Month: September 2009

Seemingly, winter had taken off his coat, and produced some beautiful sunny and warm spring weather.

The spaniels were dropping hair inside, and becoming very warm with their woolly locks. What better, than to have  a haircut, become streamlined, and be able to run at twice the speed.

First it was the extension cord, then came the clipper box and apron.

Oh oh, Binks knew something was up, although both he and Bryson, should be well used to being clipped, there is still a little bit of trepidation.

Next came the dog, running along with me, until, oh no, on to the bench, and with a roar, on went the clippers.

A cocker spaniel should be clipped in a particular way, with a skirt each side of their body, and some fur on their legs, and feathers at the back end.

Unfortunately, the sleek look, is what mine are given. This provides an endless amount of freedom, and there is jumping and running for hours afterward.

First came the ears, then the head, and then on to the body. Easy peasy, until we approach the feet. This is where a one hour job, can very quickly become two hours of hard labour.

Fortunately, he was a good boy, and decided to behave while his feet were clipped.

Then it was done. A shopping bag full of hair. It seemed to be a huge amount, nevertheless, it was their winter coat.

At last, freedom, on to the bean bag, and a race around the house.

Bryson had his turn the following week with the same end result.

Now, however, they are both cuddling close, with their coats on, as the weather has returned to winter again, with the look of snow on the back hills.

I do feel a bit guilty, but at least the damage is not permanent, and another “do” will be in order in a few months time.

I hope the Bassets don’t laugh at them, on their return 

It was a Saturday, the same as any other, except for one thing……… Scooter was coming for a sleepover for nine days.

She was so excited to be here, she pulled Lynne up the path, as she usually does for Day Care. Nose pressed against the gate, pushing impatiently, telling me to hurry up.

They were all here, waiting, and excited to see someone else, who would potentially, join ghe group.

Alfie, the giant schnauzer, who always has something to say about everything, Molly the black labrador, who is everyones friend, Allie, a retriever mix, who follows the group, Arna, a Gordon Setter, who bounces from one end of the yard to the other, and Charlie, the black labrador, who spends his day playing with everyone.

It was Charlie who Scooter teamed up with initially, and they played until they were too tired to move.  I think Scooter was getting her moneys worth for her Day Care day, unaware that she would be here for a bit longer than that.

The week progressed with them all spending their days in the sun playing, and of course, Tuesday and Wednesday, Pepe the brown labrador would arrive. This event is always lovely to watch, as Scooter and Pepe reunite for another week, give each other kissess and immediately start playing

On the Wednesday afternoon, I was in the play area, as usual, but noticed there was something a bit different about the outside yard.

On closer inspectiion, I noticed therre was a blanket strewn across the outdoor area, and it was Scooters. A minimum of eight pieces. I did not know whether to laugh or cry, but came to the conclusion, that the tug of war must have been a fun filled experience. They had all enjoyed it so much, that Arna’s blanky was not exempt from the game, that was in two pieces.

Fortunately, for me, Lynne and Kirsty were very understanding and did not berate me for the state of the bedding. Next time, I will have to use my brain, and remove it from the sleeping area before leaving the doors open all day.

At least it was a fun filled day, one that will be remembered, I hope.