the little cockapoo I told you about last time. She is coming on really well. The three consecutive days we had her really paid off and we then arranged for her to come two days the following week. She is now out and about with the rest of them and they are DETERMINED she will be part of their happy gang! Its great to watch dogs and how they sort things out in their own world when humans don't interfere and try and force things along. She actually goes into the paddling pool with some of the others and has begun to play chase with them too. She's still mainly on the periphery of the "goings on" but she really is taking an interest now and goes about wagging her tail and looks really relaxed. Its wonderful to see and so rewarding. I keep in close touch with her mum and dad and they have reported she's a lot happier when out and about with them and doesn't hide behind their legs like she used to. She's actually going and investigating on her own. Her family are doing everything right and their hard work is really paying off. Ultimately we are all looking for her to be a lot more relaxed with other dogs after her trauma and I really feel we are getting there. Its always tempting when seeing an improvement to step the pace up but that would be the wrong thing to do so we are still taking it very slowly.
The training classes continue to go very well. Dale and Theo were down on an advanced training course with Lynne Davis (of Dog Borstal fame) last week and both thoroughly enjoyed that. The good news for her "pupils" in our classes is that Lynne was struggling to find anything to improve in Dale's methods and training tecniques! A huge pat on the back for Dale! She puts in a huge amount of time and effort into preparing for the classes as well as boundless enthusiasm and it shows. Keep up the good work! Next year she is hoping to ask Lynne Davis up here so looking forward to that already. Dale has other things planned too, so watch this space!
Jaro the little (not so little, anymore!) GSD is doing really well on his days here. He has already become a ring leader in many of the "tricks" (nice way of puting it) they get up to, to keep me on my toes - he's a very clever little person and his mum and dad have to be early up to keep up with him! He's going for a photo shoot tomorrow night so that will be interesting for Paul at Paws Pet Photography.
Summer and Carol Ann were there to get Summer "done" last Thursday and it went really well. Paul was given strict instructions - No poncing, no primping, no posing, no preening - Summer is definitely not that kind of dog!! They went to Belleisle and had a great time. I'm desperate to see the results. Knowing Paul's work, I'm sure they will be stunning. Paul already has one of the pics on his Facebook page and it is Summer to a "T" - he's got her cheeky expression spot on!
Maisy continues to be Maisy - take that as you like, Holly!! She's another one who is full of mischief and always in the centre of things. I'm sure between Summer, Maisy and Jaro, it won't be long before Poppy the little Cockapoo will be as "well adjusted and relaxed" as them - watch out, Mum and Dad!! You won't be thanking me for much longer - at least that's what I am hoping for in a nice way!! In a few weeks all being well, a little Pomeranian puppy will be joining us so will report on that when the time comes.
In the meantime we've had other regulars for Day Care and Sleepovers - Scooby, Hector and Boris to name a few. It won't be long until Pat goes back to college again so once more we'll have Hector back on a regular basis. He comes to our training classes and Pat and Brendan have been working hard with him in between and it shows. Don't tell Hector but he is booked in for "the op" soon!!!
I've been walking Dixie and Casey too. Had them down the beach on Friday and shudder to think how much sand poor Dawn had to clear up when she came in from work! Dixie has been coming to training classes and both she and Dawn are doing really well and are enjoying it.
We've also had lots of others here for Home Boarding and without exception they have all settled in really well and had a great time. In fact some of them are already booked in for more of the same. What is it with these people and their holidays anyway!! Had another stint looking after Betty and Shadow - the guinea pigs - while the family were on holiday. Had lots of lovely conversations with them, believe it or not. They are very vocal! Great fun.
Another busy week ahead. Its great after all these years to actually look forward to "work"!
Still pouring down and looks like its on for the day. The kettle beckons again. All the dogs are STILL asleep and lots of snoring going on.
'til next time.
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