Pentland Pet Services Monthly Newsletter - September to December
I think it would be fair to say that the past few months have been challenging and it is for this reason the Newsletter has been so delayed.
In early October Ross’ mother had a bad fall at home resulting in hospitalisation and is currently awaiting transfer to a nursing home. As you can imagine between hospital visits, liaison with all the relevant agencies not to mention the paperwork plus the time involved in visiting possible care homes Ross and I have had little or no down time recently.
Thankfully however, our wonderful canine friends came to our rescue to cheer us up at such a difficult time…
It all started with Bailey way back at the beginning of our troubles.
It had been a particularly depressing day with the outlook appearing pretty bleak. I had just returned from a hospital visit and thought how nice it would have been to be met by a waggy tail. As a very poor second best I headed for the kitchen to make a cup of coffee whereupon I heard the letterbox rattle.
Thinking it was nothing more than the wind I went to check and was surprised to see a figure through the glass panel.
On opening the door I found a very excited Bailey with a rather out of breath and apologetic Nairn who explained that Bailey had shot off during his walk and headed straight for my door.
He could not understand what had prompted such out of character behaviour and was amazed when, having invited them in, I explained that it was obvious to me Bailey had picked up on my thoughts and knew he was on a mission.
I think it would be fair to say that the past few months have been challenging and it is for this reason the Newsletter has been so delayed.
In early October Ross’ mother had a bad fall at home resulting in hospitalisation and is currently awaiting transfer to a nursing home. As you can imagine between hospital visits, liaison with all the relevant agencies not to mention the paperwork plus the time involved in visiting possible care homes Ross and I have had little or no down time recently.
Thankfully however, our wonderful canine friends came to our rescue to cheer us up at such a difficult time…
It all started with Bailey way back at the beginning of our troubles.
It had been a particularly depressing day with the outlook appearing pretty bleak. I had just returned from a hospital visit and thought how nice it would have been to be met by a waggy tail. As a very poor second best I headed for the kitchen to make a cup of coffee whereupon I heard the letterbox rattle.
Thinking it was nothing more than the wind I went to check and was surprised to see a figure through the glass panel.
On opening the door I found a very excited Bailey with a rather out of breath and apologetic Nairn who explained that Bailey had shot off during his walk and headed straight for my door.
He could not understand what had prompted such out of character behaviour and was amazed when, having invited them in, I explained that it was obvious to me Bailey had picked up on my thoughts and knew he was on a mission.
Bailey hears the call... two minutes later he was at the PPS front door
Our next surprise visitor was Molly, a lovely older Golden Retriever with a withered front paw,
who arrived one Saturday morning complete with police escort.
Molly had been found wandering on East Road and been picked up by the police van but the WPC and her colleague were reluctant to take Molly to the Kennels due to her age and disability.
They felt confident that someone would be looking for her so had stopped to ask a local dog walker if she recognised Molly.
As it turned out the dog walker was Mac’s owner Helen Currie who said that she did not recognise Molly but knew a lady who might – moi. Sadly this was not the case.
However, after a chat with the police, it was agreed that Molly could stay with us until her owners could be located. Rowan who was lodging at the time was delighted to have a companion and took over hosting duties while phone calls were made to local vets.
After a short time Molly’s very anxious owners turned up having been directed to us by the police. This had been the first time Molly had wandered off as due to her poor mobility was normally quite content to stay in her garden which was at the opposite side of the road at the far end of East Road. We were all alarmed at the realisation that Molly had not only walked so far but had crossed the very busy road to reach the spot where she had been picked up.
But all’s well that ends well and thankfully Molly’s adventure had a happy ending. Molly herself seemed completely unphased by all the drama!
I think the main lesson to be learnt from this experience is to ensure your dog always has a clearly marked dog tag on his or her collar. Everyone concerned was grateful for the compassionate way in which the police acted and to all the local dog owners who were so willing to help out in reuniting Molly and her owners.
Rowan spent a weekend with us in November entertaining us with her quirky ways and sweet nature. Another regular, Milly the Labradoodle, popped in for a couple of day-care stays and was delighted to test out the fancy new dog blanket on the settee, giving it the paws up.
Our next surprise visitor was Molly, a lovely older Golden Retriever with a withered front paw,
who arrived one Saturday morning complete with police escort.
Molly had been found wandering on East Road and been picked up by the police van but the WPC and her colleague were reluctant to take Molly to the Kennels due to her age and disability.
They felt confident that someone would be looking for her so had stopped to ask a local dog walker if she recognised Molly.
As it turned out the dog walker was Mac’s owner Helen Currie who said that she did not recognise Molly but knew a lady who might – moi. Sadly this was not the case.
However, after a chat with the police, it was agreed that Molly could stay with us until her owners could be located. Rowan who was lodging at the time was delighted to have a companion and took over hosting duties while phone calls were made to local vets.
After a short time Molly’s very anxious owners turned up having been directed to us by the police. This had been the first time Molly had wandered off as due to her poor mobility was normally quite content to stay in her garden which was at the opposite side of the road at the far end of East Road. We were all alarmed at the realisation that Molly had not only walked so far but had crossed the very busy road to reach the spot where she had been picked up.
But all’s well that ends well and thankfully Molly’s adventure had a happy ending. Molly herself seemed completely unphased by all the drama!
I think the main lesson to be learnt from this experience is to ensure your dog always has a clearly marked dog tag on his or her collar. Everyone concerned was grateful for the compassionate way in which the police acted and to all the local dog owners who were so willing to help out in reuniting Molly and her owners.
Rowan spent a weekend with us in November entertaining us with her quirky ways and sweet nature. Another regular, Milly the Labradoodle, popped in for a couple of day-care stays and was delighted to test out the fancy new dog blanket on the settee, giving it the paws up.
Rowan & Milly... PPS regulars, best of pals and best of smiles
Jed the Border Terrier spent a few days with us too, but due to his advanced years (100 plus in
human terms) spent a great deal of his time sleeping.
He did have the odd sprightly moment... which resulted in an even longer nap.
We were delighted to receive news from Alison and Roddie in Arran that Toby, a Springer Spaniel aged 2 years, has joined them from Springer Rescue.
Harry their beloved Springer had passed away a few months ago and you may remember from the obituary in the October 2010 Newsletter Harry had not started off his life in the easiest of circumstances. Toby has been described by Alison and Roddie as “brilliant” so it sounds like he is having an easier transition than Harry.
He is one very lucky dog to be living in Lamlash with two of the nicest and kindest people you could wish to meet. We are very much looking forward to being introduced to the new kid on the block so will be heading for the Arran ferry at the first opportunity.
Tasha has been struggling with two small fractures to her front paw recently so has not been enjoying her usual play with her doggie pals. She is under veterinary instruction to rest up, a prospect she has not quite accepted. We are all missing her and looking forward to seeing her back in the field.
Jed the Border Terrier spent a few days with us too, but due to his advanced years (100 plus in
human terms) spent a great deal of his time sleeping.
He did have the odd sprightly moment... which resulted in an even longer nap.
We were delighted to receive news from Alison and Roddie in Arran that Toby, a Springer Spaniel aged 2 years, has joined them from Springer Rescue.
Harry their beloved Springer had passed away a few months ago and you may remember from the obituary in the October 2010 Newsletter Harry had not started off his life in the easiest of circumstances. Toby has been described by Alison and Roddie as “brilliant” so it sounds like he is having an easier transition than Harry.
He is one very lucky dog to be living in Lamlash with two of the nicest and kindest people you could wish to meet. We are very much looking forward to being introduced to the new kid on the block so will be heading for the Arran ferry at the first opportunity.
Tasha has been struggling with two small fractures to her front paw recently so has not been enjoying her usual play with her doggie pals. She is under veterinary instruction to rest up, a prospect she has not quite accepted. We are all missing her and looking forward to seeing her back in the field.
Tasha on hearing she is on leash walks for the next few weeks...
As you know we do not normally lodge through the months of November to February, inclusive.
However, with so many requests from our regulars we have made the decision to consider lodging during these months although please note will charge a higher winter rate.
So should you be looking for lodging, pick up the phone and we will do what we can.
Thanks to all our canine friends and their owners – have a very Happy Christmas and a Good New Year! We look forward to seeing you in 2012.
Anne and Ross
As you know we do not normally lodge through the months of November to February, inclusive.
However, with so many requests from our regulars we have made the decision to consider lodging during these months although please note will charge a higher winter rate.
So should you be looking for lodging, pick up the phone and we will do what we can.
Thanks to all our canine friends and their owners – have a very Happy Christmas and a Good New Year! We look forward to seeing you in 2012.
Anne and Ross
