Wednesday 18 March 2009

Spring is here: From Rose



Its really warm out today, the daffs are open and you can almost hear the grass starting to grow again. Scout and Lilly look ready for anything. All being well, this time next year or the year after, Lilly will be mated and we will be expecting our own spring puppies. But first its the round of health checks for her and we'll be spending this year looking for a healthy, happy and handsome mate for her.
Lilly has such a great temperament and she is the sort of dog that if she was your first you would think you were a great dog handler but actually she is simply a great dog. Sue Jones chose her for me from Annie's litter based on knowing me and having watched her from a tiny pup and she got the match just right. I will only mate her if I have a list of people I would be happy homing one of her pups with and if I find a dog that "is good enough". I feel rather like the potential mother in law from hell - no dog will be good enough for her unless they really come to scratch. But she is such a great dog that if we get it right I have no doubt she will have some great puppies who will bring as much joy to their owners as she has to me.
But before that comes the health checks, starting with hip scores, which to be honest i am a bit nervous about. I don't like the idea of her having a general anaesthetic unnecessarily. I have heard that you can have it done under a sedative in some places so perhaps i will investigate that. The bottom line there is no point looking for a mate for her unless her hip scores are good, so watch this space. Her dad, Fox, has a really low score and Annie too so all being well they should be good.

Squirrel's pups have opened their eyes



But you can't see that when they snuggle up together asleep! More pup pics coming soon on Mirks Blog.

Tuesday 10 March 2009

Back home on the ranch


The geese went on holiday to Jonah's farm and spent the whole time grazing in the orchard with a rhea called Ricky acting as nursemaid to some new born lambs and their mums. They spent the night in the barn with the piglets and lambs for company!

Well I wasnt that pleased with the fact I was left at home while the rest of the crew went to Crufts but someone had to dog the office. They did a great job though and you can see some of the photos at the Press Pack blog . Actually I did cheer up and Archie, Lil and I had a good time too at Barking Byre but don't tell Rose - I want to make sure I go next time.
PS They also brought me back a great toy and I'm happy we're all back together again