Pentland Pet Services Monthly Newsletter - October
During October I was reminded of our dogs’ ability to live in the moment, as we humans commented on how cold the weather had turned and how winter was nearly upon us. Meanwhile the dogs were having a wonderful time, enjoying the crisp, dry sunny autumnal weather with not a thought of what might be happening in the next minute, never mind the next few months.
The first lodger of October was Mika the little Pugalier (cross Pug, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). Mika was a real character, full of attitude and very quick to learn.
Her first lesson was to give me space as I prepared her meals, which involved Mika waiting in the dining room where she could watch while I was in the kitchen.
Having picked this up very quickly, Mika would take up her position any time Ross or I went to the kitchen whether it was her mealtime or not.
During her stay Mika met a number of dogs, however, my enduring memory of her stay was when she met Hogan the very large, very gentle Mastiff. It was the ultimate “Little and Large”.
The day Mika left I headed for Dalry to undertake a few days’ cat sitting duties with The Boy and Banjo. The big difference in caring for cats is, whereas dogs have owners, cats have staff, so having ensured that I remembered where the food cupboard was located, Banjo sauntered off to the conservatory to have a relaxing nap and The Boy returned to his upstairs room to await his plate of mince.
During October I was reminded of our dogs’ ability to live in the moment, as we humans commented on how cold the weather had turned and how winter was nearly upon us. Meanwhile the dogs were having a wonderful time, enjoying the crisp, dry sunny autumnal weather with not a thought of what might be happening in the next minute, never mind the next few months.
The first lodger of October was Mika the little Pugalier (cross Pug, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). Mika was a real character, full of attitude and very quick to learn.
Her first lesson was to give me space as I prepared her meals, which involved Mika waiting in the dining room where she could watch while I was in the kitchen.
Having picked this up very quickly, Mika would take up her position any time Ross or I went to the kitchen whether it was her mealtime or not.
During her stay Mika met a number of dogs, however, my enduring memory of her stay was when she met Hogan the very large, very gentle Mastiff. It was the ultimate “Little and Large”.
The day Mika left I headed for Dalry to undertake a few days’ cat sitting duties with The Boy and Banjo. The big difference in caring for cats is, whereas dogs have owners, cats have staff, so having ensured that I remembered where the food cupboard was located, Banjo sauntered off to the conservatory to have a relaxing nap and The Boy returned to his upstairs room to await his plate of mince.
Back in Prestwick, it was time to have a final get together with Bailey the Retriever and his owners to finalise his training.
Bailey has grown in every way since our first meeting - size, intelligence and maturity.
I am looking forward to catching up with Bailey periodically to watch his progress and wish Bailey, Nairn and Karen many happy years together.
Rufus, the King Charles Spaniel, was the next lodger down the driveway.
Rufus has always been a sturdy boy, however, on veterinary advice had been on a very strict diet in order to lose weight. He has now successfully achieved a new slim-line body and is on a maintenance programme in order to stay in shape.
Rufus really enjoys the company of other dogs and had an abundance of pals to race around with during our daily walks. At one point we had nine dogs all shapes and sizes running around together having a great time and it was good to see how the new streamlined Rufus kept up and, on occasions, overtaking the larger dogs.
Bailey has grown in every way since our first meeting - size, intelligence and maturity.
I am looking forward to catching up with Bailey periodically to watch his progress and wish Bailey, Nairn and Karen many happy years together.
Rufus, the King Charles Spaniel, was the next lodger down the driveway.
Rufus has always been a sturdy boy, however, on veterinary advice had been on a very strict diet in order to lose weight. He has now successfully achieved a new slim-line body and is on a maintenance programme in order to stay in shape.
Rufus really enjoys the company of other dogs and had an abundance of pals to race around with during our daily walks. At one point we had nine dogs all shapes and sizes running around together having a great time and it was good to see how the new streamlined Rufus kept up and, on occasions, overtaking the larger dogs.
Blue, the Whippet, has been attending some top up training sessions and is doing well.
It is always a treat for me to have a dog return for a visit, be it training or strictly social, so was delighted to welcome Blue.
The most requested exercise is the “recall” and is what we are working on with Blue. Fundamental to the recall is that the dog wants to return and the handlers attitude, stance and body language are crucial in sending the correct message, so it is very much a team effort.
By the end of October Max the Shih Tzu and Mack and Ozzy the Miniature Schnauzers had come for their pre-lodging visits so are all set for their first experience of the PPS service at a later date. These pre-lodging visits are important for all concerned and go a long way in ensuring that the dogs settle as well as they do.
The clock change has heralded earlier, darker, evenings so do make sure you and your dog are visible when out. Reflective equipment and clothing is readily available and a torch is always a good idea on darker nights.
Stay warm and safe!
Anne
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A Dog’s Tale - Harry
Ross and I first met Harry in the mid 1990’s on a visit to Arran and was the reason we had chosen 'The Shore' in Lamlash in the first place.
During a search of the web for a suitable B & B the information that “no pets permitted as there is a resident dog” was the clincher. A lovely B & B with magnificent views directly across to Holy Isle and a resident dog - our search was over!
As we were greeted by Roddie and Alison there was no sign of “the resident dog” so, of course, asked if we could meet him. Having been warned that he was excitable Harry was invited to join us and came careering from his room, whole body wagging in true Springer fashion and more than willing to join us on a beach walk once we had dropped off our luggage.
Harry had accepted us and we were thrilled.
It is always a treat for me to have a dog return for a visit, be it training or strictly social, so was delighted to welcome Blue.
The most requested exercise is the “recall” and is what we are working on with Blue. Fundamental to the recall is that the dog wants to return and the handlers attitude, stance and body language are crucial in sending the correct message, so it is very much a team effort.
By the end of October Max the Shih Tzu and Mack and Ozzy the Miniature Schnauzers had come for their pre-lodging visits so are all set for their first experience of the PPS service at a later date. These pre-lodging visits are important for all concerned and go a long way in ensuring that the dogs settle as well as they do.
The clock change has heralded earlier, darker, evenings so do make sure you and your dog are visible when out. Reflective equipment and clothing is readily available and a torch is always a good idea on darker nights.
Stay warm and safe!
Anne
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A Dog’s Tale - Harry
Ross and I first met Harry in the mid 1990’s on a visit to Arran and was the reason we had chosen 'The Shore' in Lamlash in the first place.
During a search of the web for a suitable B & B the information that “no pets permitted as there is a resident dog” was the clincher. A lovely B & B with magnificent views directly across to Holy Isle and a resident dog - our search was over!
As we were greeted by Roddie and Alison there was no sign of “the resident dog” so, of course, asked if we could meet him. Having been warned that he was excitable Harry was invited to join us and came careering from his room, whole body wagging in true Springer fashion and more than willing to join us on a beach walk once we had dropped off our luggage.
Harry had accepted us and we were thrilled.
We returned to 'The Shore' many times over the years resulting in Roddie, Alison and Harry becoming good friends.
We learned that Harry had been found by Roddie and Alison at Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society (PADS) when he was a year and a half old. At the time his name was Tiggy Winkles, a rejected gun dog having been found to be gun shy, with fear aggression and a biter.
When it came to the shoot and guns Harry was a pacifist - that did not bode well for his future, having been bred as a working gundog.
Eventually he had been passed to PADS with not a great deal of optimism of finding a new home. The decision made, Roddie and Alison returned home with Harry who made a poor first impression by biting Roddie.
Assistance was sought to help with Harry’s rehabilitation and after a couple of non-starters a gentleman arrived on a day that would turn out to be most important of Harry’s life.
This gentleman was of the old school and knew gundogs. He quickly established that Harry was not “mad” only unruly with issues and so he proceeded to lay down the law.
The lessons were hard but in effect this was Harry’s last chance, and proved to be his lifesaver. Roddie and Alison were instructed on the proper handling and at long last Harry could begin life as a pet in a good home.
We learned that Harry had been found by Roddie and Alison at Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society (PADS) when he was a year and a half old. At the time his name was Tiggy Winkles, a rejected gun dog having been found to be gun shy, with fear aggression and a biter.
When it came to the shoot and guns Harry was a pacifist - that did not bode well for his future, having been bred as a working gundog.
Eventually he had been passed to PADS with not a great deal of optimism of finding a new home. The decision made, Roddie and Alison returned home with Harry who made a poor first impression by biting Roddie.
Assistance was sought to help with Harry’s rehabilitation and after a couple of non-starters a gentleman arrived on a day that would turn out to be most important of Harry’s life.
This gentleman was of the old school and knew gundogs. He quickly established that Harry was not “mad” only unruly with issues and so he proceeded to lay down the law.
The lessons were hard but in effect this was Harry’s last chance, and proved to be his lifesaver. Roddie and Alison were instructed on the proper handling and at long last Harry could begin life as a pet in a good home.
In time there was a move from Perthshire to Arran where Harry accompanied Roddie on many long and gruelling walks that he loved. Ross and I would take Harry to some of his favourite spots when we visited and loved watching as he dived into streams to retrieve sticks and try to swim up small waterfalls with great enthusiasm.
He was the happiest of dogs and an absolute joy to be around.
As we prepared for our latest visit to Arran a couple of months ago, a phone call from Alison held the sad news that Harry had passed and everyone was devastated.
He had reached the grand old age of twelve and had been unwell for some time.
We spent time with Roddie and Alison, talking about Harry and sharing stories of his antics. Roddie said he had touched many lives and ended up with a vast fan club of which Ross and I are privileged members.
The lesson from Harry’s tale? Never judge a book by its cover, or a dog by its breed.
Look deeper and see what lies beneath.
Next month: Clyde, the white Boxer.
He was the happiest of dogs and an absolute joy to be around.
As we prepared for our latest visit to Arran a couple of months ago, a phone call from Alison held the sad news that Harry had passed and everyone was devastated.
He had reached the grand old age of twelve and had been unwell for some time.
We spent time with Roddie and Alison, talking about Harry and sharing stories of his antics. Roddie said he had touched many lives and ended up with a vast fan club of which Ross and I are privileged members.
The lesson from Harry’s tale? Never judge a book by its cover, or a dog by its breed.
Look deeper and see what lies beneath.
Next month: Clyde, the white Boxer.
