I am sorry I have been a little bit quiet lately, I have been under the weather since my ear was ripped in an attack by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Although I am well in myself, and not nervous at all, my ear has been infected continually since the attack. Last week I went back to the vet and they wanted to sedate me so they could clean my ear. But when they gave me an injection my heart rate fell to below 50 - a dog’s normal heart rate is around 150 beats per minute. Major panic to try and revive me, of course, and although I was conscious I was very lethargic for more than eight hours. Of course Mum and Dad were very worried about me, and Dad sat with me at the vet’s to make sure I woke up properly. The vet wanted me to stay there for observation, but Mum Dad and Nan gave me twenty four hour care. I was really unwell for more than 24 hours, and not eating, then Nan’s neighbour came round with a juicy Venison bone which was too tempting!!

Mum and Dad seem to spend a large part of their time taking photos of me. I refuse to have anything to do with it and make a point of never looking at the camera. Mum thinks it’s funny, dad thinks I am just being awkward. He is right. But he’s a sneaky one- he won’t give up. Not happy with the memory of his camera he’s now bought a new micro sd card so he can stalk me for hours taking photos. I still refuse to look at the camera. To be continued……….

I have some very happy news to relate - my dear friend Oscar the Airedale, who sadly went over the bridge in August, has sent a new dog to keep his Mum and Dad company - he is called Harry and he is a handsome mature Airedale, a rescue dog aged 10 years. How this came about is purely down to fate - or to dear Oscar - but Katy and Martin now have a huge fluffy chap who is going to find his way to their hearts very quickly. You can read all about OAD (Old Age Dog) Harry’s adventures now.
The variety of pet dogs varies as much as does the preferences of the dog owners. Some love boxer dog for its aggressive nature and love for adventure but others chose australian shepherd that leaves its less enduring companion, german shepherds behind for its loyalty and mild nature. For those who want to have a homely and soft pet around, golden retrievers makes the best choice.

Kevin has shown his great doggie character in the way he has recovered from his attack last week. At the time, Kev did his best to defend himself and the moment I got the Staffie to pull away, Kev ran back towards the house - he never shows aggression! Obviously at the vet’s he was in a lot of pain, and they had to sedate him to clean the wound and decide how to treat him. When the vets rang me to say he could come home, he was already in full bark after waking up! But when I got him home the shock and pain were clear. Kev was pacing back and forth and whimpering quietly, when he finally settled down he faced the wall - totally out of character. The vet had given him a big shot of antibiotics and painkillers so I did not have to give any tablets. At first Kevin was not keen to eat, but we tempted him with some raw mince. Amazingly, he slept right through the night - coddled up in his favourite blanket.

We had visitors on Sunday, they were Nan’s niece, with her daughter, son and daughter- in-law plus three grandchildren. The daughter-in-law was nervous of dogs and she was worried when I walked up to her baby in the carrycot. I had a quick sniff to see if the baby had any food, then I sat down nearby. When the baby woke up she crawled over to me and gave me a big cuddle! They could not believe how gentle I was with the baby, I guess I am a big softie.

When we managed to go out for a walk yesterday afternoon - between rain showers - we had quite an adventure. First we met Ben Wilson, who painted my picture, and then on the way back we noticed a little Dormouse sitting really still, in the middle of the pavement. Mum was worried that someone would tread on the mouse, then some other women came along and one of them was able to pick the little mouse up and put it somewhere safe. They were most impressed that I didn’t try to eat the mouse up: I said I prefer sausages!