Sunday 28 November 2010
Wednesday 17 November 2010
I seem to have a real gundog
Well, almost.... Henry and I are just back from our first shoot!
Sorry no pics, this was not exactly planned and I didn't have my camera with me...
So, this morning I drove up to my parents' house in Leicestershire, and when we arrived I took Henry to Bosworth Battlefield for a walk. We saw this group walking towards the path towards us, I thought they were ramblers so put Henry on the lead... but it turned out they were a load of beaters and guns about to start a drive. Got chatting to a nice man (Mike) with a cocker called Charlie, and he asked if I'd like to tag along for the last couple of drives! So Henry and I have been beating this afternoon!
Hen was quite good, he did whine a bit, but just through excitement. I kept him on the lead, and we ended up stood quite close to a gun, but he was ok. At the end of the last drive I let him off, he was off in a flash to meet all the other dogs and thoroughly investigated the pheasants (and tried quite hard to pinch a squirrel someone had shot). In fact he ended up in the game wagon.... I am taking this as a sign he wants to go again. He liked it so much that as we walked away and I let him go, he turned round and tried to get into the game wagon again - the shame! But someone caught him and so all was well!
We can't have been too much of a hindrance as we were invited along again - although sadly they shoot during the week and are 100-odd miles away from me, or I would definitely go. Everyone was really welcoming and even though Hen was not on his best behaviour no one seemed to mind.
So I am just sitting while my dog walking coat goes around in the wash - it looked a bit mucky after all that climbing through the woods... All that worry about being properly dressed, and I end up wandering around in a bright green puffa jacket...
I don't suppose they will see this, but a big thank you to Mike, David the shoot owner (who looked a bit non-plussed to have gained a beater halfway through the day, but didn't seem to mind!) and all the other lovely people who I spoke to!
Can't stop grinning!
Sorry no pics, this was not exactly planned and I didn't have my camera with me...
So, this morning I drove up to my parents' house in Leicestershire, and when we arrived I took Henry to Bosworth Battlefield for a walk. We saw this group walking towards the path towards us, I thought they were ramblers so put Henry on the lead... but it turned out they were a load of beaters and guns about to start a drive. Got chatting to a nice man (Mike) with a cocker called Charlie, and he asked if I'd like to tag along for the last couple of drives! So Henry and I have been beating this afternoon!
Hen was quite good, he did whine a bit, but just through excitement. I kept him on the lead, and we ended up stood quite close to a gun, but he was ok. At the end of the last drive I let him off, he was off in a flash to meet all the other dogs and thoroughly investigated the pheasants (and tried quite hard to pinch a squirrel someone had shot). In fact he ended up in the game wagon.... I am taking this as a sign he wants to go again. He liked it so much that as we walked away and I let him go, he turned round and tried to get into the game wagon again - the shame! But someone caught him and so all was well!
We can't have been too much of a hindrance as we were invited along again - although sadly they shoot during the week and are 100-odd miles away from me, or I would definitely go. Everyone was really welcoming and even though Hen was not on his best behaviour no one seemed to mind.
So I am just sitting while my dog walking coat goes around in the wash - it looked a bit mucky after all that climbing through the woods... All that worry about being properly dressed, and I end up wandering around in a bright green puffa jacket...
I don't suppose they will see this, but a big thank you to Mike, David the shoot owner (who looked a bit non-plussed to have gained a beater halfway through the day, but didn't seem to mind!) and all the other lovely people who I spoke to!
Can't stop grinning!
Monday 8 November 2010
The Balloon of Doom
Something that happened a while back, that I remembered this morning...
So, I walk Henry around the fields at work before I start work each morning. So you have to imagine that on this occasion I was wandering round frozen fields in a smart skirt, tights, wellies, and something of a daze (I really don't do mornings).
As we wandered I noticed a deflated foil balloon caught in the hedge - one of those ones you can buy for people's birthdays. Henry was quite interested in this, but left it and on we went.
On the way back it occurred to me that really, I should pick the balloon up and bin it. After all, it looked messy and besides that, some poor groom might have to try and lead a horse past it later. With the special equine sixth sense in such matters, any horse would instantly recognise that balloon as a cunningly disguised pony-eating monster and all manner of trouble would surely result.
Of course, as soon as I showed an interest in the balloon Henry had to have it. However he was too slow and I got there first. It was then that his demonic intelligence surfaced. Shooting me a sidelong glance, he shot under a fence into a paddock and started eating frozen horsepoo (bleurgh), ignoring all my cries for him to desist from this revolting behaviour and come back to the authorised side of the fence. Angered by this recalcitrance, I dropped the balloon and started to climb over the fence. At which point Henry, seeing I was stranded astride the top rail, abandoned his snack and shot back under the fence to seize his foily prize, parading around brandishing it like a trophy. Which was when I noticed for the first time that I had an audience... my boss and another director.
It's times like these that make you wonder why dog ownership seemed such a good idea. And I laddered my damn tights too!
So, I walk Henry around the fields at work before I start work each morning. So you have to imagine that on this occasion I was wandering round frozen fields in a smart skirt, tights, wellies, and something of a daze (I really don't do mornings).
As we wandered I noticed a deflated foil balloon caught in the hedge - one of those ones you can buy for people's birthdays. Henry was quite interested in this, but left it and on we went.
On the way back it occurred to me that really, I should pick the balloon up and bin it. After all, it looked messy and besides that, some poor groom might have to try and lead a horse past it later. With the special equine sixth sense in such matters, any horse would instantly recognise that balloon as a cunningly disguised pony-eating monster and all manner of trouble would surely result.
Of course, as soon as I showed an interest in the balloon Henry had to have it. However he was too slow and I got there first. It was then that his demonic intelligence surfaced. Shooting me a sidelong glance, he shot under a fence into a paddock and started eating frozen horsepoo (bleurgh), ignoring all my cries for him to desist from this revolting behaviour and come back to the authorised side of the fence. Angered by this recalcitrance, I dropped the balloon and started to climb over the fence. At which point Henry, seeing I was stranded astride the top rail, abandoned his snack and shot back under the fence to seize his foily prize, parading around brandishing it like a trophy. Which was when I noticed for the first time that I had an audience... my boss and another director.
It's times like these that make you wonder why dog ownership seemed such a good idea. And I laddered my damn tights too!
Monday 27 September 2010
Progress
He CAN do leave it... in the living room anyway!
(Just in case you can't see, it's Henry resisting the temptation of a chicken breast. Sorry it's sideways, I don't know how to fix it!).
Now, all we need are some volunteers to have a picnic so we can see what happens... anyone? Don't all shout at once!
(Just in case you can't see, it's Henry resisting the temptation of a chicken breast. Sorry it's sideways, I don't know how to fix it!).
Now, all we need are some volunteers to have a picnic so we can see what happens... anyone? Don't all shout at once!
Saturday 25 September 2010
Leave it. LEAVE IT! REALLY!
Gah, why did I get a spaniel...?
So, the subject of today's training class was 'leave it'. (Rolls on floor, laughing hysterically).
The first stage was ok, as I could hang onto the lead, and by adopting a position similar to that of a water-skiier I was able to hold the ravening beast away from the plates of yummy food that had been provided for the purposes of the exercise.
However, Henry managed to devise Stage Two. There wasn't meant to be a Stage Two you understand, he made it up all by himself. (I'm an innovator - Henry). You see, all the dogs were taken off into the big field for a run, and recall practice. Sadly Henry felt that all these big boisterous labradors were not to his taste and took himself off for a wander.
To the far side of the field.
Where there were spectators.
One of whom had one of the plates of food.
On the floor.
You can see where this is going, right?
Happily, the hardy spectator was able to remove most of the food from Henry, so he only got a good gnaw of the food (toast, as it happens) and some clingfilm, which is not even on the top ten of worst things he has eaten.
Hey ho....
I said LEAVE IT!
So, the subject of today's training class was 'leave it'. (Rolls on floor, laughing hysterically).
The first stage was ok, as I could hang onto the lead, and by adopting a position similar to that of a water-skiier I was able to hold the ravening beast away from the plates of yummy food that had been provided for the purposes of the exercise.
However, Henry managed to devise Stage Two. There wasn't meant to be a Stage Two you understand, he made it up all by himself. (I'm an innovator - Henry). You see, all the dogs were taken off into the big field for a run, and recall practice. Sadly Henry felt that all these big boisterous labradors were not to his taste and took himself off for a wander.
To the far side of the field.
Where there were spectators.
One of whom had one of the plates of food.
On the floor.
You can see where this is going, right?
Happily, the hardy spectator was able to remove most of the food from Henry, so he only got a good gnaw of the food (toast, as it happens) and some clingfilm, which is not even on the top ten of worst things he has eaten.
Hey ho....
I said LEAVE IT!
Sunday 19 September 2010
Thwarted at every turn!
By the Environment Agency and their bloody flood defence work. Why they are doing flood defence work going into the wettest time of year I don't know. But it meant a lot of footpath closures, which royally buggered up todays walk.
At first I thought we could furtle round, but then we were defeated by a flooded path through a marsh... not a great option when you're walking solo, really.
Not that Henry minded the stinky marsh mud - guess who got to ride in the boot on the way home?
On the upside, our alternative, considerably shortened route took us past Walberswick Church, which looked quite normal from the side we approached on...
But turned out to have this on the other side!
Didn't see this until after having a good explore... oops....
Fortunately we were not squished by a falling church (not that that sign would have been any help to the parochial church - you can't sign away liability like that....)
Proof was obtained that some people have no souls at all
Navigation dog is unimpressed by your navigational skills
Oh look, a rare sight round here - an open footpath (not bitter at all, then)
It said dogs had to be on leads - it never said anything about holding onto the other end...
Yet another reason for Henry to ride in the boot!
I can't believe you're making me ride in the boot....
At first I thought we could furtle round, but then we were defeated by a flooded path through a marsh... not a great option when you're walking solo, really.
Not that Henry minded the stinky marsh mud - guess who got to ride in the boot on the way home?
On the upside, our alternative, considerably shortened route took us past Walberswick Church, which looked quite normal from the side we approached on...
But turned out to have this on the other side!
Didn't see this until after having a good explore... oops....
Fortunately we were not squished by a falling church (not that that sign would have been any help to the parochial church - you can't sign away liability like that....)
Proof was obtained that some people have no souls at all
Navigation dog is unimpressed by your navigational skills
Oh look, a rare sight round here - an open footpath (not bitter at all, then)
It said dogs had to be on leads - it never said anything about holding onto the other end...
Yet another reason for Henry to ride in the boot!
I can't believe you're making me ride in the boot....
Saturday 18 September 2010
Grump, grump, grump
I want to be here:
Or here:
Or here:
And instead I'm stuck here in Norfolk, short of both petrol money and inspiration.
*sigh*
Or here:
Or here:
And instead I'm stuck here in Norfolk, short of both petrol money and inspiration.
*sigh*
Wednesday 8 September 2010
the good, the bad, and the stinky...
All the same dog, of course...
The good:
Was playing fetch with Henry this evening next to the lake, and he dropped the ball into the water. After a while I went to see if I could find it - no sign of it, so told Henry 'find it'. He kept digging and digging at the side of the bank, standing in the water - I thought it was where an old branch was stuck and that the ball was long gone. So eventually gave up and called him away, but he refused to come, digging at the bank - only to pop out with the ball, which must have been somehow wedged under there. Clever puppy!
The bad:
Shortly after that he caught the scent of the cat that lives in a big house, the large garden of which runs down near to the lake, leapt over the big brambly ditch that forms the boundary and ran about on their immaculate lawn on the trail, totally ignoring me. He then leapt back onto the land we're allowed on and vanished into the woods for about a minute before eventually coming back (and looking very sheepish - think he realised he'd crossed the line big time!)
The stinky:
Well he's been swimming in the lake - who do you think the stinky is?
DOGS! Who'd 'ave 'em? Talk about your emotional rollercoaster!
The good:
Was playing fetch with Henry this evening next to the lake, and he dropped the ball into the water. After a while I went to see if I could find it - no sign of it, so told Henry 'find it'. He kept digging and digging at the side of the bank, standing in the water - I thought it was where an old branch was stuck and that the ball was long gone. So eventually gave up and called him away, but he refused to come, digging at the bank - only to pop out with the ball, which must have been somehow wedged under there. Clever puppy!
The bad:
Shortly after that he caught the scent of the cat that lives in a big house, the large garden of which runs down near to the lake, leapt over the big brambly ditch that forms the boundary and ran about on their immaculate lawn on the trail, totally ignoring me. He then leapt back onto the land we're allowed on and vanished into the woods for about a minute before eventually coming back (and looking very sheepish - think he realised he'd crossed the line big time!)
The stinky:
Well he's been swimming in the lake - who do you think the stinky is?
DOGS! Who'd 'ave 'em? Talk about your emotional rollercoaster!
Sunday 5 September 2010
Tuesday 31 August 2010
Mountain dog
Yep, that's what he is alright.
Henry and I (and assorted members of The Family) walked up Scafell Pike on Saturday - for a short while he was the highest dog in England.
The weather was 'orrible (it nearly blew my step-dad over, and he is 6'7" tall and built like the ex-second-row player that he is), and it rained upwards. Oh, and it turns out my waterproof jacket isn't, and my boots have sprung a leak. We got thoroughly cold, damp, and all our muscles ache. Even Henry was cold - and he went through all the cold last winter without so much as a shiver! Also, my mum managed to fall over twice on the way down, and has announced that she has a massive bruise on a rather tender area as a result. Oh and we didn't get a view either - the low cloud meant visibility was down to about ten metres or so - except for the moments when the cloud cleared which were just magic.
In short, it was bloody brilliant, and I can't wait to go walking again. Although I will be getting new boots and a new jacket first - and Henry will be taking his dog jumper as well, just in case!
Sadly no pictures, as the camera got as wet as everything else did!
One other thing - I could not believe the sheer lack of preparation of some people we saw - from the tourists with umbrellas (I thought I was seeing things!) to the people in jeans, no waterproofs and fashion trainers (who looked universally cold and miserable, unsurprisingly). It's no wonder the local Mountain Rescue team are so busy - in fact we saw a Mountain Rescue volunteer heading up there as we came down. I suspect he was checking everyone was off the mountain safely - either that or he's come screeching to a halt in the valley on seeing a pink brolly bobbing up the mountain and was in hot pursuit of its hapless owner! You only have to read their callouts list to see that some people are really not prepared for much more than a walk to the shops when they set off up the mountain.
I can't currently walk downstairs without wincing, but I can't wait to get back up there!
Henry and I (and assorted members of The Family) walked up Scafell Pike on Saturday - for a short while he was the highest dog in England.
The weather was 'orrible (it nearly blew my step-dad over, and he is 6'7" tall and built like the ex-second-row player that he is), and it rained upwards. Oh, and it turns out my waterproof jacket isn't, and my boots have sprung a leak. We got thoroughly cold, damp, and all our muscles ache. Even Henry was cold - and he went through all the cold last winter without so much as a shiver! Also, my mum managed to fall over twice on the way down, and has announced that she has a massive bruise on a rather tender area as a result. Oh and we didn't get a view either - the low cloud meant visibility was down to about ten metres or so - except for the moments when the cloud cleared which were just magic.
In short, it was bloody brilliant, and I can't wait to go walking again. Although I will be getting new boots and a new jacket first - and Henry will be taking his dog jumper as well, just in case!
Sadly no pictures, as the camera got as wet as everything else did!
One other thing - I could not believe the sheer lack of preparation of some people we saw - from the tourists with umbrellas (I thought I was seeing things!) to the people in jeans, no waterproofs and fashion trainers (who looked universally cold and miserable, unsurprisingly). It's no wonder the local Mountain Rescue team are so busy - in fact we saw a Mountain Rescue volunteer heading up there as we came down. I suspect he was checking everyone was off the mountain safely - either that or he's come screeching to a halt in the valley on seeing a pink brolly bobbing up the mountain and was in hot pursuit of its hapless owner! You only have to read their callouts list to see that some people are really not prepared for much more than a walk to the shops when they set off up the mountain.
I can't currently walk downstairs without wincing, but I can't wait to get back up there!
Thursday 19 August 2010
Oooops
Henry has had a home haircut this week. It did not go according to plan.
Up until now Henry's hair has been in the car of a lovely and highly professional groomer. Every couple of months, he would go into the grooming parlour and a couple of hours later he would emerge, smelling sweet and looking smart. Sadly this was not a cheap service, and as times are tight (and I have a deep-rooted dislike of handing over money that could be spent on essentials like chocolate or new socks) I decided it was time to get proactive with the clippers.
So it was that with my borrowed clippers, I set out on this new project last night. After I got the hang of it, it was relatively straightforward, so, encouraged, I got the scissors out and started trimming his paws, legs, ears and tail.
Unfortunately that was where it went wrong - while snipping at the feathering on Henry's hind leg I got a bit carried away and accidentally snipped the skin! Henry was very stoic about it (Bloody hurt though - Henry) but I feel terrible about it. Poor Henry!
Here's hoping this haircut lasts a long time, I don't want to have to go through all that again any time soon (You and me both! - Henry).
Up until now Henry's hair has been in the car of a lovely and highly professional groomer. Every couple of months, he would go into the grooming parlour and a couple of hours later he would emerge, smelling sweet and looking smart. Sadly this was not a cheap service, and as times are tight (and I have a deep-rooted dislike of handing over money that could be spent on essentials like chocolate or new socks) I decided it was time to get proactive with the clippers.
So it was that with my borrowed clippers, I set out on this new project last night. After I got the hang of it, it was relatively straightforward, so, encouraged, I got the scissors out and started trimming his paws, legs, ears and tail.
Unfortunately that was where it went wrong - while snipping at the feathering on Henry's hind leg I got a bit carried away and accidentally snipped the skin! Henry was very stoic about it (Bloody hurt though - Henry) but I feel terrible about it. Poor Henry!
Here's hoping this haircut lasts a long time, I don't want to have to go through all that again any time soon (You and me both! - Henry).
Sunday 15 August 2010
Not a happy camper
Henry has many, varied revolting habits, most of which I can now regard dispassionately (having a dog is a fantastic way of strengthening the stomach). But there is one that I really cannot be doing with at all: his unfortunate liking for rolling in fox poop.
There are a few theories for just why dogs do this. Some say it is a way of trying to conceal their own scent from potential prey (but then, why roll in the poop of another predator?). Others think it is a reaction to the fantastic smell - they get so overwhelmed that they cannot help but dive straight into the delicious substance. My theory is that he does it because he is a disgusting little bugger with unsavoury habits who likes to wind me up, but that's just me!
Whatever the answer, the sequence of events is unvarying: Henry is suddenly spotted flinging himself to the ground repeatedly, then, once he has ground enough into his scruff and ears (generally just at the point I manage to reach him to chase him off) he comes running up grinning like a loon. He is then relegated to the boot of the car for the journey home rather than the front seat, and then has to be dragged into the back garden, tied up to a handy bush and hosed off with cold water and tomato ketchup (which removes the smell) and then baby shampoo. This is always accompanied by heart-rending howls and scrabbling as he tries to get away - one of these days I'm sure the RSPCA will show up (And it will serve you right - Henry).
The upside to this is that for a few short hours I have a sweet smelling Johnsons Baby spaniel - the downside is that I have to take hm out again soon... and of course before long it will be too chilly for outdoor baths and I'll have to put him in the bath upstairs. Argh!
If looks could kill...
I would be...
nothing more than a smoking crater...
but he brings it all on himself!
There are a few theories for just why dogs do this. Some say it is a way of trying to conceal their own scent from potential prey (but then, why roll in the poop of another predator?). Others think it is a reaction to the fantastic smell - they get so overwhelmed that they cannot help but dive straight into the delicious substance. My theory is that he does it because he is a disgusting little bugger with unsavoury habits who likes to wind me up, but that's just me!
Whatever the answer, the sequence of events is unvarying: Henry is suddenly spotted flinging himself to the ground repeatedly, then, once he has ground enough into his scruff and ears (generally just at the point I manage to reach him to chase him off) he comes running up grinning like a loon. He is then relegated to the boot of the car for the journey home rather than the front seat, and then has to be dragged into the back garden, tied up to a handy bush and hosed off with cold water and tomato ketchup (which removes the smell) and then baby shampoo. This is always accompanied by heart-rending howls and scrabbling as he tries to get away - one of these days I'm sure the RSPCA will show up (And it will serve you right - Henry).
The upside to this is that for a few short hours I have a sweet smelling Johnsons Baby spaniel - the downside is that I have to take hm out again soon... and of course before long it will be too chilly for outdoor baths and I'll have to put him in the bath upstairs. Argh!
If looks could kill...
I would be...
nothing more than a smoking crater...
but he brings it all on himself!
Friday 13 August 2010
Wet feet!
What happened to summer? Somebody give it back!
It has been raining on and off (mainly on) all day here, which poses a special problem for me - that of soggy feet. You see, last year my parents bought me a set of new boots - Rydale Malhams - for my birthday. The idea being that these would last for ages, ushering in a new age of warm, dry feet for me (I'm one of those who spends all winter with at least one numb toe at all times). And so they did. For a few months. But then the sole started coming away from the upper, and now the merest sniff of a raindrop leads to mass leaking and soggy socks. Hmph. I am Not Pleased - all I can say is, save your money, they are bloody rubbish!
So at the moment I am saving frantically for a pair of Dubarrys (cost: the earth, the moon on a stick and your first born child) in the hope that these will do the job (and the certainty that if they don't I will be on a plane to Galway to complain in person). I am planning on getting a pair in October. Until then, I am wrapping a plastic bag around each foot every time it rains (the glamour) and squelching.
So if anyone has a 'rain go away' dance they could perform for me to keep it dry between now and then, I would be most grateful for the assistance in avoiding Trench Foot!
It has been raining on and off (mainly on) all day here, which poses a special problem for me - that of soggy feet. You see, last year my parents bought me a set of new boots - Rydale Malhams - for my birthday. The idea being that these would last for ages, ushering in a new age of warm, dry feet for me (I'm one of those who spends all winter with at least one numb toe at all times). And so they did. For a few months. But then the sole started coming away from the upper, and now the merest sniff of a raindrop leads to mass leaking and soggy socks. Hmph. I am Not Pleased - all I can say is, save your money, they are bloody rubbish!
So at the moment I am saving frantically for a pair of Dubarrys (cost: the earth, the moon on a stick and your first born child) in the hope that these will do the job (and the certainty that if they don't I will be on a plane to Galway to complain in person). I am planning on getting a pair in October. Until then, I am wrapping a plastic bag around each foot every time it rains (the glamour) and squelching.
So if anyone has a 'rain go away' dance they could perform for me to keep it dry between now and then, I would be most grateful for the assistance in avoiding Trench Foot!
Sunday 8 August 2010
The 'S' word
We had our first go at a gundog scurry today. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear - never again!
Henry went straight for the dummy - for about two strides. Then he veered off into the lake - the one covered in green scum of course (Yum - Henry). Then he changed his mind about a dip (phew!) and headed in the right direction, but then went straight past the dummy and went to say hello to the nice men with the starting pistol and all the other dummies. Then he grabbed another dummy, and took it for a run around the arena to make sure everyone saw it, then headed out of the arena again, before heading back in, now minus the dummy and being tackled by the lady with the microphone giving a running commentary to the rather large audience.
I may be reliving this in the small hours of the morning for some time to come.
On the upside, apparently he's going to fit right in at the shoot we are going to...!
This is the certificate recording a very long two minutes and five seconds... and below is the mutt that earned it!
Henry went straight for the dummy - for about two strides. Then he veered off into the lake - the one covered in green scum of course (Yum - Henry). Then he changed his mind about a dip (phew!) and headed in the right direction, but then went straight past the dummy and went to say hello to the nice men with the starting pistol and all the other dummies. Then he grabbed another dummy, and took it for a run around the arena to make sure everyone saw it, then headed out of the arena again, before heading back in, now minus the dummy and being tackled by the lady with the microphone giving a running commentary to the rather large audience.
I may be reliving this in the small hours of the morning for some time to come.
On the upside, apparently he's going to fit right in at the shoot we are going to...!
This is the certificate recording a very long two minutes and five seconds... and below is the mutt that earned it!
Thursday 5 August 2010
Second post of the evening!
Just decided that now would be the ideal time to get Henry used to gunfire, so searched on Youtube for some driven shoot day vids.
We started with the speakers turned down, and he went to sleep on the sofa (Well it was a boring video - Henry). So prodded him awake, and cranked the volume up to max - still, not a glimmer of a reaction.
So decided to make it interesting with a dummy or two - basically whenever a loud shot went off I chucked a dummy across the room then sent him after it. By the end of the second video, we were using two dummies at once and I was directing him to the appropriate one.
I always said he'd be great if I could hold a shoot in my living room!
We started with the speakers turned down, and he went to sleep on the sofa (Well it was a boring video - Henry). So prodded him awake, and cranked the volume up to max - still, not a glimmer of a reaction.
So decided to make it interesting with a dummy or two - basically whenever a loud shot went off I chucked a dummy across the room then sent him after it. By the end of the second video, we were using two dummies at once and I was directing him to the appropriate one.
I always said he'd be great if I could hold a shoot in my living room!
A breakthrough!
Henry has a thing about bunnies. He just loves 'em. In particular, he loves chasing the dratted things.
This is less that desirable in a gundog, since they are supposed to be steady to fur (i.e. bunnies), feather (i.e. birds) and livestock (i.e. errrmmm.... livestock). Are you paying attention Henry? Steady! I said STEADY! STOP! GET YOUR HAIRY LITTLE ARSE BACK HERE! And so on.
Today however, with the aid of the Best Treat Ever (roast chicken skin) Henry successfully walked to heel past a rabbit warren, with actual rabbits actually up ahead in actual sight. Wow. Just wow! What a Good Boy.
May these be the first wibbly wobbly steps towards getting a steadier dog (As long as you keep making with the chicken skin, we'll all stay friends - Henry).
This is less that desirable in a gundog, since they are supposed to be steady to fur (i.e. bunnies), feather (i.e. birds) and livestock (i.e. errrmmm.... livestock). Are you paying attention Henry? Steady! I said STEADY! STOP! GET YOUR HAIRY LITTLE ARSE BACK HERE! And so on.
Today however, with the aid of the Best Treat Ever (roast chicken skin) Henry successfully walked to heel past a rabbit warren, with actual rabbits actually up ahead in actual sight. Wow. Just wow! What a Good Boy.
May these be the first wibbly wobbly steps towards getting a steadier dog (As long as you keep making with the chicken skin, we'll all stay friends - Henry).
Tuesday 3 August 2010
Free range spaniels!
I nearly just acquired a second dog!
My route home from work goes along a lane through a gorgeous tiny village - it's literally just a few houses, a green, a farm and a church. The lane is quiet but a few people use it as a cut-through around rush hour time.
As I was going through there this evening, I saw a little blue roan cocker trotting along the verge all by itself - not a human in sight. Couldn't just leave it, so pulled over, stuck my hazards on and called it over to me.
Well, it was just gorgeous. She (as I discovered she was) was so friendly and happy to see a nice human, she came scampering up for a fuss and was happy to be handled and stroked. However she had no collar on - which posed a problem. As a friend whose dog nearly lost its nose will confirm, Henry is great with other dogs BUT he doesn't really like sharing car space, and as the boot of my car is rammed with junk and the back seat is currently housing a wooden pallet on which I shall be storing firewood, space for a second dog is limited. So I opened the passenger door of the car, and while Henry and the wee stray were having a snog (But I luuuurved her - Henry) I furtled Henry's slip lead over her head. Then I shut Hen back in the car (How could you do it to me? - Henry) and took our new friend off to knock on doors, in the hope that someone would recognise her.
Well, we traipsed from house to house to house - no one was in, everyone was at work. At this point I was starting to worry - how on earth was I going to get her and Henry to my vet safely to scan for a microchip - and what if she didn't have one?
Fortunately, the fifth or sixth house we went to had got an occupant who recognised the little miscreant - who was called Cloud. Not only that but as we arrived there we heard someone calling for her. Her owner had been checking the fuses as the area had had a powercut, and while she was doing that madam spaniel had taken herself for a walk. In fact, her house was the very first one we had tried - the lady just hadn't heard my knocking.
So madam Cloud has gone home, and young Henry is sulking that I have deprived him of a potential new buddy. But I can't deny, I was half tempted to bring her home....
Good deed for the day - done!
Just goes to show though - microchip your dogs, people! If I had been unable to find Cloud's owners there and then, my only hope would have been to take her to the vets to have her scanned. It only costs a few quid, it doesn't hurt the dog, and it could be the difference between getting your best friend back or never seeing them again. In the words of the ad man - Just Do It.
A gratuitous picture of Henry on his holidays last week. Because it has to be done.
My route home from work goes along a lane through a gorgeous tiny village - it's literally just a few houses, a green, a farm and a church. The lane is quiet but a few people use it as a cut-through around rush hour time.
As I was going through there this evening, I saw a little blue roan cocker trotting along the verge all by itself - not a human in sight. Couldn't just leave it, so pulled over, stuck my hazards on and called it over to me.
Well, it was just gorgeous. She (as I discovered she was) was so friendly and happy to see a nice human, she came scampering up for a fuss and was happy to be handled and stroked. However she had no collar on - which posed a problem. As a friend whose dog nearly lost its nose will confirm, Henry is great with other dogs BUT he doesn't really like sharing car space, and as the boot of my car is rammed with junk and the back seat is currently housing a wooden pallet on which I shall be storing firewood, space for a second dog is limited. So I opened the passenger door of the car, and while Henry and the wee stray were having a snog (But I luuuurved her - Henry) I furtled Henry's slip lead over her head. Then I shut Hen back in the car (How could you do it to me? - Henry) and took our new friend off to knock on doors, in the hope that someone would recognise her.
Well, we traipsed from house to house to house - no one was in, everyone was at work. At this point I was starting to worry - how on earth was I going to get her and Henry to my vet safely to scan for a microchip - and what if she didn't have one?
Fortunately, the fifth or sixth house we went to had got an occupant who recognised the little miscreant - who was called Cloud. Not only that but as we arrived there we heard someone calling for her. Her owner had been checking the fuses as the area had had a powercut, and while she was doing that madam spaniel had taken herself for a walk. In fact, her house was the very first one we had tried - the lady just hadn't heard my knocking.
So madam Cloud has gone home, and young Henry is sulking that I have deprived him of a potential new buddy. But I can't deny, I was half tempted to bring her home....
Good deed for the day - done!
Just goes to show though - microchip your dogs, people! If I had been unable to find Cloud's owners there and then, my only hope would have been to take her to the vets to have her scanned. It only costs a few quid, it doesn't hurt the dog, and it could be the difference between getting your best friend back or never seeing them again. In the words of the ad man - Just Do It.
A gratuitous picture of Henry on his holidays last week. Because it has to be done.
Monday 2 August 2010
Does anyone have a spare anvil...?
As I need one to anchor young Henry with.
As penalty for being a lanky git that works for a charideeeeeeeeee, my desk is currently being raised to the appropriate height by means of some bits of wood under the legs. This highly technical method is far cheaper than buying desks which are height adjustable (and was actually also used by my former employer, Her Majesty's Government; who says civil servants get all the perks?).
Generally Henry is a free range office dog, but there are occasions when it is necessary to secure him - which is where a lead looped around the leg of my desk comes in handy.
Unfortunately this was the case when a new dog came for a temporary stay today - the lovely Holly, a black lab belonging to my colleague. Holly will be showing Henry the ropes when the shooting season starts, the poor thing. Henry was very taken with this sleek and muscular vision of labrador loveliness (Hubba hubba - Henry), and bolted to the end of his lead in an attempt to reach his new lady friend. Sadly, this led to my desk being jerked almost off its blocks, resulting in some rather unseemly grunting and cursing as we tried to right the situation!
I can't find an alternative place to attach Henry to, so if anyone does happen to have an anvil about their person, do chuck it this way...
As penalty for being a lanky git that works for a charideeeeeeeeee, my desk is currently being raised to the appropriate height by means of some bits of wood under the legs. This highly technical method is far cheaper than buying desks which are height adjustable (and was actually also used by my former employer, Her Majesty's Government; who says civil servants get all the perks?).
Generally Henry is a free range office dog, but there are occasions when it is necessary to secure him - which is where a lead looped around the leg of my desk comes in handy.
Unfortunately this was the case when a new dog came for a temporary stay today - the lovely Holly, a black lab belonging to my colleague. Holly will be showing Henry the ropes when the shooting season starts, the poor thing. Henry was very taken with this sleek and muscular vision of labrador loveliness (Hubba hubba - Henry), and bolted to the end of his lead in an attempt to reach his new lady friend. Sadly, this led to my desk being jerked almost off its blocks, resulting in some rather unseemly grunting and cursing as we tried to right the situation!
I can't find an alternative place to attach Henry to, so if anyone does happen to have an anvil about their person, do chuck it this way...
Tuesday 20 July 2010
Baaaaad dog
Henry, if you must eat rancid dead things on our walk (against my instructions I might add), then could you at the very least puke under my desk rather than that of one of my colleagues.
I know they love you, but if you carry on like that, they won't love you for much longer.
Thank you.
Honestly! Spaniels! Who'd 'ave 'em?!
I know they love you, but if you carry on like that, they won't love you for much longer.
Thank you.
Honestly! Spaniels! Who'd 'ave 'em?!
Sunday 18 July 2010
Introducing feather
We just did it. I was a bit worried he might eat it, but so far, so good...
The feathers here are the wing of a pheasant I found out walking today - most likely a fox kill. At first there was the leg of an old pair of tights covering the wing, but he did so well we soon took that off and moved on to the big dog stuff.
Good boy Henry!
The feathers here are the wing of a pheasant I found out walking today - most likely a fox kill. At first there was the leg of an old pair of tights covering the wing, but he did so well we soon took that off and moved on to the big dog stuff.
Good boy Henry!
Saturday 17 July 2010
big hills
Of course we're not lost!The Peak District is one of my favourite places in this country. Goodness knows how I ended up in East Anglia - we don't have hills here, although we do have a small slope. Sledging in winter was challenging, involving several people pushing to get moving at all.
Last weekend The Family (they're a bit like the Mafia, my lot, only with fewer horses' heads in beds), Henry and I headed for the hills, quite literally, to stagger up Kinder Scout. It was fantastic, if somewhat painful (for some reason,my hip joints decided they'd had enough 6 miles in - hmph) experience and one I intend to have again soon (apart from the painful bit).
Henry met his first sheep, and conducted himself like a champ, running for cover - i.e. me! (well they're bigger than me! - Henry). Unfortunately the second sheep he met was a little less brave, and Henry chased it for all of three steps before he remembered that they were indeed bigger than him and ran away again. I don't think I have a potential killer on my hands here, thank goodness.
After we'd staggered back down again after getting slightly mislaid at the top due to a path which had been eroded away to invisibility, The Family went home. Henry and I stayed out and camped at this place. Henry made friends with a little Dutch (I think) girl who had a lot to say to us - shame we couldn't understand a word! (Speak for yourself ignoramus, I got every word - Henry). He is the most gentle, trustworthy dog with children - he will sit for ages, shaking paws with them and letting them play with his ears.
I was very taken with the panniers several other dogs we met were wearing. I think Henry needs a set of those - it's about time he earned his keep around here. (We'll see about that - Henry).
It was so hard, driving away from the hills. We're going back soon.
Henry can always find water - he'd be great in the desert
The Noble Spaniel surveys his domain
Not a bad view, no?
No picnic is safe, not even The Family's
He was very proud of fishing that stick out
Henry's nemesis - don't turn your back on them!
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