We got back from the vets and I started to get everything ready to go away later in the day.
At 9.30am I popped Rodders back in to the car to nip to Puppy School to see Sam to explain that we can't do today's class as Rodders is poorly and, now I am working, we can't do the Friday class anymore so we will be back to the Saturday class in January. I also wanted to get Rodders a new choke chain. Sam checked and the only choke chain they had was a bit big for Rodders but we heeled around the room to make sure that he couldn't escape from it when it went slack. We had a chat about how he was doing and she can see how much more confident he is.
Back home I swapped jackets and put Rodders in his crate so that I could nip to Tesco as I needed some final bits to make dip - I would be sent home if I turned up at Christmas without it!
Rodders was a bit fed up of all the time I was spending in the kitchen making dip and he took himself off to his bed for a while. He was happier when I had finished and he came upstairs with me while I finished packing my bag. I started to bring down the bags of Christmas presents while he sat on the landing chewing my slipper.
He then wanted to go in the garden which meant that I could pack most of the car without worrying about him. Once he came in I took him for a quick walk around the neighbourhood while I delivered the last of the Christmas cards and then put him back in the lounge while I finished loading the car.
We managed to leave home just before 2pm and stopped at the pet shop at St Albans for some bits I had forgotten and then headed up the A1 towards Oakham. The weather was getting awful, what started as a cold morning had gone through drizzle and was now chucking it down with rain. At one point we were down to 50mph as the spray was so bad. Then we found out that there was a problem on the A1 and we may need to divert off. Then the traffic news said the road was open and then, when we were almost beyond the point of no return, they changed their mind. Grrrr.
We found our way off the A1 and on to the A47 and got stuck behind someone that thought it was good to drive at between 35-45mph. By the time we got to Uppingham there was quite a daisy chain of frustrated drivers behind him. Luckily for me he turned left as I turned right. Three hours after setting off we eventually got to my big sisters!
While in the car I managed to talk to both my sisters and OH. Rodders wasn't bothered by that or the fact that he had been in the car for ages and he didn't make a sound all the way.
After we had said hello to my brother in law and Ailie I took Rodders in to the garden for a piddle while they emptied my car. Ailie had great fun putting all the presents under the tree and Rodders hasn't really paid them any attention at all. My sister was away having her hair done and got back about half an hour later.
I gave Rodders his tea about 5.30pm and then took him up the road for a walk and let him have a runabout on his extendable lead. He kept getting bits of tree stuck in his legs and when this happens he just sits down until I remove it, bit difficult in the dark but we managed!
About 7.30pm my other two nieces arrived with a husband and a boyfriend. It was good to see them all together, I can't remember when that last happened. It was quite noisy and Rodders took a moment before he decided that he was happy with all these people around and then threw himself in to things and was getting lots of fuss. I made sure that everyone is aware that they cannot feed him anything because of his poorly tummy.
I tried to keep Rodders out of the kitchen while dinner preparation were afoot as he was trying to scavenge. We all sat down for dinner and Rodders was (mostly) on his snuggle fleece beside me. He did escape under the table a couple of times, I hope he didn't find anything to eat.
Once dinner was over I gave him his supper. He seems much happier of 75g and is taking a little longer to eat it.
There are so many people moving about that he found it hard to settle and probably didn't fall asleep on his bed pad until gone 10.30pm this evening. I will take him out in to the garden before bed, just not sure when that will be!
Showing posts with label sister. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sister. Show all posts
Friday, 23 December 2011
Friday, 16 December 2011
I have another job!
In the middle of worrying about Rodders I also had to focus on me.
I already have one temp job that I am supposed to be starting on Monday and I was interviewed yesterday for another one that also starts on Monday so I need to know quickly if I am to let anyone down. I had hoped to hear very early this morning and when I hadn't heard anything by 9.15am I called the agency. They had already dropped them an email and were going to call them by 10am if there hadn't been an answer.
At 10.20am the first agency called to ask why I hadn't returned the paperwork so I had to explain my position. They understood that I would have to go with the better paid and longer term contract if I got it and asked me to let them know as quickly as I could.
As I put the phone down on them it went again and it was the second agency. The job is mine if I want it but they can't get me the hourly rate I wanted. I had to agree to drop by £1 an hour so not the end of the world.
I rang OH to let him know and sent a text to my sisters & nieces. Everyone seems very happy for me :-)
I also had to ring agency one to let them know that to was good news for me and bad news for them. I also asked them to pass on my apologies to the 1st company, I really hate letting people down especially this late on.
I already have one temp job that I am supposed to be starting on Monday and I was interviewed yesterday for another one that also starts on Monday so I need to know quickly if I am to let anyone down. I had hoped to hear very early this morning and when I hadn't heard anything by 9.15am I called the agency. They had already dropped them an email and were going to call them by 10am if there hadn't been an answer.
At 10.20am the first agency called to ask why I hadn't returned the paperwork so I had to explain my position. They understood that I would have to go with the better paid and longer term contract if I got it and asked me to let them know as quickly as I could.
As I put the phone down on them it went again and it was the second agency. The job is mine if I want it but they can't get me the hourly rate I wanted. I had to agree to drop by £1 an hour so not the end of the world.
I rang OH to let him know and sent a text to my sisters & nieces. Everyone seems very happy for me :-)
I also had to ring agency one to let them know that to was good news for me and bad news for them. I also asked them to pass on my apologies to the 1st company, I really hate letting people down especially this late on.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
A tiring day for Rodders (& me!)
When I went upstairs to dry my hair Rodders came too and sat right beside me on the bed. He stayed there while I got dressed but gave a squeak or two when I left him on his own while I got something from another room.
When we came downstairs he asked for something to eat so I gave him a bowl of kibble. He ate most of it and then asked to go in to the garden. I took the opportunity to load the car and scrape the frost off it. Luckily he was so busy pottering about the garden he didn't miss me.
Rodders and I left home just after 9.30am to go to my sister's house in Houghton. He wasn't happy in the car to start with, settled down and then started whinging again about half way. I have no idea why he has started to do this.
Once we got to Houghton he was happy to get out of the car and trotted down the lane to Kirsty's quite happily. Sue was already there with the Christmas Cards she needed us all to sign. These are for friends of Mum's that we keep in contact with.
Finnan didn't seem too happy to see Rodders but she tolerated him in her house but she did grizzle at him a few times and snapped once.
Rodders asked to go out in to the garden so I popped on his extendable lead. Everyone followed us out and we had a look at all the work that has been done to clear the garden. Just cutting back the shrubbery on one border has reclaimed about 8-10 foot of garden! Apparently they cooked baked potatoes in the fire when they were burning a pile of rubbish earlier in the week. There is still a lot to do though, but a good start has been made.
Rodders was happy following Finnan around and she seems to tolerate him better outside.
The charity Kirsty works for were doing a duck race in St Ives today and she was on duty for a while. Sue couldn't stay for it but we decided to take the dogs. She dropped us off in St Ives so that we could walk back. This was the first time that Rodders has been in a car without his crate and he didn't seem very happy about it and so he stayed very still between me and the side of the car.
As we walked towards Kirsty's office Rodders attracted a fair amount of attention and we were stopped by another mini schnauzer owner. His is a year old and as shy of people as Rodders is although it gets walked through the town daily. Once we got to her office I stayed outside with both dogs sitting at my feet while she went to get her corporate jacket. A few people stopped to talk to us including someone who's parents have a mini schnauzer. I did have to keep reminding Rodders to sit but he was fairly good.
The charity had sold 53 ducks to locals businesses, the local boat yard provided a decorated boat to take them downstream to the launch site and the Mayor was expected to start the race. We all met up at the town bridge to wait for the mayor and the boat to arrive and there were lots of people around feeding the real ducks and swans. Rodders was fascinated by the noise the birds were making and sat on the quay wall. I was worried that he would jump in so I moved him to the top of the stone steps. He was happy to sit here and watch and it was quite warm standing in the sun.
The boat arrived, covered in tinsel, balls and a parrot! The contestants got loaded in and they made their way downstream. The mayor arrived and we all made our way on to the bridge and watched the start. Unfortunately the wind direction had changed and they all made their way to the bank! The guys on the boat rounded them up and it was decided to restart a little closer to the bridge, out of the way of the meadow and the inlet to the hotel so they were more sheltered. While they did this Kirsty left Finnan with me and nipped in to the bridge chapel to light a candle for Granny who used to live just the other side of the bridge.
At the second attempt the ducks were off to a flying start. Twenty minutes later we were back on the quay to see the winning duck home, it had led almost from the start and has won it's company a day paint balling. Not bad for £20 sponsorship!
While we were standing about Rodders got to meet several more dogs and people, he also got to drink out of a puddle some children made by using the hand pump.
Kirtsy and I left everyone else to round up the last of the ducks and headed through the town towards the Thicket. This would be a first for Rodders but something I used to do on every school day for many years as this path goes between the village we grew up in and St Ives where our secondary school was. It passes through a nature reserve and there are just walkers and bikes to look out for most of the way.
Once we were out of the town I swapped Rodders on to his extendable lead to give him some more freedom. He didn't seem to be bothered that Finnan was off lead and spent most of the time just trotting along sniffing about and then running to catch us up. If he was being a little slow I gave him a shout and he came each time. I'm still not brave enough to let him off though!
The closer we got to the Houghton end the more Rodders realised that there were fields to explore and he was getting a bit more defiant. He did squeak a couple of times as though to say "can't I go and chase this nice smell, I don't want to come with you yet". He also had another drink from a nice muddy puddle or two!
He doesn't like having any shrubbery caught in his legs and just sits down and waits for me to go back to him to remove it.
He was very good when we needed to stop and wait for walkers and cyclists to come past us. He also got to meet another couple of dogs.
We were now in the actual road, although it isn't very busy at this end we still had to get Finnan and Rodders to sit and wait while a couple of vehicles came past us. We walked right up to the clock tower before we swapped back to the normal lead.
It is only a short walk from here back to Kirsty's cottage. As soon as we got in Rodders started barking so I gave him a couple of treats to keep him quiet. Both dogs then got a crisp packet after Kirsty and I had a quick snack and a cuppa.
After another run around the garden it was time for us to head off home. Rodders was so tired he wasn't bothered about going back in the car and didn't make a sound all the way home.
When we came downstairs he asked for something to eat so I gave him a bowl of kibble. He ate most of it and then asked to go in to the garden. I took the opportunity to load the car and scrape the frost off it. Luckily he was so busy pottering about the garden he didn't miss me.
Rodders and I left home just after 9.30am to go to my sister's house in Houghton. He wasn't happy in the car to start with, settled down and then started whinging again about half way. I have no idea why he has started to do this.
Once we got to Houghton he was happy to get out of the car and trotted down the lane to Kirsty's quite happily. Sue was already there with the Christmas Cards she needed us all to sign. These are for friends of Mum's that we keep in contact with.
Finnan didn't seem too happy to see Rodders but she tolerated him in her house but she did grizzle at him a few times and snapped once.
Rodders asked to go out in to the garden so I popped on his extendable lead. Everyone followed us out and we had a look at all the work that has been done to clear the garden. Just cutting back the shrubbery on one border has reclaimed about 8-10 foot of garden! Apparently they cooked baked potatoes in the fire when they were burning a pile of rubbish earlier in the week. There is still a lot to do though, but a good start has been made.
Rodders was happy following Finnan around and she seems to tolerate him better outside.
The charity Kirsty works for were doing a duck race in St Ives today and she was on duty for a while. Sue couldn't stay for it but we decided to take the dogs. She dropped us off in St Ives so that we could walk back. This was the first time that Rodders has been in a car without his crate and he didn't seem very happy about it and so he stayed very still between me and the side of the car.
As we walked towards Kirsty's office Rodders attracted a fair amount of attention and we were stopped by another mini schnauzer owner. His is a year old and as shy of people as Rodders is although it gets walked through the town daily. Once we got to her office I stayed outside with both dogs sitting at my feet while she went to get her corporate jacket. A few people stopped to talk to us including someone who's parents have a mini schnauzer. I did have to keep reminding Rodders to sit but he was fairly good.
The charity had sold 53 ducks to locals businesses, the local boat yard provided a decorated boat to take them downstream to the launch site and the Mayor was expected to start the race. We all met up at the town bridge to wait for the mayor and the boat to arrive and there were lots of people around feeding the real ducks and swans. Rodders was fascinated by the noise the birds were making and sat on the quay wall. I was worried that he would jump in so I moved him to the top of the stone steps. He was happy to sit here and watch and it was quite warm standing in the sun.
The boat arrived, covered in tinsel, balls and a parrot! The contestants got loaded in and they made their way downstream. The mayor arrived and we all made our way on to the bridge and watched the start. Unfortunately the wind direction had changed and they all made their way to the bank! The guys on the boat rounded them up and it was decided to restart a little closer to the bridge, out of the way of the meadow and the inlet to the hotel so they were more sheltered. While they did this Kirsty left Finnan with me and nipped in to the bridge chapel to light a candle for Granny who used to live just the other side of the bridge.
At the second attempt the ducks were off to a flying start. Twenty minutes later we were back on the quay to see the winning duck home, it had led almost from the start and has won it's company a day paint balling. Not bad for £20 sponsorship!
While we were standing about Rodders got to meet several more dogs and people, he also got to drink out of a puddle some children made by using the hand pump.
Kirtsy and I left everyone else to round up the last of the ducks and headed through the town towards the Thicket. This would be a first for Rodders but something I used to do on every school day for many years as this path goes between the village we grew up in and St Ives where our secondary school was. It passes through a nature reserve and there are just walkers and bikes to look out for most of the way.
Once we were out of the town I swapped Rodders on to his extendable lead to give him some more freedom. He didn't seem to be bothered that Finnan was off lead and spent most of the time just trotting along sniffing about and then running to catch us up. If he was being a little slow I gave him a shout and he came each time. I'm still not brave enough to let him off though!
The closer we got to the Houghton end the more Rodders realised that there were fields to explore and he was getting a bit more defiant. He did squeak a couple of times as though to say "can't I go and chase this nice smell, I don't want to come with you yet". He also had another drink from a nice muddy puddle or two!
He doesn't like having any shrubbery caught in his legs and just sits down and waits for me to go back to him to remove it.
He was very good when we needed to stop and wait for walkers and cyclists to come past us. He also got to meet another couple of dogs.
We were now in the actual road, although it isn't very busy at this end we still had to get Finnan and Rodders to sit and wait while a couple of vehicles came past us. We walked right up to the clock tower before we swapped back to the normal lead.
It is only a short walk from here back to Kirsty's cottage. As soon as we got in Rodders started barking so I gave him a couple of treats to keep him quiet. Both dogs then got a crisp packet after Kirsty and I had a quick snack and a cuppa.
After another run around the garden it was time for us to head off home. Rodders was so tired he wasn't bothered about going back in the car and didn't make a sound all the way home.
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Back home
Once back home Rodders went upstairs to help Sue pack while I put the kettle on for a cuppa and the little horror piddled a little bit on the landing, this is only the second time he has done this. I think he knew what he had done as he came down the stairs and asked to go out in to the garden.
While he was out I nipped upstairs and cleared up and sprayed liberally with stain and odour remover, haven't had to use that much this week.
Sue left us to head off home and I started to update the blog while Rodders had a play and about half of his supper. He then wanted to come up on my knee for a little while but is now on his bed pad at my feet.
While he was out I nipped upstairs and cleared up and sprayed liberally with stain and odour remover, haven't had to use that much this week.
Sue left us to head off home and I started to update the blog while Rodders had a play and about half of his supper. He then wanted to come up on my knee for a little while but is now on his bed pad at my feet.
An early start again
My sister and I sat watching Peter Kay night on channel 4 until almost 11.30pm so it was a late night, Rodders spent most of the evening asleep on his bed pad. Rodders wasn't impressed when we went out to the garden for a final piddle as it was chucking it down with rain and, rather than getting on with it, the silly puppy sat on the grass for ages. After about 5 minutes he tried to head back indoors but came back and had a piddle when I asked him to.
When we came in he sat on snuggle fleece waiting for me to lock up, switch out lights and get his treats ready and needed a bit of encouragement to get in to his bed.
I first heard him barking at 5.45am and left him for a few minutes but he wasn't settling so I got up and came down to let him out. Rather than try to put him back in his crate and risk disturbing my sister I let him up on the sofa and the pair of us slept until 7.30am when we heard Sue in the bathroom.
He seemed to know that there was something going on this morning and wouldn't eat his breakfast. I managed to get washed and dressed, pack Rodders a bag of treats, food, toys, towel and bowl and be ready to leave in an hour. Good job my sister can look after herself and helped herself to breakfast!
When we came in he sat on snuggle fleece waiting for me to lock up, switch out lights and get his treats ready and needed a bit of encouragement to get in to his bed.
I first heard him barking at 5.45am and left him for a few minutes but he wasn't settling so I got up and came down to let him out. Rather than try to put him back in his crate and risk disturbing my sister I let him up on the sofa and the pair of us slept until 7.30am when we heard Sue in the bathroom.
He seemed to know that there was something going on this morning and wouldn't eat his breakfast. I managed to get washed and dressed, pack Rodders a bag of treats, food, toys, towel and bowl and be ready to leave in an hour. Good job my sister can look after herself and helped herself to breakfast!
Friday, 2 December 2011
And then I made a cuppa
Rodders moved from snuggle fleece on to his new bed pad and was asleep until I went and made a cuppa.
My sister wanted funny tea which doesn't get used very often in this house so I was searching through the larder cupboard when there was a strange noise, pretty much like when they release all the lottery balls, except instead of 47 I had released 47 million (or it seemed like that many) individual pieces of pearl barley by upending the packet. And it was on the top shelf. And it has gone everywhere.
We quickly shut Rodders out of the kitchen so I could start the mammoth clear up operation, shelf by shelf. Well, it did need tidying up but it really wasn't in my plans for today! As I was clearing up Rodders was initially happy to watch but he got more and more upset at being shut out and wasn't at all impressed once I started using the Dyson. Neither was I when it seemed to stop sucking (OH are you listening) so I had to revert to a dustpan and brush.
It does seem to have woken Rodders up good and proper, he is now playing in the conservatory!
My sister wanted funny tea which doesn't get used very often in this house so I was searching through the larder cupboard when there was a strange noise, pretty much like when they release all the lottery balls, except instead of 47 I had released 47 million (or it seemed like that many) individual pieces of pearl barley by upending the packet. And it was on the top shelf. And it has gone everywhere.
We quickly shut Rodders out of the kitchen so I could start the mammoth clear up operation, shelf by shelf. Well, it did need tidying up but it really wasn't in my plans for today! As I was clearing up Rodders was initially happy to watch but he got more and more upset at being shut out and wasn't at all impressed once I started using the Dyson. Neither was I when it seemed to stop sucking (OH are you listening) so I had to revert to a dustpan and brush.
It does seem to have woken Rodders up good and proper, he is now playing in the conservatory!
My big sis
Once Rodders calmed down he went and lay on his bed pad for a snooze which enabled me to potter about and tidy up a bit before my big sister arrived for the night - we are off out with my nieces tomorrow for our annual Christmas Shopping trip.
When Sue arrived and rang the door bell Rodders barked but didn't bother to move off the bed pad until she was actually in the door when he came to the end of the sofa and peeked around then end. Rodders barked and barked at her, and it has taken about three hours for him to be confident enough to go anywhere near her. When he did it was to try and chew her slipper or to bite her cardigan!
He settled back down for a snooze and only really became active for about an hour and a half. In that time we played tug and he played fetch with his ball, played in the conservatory with his toys on his own and has been out to the garden for a piddle and a play. He did go in to the kitchen and bark for his dinner and actually ate almost all of it in one sitting.
When we sat down for dinner he settled down on snuggle fleece at my feet.
When Sue arrived and rang the door bell Rodders barked but didn't bother to move off the bed pad until she was actually in the door when he came to the end of the sofa and peeked around then end. Rodders barked and barked at her, and it has taken about three hours for him to be confident enough to go anywhere near her. When he did it was to try and chew her slipper or to bite her cardigan!
He settled back down for a snooze and only really became active for about an hour and a half. In that time we played tug and he played fetch with his ball, played in the conservatory with his toys on his own and has been out to the garden for a piddle and a play. He did go in to the kitchen and bark for his dinner and actually ate almost all of it in one sitting.
When we sat down for dinner he settled down on snuggle fleece at my feet.
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Slippers!
Rodders slept for almost two hours this morning and I think the only reason he woke then was because I was on the phone to my sister. He wandered through to the conservatory as I was talking for a bit of a play.
Once I hung up it was time to go upstairs to get washed and dressed and I filled the Kong with what was left of his breakfast kibble. Rodders was not interested and wandered off to the bedroom to get OH's slipper which he started to carry down the stairs. When that one was half way down he went back for the other one! Cheeky monkey, looks like OH may need new slippers for Christmas!
Once I went in to the bedroom he followed me in and walked off with one of my slippers. He was happy playing and he doesn't actually seem to be chewing them (too much) but he does like to carry them about. He does love to help you put on socks but the rest of the time he now seems happy to let me get dressed in peace, this is a huge improvement from trying to chew everything as you valiantly tried to out it on while he was trying to tug it off.
Every morning as I throw back the curtains Rodders comes running. I lift him up so that he can see out of the window and say good morning to Pentland! Just a silly part of our morning routine!
I retrieved the slippers from the stair and threw them back in the bedroom shutting the door behind me. I came down stairs and expected Rodders to follow me. He stayed at the top of the stair for a while but eventually followed me down.
He talks much more now, little squeaks, huffs and woofs. Sometimes I know what he is trying to say and sometimes I don't. He does always like to have the last word so if you say no to him he now comes away but has a bit of a huff. Or he will stand at the lounge door and bark, this usually means he wants to go upstairs to check if OH is there. He has a different bark for going out and coming in the door to the garden to that of there is someone about that you need to know about. More lessons in dog speak required!
Since he came downstairs he has been out in to the garden twice. It is a bit windy out so I am not sure how he will feel out for a walk but the garden does shelter him a bit.
For now, he is happy chasing yoghurt pots around the conservatory.
Once I hung up it was time to go upstairs to get washed and dressed and I filled the Kong with what was left of his breakfast kibble. Rodders was not interested and wandered off to the bedroom to get OH's slipper which he started to carry down the stairs. When that one was half way down he went back for the other one! Cheeky monkey, looks like OH may need new slippers for Christmas!
Once I went in to the bedroom he followed me in and walked off with one of my slippers. He was happy playing and he doesn't actually seem to be chewing them (too much) but he does like to carry them about. He does love to help you put on socks but the rest of the time he now seems happy to let me get dressed in peace, this is a huge improvement from trying to chew everything as you valiantly tried to out it on while he was trying to tug it off.
Every morning as I throw back the curtains Rodders comes running. I lift him up so that he can see out of the window and say good morning to Pentland! Just a silly part of our morning routine!
I retrieved the slippers from the stair and threw them back in the bedroom shutting the door behind me. I came down stairs and expected Rodders to follow me. He stayed at the top of the stair for a while but eventually followed me down.
He talks much more now, little squeaks, huffs and woofs. Sometimes I know what he is trying to say and sometimes I don't. He does always like to have the last word so if you say no to him he now comes away but has a bit of a huff. Or he will stand at the lounge door and bark, this usually means he wants to go upstairs to check if OH is there. He has a different bark for going out and coming in the door to the garden to that of there is someone about that you need to know about. More lessons in dog speak required!
Since he came downstairs he has been out in to the garden twice. It is a bit windy out so I am not sure how he will feel out for a walk but the garden does shelter him a bit.
For now, he is happy chasing yoghurt pots around the conservatory.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Talking to OH
Today has been a weepy day for me, which is a bit unusual. First the TV Programme and then an email from my sister to let me know that she now has broadband and a telephone. Why on earth would this make me cry?
She has managed to get my Mum's old phone number, a number we have had as long as I can remember and all our friends and family will know the significance of it. I miss my Mum every single day, just some things bring it closer to the surface and I burst in to tears.
So what is a girl to do at a moment like that, she gets her OH on FaceTime! Once he had calmed me down he had a chat with Rodders who, at the time, was chewing snuggle fleece. He told him no and Rodders stopped chewing and came to look at the phone. He could see it was OH and he kept walking behind the phone to try and find him! He then got bored and walked off so OH and I carried on talking. When OH hung up Rodders started crying so I called him back. Rodders was going mad, trying to eat the phone!
She has managed to get my Mum's old phone number, a number we have had as long as I can remember and all our friends and family will know the significance of it. I miss my Mum every single day, just some things bring it closer to the surface and I burst in to tears.
So what is a girl to do at a moment like that, she gets her OH on FaceTime! Once he had calmed me down he had a chat with Rodders who, at the time, was chewing snuggle fleece. He told him no and Rodders stopped chewing and came to look at the phone. He could see it was OH and he kept walking behind the phone to try and find him! He then got bored and walked off so OH and I carried on talking. When OH hung up Rodders started crying so I called him back. Rodders was going mad, trying to eat the phone!
Saturday, 12 November 2011
An afternoon and evening in Houghton
Rodders and I got in the car to head to my sister's to celebrate her birthday a day early with my three nieces.
As always, Rodders was quiet in the car, he settles very easily in his crate as long as he gets a treat as he is put in. We hadn't got far when OH called. This is the first time that the car phone has gone with Rodders in the car and as soon as he heard OH he started to cry, OH apologised and said he would go, I said he should stay talking to Rodders! It worked and Rodders stopped crying.
Once we got close to Houghton I rang to check they were there as I would need help to get everything out of the car. My sister suggested that I drove down the lane initially which I did. When I got there they were all having a picnic so I let myself in with Rodders and the first load, made sure he was OK and he and Finnan had a biscuit and went back for the 2nd load.
Everyone was looking at Rodders (well he is such a cute puppy) and not paying a lot of attention to Finnan so Kirsty took her in the garden. What did she do? She walked straight in to the pond, not the same one as last week either! She came out black and smelly and had to go straight in the bath and then be towelled off and blow dried. Rodders was very interested in all this activity, especially all the whinging Finnan was doing.
Kirsty and I nipped next door with Rodders to check it was OK for me to leave my car in their (huge) drive. They both came out to see Rodders and then let their dog out to meet him. She was a terrier like I have never seen before, black & tan, with big ears and like a slim doberman. she and Rodders got on really well and were prancing about head down and bum in the air for ages. It was so funny to watch.
Once Finnan was dry the girls wanted to go for a walk around the village and learn more about our old haunts, Lisa was a baby when we left in 1985 and the twins were not born until 1986. We turned right out of the cottage and went through the lanes, round the back of our ld family home and across the road to head down the lane to the Mill. Then back down Mill Street stopping off to see the progress on Kirsty's friends cottage which is being extended and then back through the centre of the village and back home. Rodders was very happy to trot along chasing Finnan or one of us and didn't sit down at all unless we had stopped to look at something.
On route we met up with an old friend and his Old English Sheepdog Puppy, Ziggy, who is 11 months old and HUGE! To start with Rodders wasn't sure what to make of this giant and kept his distance but as we all stood talking he got brave and went to have a closer look.
On our way back we met another miniature Schnauzer, Rodders was very interested and seemed to know that she was a kindred spirit.
Back at the cottage we all sat around drinking, eating, and chatting and laughing at Kirtsy's Wedding Album from 1975. Rodders curled himself up against Lisa's leg and had a snooze. This is very unusual as he normally needs to be with OH or me.
Rodders and Finnan didn't get along quite so well this week. Rodders has got braver and more playful and Finnan is an old lady who doesn't like playing with young whipper snapper's so there was a bit of grizzling from her. We left them to sort themselves out.
I took both of them in to the garden while the girls went through the Christmas Decorations that Kirsty is having to trim down. We have all come away with a selection of the ones she is happy to lose, the rest are going to a car boot sale next weekend. Rodders couldn't work out why he had to be on a lead (the garden is not secure) and didn't think it was fair as Finnan was loose. Sorry Rodders, but I know she won't run off and I am not so sure about you! Wonder if I could use a lunge rein on him!
Back inside we shut Finnan in the lounge with Kirsty and the girls so that I could give Rodders his supper. He ate most of it without any fuss although I did have to throw some kibble on the floor to get him to eat a bit more. Getting him to drink out of Finnan's water bowl was a bit more difficult.
We were going to the pub for an earlyish dinner so just before 7pm I out Rodders in the crate in the car and drove through the village to the pub, got out and walked away. I have never done this before and had no idea how he would react but this is the sort of time of day when he collapses so I hoped he would just sleep. He didn't make a sound as I left him and one of Kirsty's friends checked him on her way in, silence. I slipped out again while people were eating starters and all was quiet.
After I had eaten I was going to slip away, let Rodders out for a piddle and then head home. That didn't work, everyone wanted to see him and they all came out. After he had been given a fuss by everyone and had a snuggle with Colin we had a walk around the garden but there were too many new smells and people around so he wasn't interested in having a piddle so I out him back in the car.
Part way home OH rang, Rodders hadn't made a sound until then but he started crying again. It is so funny how OH has that effect on him. Once OH talked to him he went quiet again and we got home just before ten.
Rodders walked in the house and straight through to go out in the garden. He had a piddle and then came back in thinking he wanted a play. He chewed his bone while I made a cuppa but decided he would rather curl up on my lap. Once he was asleep I moved him and snuggle fleece to the floor. It has been a long day and he is exhausted.
We have another long day tomorrow. This is the plans for the grooming workshop - eeeek!
As always, Rodders was quiet in the car, he settles very easily in his crate as long as he gets a treat as he is put in. We hadn't got far when OH called. This is the first time that the car phone has gone with Rodders in the car and as soon as he heard OH he started to cry, OH apologised and said he would go, I said he should stay talking to Rodders! It worked and Rodders stopped crying.
Once we got close to Houghton I rang to check they were there as I would need help to get everything out of the car. My sister suggested that I drove down the lane initially which I did. When I got there they were all having a picnic so I let myself in with Rodders and the first load, made sure he was OK and he and Finnan had a biscuit and went back for the 2nd load.
Everyone was looking at Rodders (well he is such a cute puppy) and not paying a lot of attention to Finnan so Kirsty took her in the garden. What did she do? She walked straight in to the pond, not the same one as last week either! She came out black and smelly and had to go straight in the bath and then be towelled off and blow dried. Rodders was very interested in all this activity, especially all the whinging Finnan was doing.
Kirsty and I nipped next door with Rodders to check it was OK for me to leave my car in their (huge) drive. They both came out to see Rodders and then let their dog out to meet him. She was a terrier like I have never seen before, black & tan, with big ears and like a slim doberman. she and Rodders got on really well and were prancing about head down and bum in the air for ages. It was so funny to watch.
Once Finnan was dry the girls wanted to go for a walk around the village and learn more about our old haunts, Lisa was a baby when we left in 1985 and the twins were not born until 1986. We turned right out of the cottage and went through the lanes, round the back of our ld family home and across the road to head down the lane to the Mill. Then back down Mill Street stopping off to see the progress on Kirsty's friends cottage which is being extended and then back through the centre of the village and back home. Rodders was very happy to trot along chasing Finnan or one of us and didn't sit down at all unless we had stopped to look at something.
On route we met up with an old friend and his Old English Sheepdog Puppy, Ziggy, who is 11 months old and HUGE! To start with Rodders wasn't sure what to make of this giant and kept his distance but as we all stood talking he got brave and went to have a closer look.
On our way back we met another miniature Schnauzer, Rodders was very interested and seemed to know that she was a kindred spirit.
Back at the cottage we all sat around drinking, eating, and chatting and laughing at Kirtsy's Wedding Album from 1975. Rodders curled himself up against Lisa's leg and had a snooze. This is very unusual as he normally needs to be with OH or me.
Rodders and Finnan didn't get along quite so well this week. Rodders has got braver and more playful and Finnan is an old lady who doesn't like playing with young whipper snapper's so there was a bit of grizzling from her. We left them to sort themselves out.
I took both of them in to the garden while the girls went through the Christmas Decorations that Kirsty is having to trim down. We have all come away with a selection of the ones she is happy to lose, the rest are going to a car boot sale next weekend. Rodders couldn't work out why he had to be on a lead (the garden is not secure) and didn't think it was fair as Finnan was loose. Sorry Rodders, but I know she won't run off and I am not so sure about you! Wonder if I could use a lunge rein on him!
Back inside we shut Finnan in the lounge with Kirsty and the girls so that I could give Rodders his supper. He ate most of it without any fuss although I did have to throw some kibble on the floor to get him to eat a bit more. Getting him to drink out of Finnan's water bowl was a bit more difficult.
We were going to the pub for an earlyish dinner so just before 7pm I out Rodders in the crate in the car and drove through the village to the pub, got out and walked away. I have never done this before and had no idea how he would react but this is the sort of time of day when he collapses so I hoped he would just sleep. He didn't make a sound as I left him and one of Kirsty's friends checked him on her way in, silence. I slipped out again while people were eating starters and all was quiet.
After I had eaten I was going to slip away, let Rodders out for a piddle and then head home. That didn't work, everyone wanted to see him and they all came out. After he had been given a fuss by everyone and had a snuggle with Colin we had a walk around the garden but there were too many new smells and people around so he wasn't interested in having a piddle so I out him back in the car.
Part way home OH rang, Rodders hadn't made a sound until then but he started crying again. It is so funny how OH has that effect on him. Once OH talked to him he went quiet again and we got home just before ten.
Rodders walked in the house and straight through to go out in the garden. He had a piddle and then came back in thinking he wanted a play. He chewed his bone while I made a cuppa but decided he would rather curl up on my lap. Once he was asleep I moved him and snuggle fleece to the floor. It has been a long day and he is exhausted.
We have another long day tomorrow. This is the plans for the grooming workshop - eeeek!
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Friday, 11 November 2011
He has the devil in him
Rodders has tried to chew the carpet and me, a firm no seems to be making him worse today, so does tapping his nose :-( I have played with him to try and distract him, we have done sit and wait with treats, we have tried to teach him to ask to go in the garden by barking - he has stopped barking to go out and just sits and looks at the door which isn't very useful if I am not watching him, still barking to come back in though - he will behave for a little while and play with his toys until he thinks I have stopped watching and then is up to more mischief.
Luckily he has decided that grey, drizzly and yuk or not he wants to play in the garden and he is chewing on a stick. I'm not ever so happy about his fascination with sticks but need the peace for a little while.
In amongst this I have tried to stand and wrap presents for my sister's birthday this weekend as we are going to see her tomorrow after we have been to puppy school.
Luckily he has decided that grey, drizzly and yuk or not he wants to play in the garden and he is chewing on a stick. I'm not ever so happy about his fascination with sticks but need the peace for a little while.
In amongst this I have tried to stand and wrap presents for my sister's birthday this weekend as we are going to see her tomorrow after we have been to puppy school.
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Back to Houghton
We rang Kirsty from the car to find out that Sue & Mel had arrived so we called in there for a little while on the way back. Rodders did have a little complain about being back in the car crate.
We parked at the end of the lane and I put his lead on before getting him out of the car. He walked down to the house again and wasn't put off by Finnan barking as we arrived. Sue gave both dogs treats this time. Nor was he bothered when Finnan went off on one because of the fireworks.
After a quick chat we headed off for home. He did walk back down the lane but at the end, just before we needed to cross the road he lay down and refused to move so I had to carry him the last little bit. We had to stop at Tesco's for fuel. It was interesting to see Rodders in his crate under the lights. He was curled up for a little while and then sat up, not making a sound.
Rodders was brilliant on the way home and I carried him in to the house and we went straight in the garden. He didn't want to stay out there because the fireworks were going off all around us.
We parked at the end of the lane and I put his lead on before getting him out of the car. He walked down to the house again and wasn't put off by Finnan barking as we arrived. Sue gave both dogs treats this time. Nor was he bothered when Finnan went off on one because of the fireworks.
After a quick chat we headed off for home. He did walk back down the lane but at the end, just before we needed to cross the road he lay down and refused to move so I had to carry him the last little bit. We had to stop at Tesco's for fuel. It was interesting to see Rodders in his crate under the lights. He was curled up for a little while and then sat up, not making a sound.
Rodders was brilliant on the way home and I carried him in to the house and we went straight in the garden. He didn't want to stay out there because the fireworks were going off all around us.
Off to see Donna
We left Kirsty and Rodders walked nicely back to the car and there was no noise as I put him back in his crate for the 5 minute journey to Donna's.
I got him out the car after putting his lead on and he walked nicely in to the house just as it was getting dark. He didn't want to come in the door so had to be enticed with some treats. Donna and Toby gave Rodders lots of fuss and he was allowed to have a good sniff around before Donna washed, cut and blow dried my hair. He was happy to come up on my knee for a fuss while she cut my hair.
Matt arrived home in the middle and he took Rodders off me for a fuss and took him with him while he went to get their Springer Becky out of the car. Apparently a firework went off while they were out and Rodders jumped a little.
When Matt came back in with the dogs he handed Rodders to me. He was happy to sit on my knee watching Becky running around and they came nose to nose a couple of times.
Once Donna had finished my hair Rodders had another run around and play with his toy before we said goodbye.
I got him out the car after putting his lead on and he walked nicely in to the house just as it was getting dark. He didn't want to come in the door so had to be enticed with some treats. Donna and Toby gave Rodders lots of fuss and he was allowed to have a good sniff around before Donna washed, cut and blow dried my hair. He was happy to come up on my knee for a fuss while she cut my hair.
Matt arrived home in the middle and he took Rodders off me for a fuss and took him with him while he went to get their Springer Becky out of the car. Apparently a firework went off while they were out and Rodders jumped a little.
When Matt came back in with the dogs he handed Rodders to me. He was happy to sit on my knee watching Becky running around and they came nose to nose a couple of times.
Once Donna had finished my hair Rodders had another run around and play with his toy before we said goodbye.
Off to Houghton
Rodders and I got back in the car to go and visit my sister and Finnan in her new home in Houghton.
I don't think Rodders was very impressed at going back in the car crate and he took a few minutes to settle but he was OK after that.
There is no parking at her new house so we parked at the bottom of the lane and I put Rodders lead on before getting him out the crate. He walked nicely all the way to her house and was a little nervous when we first walked in and he wasn't sure what to make of Finnan. I sat with them each side of me feeding them treats while hearing the latest news.
Finnan rolled in cow shit this morning while out for her walk and then fell in a pond in the garden (that we didn't even know was there) this afternoon so she had been in the bath and was still drying out. She has also escaped from the garden so we know that it is not secure.
We took the dogs in the garden, with Rodders on his lead, so that they could get used to each other. Rodders wanted to play but Finnan wasn't impressed and ignored him. This carried on all afternoon!
I got Rodders toy out once we went back inside so that he had something to keep him occupied and didn't keep pestering Finnan. He did get lots of fuss from Kirsty and her friend Eve who was also visiting.
I am thrilled to say that Finnan only had one little grizzle at Rodders :-)
I don't think Rodders was very impressed at going back in the car crate and he took a few minutes to settle but he was OK after that.
There is no parking at her new house so we parked at the bottom of the lane and I put Rodders lead on before getting him out the crate. He walked nicely all the way to her house and was a little nervous when we first walked in and he wasn't sure what to make of Finnan. I sat with them each side of me feeding them treats while hearing the latest news.
Finnan rolled in cow shit this morning while out for her walk and then fell in a pond in the garden (that we didn't even know was there) this afternoon so she had been in the bath and was still drying out. She has also escaped from the garden so we know that it is not secure.
We took the dogs in the garden, with Rodders on his lead, so that they could get used to each other. Rodders wanted to play but Finnan wasn't impressed and ignored him. This carried on all afternoon!
I got Rodders toy out once we went back inside so that he had something to keep him occupied and didn't keep pestering Finnan. He did get lots of fuss from Kirsty and her friend Eve who was also visiting.
I am thrilled to say that Finnan only had one little grizzle at Rodders :-)
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Delivery men
Well another delivery man disturbed Rodders snooze so I let him out in the garden.
My big sister rang to let me know how my other sister's move went yesterday and how emotional she was to be back in the village we grew up in. Rodders and I have sent flowers to her today via Interflora. He was a monkey while I was on the phone so I ended up picking him up and walking about.
Just as I finished with her OH rang, he has suggested putting speaker phone on so that Rodders realises I am talking to someone else!
My big sister rang to let me know how my other sister's move went yesterday and how emotional she was to be back in the village we grew up in. Rodders and I have sent flowers to her today via Interflora. He was a monkey while I was on the phone so I ended up picking him up and walking about.
Just as I finished with her OH rang, he has suggested putting speaker phone on so that Rodders realises I am talking to someone else!
Friday, 28 October 2011
Moving home
Today is the day that my sister moves back to the village that we grew up in, a long held dream, and I have been thinking of her all day and hoping that everything was going well.
Under normal circumstances I would have been there to offer help but as Rodders isn't allowed out or with other dogs (she has a Westie) I couldn't do that. She is just over an hour away so I couldn't even have left Rodders for the length of time that would have made a difference really.
I hope she understands!
I did pop out and post her a card and a small gift so she should have that very soon.
Under normal circumstances I would have been there to offer help but as Rodders isn't allowed out or with other dogs (she has a Westie) I couldn't do that. She is just over an hour away so I couldn't even have left Rodders for the length of time that would have made a difference really.
I hope she understands!
I did pop out and post her a card and a small gift so she should have that very soon.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Booking in at Dog School
We got in the car and Rodders had a very small whinge. I drove to the small Tesco and left Rodders in the car while I got cash out, he was OK and didn't make a sound until I got back in and drove off. Maybe I should have got him out or gone and talked to him before I got back in the car?
Anyway, after 5 minutes he settled down and was quiet and we went to find Rossway Dog Training School. I missed the turning the first time so had to turn around and try again. It is down a one track road but quite easy to find, despite the fact that I missed the actual gateway and had to reverse!
It is set in 3 acres, right by the canal and there is a mooring for Barges (out of bounds to the dog school), a wooden building where the offices, loo's and classes are and a separate field with agility stuff. There are 2 vehicles in the car park all logo's up, OH would be happy with one as it is a Land Rover SWB Defender. I got Rodders out of the car and we went in. Pete (the chap I spoke to last night) was there with a family of three and their dog doing a one to one class and there was a Spinoni (I think) in a crate watching (he looked gorgeous).
We had a quick word and Pete gave Rodders a fuss and handed me a load of paperwork to read so I know what is expected. He will be in touch to let us know which class we will be attending. We walked back out and Rodders went back in his car crate without a murmur.
We drove back a different way and found a beautiful, huge, house at the end of the lane and we ended up in Long Chaulden so back on familiar territory. We then went to the old town and got a Housewarming Card and a small gift for my sister Kirsty as she and Finnan move house tomorrow. We had a wander about and spotted Sue and Sophie from No 1 too. Rodders and I both jumped as we were walking passed a big lorry and there was a crash from the back. He got a bit of a fuss from a lady outside one of the shops.
We then got back in the car and came home. As I opened the boot Rodders looked so comfy and wasn't very happy that I was taking him out again. But at least he had been given a puppy treat each time we stopped!
Anyway, after 5 minutes he settled down and was quiet and we went to find Rossway Dog Training School. I missed the turning the first time so had to turn around and try again. It is down a one track road but quite easy to find, despite the fact that I missed the actual gateway and had to reverse!
It is set in 3 acres, right by the canal and there is a mooring for Barges (out of bounds to the dog school), a wooden building where the offices, loo's and classes are and a separate field with agility stuff. There are 2 vehicles in the car park all logo's up, OH would be happy with one as it is a Land Rover SWB Defender. I got Rodders out of the car and we went in. Pete (the chap I spoke to last night) was there with a family of three and their dog doing a one to one class and there was a Spinoni (I think) in a crate watching (he looked gorgeous).
We had a quick word and Pete gave Rodders a fuss and handed me a load of paperwork to read so I know what is expected. He will be in touch to let us know which class we will be attending. We walked back out and Rodders went back in his car crate without a murmur.
We drove back a different way and found a beautiful, huge, house at the end of the lane and we ended up in Long Chaulden so back on familiar territory. We then went to the old town and got a Housewarming Card and a small gift for my sister Kirsty as she and Finnan move house tomorrow. We had a wander about and spotted Sue and Sophie from No 1 too. Rodders and I both jumped as we were walking passed a big lorry and there was a crash from the back. He got a bit of a fuss from a lady outside one of the shops.
We then got back in the car and came home. As I opened the boot Rodders looked so comfy and wasn't very happy that I was taking him out again. But at least he had been given a puppy treat each time we stopped!
Saturday, 22 October 2011
A day out
I got to Kirsty's and Finnan came bounding to greet me. After Rodders our little Westie seems HUGE! We were soon off to Ramsey for Shiela and Robin's Wedding Blessing, the actually married yesterday. We met up with Sue and Mel outside. It really is a lovely church, I hadn't been in there before. A nice service (vicar went on a bit but hey ho!) and then we moved on to Warboys WI Hall for a lovely afternoon tea type affair. The Wedding Cake was spectacular and I will come me back and add a photo later.
Spent a pleasant few hours chatting with friends from Houghton and congratulating the happy couple. What fun to get married at 84! I wish them lots of luck and happiness.
Dropped Kirsty off and headed home.
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