The Diary

28 July 2010

Time is going so fast. Most people I meet say the same. That is because the summer is not long enough.

The average air temp is around 18 degrees so the sea is warm. I take the dogs to the channel at Killyhoey. Since I am still minding my mother's 2 dogs, swimming is a great way to exercise them all and at least they are then quiet for a while. Meg would never go swimming but she has learnt to swim with me. Yesterday as were swimming close together she found the time to look at me and give me a huge sloppy salty kiss! I think she was telling me 'Hey, Netzers, this is fun'.

Pepe is the channel swimmer. He can really work hard if he has to swim against the current. He is so determined to fetch the ball that nothing will stop him. He has still got a bit more weight to lose but already he is looking so beautiful. I took a bottle of dog shampoo with me when we alll went swimming last week and I gave Pepe a good scrub. His coat came up so clean and fresh. When he lay by the fire after his swim, he was the air freshner in the house.

Pluto has really taken to the water this summer. She was never keen on swimming before but now she is top of the herd and competing with Pepe to fetch the ball. Good on you Pluto. Brave Pluto who is so cute oh.

Bláithín is doing so well. She is first in line for treats now. She really loves carrots. When she bites on an apple she is not quite sure and she only takes half of it. The she'll chew on that and wait for me to hand her the rest. Scruffy can take 2 apples in one go. He has no manners.

As I write I am looking out at the paddock and Scruffy and Pixie are having a mad half hour of playing. They chase each other around and then go up on their hind legs and tossle with each other as if they were wrestling. It is lovely to see them happy.

Paddy is doing his thing. Staying close to Blackie and Bláithín all the time. When I go out to talk to them all Paddy stands so close to me. He is like a big friendly dog. I give him loads of kisses and then he is all content with himself.

In the evening sun all the Big Lads head to the top of the high hill. It is lovely to see their silouettes as the sun sets.

It was misty for a few days and I had such a busy time as Blackie kept losing sight of Scruffy and Pixie. I had to go out several times and actually find Scruffy and Pixie for him. Blackie is such a wallie! He callled and called and called and still Pixie and Scruffy stayed in their hiding places. I think they are playing hide and seek on Blackie as they know he panics when they go on walkabout - especially in the mist. Poor Blackie really does fret if Scruffy and Pixie are not in his sight. Just goes to show how attached animals are to each other and how a horse or donkey should never be left alone as they actually need company to thrive. Like humans, they get depressed if they are socially isolated.

I hate to see a horse or donkey in a field with no company. Thier owner does not care about them as if they did, they would even put a goat in the field to keep the horse or donkey company.

Off to light the fire as Bubbles wants a cosy snooze.

Talk Soon

Annette