I have been trying to remain occupied since the end of last year, for obvious reasons.  The first big occasion I had to deal with after losing Kev was Christmas, and obviously this was a difficult time. Last year his gift to me was some kate moss perfume and that is a great and lasting souvenir of the little chap.  Everyone who knows me is aware that I have a huge weakness for good quality brands, such as  Calvin Klein perfume although I still have not got anything of theirs.

I do prefer the big name fragrances rather than the ones that are created as a publicity vehicle for stars – although my choice of Agent Provocateur perfume for my birthday present last week is maybe more like the newer designer creations.  I bought it online, after trying it with a tester at the local store.  It is important to let the liquid dry and see how it seems after a few hours before choosing. Then I found it cheaper at an internet store and it arrived in a couple of days.

We have just come back from a short break in Amsterdam, one of the trips that is easier to take while we do not own a dog.  A few more trips are planned before the happy day when I can adopt another rescue dog!  One surprise on this trip was the fantastic relaxed dog friendly policy that applies over there.  Dog ownership seems to be quite high in Holland, and there were plenty of cute dogs shopping with their owners.  A big surprise for me came one evening when we were dining in a wine bar/restaurant and I realised that the couple at a nearby table had their Pug dog sitting beside them while they ate.  The Pug, named Betty, was only six months old and she was very well behaved. Nobody was bothered by her presence, in fact they probably didn’t notice she was there.  I, of course, went over to meet her and she graciously accepted some chips as a small treat.

I wish we had more restaurants in the UK where dogs are welcom: at present dog owners eating out are made to feel like pariahs as the staff barcode scanner cannot cope with welcoming a dog on the premises.

Until we can adopt another rescue dog, we are looking after friends’ dogs occasiionally if they go on holiday or to weddings. The latest guest is Primrose, shown here in the photo. She is an 11-year old Standard Poodle, a statuesque lady who was actually born in Australia. She came all the way to Sussex last year when her family returned to the UK. Like many older dogs, she is not very playful, but she enjoys walking on the beach and unlike Kevin, she likes going in the sea. Primrose was welcomed to her holiday home with a large juicy lamb bone, to overcome any homesickness.

She really enjoys walking on grass when answering a call of nature, requiring careful choice of
Dansko professional footwear on my part.

I am always looking for investment opportunities, and I really think investing in some gold coinage is a really good idea – they also make great presents. A gold coin is so obviously precious, and can be a lot more fun than clothes that don’t fit or games that you don’t play with. Gold is beautiful and precious, and has a history going back over centuries. As an investment vehicle, can quickly be turned into cash if required, and it remains a beautiful and appreciating asset. In fact, gold is the longest standing currency and is accepted in any nation across the world. Investing in rare gold coins is simple, and they can be kept in safe storage for you by the experienced friendly staff at Monaco Rare Coin, part of the Monex investment group, makes it easy to start.  like Monaco Rare Coin. You will be helpoed by the assistance a live dedicated person, your personal Monaco Account Representative, to assist you in making this serious investment.

The Obamas have finally welcomed their Portuguese Water Dog, named Bo, to the White House.I am a little disappointed that he is not actually from an animal; rescue centre.  It is true that his first owners gave Bo up because things were not working out with their existing dog, another Portuguese Water Dog. They gave him back to the breeder, and this was the breeder from where Ted Kennedy bought his own Portuguese Water dog.  The Senator  was obviously on the lookout for a dog from this breed, it was he who advised the family to get one.  The Portuguese Water dog sheds very little hair, making it suitable for anyone with allergies – also for people who do not want to clear up mats of dog hair every day. The Portuguese Water Dog is set to become known as the “Hypoallergenic Dog Breed” now the Obamas have given it such prominence.

Bo is still a puppy – just six months old – so he has had some upheaval in his short life. He was born in Texas, his first owner lived in Washington, DC, he returned for just a day to the breeder, then spent a month being trained for his new role in Virginia, before moving on to his new home at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Before his arrival at the White House the First Family’s dog spent a month with a dog trainer. Was this necessary? Hard to tell: a trained puppy can be allowed to stray into more public events, I suppose.

It is not always necessary to buy from a breeder if you want to adopt a specific breed.  There are plenty of rescue organisations who rehome one breed of dog, and a quick search online should find you a rescue organisation for the kind of dog you would like to own.  While there are so many dogs available for adoption, it makes no sense at all that breeders are producing so many puppies – many of whom are rejected by their owners in later life. And the Kennel Club continues to rubber stamp this culture.

The RSPCA is appealing to people living in the South East of England  who can offer a new home to one of more than 100 St Bernards which were removed from kennels in Northamptonshire in December 2008.

Since then the dogs have been cared for in private boarding kennels on behalf of the RSPCA. While they remained the property of their former owner, the Society was unable to rehome them.

Now, ownership of the St Bernards has been signed over to the RSPCA and so good new homes can be sought.

The dogs are being rehomed in small groups through various RSPCA animal centres. Priority will be given to potential owners who live nearest to where the dogs are currently being cared for to limit how far they will have to travel to their new homes. In the South East region, priority will be given to people living in Kent , as the dogs are being cared for near Maidstone. If you would like to offer a home to one of these wonderful dogs in the UK, please call 0300 123 8000.

Please note that a donation will be required in return for rehoming one of the dogs which helps cover the cost of their neutering, vaccinations, microchipping and veterinary check

St Bernards are large dogs and, as these particular animals have lived in kennels all their lives, they are not used to walking on leads and have not been house trained. They will need experienced homes where there is a reasonably large amount of space. They will also need regular grooming.

Paul Williams, RSPCA animal welfare manager in the RSPCA’s east region, said: “These dogs will need special care and patience. They all have good temperaments but their kennel background means that they will need owners with the knowledge and time to help them settle into their new homes.

“So far,  caring for these St Bernards has cost the RSPCA around £100,000 and all donations, however big or small, will be gratefully received. If you would like to rehome one of the dogs or make a donation so we can continue to care for animals like these, please call us on 0300 123 8000.”

The majority of the dogs range in age from two years to eight years and older and should make very loyal and rewarding pets for those able to give them the care they desperately need.
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