OH arrived home and Rodders was busy chewing a cardboard tube on the door mat. OH stood outside and watched him for a moment before opening the door. Rodders leapt up, barked once and then started squeaking with delight. He was desperate to be picked up for a snuggle.
Once Rodders had calmed down a little we all headed upstairs so that OH and I could get changed in to our scruffs - so much easier when there is a chance of playing on the floor with a puppy or being leapt on with wet paws! Rodders had one attempt at raiding the laundry but one word from Oh and he stopped straight away.
I left OH and Rodders upstairs and came down to carry on with dinner. They soon joined me and were happy playing until it was time to eat.
Rodders always seems to ask to go out in to the garden while I am eating and so I am getting quite used to leaping up and down mid meal! OH thinks maybe we should swap sides so that he can take his turn.
After we had eaten Rodders was given his dinner by OH as I was clearing up and he sat and waited nicely while the bowls were put down. He was given the very last of a tin of id diet made up to 80g with kibble. It would appear that he was hungry as it disappeared fairly quickly. I have kept back 2 tins of id diet in case we have any similar problems in the future. Rodders seems to drink more when he is eating kibble which makes me happier, I know the id diet is wet food but I can't see how he can get all his water intake from that, I do like to see the levels on his water bowls decreasing! It is good to see that he is now drinking from the bowl in his crate.
Once he had finished eating he came through for a snuggle on the sofa with OH. OH was lying full length on the sofa and Rodders started off on his chest but soon went exploring. When I looked up he was standing on OH's feet peering over at me on the other sofa. He really is quite funny and very cute!
Once he asked to go down he was happy to snooze on his bed pad or, when he got too warm, on a snuggle fleece. He is still barking quite a lot but OH seems to be able to get him to quieten down easier than I can. Although he doesn't speak Rodders very well and can't tell when the bark means something like I have my toy stuck under a chair or somewhere inaccessible or if it means he wants to go out in the garden. So even when he is here it is still me that is leaping up and down!
At bedtime Rodders was happy to walk out in to the garden as long as I went with him but he took an age before he decided to piddle. As soon as that was done he wanted straight back in the house but had to be lifted in to his crate once I had locked up and switched the lights out. I gave him a few bits of kibble as a treat.
At just after 4am he started to bark the house down and OH shot out of bed (this makes up for not speaking Rodders!) and came downstairs to him. After a quick fuss it was obvious that Rodders was desperate to go out in the garden and he went straight out and pooped. Once back inside he wanted to play but OH wasn't having any of it. He enticed him back in to the crate with some kibble and said goodnight. Rodders wasn't happy and sat with his back to him and his tail out in the hope that the crate wouldn't shut, it did! Rodders gave a few whingy squeaks when OH came back to bed but soon settled back down.
When OH's alarm went off he switched it off and fell back to sleep so there was a bit if a panic when he did wake up. He went straight in the shower and had been in there for a few minutes before Rodders started to bark. I got up and came down to sort him out.
I gave Rodders a bit of a fuss and then he wanted out in to the garden for a piddle. He rushed back in when he heard OH come down and wanted a fuss. I got them both breakfast and made us a cuppa - Rodders doesn't get one of these! Rodders was slightly confused as there was only one bowl with something in it, I should have lifted the other one, silly me.
When OH was leaving for work Rodders went out with him but wouldn't come back when I called him so I had to go out and lift him up. As soon as OH was out of the gate I put him back down and he was happy to follow me inside.
I went up and got washed and dressed ready for a walk around the Rugby field. Rodders was very excited to be going out and it took a couple of attempts to make him sit and wait at the door. He also tried to pull on the lead to start with but we soon sorted that and by the time we got to the road he was happy to sit and wait before we crossed.
As we got to the field he sat and waited for me to swap leads and then he was off sniffing and running about. He stopped to poop and then waited while I cleaned up and we made our way up towards the bin to dispose of it. We finished our run around the field, swapped leads and headed home.
Once home I washed my hands and then made myself a sandwich to take to work, I only got crisps and chocolate yesterday and was so hungry by dinner time so I can't do that again. Rodders ate a bit more of his breakfast, but not all of it, and we had a snuggle on the sofa before I had to take off my jeans and jumper and throw on my dress and boots for work.
We had a quick snuggle on the sofa and checked how OH's journey was going before it was time to put Rodders in his crate, with some kibble, ad head to work. For the first time on my nice short commute I had to deal with queuing traffic! Still did the journey in 5 minutes though.
I popped home at lunchtime and once Rodders had calmed down a bit I gave him his lunch and then we went out in to the garden so I could poop scoop. Rodders came in with me while I went to the bin at the front door and then wanted to go back out. He came running in when the front door went. It was an asian gentleman trying to sell cavity wall insulation and Rodders didn't seem to like him and kept growling. I got rid of him fairly quickly and Rodders went back out for a piddle. Just as I put him back in the crate, with the dental kong full of kibble, the front door went again and it was Bob next door with a parcel for me. I took it off him as I went out the door.
After work the weather was horrid, howling gale and rain, and the traffic awful so it took me almost 15 minutes to get home. Rodders did go out for a piddle when I first got in but hasn't really gone out since. He has stuck his head out three times and I threw him out the fourth time he asked but he just stood on the patio getting blown about for a few minutes and then asked to come back in. He is going to have to go out before bedtime whether he likes it or not.
I cooked and ate my dinner, cleared up and sorted out Rodders supper which he got when he barked for it. He must have been hungry as this is the first meal he has finished all day.
Sue, the dog walker, came round tonight to meet Rodders, pick up a key and drop off the final paperwork for me to complete. She seems very nice and was well prepared for a shy puppy as she came armed with sausage. She will collect Rodders twice a week and he will probably be out of the house for a couple of hours, 1 hour will be spent collecting and dropping off other dogs and he will get a 1 hour walk. She usually has 4-6 dogs with her each time. She knows that he isn't allowed off lead yet and will wait for me to let her know when it is OK. We can drop a day any time we like by texting her the night before and, in an emergency, she can usually fit him in for an extra walk if needed. She doesn't approve of choke chains though so I may need to buy him another collar. She is also happy to out him back in his crate with a kong if I leave it out. We also talked about holiday cover as she does home from home boarding and she has provisionally booked Rodders in for July when OH and I are going to Gibraltar for a friends wedding.
Showing posts with label upstairs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label upstairs. Show all posts
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Monday, 2 January 2012
A bit more active this afternoon
Rodders and I spent some time in the garden. First of all I poop scooped and then we played chase.
He came and lay on the kitchen floor while I emptied the washing machine and once he was told no he didn't try to bite things as they came out of the machine. Once the washing machine was empty he followed me upstairs while I hung stuff on the radiators and ran off with my slippers. One is still on the landing and the other is in the lounge.
I then put on my walking gear and we headed off down the Nicky Line following yesterdays route. Rodders was really funny once we swapped to the extendable lead. He would either run ahead of me and then sit and wait or he would lag behind me and wait for me to call him and come running so I turned it in to a training exercise.
As he seems to like this walk I thought I should check where it is we end up and apparently it is Keen Fields. I wasn't quite so keen on it today as I spotted drug paraphernalia up by the seating area and basketball court :-(
Anyway we did the walk around and Rodders loved running and sniffing about and he got to play with a boxer and a staff cross before we headed back up the Nicky Line.
He is funny if he gets anything stuck to his legs. He just sits down and waits for me to take it off him.
We got passed by a cyclist and a runner, Rodders was quite good and sat still for me while we let them passed. He doesn't like it when other dog walkers go past us if he isn't allowed to stop and say hello but he will keep walking even if he does keep looking back.
We walked back as far as the rugby field before turning and heading for home. Once inside I was trying to swap out of my wellies and Rodders was trying to bite the boots I was putting on so I shut him in the lounge. To start with he was quiet but he soon started squeaking as he hates being shut away from me if I am home.
He came and lay on the kitchen floor while I emptied the washing machine and once he was told no he didn't try to bite things as they came out of the machine. Once the washing machine was empty he followed me upstairs while I hung stuff on the radiators and ran off with my slippers. One is still on the landing and the other is in the lounge.
I then put on my walking gear and we headed off down the Nicky Line following yesterdays route. Rodders was really funny once we swapped to the extendable lead. He would either run ahead of me and then sit and wait or he would lag behind me and wait for me to call him and come running so I turned it in to a training exercise.
As he seems to like this walk I thought I should check where it is we end up and apparently it is Keen Fields. I wasn't quite so keen on it today as I spotted drug paraphernalia up by the seating area and basketball court :-(
Anyway we did the walk around and Rodders loved running and sniffing about and he got to play with a boxer and a staff cross before we headed back up the Nicky Line.
He is funny if he gets anything stuck to his legs. He just sits down and waits for me to take it off him.
We got passed by a cyclist and a runner, Rodders was quite good and sat still for me while we let them passed. He doesn't like it when other dog walkers go past us if he isn't allowed to stop and say hello but he will keep walking even if he does keep looking back.
We walked back as far as the rugby field before turning and heading for home. Once inside I was trying to swap out of my wellies and Rodders was trying to bite the boots I was putting on so I shut him in the lounge. To start with he was quiet but he soon started squeaking as he hates being shut away from me if I am home.
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Such a happy puppy (& Maty)
OH rang to see how we were doing today and I was part way through updating him when he said "you had better out the kettle on". I asked where he was as I walked in to the kitchen and spotted him pulling up outside the back gate. I have told him during the week that Rodders was missing him and would go nuts when he saw him next and I wasn't wrong.
Rodders had followed me through to the kitchen and was sniffing about my feet when the back door went. He barked twice as he dashed towards the door and then his tone changed to squeaks of delight and he wanted up for a snuggle where he stayed for ages. Rodders looked so happy to see OH, it showed in every little bit of him.
Eventually OH managed to put him down and I got a hug hello, Rodders wasn't sure about that at all and gave the odd strangled bark. OH told him not to be so stupid.
From then on Rodders followed OH everywhere he went as he pottered about doing things and didn't want to leave his side. I had a really heavy box in the car and OH went to get it for me and I thought Rodders was going to actually cry. You would have thought that OH had been away for hours rather than a few minutes by the greeting he got when he came back in the door.
I took the opportunity to go upstairs and have a bath and get dressed in peace. When I came back downstairs they were both cuddled up on the sofa. I left them to it and went outside to poop scoop so that I could check they looked OK before calling the vets with an update. Rodders didn't like me being outside without him and wanted down. He greeted me at the door squeaking.
I rang the vet and explained what I have been doing and how Rodders is. They will pass the message on to Roger and give me a call back if they need to. Him eating from two bowls is fine, as long as it works.
OH needed some help with his year end accounts which we sorted out and then I made us some lunch and then gave Rodders his in two bowls. So far, everything he has had today has stayed put which is great. We then all sat, cuddled up on the sofa, watching television for a while until it was time for OH to go. Rodders went to the gate with him and then came back when called.
Both of us are so much happier for our surprise visit!
Rodders had followed me through to the kitchen and was sniffing about my feet when the back door went. He barked twice as he dashed towards the door and then his tone changed to squeaks of delight and he wanted up for a snuggle where he stayed for ages. Rodders looked so happy to see OH, it showed in every little bit of him.
Eventually OH managed to put him down and I got a hug hello, Rodders wasn't sure about that at all and gave the odd strangled bark. OH told him not to be so stupid.
From then on Rodders followed OH everywhere he went as he pottered about doing things and didn't want to leave his side. I had a really heavy box in the car and OH went to get it for me and I thought Rodders was going to actually cry. You would have thought that OH had been away for hours rather than a few minutes by the greeting he got when he came back in the door.
I took the opportunity to go upstairs and have a bath and get dressed in peace. When I came back downstairs they were both cuddled up on the sofa. I left them to it and went outside to poop scoop so that I could check they looked OK before calling the vets with an update. Rodders didn't like me being outside without him and wanted down. He greeted me at the door squeaking.
I rang the vet and explained what I have been doing and how Rodders is. They will pass the message on to Roger and give me a call back if they need to. Him eating from two bowls is fine, as long as it works.
OH needed some help with his year end accounts which we sorted out and then I made us some lunch and then gave Rodders his in two bowls. So far, everything he has had today has stayed put which is great. We then all sat, cuddled up on the sofa, watching television for a while until it was time for OH to go. Rodders went to the gate with him and then came back when called.
Both of us are so much happier for our surprise visit!
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
A peaceful night
Rodders didn't make a sound until after 7am this morning. When I came down he was happy to have a fuss and then go out in to the garden for a piddle and a poo before coming in for his breakfast.
He got 75% ID Diet and 25% kibble this morning, lets hope he is OK as he wolfed it down. He was obviously hungry as he was barking like mad as I was weighing it out for him.
After another run about he was happy to come and sit up on the sofa with me and slept for another couple of hours.
We then went upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed and he found another tissue to shred.
He got 75% ID Diet and 25% kibble this morning, lets hope he is OK as he wolfed it down. He was obviously hungry as he was barking like mad as I was weighing it out for him.
After another run about he was happy to come and sit up on the sofa with me and slept for another couple of hours.
We then went upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed and he found another tissue to shred.
Friday, 23 December 2011
It's all go
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!
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!
Back to the vets
OH was up with Rodders at 6am and I came down at 6.30am. Rodders hadn't had his breakfast yet so I sorted that out and then made OH some toast.
Rodders went upstairs with OH when he went for a shower and then came down with the bath mat to go in the washing machine, well he got it to the bottom of the stairs but needed help to get it any further. This is the third load of washing in 12 hours as we have done his towels and fleeces so they are clean for going away.
Once OH was ready for work we had a cuddle and said goodbye, for once Rodders seemed to be jealous and was barking at us. OH gave him a fuss too. Rodders went out to the gate with OH and came back to the patio when I called him. The little monkey then thought better of it and was heading back to the gate, luckily OH spotted him and shut the gate very quickly.
Rodders and I had a snuggle before we went upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed as we needed to head off to the vet for Rodders check up.
I am so lucky that Rodders likes going to the vets and he trots in there quite happily, barking as he goes so that everyone knows that he is there. He was very happy to see that Nicci was there but not so happy that she didn't give him any liver treats. We sat in the waiting room for a little while and then Roger called us in.
We talked through how Rodders has been over the last few days and the fact that he seems to be starving. Roger admitted that we have given him the absolute minimum to eat so he wasn't surprised by this. We weighed Rodders and he is back to 4.6k so he has lost weight over the last few days and is back where he was when we weighed him last week. Roger checked him over and seems happy with him but, because it is Christmas and we are going away, he wants to keep him on the i.d. diet until next Wednesday before re-introducing kibble slowly (75/25% on Wednesday, 50/50 Thursday and 25/75 on Friday) but if there are any signs that it is upsetting him we need to go straight back to the i.d. diet. We can also increase him to 75g per meal. And no treats at all for at least 2 weeks but, once he is back on kibble, I can use some of this to use as treats. I also need to call on Thursday to let them know how he is doing.
I mentioned his choke chain and Roger says that he would have been able to cut it off if necessary but he is obviously a growing boy and we need to get a bigger one. It iOS difficult to say how much bigger his head will get.
We left the consulting room and Rodders got lots of fuss from the girls while I was paying the bill and collecting his food. I also picked up a different slicker brush that looks like it will be gentler on him. Once we were back in the car we called OH to let him know how we got on.
Rodders went upstairs with OH when he went for a shower and then came down with the bath mat to go in the washing machine, well he got it to the bottom of the stairs but needed help to get it any further. This is the third load of washing in 12 hours as we have done his towels and fleeces so they are clean for going away.
Once OH was ready for work we had a cuddle and said goodbye, for once Rodders seemed to be jealous and was barking at us. OH gave him a fuss too. Rodders went out to the gate with OH and came back to the patio when I called him. The little monkey then thought better of it and was heading back to the gate, luckily OH spotted him and shut the gate very quickly.
Rodders and I had a snuggle before we went upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed as we needed to head off to the vet for Rodders check up.
I am so lucky that Rodders likes going to the vets and he trots in there quite happily, barking as he goes so that everyone knows that he is there. He was very happy to see that Nicci was there but not so happy that she didn't give him any liver treats. We sat in the waiting room for a little while and then Roger called us in.
We talked through how Rodders has been over the last few days and the fact that he seems to be starving. Roger admitted that we have given him the absolute minimum to eat so he wasn't surprised by this. We weighed Rodders and he is back to 4.6k so he has lost weight over the last few days and is back where he was when we weighed him last week. Roger checked him over and seems happy with him but, because it is Christmas and we are going away, he wants to keep him on the i.d. diet until next Wednesday before re-introducing kibble slowly (75/25% on Wednesday, 50/50 Thursday and 25/75 on Friday) but if there are any signs that it is upsetting him we need to go straight back to the i.d. diet. We can also increase him to 75g per meal. And no treats at all for at least 2 weeks but, once he is back on kibble, I can use some of this to use as treats. I also need to call on Thursday to let them know how he is doing.
I mentioned his choke chain and Roger says that he would have been able to cut it off if necessary but he is obviously a growing boy and we need to get a bigger one. It iOS difficult to say how much bigger his head will get.
We left the consulting room and Rodders got lots of fuss from the girls while I was paying the bill and collecting his food. I also picked up a different slicker brush that looks like it will be gentler on him. Once we were back in the car we called OH to let him know how we got on.
A Christmas Evening with OH
On the way home from work I stopped at the little Tesco so that I could make OH one of his favourite dinners so I was a little later home than normal. OH rang as I pulled up outside the house so we had a very quick chat before I came in to see how my beautiful boy was.
Rodders was very pleased to see me, and barking as I came in the door, but desperate to go out for a piddle. He then came back in for a fuss, a play and his tea.
OH called again, he is having a great journey home so far so I started chopping things for dinner. Usually when I am chopping Rodders gets a carrot top or something but as he is on his special diet I couldn't do this. He just sat beside me barking and no amount of being told no was cutting it.
He was so busy barking he didn't even hear OH arriving home until he was actually in the back door! They had a snuggle and then went upstairs for OH to get changed. Good job as I had just had a calgon tablet crumble all over the kitchen floor and I needed to clear up before Rodders was allowed back in there!
When they came down they both went straight out in to the garden and I couldn't see what they were doing but they were up to something!
Once they were back in today's dinner of Fajita's was out on the table, OH already knew what he was getting as I had forgotten the wraps and had to send him to Tesco for them on his way home so the surprise was spoilt.
Once we had dinner we swapped Christmas cards. I got a special one from Rodders to a No1 Mum, signed with a muddy paw print, and a lovely one from OH. He always finds cards with lovely words and always manages to bring a tear to my eye, this year was no exception.
As we don't spend Christmas together we always swap presents before Christmas and tonight was the night. I was a very spoilt girl as I got Red Hunter Wellies, a grooming table for Rodders and I to use and a cool pad for my bed. Rodders also bought me a yummy box of chocolates :-) All things that I need and I am one happy girl, well maybe chocolates aren't needed but they were very much appreciated! Rodders wasn't left out and he opened a new fleece and some special dog bubbles which he and OH played with straight away, Rodders seemed to like them! He also has some more presents to open on Christmas day.
Once all the presents had been unwrapped OH set up the grooming table in the passage for me while I sorted out the wrapping paper and cleared up the rubbish.
Rodders then got put up on the grooming table so that could comb him through before giving him his first bath at home as we want him clean and lovely for Santa. I also trimmed his bottom to make him a bit more hygienic. It is important that he has all tangles removed before he is wet as this makes them impossible to remove.
OH and I took him up to the bathroom and I made sure that we had everything we needed to hand before getting the temperature right on the shower head. OH tried to take off Rodders choke chain but it would appear it is now too small to come over his head so we had a bit of a panic, worst case scenario we would have to ask the vets to cut it off in the morning.
We put Rodders in the bath and I soaked all his body before shampooing him and rinsing him off. I then moved on to his head and he really didn't like this bit and was trying to escape from the bath. OH was doing a sterling job of keeping him in there and calm. He also managed to get the choke chain off, yippee!
Once all the soap was out OH picked Rodders up in a towel and brought him downstairs to dry him off a bit whilst playing. I followed them down with the hair drier and Rodders got put back on the grooming table to get him dry and make sure he looks smart. He wasn't so sure about this bit and OH had to keep hold of him while I dried. We then swapped over and OH was using the slicker to fluff up Rodders legs as we dried. He really does dry quite quickly. The last bit was to try and cut the hair between his pads. I managed to get his front feet done but he was a bit fed up by the time I got to his back feet so we gave up for the night, it is not worth upsetting him if we don't have to and they can wait for another day.
We found Rodders puppy collar and OH extended it so I can use that until I get to training school to buy a bigger chile chain.
After a busy evening it was time to sit down, relax and watch a bit of TV before bed. Rodders came up on the sofa with me until I got too warm and moved him to the bed pad.
Rodders was very pleased to see me, and barking as I came in the door, but desperate to go out for a piddle. He then came back in for a fuss, a play and his tea.
OH called again, he is having a great journey home so far so I started chopping things for dinner. Usually when I am chopping Rodders gets a carrot top or something but as he is on his special diet I couldn't do this. He just sat beside me barking and no amount of being told no was cutting it.
He was so busy barking he didn't even hear OH arriving home until he was actually in the back door! They had a snuggle and then went upstairs for OH to get changed. Good job as I had just had a calgon tablet crumble all over the kitchen floor and I needed to clear up before Rodders was allowed back in there!
When they came down they both went straight out in to the garden and I couldn't see what they were doing but they were up to something!
Once they were back in today's dinner of Fajita's was out on the table, OH already knew what he was getting as I had forgotten the wraps and had to send him to Tesco for them on his way home so the surprise was spoilt.
Once we had dinner we swapped Christmas cards. I got a special one from Rodders to a No1 Mum, signed with a muddy paw print, and a lovely one from OH. He always finds cards with lovely words and always manages to bring a tear to my eye, this year was no exception.
As we don't spend Christmas together we always swap presents before Christmas and tonight was the night. I was a very spoilt girl as I got Red Hunter Wellies, a grooming table for Rodders and I to use and a cool pad for my bed. Rodders also bought me a yummy box of chocolates :-) All things that I need and I am one happy girl, well maybe chocolates aren't needed but they were very much appreciated! Rodders wasn't left out and he opened a new fleece and some special dog bubbles which he and OH played with straight away, Rodders seemed to like them! He also has some more presents to open on Christmas day.
Once all the presents had been unwrapped OH set up the grooming table in the passage for me while I sorted out the wrapping paper and cleared up the rubbish.
Rodders then got put up on the grooming table so that could comb him through before giving him his first bath at home as we want him clean and lovely for Santa. I also trimmed his bottom to make him a bit more hygienic. It is important that he has all tangles removed before he is wet as this makes them impossible to remove.
OH and I took him up to the bathroom and I made sure that we had everything we needed to hand before getting the temperature right on the shower head. OH tried to take off Rodders choke chain but it would appear it is now too small to come over his head so we had a bit of a panic, worst case scenario we would have to ask the vets to cut it off in the morning.
We put Rodders in the bath and I soaked all his body before shampooing him and rinsing him off. I then moved on to his head and he really didn't like this bit and was trying to escape from the bath. OH was doing a sterling job of keeping him in there and calm. He also managed to get the choke chain off, yippee!
Once all the soap was out OH picked Rodders up in a towel and brought him downstairs to dry him off a bit whilst playing. I followed them down with the hair drier and Rodders got put back on the grooming table to get him dry and make sure he looks smart. He wasn't so sure about this bit and OH had to keep hold of him while I dried. We then swapped over and OH was using the slicker to fluff up Rodders legs as we dried. He really does dry quite quickly. The last bit was to try and cut the hair between his pads. I managed to get his front feet done but he was a bit fed up by the time I got to his back feet so we gave up for the night, it is not worth upsetting him if we don't have to and they can wait for another day.
We found Rodders puppy collar and OH extended it so I can use that until I get to training school to buy a bigger chile chain.
After a busy evening it was time to sit down, relax and watch a bit of TV before bed. Rodders came up on the sofa with me until I got too warm and moved him to the bed pad.
Monday, 19 December 2011
Afternoon shift
I managed to concentrate on work for the afternoon and IT came up to sort out my computer. I managed to start finding my way around it on my own so it can't be too hard!
Looking at some of the spreadsheets they use I think there will need to be some basic macro's and look up tables done to make life easier.
It was soon 5pm and time to go home. As soon as I walked in the door Rodders started barking and I let him out the crate for a quick fuss and then we both went out in to the garden. To say he was desperate for a piddle is an understatement! I didn't think he was ever going to stop.
Once back inside he just wanted up for a snuggle and wouldn't stop licking me and nestling in to me. He didn't want to play or anything. Eventually he was happy to go down and started to sniff his bowl so I made his supper. After he had eaten a little he asked to go in the garden and then wanted to play.
Pat next door rang the bell to drop off a delivery and said that they didn't hear him at all today but he did howl when we went out last Thursday.
OH called to say he is on his way home but it could be a while as the traffic is awful and he needs to pick up an ebay purchase on route. I just need to know when he is 30 minutes from home so that I can prepare dinner!
Rodders has been running about playing and getting up to mischief, stopping briefly for a drink and a bit more supper. He did also try to get at one of the Christmas Tree ornaments but did stop when asked. He has also been upstairs with me when I went to get changed and was trying to bite the trousers I took off and the trackie bottoms I out on before running off with a slipper!
He is now in his toy box playing!
Looking at some of the spreadsheets they use I think there will need to be some basic macro's and look up tables done to make life easier.
It was soon 5pm and time to go home. As soon as I walked in the door Rodders started barking and I let him out the crate for a quick fuss and then we both went out in to the garden. To say he was desperate for a piddle is an understatement! I didn't think he was ever going to stop.
Once back inside he just wanted up for a snuggle and wouldn't stop licking me and nestling in to me. He didn't want to play or anything. Eventually he was happy to go down and started to sniff his bowl so I made his supper. After he had eaten a little he asked to go in the garden and then wanted to play.
Pat next door rang the bell to drop off a delivery and said that they didn't hear him at all today but he did howl when we went out last Thursday.
OH called to say he is on his way home but it could be a while as the traffic is awful and he needs to pick up an ebay purchase on route. I just need to know when he is 30 minutes from home so that I can prepare dinner!
Rodders has been running about playing and getting up to mischief, stopping briefly for a drink and a bit more supper. He did also try to get at one of the Christmas Tree ornaments but did stop when asked. He has also been upstairs with me when I went to get changed and was trying to bite the trousers I took off and the trackie bottoms I out on before running off with a slipper!
He is now in his toy box playing!
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Poor puppy, not getting too much attention
Rodders was in the garden barking so I went out to see why and he was talking to Bob and Pat next door over the fence. They had been away for the night and were just getting back and tell me the roads are very slippy.
Once Rodders came in we went upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed and then we went straight out for a walk. This is the first time that Rodders has been on the rugby field in days and he loved it! As usual I swapped to the extendable lead while we were on the field as it gives him some freedom to run and play. He loves to lag behind and them come running past me but I also made sure that he would actually come back to me, rather than keep on running and I got him to wait for me to catch up with him a couple of times. He kindly pooped near the bin which was handy! We also had two short flurries of snow so it really is flipping cold!
After we left the rugby field OH rang to check how we were and I was still chatting to him when I spotted Nicky & John from across the road. They wanted to say hello to Rodders so I hung up on OH so that I could stop and chat. They have spotted Roders and I leaving home a few times and think that he is walking beautifully on the lead and they also think that he has grown a lot in the last few weeks. We parted company and Rodders and I carried on home to get in the warm.
Back inside Rodders ate some more of his chicken and rice while I made a cuppa. I then got ready for the last of the Christmas wrapping marathon. Rodders wasn't too impressed when he saw what I was doing and he has mooched about playing with his toys or in the garden on his own most of the time. He did take offence to one of the gift bags and was trying to bite it and he has tried getting rubbish out the bin. When he has done this I have stopped to play fetch for a little while to try and alleviate his boredom. The next thing he tried to chew was on of OH's presents, luckily I caught him before he did any damage.
Just as I was on the final few bits one of my friends rang to check that I was going to do my traditional visit on Christmas Eve which I am. They have invited me for lunch and know that Rodders will be coming too. It will be good to catch up and see their children, especially the youngest as she is my goddaughter!
As soon as I finished wrapping I came and sat on the sofa so that I could watch the Show Jumping from Olympia. My bestest friend and I used to go every year until she moved to America. We started off in the cheap seats for one performance and ended up taking the week off work and going to every performance with members tickets!
Rodders is very happy that I have sat down at last and he is snuggled up beside me. Must think about something to eat soon, haven't had anything yet although I did spot that Rodders has cleared his bowl.
Once Rodders came in we went upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed and then we went straight out for a walk. This is the first time that Rodders has been on the rugby field in days and he loved it! As usual I swapped to the extendable lead while we were on the field as it gives him some freedom to run and play. He loves to lag behind and them come running past me but I also made sure that he would actually come back to me, rather than keep on running and I got him to wait for me to catch up with him a couple of times. He kindly pooped near the bin which was handy! We also had two short flurries of snow so it really is flipping cold!
After we left the rugby field OH rang to check how we were and I was still chatting to him when I spotted Nicky & John from across the road. They wanted to say hello to Rodders so I hung up on OH so that I could stop and chat. They have spotted Roders and I leaving home a few times and think that he is walking beautifully on the lead and they also think that he has grown a lot in the last few weeks. We parted company and Rodders and I carried on home to get in the warm.
Back inside Rodders ate some more of his chicken and rice while I made a cuppa. I then got ready for the last of the Christmas wrapping marathon. Rodders wasn't too impressed when he saw what I was doing and he has mooched about playing with his toys or in the garden on his own most of the time. He did take offence to one of the gift bags and was trying to bite it and he has tried getting rubbish out the bin. When he has done this I have stopped to play fetch for a little while to try and alleviate his boredom. The next thing he tried to chew was on of OH's presents, luckily I caught him before he did any damage.
Just as I was on the final few bits one of my friends rang to check that I was going to do my traditional visit on Christmas Eve which I am. They have invited me for lunch and know that Rodders will be coming too. It will be good to catch up and see their children, especially the youngest as she is my goddaughter!
As soon as I finished wrapping I came and sat on the sofa so that I could watch the Show Jumping from Olympia. My bestest friend and I used to go every year until she moved to America. We started off in the cheap seats for one performance and ended up taking the week off work and going to every performance with members tickets!
Rodders is very happy that I have sat down at last and he is snuggled up beside me. Must think about something to eat soon, haven't had anything yet although I did spot that Rodders has cleared his bowl.
Friday, 16 December 2011
Rodders doesn't like wrapping
I started to wrap the christmas presents after dinner this evening and Rodders wasn't very impressed.
First of all I went upstairs to move the presents I sorted last night so that I could get to the wrapping paper. Rodders decided he wasn't coming upstairs but as I was so long he came up to see what was going on. I brought the paper down and stood at the dining table and started to wrap the first bag of presents. To start with Rodders lay on a snuggle fleece by the lounge radiator, then he moved to the bed pad by the sofa and eventually in to his crate as that was as close to me as he could get.
I have been back upstairs to get another bag of presents to wrap and he stayed where he was, or I thought he did, but I have spotted a piddle on the door mat :-( It is now in the washing machine for the 2nd time this week.
I have now wrapped three people's gifts and think that is enough for tonight. I have just had a drink and we will be heading off to bed shortly.
First of all I went upstairs to move the presents I sorted last night so that I could get to the wrapping paper. Rodders decided he wasn't coming upstairs but as I was so long he came up to see what was going on. I brought the paper down and stood at the dining table and started to wrap the first bag of presents. To start with Rodders lay on a snuggle fleece by the lounge radiator, then he moved to the bed pad by the sofa and eventually in to his crate as that was as close to me as he could get.
I have been back upstairs to get another bag of presents to wrap and he stayed where he was, or I thought he did, but I have spotted a piddle on the door mat :-( It is now in the washing machine for the 2nd time this week.
I have now wrapped three people's gifts and think that is enough for tonight. I have just had a drink and we will be heading off to bed shortly.
A quiet day and a visit to the vet
Rodders was very quiet today and hardly left his bed pad or my side other than to go out in to the garden for a piddle. By lunchtime he had eaten some chicken and rice and had drunk a little but he really wasn't playing like normal. He didn't even want to come upstairs with me.
I needed to go out waxing and shopping so I let him in the garden for a piddle and then popped him in his crate with a treat. I was out for almost three hours and he was happy to see me back.
We went out in to the garden so he could have a piddle and then it was time to go back to the vets for his check up. He wasn't happy to go out on his lead to the car but once we got to the vets he was very happy to trot in there. While we were in the waiting room we saw a cat and then a chocolate labrador. Rodders had been sitting nicely until the lab came in and then he wanted to play with it. He was making so much noise with his come play with me bark that I eventually asked the owners if he could say hello. They agreed and the dogs had a good sniff of each other. Rodders was then happy to come back and sit beside me.
Rachel called us in and we talked through how the last day has been. I said that he was still quite quiet and sleepy but had drunk all the rehydration salts and more than 2 bowls of chicken and rice. She checked him over and he is no longer dehydrated which is good and heart and temperature are still good.
To be on the safe side she wants him to have antibiotics twice daily for five days and to stay on chicken and rice until she sees him again on Wednesday, just because she wants to be a bit cautious and make sure he is better by christmas. Once she gives him the OK we can gradually swap him back to kibble.
We went back to the waiting room to wait for his tablets and another bill and there were two more cats in there, one was making quite a lot of noise so I managed to get Rodders to sit behind them. He only made a bit of a squeak, much better than the barking earlier.
We got called forward to pay the bill and pick up the tablets and we were on our way out the door. Rodders was quite happy to walk back to the car and go in his crate.
I needed to go out waxing and shopping so I let him in the garden for a piddle and then popped him in his crate with a treat. I was out for almost three hours and he was happy to see me back.
We went out in to the garden so he could have a piddle and then it was time to go back to the vets for his check up. He wasn't happy to go out on his lead to the car but once we got to the vets he was very happy to trot in there. While we were in the waiting room we saw a cat and then a chocolate labrador. Rodders had been sitting nicely until the lab came in and then he wanted to play with it. He was making so much noise with his come play with me bark that I eventually asked the owners if he could say hello. They agreed and the dogs had a good sniff of each other. Rodders was then happy to come back and sit beside me.
Rachel called us in and we talked through how the last day has been. I said that he was still quite quiet and sleepy but had drunk all the rehydration salts and more than 2 bowls of chicken and rice. She checked him over and he is no longer dehydrated which is good and heart and temperature are still good.
To be on the safe side she wants him to have antibiotics twice daily for five days and to stay on chicken and rice until she sees him again on Wednesday, just because she wants to be a bit cautious and make sure he is better by christmas. Once she gives him the OK we can gradually swap him back to kibble.
We went back to the waiting room to wait for his tablets and another bill and there were two more cats in there, one was making quite a lot of noise so I managed to get Rodders to sit behind them. He only made a bit of a squeak, much better than the barking earlier.
We got called forward to pay the bill and pick up the tablets and we were on our way out the door. Rodders was quite happy to walk back to the car and go in his crate.
A celebration!
To say congratulations on getting the new job and Happy Christmas OH wanted to take me out for dinner to our favourite restaurant to celebrate. Having heard how awful I sounded on the phone he wasn't sure if this was going to happen.
Once he came in and saw that I was feeling better he nipped out to the car for a change of clothes. Rodders was distraught at being left inside as OH hadn't said goodbye to him and he sat at the door barking and whinging. As soon as I spotted that OH was back in the garden and the gate was shut I let him Rodders out and he was so happy to be chasing OH up the path.
The ironing people called in to collect my ironing and wanted to see Rodders so I brought him to the door for a fuss, he also had a sneaky bark at someone passing by.
We both went upstairs to get changed and Rodders realised that we were probably going out and leaving him behind. Once back downstairs he did come out in to the garden for a piddle and then came back in and was encouraged in to his crate with some treats.
I drove us down to the restaurant and we had a lovely meal with a bottle of wine before getting a cab back. It was so nice to see Alberto again, he always looks after us.
As the cab dropped us back home and we were walking up the path we could hear Rodeders barking. We got inside and let him out of the crate and he was desperate to get out in to the garden for a piddle.
I made a cuppa and then left Rodders and OH downstairs playing while I went to sort out the Christmas presents. Rodders ate more of his chicken and rice and had another drink. OH also gave his beard a wash, all this chicken and rice had made it a bit sticky. OH and I then had to make the bed and Rodders came up to help.
Once he came in and saw that I was feeling better he nipped out to the car for a change of clothes. Rodders was distraught at being left inside as OH hadn't said goodbye to him and he sat at the door barking and whinging. As soon as I spotted that OH was back in the garden and the gate was shut I let him Rodders out and he was so happy to be chasing OH up the path.
The ironing people called in to collect my ironing and wanted to see Rodders so I brought him to the door for a fuss, he also had a sneaky bark at someone passing by.
We both went upstairs to get changed and Rodders realised that we were probably going out and leaving him behind. Once back downstairs he did come out in to the garden for a piddle and then came back in and was encouraged in to his crate with some treats.
I drove us down to the restaurant and we had a lovely meal with a bottle of wine before getting a cab back. It was so nice to see Alberto again, he always looks after us.
As the cab dropped us back home and we were walking up the path we could hear Rodeders barking. We got inside and let him out of the crate and he was desperate to get out in to the garden for a piddle.
I made a cuppa and then left Rodders and OH downstairs playing while I went to sort out the Christmas presents. Rodders ate more of his chicken and rice and had another drink. OH also gave his beard a wash, all this chicken and rice had made it a bit sticky. OH and I then had to make the bed and Rodders came up to help.
After the vet
Rodders spent most of the day asleep on his bed pad or snuggle fleece, getting up to play for a little while and then having another snooze. When I went upstairs for anything he didn't want to come with me so I know that he isn't right. He didn't even react to the doorbell and he hasn't wanted to go out in to the garden for very long, just did what he had to do and then came back in.
Gradually he started to improve and when I made a cuppa I threw some kibble on the floor which he happily chased and ate.
I had chicken out on the side defrosting and I made him some rice. By about 2pm he was asking for something to eat so I had to try and cool the cooked rice down quickly by spreading it out on a big plate. Once cool it was mixed with the chicken and sprinkled some of the rehydrating salts on it and I put it down for him. He wolfed it down.
I mixed the rest of the rehydrating salts with water and swapped it for the plain water in his bowl. He has started to drink this too.
Gradually he started to improve and when I made a cuppa I threw some kibble on the floor which he happily chased and ate.
I had chicken out on the side defrosting and I made him some rice. By about 2pm he was asking for something to eat so I had to try and cool the cooked rice down quickly by spreading it out on a big plate. Once cool it was mixed with the chicken and sprinkled some of the rehydrating salts on it and I put it down for him. He wolfed it down.
I mixed the rest of the rehydrating salts with water and swapped it for the plain water in his bowl. He has started to drink this too.
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Wednesday night/Thursday morning
Once we got home from puppy party Rodders settled himself in to his crate for a snooze, after trying a snuggle fleece and the other bed pad, while we ate dinner. In fact he didn't move from there all evening, even when OH went and lay down on the floor, and I had to get him out of there to go for a piddle at bed time. He went straight back in there and was happy to have treats once I locked up and switched out lights.
Rodders was silent when we went to bed and didn't even make a peep when OH came down the stairs this morning. He did come out of the crate and was happy to play though.
When I came down he was very happy to see me and came running towards me and jumped up my leg asking for a fuss. While Oh was showering he went upstairs and had managed to get a jumper of a radiator so I took that off him and left him on the landing playing with OH's slipper!
They both came downstairs and just before OH left Rodders threw up again. This time it was just bile but his tummy is empty as he hasn't really eaten much apart from treats since Tuesday night. We have put his breakfast down but he isn't interested but he did eat some kibble from OH's hand. I may need to do him some Chicken and rice if this carries on.
Rodders was silent when we went to bed and didn't even make a peep when OH came down the stairs this morning. He did come out of the crate and was happy to play though.
When I came down he was very happy to see me and came running towards me and jumped up my leg asking for a fuss. While Oh was showering he went upstairs and had managed to get a jumper of a radiator so I took that off him and left him on the landing playing with OH's slipper!
They both came downstairs and just before OH left Rodders threw up again. This time it was just bile but his tummy is empty as he hasn't really eaten much apart from treats since Tuesday night. We have put his breakfast down but he isn't interested but he did eat some kibble from OH's hand. I may need to do him some Chicken and rice if this carries on.
Home again, with a tired puppy
I left Rodders bed pad in the car as I knew we would be going out again later. When we first got in he sat on a snuggle fleece for a doze but soon moved in to his crate on his other bed pad. He really is very tired and, when I went up for a shower, he didn't want to come with me. I left the doors open so he could change his mind if he wanted.
I came back down to check on him once I was out the shower and he came out of his crate for a fuss. He also came upstairs and sat beside me on the bed while I dried my hair and got dressed but as soon as we were back down stairs he climbed back in to the crate.
I managed to get him to come out in to the garden for a piddle before I went for my interview before putting him back in the crate with some treats. I knew he wouldn't be in there for too long as Skevi would be here soon.
I came back down to check on him once I was out the shower and he came out of his crate for a fuss. He also came upstairs and sat beside me on the bed while I dried my hair and got dressed but as soon as we were back down stairs he climbed back in to the crate.
I managed to get him to come out in to the garden for a piddle before I went for my interview before putting him back in the crate with some treats. I knew he wouldn't be in there for too long as Skevi would be here soon.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Getting ready for an interview
Rodders came upstairs with me while I had a shower and ate a kong full of kibble before deciding to chew the bath mat. He was very happy when I came out the shower and was squeaking from the minute I switched the water off, he does like to come in for a quick drink out the shower tray.
OH called for a chat and to let me know that he would probably be here before I got back. I wonder how Rodders will react to that! He also mentioned that he had to scrape the ice off his car this morning. I was sitting here all smug saying "we don't have a frost" as the grass wasn't crunchy under Rodder's feet and then I looked out the front. The cars are all covered in a thick frost :-(
He wasn't as well behaved as normal while I dried my hair today. He usually sits beside or behind me but today he was trying to climb on my knee and steal tissues out of my dressing gown pocket. I did stop what I was doing a couple of times so that I could give him a fuss, it is impossible to resist this gorgeous puppy!
He stayed on the bed while I got dressed and seemed to know that something wasn't right by the clothes I was putting on, no jeans and jumpers today. Once back downstairs I let him out in to the garden for a piddle before sitting him down to tell him that I was going out and he needed to go in his bed. I locked the door, put on my coat and got his treats. Once he knew that there were treats on offer he did climb in to his bed by himself. I locked the crate and said goodbye, not a peep from him.
OH called for a chat and to let me know that he would probably be here before I got back. I wonder how Rodders will react to that! He also mentioned that he had to scrape the ice off his car this morning. I was sitting here all smug saying "we don't have a frost" as the grass wasn't crunchy under Rodder's feet and then I looked out the front. The cars are all covered in a thick frost :-(
He wasn't as well behaved as normal while I dried my hair today. He usually sits beside or behind me but today he was trying to climb on my knee and steal tissues out of my dressing gown pocket. I did stop what I was doing a couple of times so that I could give him a fuss, it is impossible to resist this gorgeous puppy!
He stayed on the bed while I got dressed and seemed to know that something wasn't right by the clothes I was putting on, no jeans and jumpers today. Once back downstairs I let him out in to the garden for a piddle before sitting him down to tell him that I was going out and he needed to go in his bed. I locked the door, put on my coat and got his treats. Once he knew that there were treats on offer he did climb in to his bed by himself. I locked the crate and said goodbye, not a peep from him.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
An busy afternoon
Once the shopping was all away I sat down with Rodders for a few minutes and then said that I needed to go in to the kitchen. He started to squeak again, telling me he was quite happy where he was I assume!
I put him down and went in to the kitchen anyway. I made the spag bol, unloaded the dishwasher and washing machine and sorted the recycling out. Rodders was pottering about playing or getting under my feet. He then stood at my feet barking and I asked if he was hungry. He went straight to the kitchen door so I picked up his bowl and went to get some kibble for him.
Once he had eaten he wanted to go out in to the garden and was barking so I made him come back in and come upstairs with me while I hung the washing on radiators.
The next time he went in to the garden he was happily playing for a while but started barking again so I went out to see why. I couldn't see or hear anything but did spot where he has been digging in the border. He wasn't very happy when I got the trowel and filled his hole in and even more disgruntled when I cleaned his feet as we came in the door!
I went upstairs to use the bathroom and he came too. By this point he just seemed to be getting more and more naughty. Is he tired or does he need to get rid of some energy?
I needed to move things around in the back bedroom to get to the underbed storage to get out the Christmas Cards, they really need to be in the post this week. While I was doing that Rodders was chewing a roll of wrapping paper, when that was taken off him he found some tissue paper.
Christmas cards found and another load of washing for the machine in my arms I started down the stairs. Rodders followed me with a slipper in his mouth!
It has been drizzly, dark and horrid most of the day so I decided we would do some road walking to try and wear Rodders out. We just went through the estate and up to the shops and back and I was making him sit and wait each time we crossed a road. He was mainly walking to heel and he wasn't pulling much but he does like to bark at people a lot of the time. We were out for over half an hour and, as soon as we got back, Rodders had a mad five minutes.
I then heard him growl, a much different sound to anything he has done before so I went to investigate. He was bring to drag a bag off a chair and it wasn't working! I made him come away and he is now having a snooze on the bed pad at my feet.
I put him down and went in to the kitchen anyway. I made the spag bol, unloaded the dishwasher and washing machine and sorted the recycling out. Rodders was pottering about playing or getting under my feet. He then stood at my feet barking and I asked if he was hungry. He went straight to the kitchen door so I picked up his bowl and went to get some kibble for him.
Once he had eaten he wanted to go out in to the garden and was barking so I made him come back in and come upstairs with me while I hung the washing on radiators.
The next time he went in to the garden he was happily playing for a while but started barking again so I went out to see why. I couldn't see or hear anything but did spot where he has been digging in the border. He wasn't very happy when I got the trowel and filled his hole in and even more disgruntled when I cleaned his feet as we came in the door!
I went upstairs to use the bathroom and he came too. By this point he just seemed to be getting more and more naughty. Is he tired or does he need to get rid of some energy?
I needed to move things around in the back bedroom to get to the underbed storage to get out the Christmas Cards, they really need to be in the post this week. While I was doing that Rodders was chewing a roll of wrapping paper, when that was taken off him he found some tissue paper.
Christmas cards found and another load of washing for the machine in my arms I started down the stairs. Rodders followed me with a slipper in his mouth!
It has been drizzly, dark and horrid most of the day so I decided we would do some road walking to try and wear Rodders out. We just went through the estate and up to the shops and back and I was making him sit and wait each time we crossed a road. He was mainly walking to heel and he wasn't pulling much but he does like to bark at people a lot of the time. We were out for over half an hour and, as soon as we got back, Rodders had a mad five minutes.
I then heard him growl, a much different sound to anything he has done before so I went to investigate. He was bring to drag a bag off a chair and it wasn't working! I made him come away and he is now having a snooze on the bed pad at my feet.
An active puppy
Rodders slept on the bed pad at my feet until about 9.30 and then wanted in to the garden. Heaven knows where he found it but he came back in with some bubble wrap in his mouth.
We then went upstairs for me to wash and dress and he ate another kong full of kibble. While I was getting dressed he sat on the bed and, even though I had put my underwear on the pillow he left it alone when asked. He did try to help me put my socks on though.
Once I was dressed I put him on the floor while I sorted out some washing. He disappeared with one of my slippers and I could hear him squeaking and went to check where he was. He was squeaking because the door to the lounge was shut and he couldn't get in so I ignored him, the next minute he appeared in the bedroom and took my other slipper off. Oh well, at least they will both be downstairs!
I sorted the washing and went to go down stairs with it and found Rodders on the landing with both slippers so he can now carry them both down and upstairs.
As I put the washing on he asked to go in the garden and was running about sniffing and playing with the stones. It has started to rain by the time he came in and he was happy to play with his toys and yoghurt pots. He likes to hide the yoghurt pots under a chair and then pretend that he can't get to them. Once I am down on the floor trying to retrieve them he will jump all over me, he even barks at them in places he can easily get to.
He is just a bundle of energy this morning and I need to wear him out so that I can pop him in the crate while I go to Tesco to get this weeks shopping. Off to play ball for a while!
We then went upstairs for me to wash and dress and he ate another kong full of kibble. While I was getting dressed he sat on the bed and, even though I had put my underwear on the pillow he left it alone when asked. He did try to help me put my socks on though.
Once I was dressed I put him on the floor while I sorted out some washing. He disappeared with one of my slippers and I could hear him squeaking and went to check where he was. He was squeaking because the door to the lounge was shut and he couldn't get in so I ignored him, the next minute he appeared in the bedroom and took my other slipper off. Oh well, at least they will both be downstairs!
I sorted the washing and went to go down stairs with it and found Rodders on the landing with both slippers so he can now carry them both down and upstairs.
As I put the washing on he asked to go in the garden and was running about sniffing and playing with the stones. It has started to rain by the time he came in and he was happy to play with his toys and yoghurt pots. He likes to hide the yoghurt pots under a chair and then pretend that he can't get to them. Once I am down on the floor trying to retrieve them he will jump all over me, he even barks at them in places he can easily get to.
He is just a bundle of energy this morning and I need to wear him out so that I can pop him in the crate while I go to Tesco to get this weeks shopping. Off to play ball for a while!
Saturday night, Sunday morning
Rodders lay on his bed pad almost the whole evening. He did get up to go outside for a piddle about 10pm and had a short play before collapsing again.
At 11pm I tried to get him to have another piddle before bed but he just came back in and climbed in to the bed pad in the crate once he could see that I was getting his treats.
There wasn't a sound until 6.50am. When I came down and let him out of his crate he just wanted to snuggle and it was a good ten minutes before he wanted to go in to the garden. He had a piddle and poo before a quick sniff about and then I made him come back in as he was barking.
Rodders then had a play with his toys and a snuggle on my lap before we went upstairs so that I could use the bathroom. While we were there he ate the kong full of kibble that he didn't eat yesterday.
When we came back downstairs he wanted straight up on my knee and once he dozed off I out him on the bed pad on the floor where he is now snoozing.
At 11pm I tried to get him to have another piddle before bed but he just came back in and climbed in to the bed pad in the crate once he could see that I was getting his treats.
There wasn't a sound until 6.50am. When I came down and let him out of his crate he just wanted to snuggle and it was a good ten minutes before he wanted to go in to the garden. He had a piddle and poo before a quick sniff about and then I made him come back in as he was barking.
Rodders then had a play with his toys and a snuggle on my lap before we went upstairs so that I could use the bathroom. While we were there he ate the kong full of kibble that he didn't eat yesterday.
When we came back downstairs he wanted straight up on my knee and once he dozed off I out him on the bed pad on the floor where he is now snoozing.
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.
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