The Pet Minder

I think everyone has heaved a sigh of relief, to see three days of sunshine in a row.

With southerlies, wind and rain, the weather has not been conducive to pups wanting to play outside. Owners have definitely not been keen on the idea of wet and soggy pups at the end of daycare.

It seems as though daycare brings out the best in all pups, all day lounging around in the sun, sniffing the grass, and generally being a couch potato, minus the couch.

Chip and Dale new boarding residents, along with a UK migrant, Luca, Alma, the border mix, plus Fortnum, Mason, and Pepe, daycare regulars, were completely relaxed with each others company, and enjoying basking in the sun.

The only motion and noise from them, came when I opened the kennel gate, in the faint hope that I would be able to do it quietly, and perhaps surprise them, by claiming some unsuspecting photos.

That was not to be the case, so, I had to be content with sitting in the sun, while they decided their preferred order, and just got on with it.

It seems as though, Pepe and Fortnum and Mason, have struck up a bond between the three of them.

Pepe was sitting beside them in the sun, and the boys did not leave his side, and even gazed in to his eyes with adoration.

At one stage, Pepe patted one of them on the top of the head, which, is his way of saying they are best buddies.

The others in the group were happy mingling, but the camraderie with these three, was an absolute joy to watch.

It feels such a long time ago,  one week of annual leave.

However, the destination, Hong Kong, was definitely a place I had longed to return to, and the opportunity was grasped with both hands.

With a notebook full of information, gleaned from the internet beforehand, I was ready to be unleashed with fury, on the unsuspecting shopkeepers of that vibrant city.

I also discovered, and was delighted to observe, that the city was still a safe place to walk around, alone and with company.

The public transport, both train and bus, is extremely efficient, designed to cope with the huge population, it has to serve.

The locals, those who could speak english, were more than happy to provide directions to whatever my destination.

From standing on a street corner with a map, to entering a cosmetic shop, the assistance was faultless.

Even entering and exiting the Macau jetfoil, there was someone there to take my hand to ensure I did not fall.

My favourite experiences, would have to be, the Wing On department store in Yeu Ma Tei, the Prada, Space outlet, on Hong Kong Island, and the alleyways and stalls of Chungking Mansions,

With dog shops marked out, and ready to visit, this proved to be the most difficult task of my week, and did not eventuate.

I did see small neighbourhood pet shops, most with pets, but not the large designer shops I was expecting. On my next trip, I plan to explore Hong Kong Island, where there is reputedly, one of these such stores.

Lots of small dogs, on leads, as the accommodation is up, as opposed to out, with thousands living in high rise apartments.

However, I did not see any mistreated animals, which was great, and most of those I did see, looked as though they were having an easy life.

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