It's a dog's life

Introducing Harry

2008-06-20T12:24:00.003+01:00

I haven't been blogging very much lately to my shame.
But I do have a sort of a reason. We have not one, but three new arrivals to our home.

For a few years we have been showing our three, beautiful red smooth Griffons, and with our friend who also has two red smooths they've been the only Griffons in the local Open shows. One ring steward came up to me the other day and sais "Where all all the red roughs? I was looking forward to seeing some today".

This made me think that perhaps we should buy in a red rough. At a club show a friend said that he had a two-week old litter from a mating between a rough and a smooth that had produced three boys, Tom, Dick and Harry! I said that if one of them turned out to be a rough we'd be very interested.

Sure enough a few weeks later he emailed the news that one of the pups was going to be a rough and so "Hairy Harry" was created.

We then had to wait until Harry was old enough to come to stay with us, during this time the breeder asked if we would have two of his older brood bitches as well as Harry. I just love our oldies and of course we said yes. So last week we had three new residents to welcome.

Conceptis Puzzles Launches New Site! FREE PUZZLES

2008-05-21T16:28:00.002+01:00

I know this is not doggy-related, but I just love doing these puzzles

My favorite puzzle place has updated their website. Click Here
It’s colorful.
It’s fun.
It’s Free.
And it’s easy to use.
Not to mention, it still has loads of free puzzles to work online or to print and play later.
Sudoku, Hitori, Hagaki, Slitherlinks, Cross Sums, and many other number puzzles are updated every week.
And so are the Logic Art Puzzles, which are my favorites.
Have you ever done super Sudoku? They have one that has five regular Sudoku puzzles which overlap like a checkerboard. Really difficult. Great if you love a challenge.
And, if you need help solving puzzles, they have forums to show us how it’s done.
I just may keep bragging about it in the weeks to come.
Links:
Free puzzles
Puzzle Forums

If you love these type of puzzles you'll love this site

A Mother's Day Poem from the Dog:

2008-05-11T07:49:00.004+01:00

Seen in a card........

OUTSIDE:

You feed me when I'm hungry,
You keep water in my dish,
You let me sleep on anything,
Or in any place I wish.

You sometimes let me lick your hands
or even lick your face,
Despite the fact I've licked myself
In every private place.

You taught me how to come when called
You taught me how to sit,
You always let me go outside
So I can take a (scribbled out area) stroll.

You'll always have my loyalty
up to the bitter end,
'cause after all, it's plain to see . . .

INSIDE

You are a dog's best friend.

2008-05-10T15:24:00.002+01:00

Time creeps up on you slowly and before you know it 6 years have past. When we took in Robbie and Sam it was because their loving owner had terminal cancer. It is always sad in these cases, to rehome someone's pets when they are still caring for them. But we kept in touch with their owner and after she had gone we corresponded with her daughter.

Earlier this year I had the sad duty of telling the daughter that Sam had to be put to sleep and now I feel Robbie is deteriorating. I have a feeling that he has Cushing's Disease, which is an endocrine disorder, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cushing's_syndrome . Robbie has lost most of his thick black coat from his back and his skin is scaly and leathery, he is ravenously hungry and looks pot-bellied.

He had one blood test at the vet's which showed a slight increase in liver function, so on Wednesday he went in for a dynamic blood test. He had some blood taken, then was injected with steroids and after two hours had another blood test. The variations in these results will show whether he has Cushing's or not.

We had one Griffon before who had Cushing's and she lived a happy life for another two years, but I feel that as Robbie is alread nearly fourteen he might not do so well.

Taunton Toy Dog Show

2008-05-05T11:50:00.002+01:00

Yesterday we were at a dog at a venue in Taunton, Somerset, UK.

It was for Toydogs only, which was lovely as most of the dogs breeds I love are Toys.

We took Leo, Buffie and Fifi having entered them weeks ago. I had phoned up the Kennel Club on Friday hoping that they would have made a decision on whether we could show him after his cruciate ligament operation. But, although they had had the committee meeting on Thursday the details hadn't yet been published. So the news is... we still couldn't show him. Hopefully we will hear next week as there is a big Championship show coming and I want to get him qualified for next year's Crufts

However we had a good show Fifi won her Junior class and was Reserve Best of Breed against a very nice red rough.

Dog Food Commercial

2008-05-02T11:45:00.002+01:00

2008-04-30T12:10:00.000+01:00

A MESSAGE FROM 'MAX':

My name is 'Max' and I have a little something I'd like to whisper in your
ear. I know that you humans lead busy lives. Some have to work, some have
children to raise.

It always seems like you are running here and there, often much too fast,
often never noticing the truly grand things in life.

:Look down at me now, while you sit there at your computer. See the way my
dark brown eyes look at yours? They are slightly cloudy now, that comes
with age. The gray hairs are beginning to ring my soft muzzle. You smile at
me; I see love in your eyes. What do you see in mine?

Do you see a spirit, a soul inside who loves you as no other could in the
world? A spirit that would forgive all trespasses of prior wrong doing for
just a simple moment of your time?

That is all I ask. To slow down if even for a few minutes to be with me.
So many times you have been saddened by the words you read on that screen, of
others of my kind, passing. Sometimes we die young and oh so quickly,
sometimes so suddenly it wrenches your heart out of your throat.

Sometimes we age so slowly before your eyes that you do not even seem to
know, until the very end, when we look at you with grizzled muzzles and
clouded eyes. Still the love is always there, even when we take that long
sleep, to run free in distant lands.

I may not be here tomorrow; I may not be here next week. Someday you will
shed the waters from your eyes, that humans have when deep grief fills
their souls, and you will be angry at yourself that you did not have just "One
more day" with me.

Because I love you so, your sorrow touches my spirit and grieves me. We
have now, together. So come, sit down here next to me on the floor. And look
deep into my eyes. What do you see? If you look hard and deep enough we will
talk, you and I, heart to heart. Come to me not as "alpha" or as a"trainer"
or even a "Mom or Dad", come to me as a living soul and stroke my fur and
let us look deep into one another's eyes, and talk. I may tell you
something about the fun of chasing a tennis ball, or I may tell you
something profound about myself, or even life in general. You decided to
have me in your life (I hope) because you wanted a soul to share just such
things with.

Someone very different from you, and here I am. I am a dog, but I am
alive. I feel emotion, I feel physical senses, and I can revel in the differences
of our spirits and souls. I do not think of you as a "Dog on two feet" --
I know what you are. You are human, in all your quirkiness, and I love you still.

Now, come sit with me, on the floor. Enter my world, and let time slow
down if even for only 15 minutes. Look deep in my eyes, and whisper to my ears.
Speak with your heart, with your joy and I will know your true self.

We may not have tomorrow, and life is oh so very short.

Love,
'Max' (on behalf of all canines everywhere)

"May be reposted and shared freely as long as this credit appears with the post given to J.D. Ellis 2001"

Where do pets come from?

2008-04-28T13:44:00.001+01:00

A newly discovered chapter in the Book of Genesis has provided the answer to

"Where do pets come from?"

Adam and Eve said, "Lord, when we were in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we do not see you any more. We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much you love us."

And God said, "No problem! I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourselves."

And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam and Eve.
And it was a good animal. And God was pleased.

And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve and he wagged his tail

Just A Dog?

2008-04-27T15:41:00.001+01:00

“It’s just a dog, you’ll be alright.”

The ill informed will say.

But they don’t know the little soul

who passed away today.

Always there with licks of love

Or tummy to be rubbed

Always there with listening ear

To let you know you’re loved.

A dog is more than just a dog-

A child, companion, friend…

With loyalty and kindness, too.

And truth that knows no end.

Unless you’ve loved a dog yourself,

You’ll never truly know

What spirit they take out of you

When it’s their time to go.

So please don’t say “it’s just a dog”

To me, she was my friend.

She waits above for me to come

And pet her once again.

For now it is a brand new day;

Tomorrow-a new dawn.

I’ll miss you so, my little friend.

Your love lives on and on.

Phantom Preganancy

2008-03-17T08:58:00.004Z

Poor Buffie!
I thought she was acting strangely when I had to rescue her from behind the sofa, where she had got stuck, twice in a matter of minutes.

Then she started making the strangest noise, almost as though she was trying to talk, while staring at me. A quick examination of her undercarriage showed that she is producing milk and I realised that this is the time when she would have been having a litter if she had been mated at her last season.

I was going to have her injected to stop her coming into season later in the year but I think it will have to wait until she's back to normal. Or at least normal for her! She is a strange little soul at the best of times.

I feel very sorry for her as she obviously believes she is having pups and is going to be disappointed. I wonder how much a dog feels about motherhood, am I over-estimating her emotions I wonder?

She is also being extremely snappy and bad-tempered to the others, poor SweetPea (who is pictured behind Buffie, looking worried) could hardly move in bed last night without her leaping at him growling.

We did it!

2008-03-08T11:23:00.003Z

We are back from Crufts

What a lovely day, dear little Fifi (Sabai Honeysuckle at Ribbleknaps) showed her socks off and came Third in her class, Special Junior Bitch. There were 8 dogs entered with 1 absent, I think.

The bitch that came first in this class also won the CC for Best Bitch, was Best of Breed and was short-listed in the Toy group.

Considering that last year Fifi suddenly acted spooked in the showring and wouldn't walk, she has done wonders! We couldn't have been more pleased if she'd got Best In Show.

I haven't got a photo yet because my camera has gone wrong, but I will as soon as I can.

Leo didn't get placed in his class (Limit Dog), it was a very strong class and there were 12 entered. He is still getting over an operation on his knee, but we were pleased with his performance in the ring too.

Crufts Countdown

2008-03-05T11:20:00.006Z

Well, tomorrow's the day we look forward to all year. No, it's not Christmas..... it's CRUFTS! The best dog show in the world. All year dog showers have been trying to get their beloved poches qualified for Crufts, just so they can compete at this great event.

If you are not sure of the dog show system in the UK here's a brief explanation. There are several different types of show:-

The Companion or Family dogshow:these have some classes for pedigree dogs, but also they have classes such as ... the dog with the waggiest tail, the dog the judge would most like to take home, the best rescue dog. You don't have to enter these shows in advance, just turn up and have fun.

The Limit/ed Show: You can only enter these shows if you are a member of the Dog Club holding it. They are run under Kennel Club rules and are only for pedigree dogs. You have to enter about six weeks before the show date and the cost is usually under £5 per dog, per class. These shows are quite small, usually held in village halls and are very friendly, often only having one ring and one judge.

The Open Show: Held under Kennel Club rules, in bigger premises, sometimes outside. You have to enter these about six weeks in advance, the cost is between £5 and £10 per dog, per class (slightly less if you are a member of the club hosting the show). These are held on the group system, every pedigree dog belongs to one of the following groups, Pastoral, Working, Utility, Hounds, Terrier, Gundog, Toy, and the bigger (in number) breeds will have classes specifically for them, the smaller numerically will join together in the Any Variey class for their group. When all the classes have been judged in a group, the winners of each class will then compete together to find the best Terrier, best Hound etc. At the end of the day the winners of the groups will compete together to find the Best In Show. These shows have many rings and different judges for each group.

The Championship Show: These are held under Kennel Club rules and usually in large premises or showgrounds. Each breed has a number of CCs (Challenge Certificate) given depending on how large numerically the breed is. These CCs are spread out between all the Championship Shows and the winning dog and bitch from each breed is awarded a CC (if available), when a dog has three CCs he/she becomes a Champion. The format of the show is the same as for an Open Show although on a much larger scale with a judge for each breed. Often there are benches where a dog can be kept and groomed before it goes into the ring. There are also stalls selling doggy goods at these shows. You have to enter a Championship Show at least two months beforehand and the cost is at least £20 per dog per class.

Crufts: In order to qualify to be entered for Crufts your dog has to have won a first, second, or third at a Championship show. This show is the biggest of the UK year (23,000 dogs this year)and runs over four days, with different groups on each day. There are also other things going on including Obedience and Fly Ball, loads of traders stalls and doggy information. There is also Discover Dogs where you can see and talk to owners of all the dog breeds, not just the ones competing on that day.
It cost about £24 to enter and has to be done at least two months beforehand. There are benches for all the dogs which have to be used all day except when the dog is in the showring. Exhibitors cannot leave untl 4.30 as the public love to come around and see all the dogs.

I hope this has been helpful to you, we're getting very excited about our day out, it's always enjoyable even if we don't come home with a rosette. It is a myth that you can make money at dogshows, there are not usually any money prizes and if there are it's usually £2 maximum. I think the Grand Winner gets £100 at Crufts

The Rainbow Bridge

2008-02-26T14:36:00.002Z

Well the day has come as I knew it would. The day that Lacey said it was time to go. She had been a bit unsteady on her feet all week and wasn't quite as eager for her breakfast, then she was sick a couple of times, and finally she had diarrhoea on Wednesday night and on Thursday mornin she looked at me and asked to be allowed to go to the Rainbow Bridge.

Our vet just said,"Well we knew she would tell us when the time was right" and we gently sent her to sleep for the last time. I carried her out to the car with tears rolling down my cheeks, we took her home and let the other dogs see that Lacey was dead. They all went up to her and sniffed her then walked quietly away.

We buried her in the garden alongside all the other rescued Griffon we have said "goodbye" to. Our Grandson picked primroses to strew on the grave and said a little prayer.

We will miss Lacey, she was very gentle and maternal. We rescued her about 10 years ago, when she was six. Her owner/breeder had died and left four black rough Griffons with no one. So we took them in, I wondered whether we would be able to tell one from another so I asked if they could come with labels, saying who was who. Lacey's label said "I am Lacey, I am a sweet little girl but I don't like men." I don't know what she made of my husband because within an hour she was standing on his lap with her paws around his neck, pressing her face against his. We found that this was something she liked to do and we all had lovely Lacey cuddles from then on.

When she was about ten she started to get mammary tumours and had ennumerable operations to get rid of them, but they always came back, until she couldn't have any more operations. Then we had to watch as the tumours grew and spread, became ulcerated and finally took away her life. Dear Lacey, run free at the Rainbow Bridge.

GONNA BE A BEAR

2008-02-13T18:36:00.003Z

In this life I am a woman. In my next life I'd like to come back as a bear.
When you're a bear you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months.
I could deal with that.
Before you hibernate you're supposed to eat yourself stupid.
I could deal with that too.
When you're a girl bear you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute, cuddly cubs.
I could definitely deal with that.
If you're a mama bear everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line you swat them too.
I could deal with that.
If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.
Yup, gonna be a bear!

Big Bang World Record - Join Free Join Now and Benefit

2008-01-30T18:28:00.001Z

Let’s face it; one of the main goals of joining a meme is to increase links. So, let’s call a spade a spade and see how “Big” of a “Bang” we can get.

The goal is to exceed 1,000 sites. Can it be done? With your help we will leave all the other memes in our dust!

Just follow the instructions. No thought necessary.

*Start Copy Here*
You do not have to be tagged to play along. This game is simple and so are the rules.
Copy from *Start Copy Here* through *End Copy Here*
Add your site(s) to the list. Just be sure to post at each site you add.
Tag or don’t tag, your choice, however, the more tags you create the bigger the list will grow.
Let me know your blog’s name and url by leaving me a comment HERE. I will add you to the master list. (If you would like the scroll box code, leave me your email address and I will email it to you.)
Come back and copy the master list back to your site, often. This process will allow late-comers to get as much link benefit as the first ones in.
1-Attitude, the Ultimate Power 2-Juliana's Site 3-Rusin Roundup 4-Grow Rich Along With Me 5-Comedy Plus 6-lynda's loft 7-Amel's Realm 8-MAX 9-Speedcat Hollydale 10-Mariuca 11-Complain Complain Complain 12-Mariuca's Perfume Gallery 13-Life Is A Roller Coaster 14-Sugar Queen's Dream 15-First Time Dad 16-Life 17-My Life 18-The Painted Veil 19-My Thoughts 20-DatCurious.com 21-Little Aussie Cynic 22-A Nice Place in the Sun 23-DatMoney.com 24-The Down Side OF Up 25-Ladyjava's Lounge 26-Cat Tales 27-moms.....check nyo 28-Colorado Baby 29-It's a Woman's World 30-ENLIGHTENED BITS 31-My View of "It" 32-My Reviews and Finds Along the Way 33-Our Hep Chat 34-Rantings of a Woman 35-The Callalily Space 36-Mom Knows Everything 37-Hazel 38-Chronicles and Tales Unlimited (RED) 39-From the Mouth of Jabber Jaws 40-Sunny Side Up Foodie & Lifestyle 41-Carmel Corn 42-Daily Stock Picks 43-The Whole New World 44-Wifespeak 45-Slavery Bliss 46-Rooms of My Heart 47-Unpredictable Life 48-My Life, My World 49- At Your Service 50-All About Ebay 51-Everything Amazon 52-Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out 53-My So-Called Site 54-New Wife Blog 55-Tendre Poison 323 56-Nick's Bytes 57-My Scratch Pad 58-Choc Mint Girl 59-Life Is Just Around the Corner... 60-Amori, poseia, art... virtuali by Hanna 61-Maryannaville 62-monaco - monaco's 63-Nyumix's Blog 64-read my mind - my keyboard monologues 65-Shower You Children With Love - The Right Way 66-Secret Agent Mama 67-Pinaymama's Diary 68-Answers to the Questions 69-Work of the Poet 70-A Total Blog 71-My life, my hope, my future 72-NORTE 73-A Window to Our World 74-Life as a Mom 75-FIELD OF DREAMS 76-lisgold 77-See Me for What You 78-Caught in The Stream 79-Pinay Mommy Online - My Home 80-foster me up 81-CRUEL VIRGIN 82-Garden of Moments in Blog 83-So Cute 84-Love Everlasting 85-WeLcOmE To My CriB 86-WELCOM TO PINAYSMILE'S JOURNEY 87-Ice's Icelog 88-Jenny's Wandering Thoughts 89-Hobbies and Such 90-Sweet Paradise 91-Mommy's Gibble Gabbles 92-Rusin Review's 93-My Small World 94-Little Peanut 95-Online Ramblings 96-My Mood My Feeling 97-BLOG it with ALLEN 98-Entertainment World 99-Let's Go Singapore 100-Firelynx 101-Catsy Carpe Diem 102-Every Beat Of My Heart 103-Always Da Fresh Princess 104-Listening.. 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Contest & challenge - Help the animals

2008-01-30T18:09:00.000Z

Cindy at Contests and Challenges blog read my previous post about the Animal Rescue site needing help, and she has started a contest to band all of us animal loving bloggers together for the sake of the animals. Even if you've had this widget on your site for a long time, you can still enter the contest. All you have to do is leave a comment on Cindy's site. Here are the details of the contest from her site. If you enter the contest, please be sure you leave the comments on her site, as she is running the contest:

"Because I feel that this is an important cause this will be the first contest I sponsor. Since it's my first and because I don't have any experience hosting contests, it's going to be a real easy one.

First, a brief introduction and then we'll get to the contest part.

On a visit to Wild Cats Three this morning, I found the following post:I received word from a friend of mine who is a foster mom for Lil Paws Rescue that the Animal Rescue site is experiencing a low number of clicks, and therefore is not getting enough sponsor money to buy food for the rescued animals.

If you have a website or blog, and would like to help the Animal Rescue Site by displaying their clickable widget on your site, click here. Once on the page, look in the upper left corner for "Link to us." That will take you to the page where you can choose your widget, and get the code to paste into your template.

This is such a worthy cause. It costs you nothing, but can go a long way in helping feed the rescued animals until a permanent home is found for them.

I'd like to see this widget on thousands of blogs and web pages all over the internet so here are the guidelines for this contest.

1.) Get the widget and place it on your blog or web page. (the instructions for doing this are in the italicized portion above)

2.) Leave a comment on this post linking to your post and telling me that you've placed the widget on your page. Please, and this is important: include your e-mail address in your comment so I can reach you if you're the winner.

3.) This one's optional, but it would help spread the word. Write a post like the one I copied (above) from Wild Cats Three and include the appropriate links.

That's it. A winner will be selected randomly thirty one days from today (February 29th)from the list of comments.

The prize is twofold.First the winner will receive this pin.

It's all gold in color (camera made shadows) and that's a real pearl in its' paws.

and second, a donation of $20 worth of pet food will be given to our local chapter of the SPCA in the winners' name.

You may comment once daily throughout the contest for multiple chances at winning."

LAMENT OF A LADY WHO'S GONE TO THE DOGS

2008-01-30T10:38:00.000Z

There was a time, there really was

when I was sweet and tender

when "Show Dog" meant a Disney star

and bitch was not a gender

I went to bed at half past ten

I went to church on Sunday

On Saturday I baked the beans

and did the wash on Monday

But then I got a certain pup

and an erstwhile friend said "SHOW"

and so I did and so I do

Oh! What I didn't know

I used to dress with flair and style

that was the life, don't knock it

But now each dress from bed to ball

must have a good bait pocket.

I used to have a certain air

I wallowed in perfume

I used to smell of Niut D'Amour

Now I smell like Mr. Groom.

My furniture was haute decor

#My pets a tank of guppies

Now I've furniture unstuffed

and well-adjusted puppiesonce

I spoke in pristine prose

In dulcet tones and frail

But now I'm using language

that would turn a sailor pale.

I was taught to be well groomed

no matter where I went.

Now all the grooming that I do

is in the handler's tent.

I used to long for furs and jewels

and a figure classed as super.

Now the thing I yearn for most

is a nice new pooper scooper.

I adored a man who murmured verse,

through intimate little dinners.

But now the words I thrill to hear,

are just three, "best of winners"

I rise at dawn and pack the car

the road ahead's a long one.

The one I routed on the maps,

invariabley's the wrong one.

I really love this doggy life,

I wouldn't care to change it.

But when I get that Best in Show,

I plan to rearrange it.

When my time on earth is done,

I'll go without much nudging

Just give me three weeks closing date,

and let me know who's judging.

From the MidAtlantic Toy Dogs List

We went to a show at Exeter last Saturday, got there at 10 a.m. and finally got in the ring at 5.30 p.m. !!!! We must be mad and the above poem confirms it.

To sleep, perchance to dream

2008-01-14T10:55:00.000Z

Oh for some good long sleep, my eyes feel as though they're on stalks. Leo is in love (or rather Leo is in lust).

My days are full of either the two bitches, who are in season, in a cage, with them yapping (make that screaming!) to come out and Leo relatively quiet but scratching at their door to go in; or Leo in the cage howling to come out and the girlies bonking each other, like something from a sleazy night club, in front of his eyes!!

At night it's slightly different. All the dogs are used to sleeping on our bed and if we try to change the routine there is absolute chaos with no-one getting any sleep in the entire house. You would never think that a 12 pound dog could create such a noise.

Once I left him in a cage thinking that he would have to shut up sometime. Within about five minutes there came such a dreadful nose that we all rushed into the room to find that he had somehow got his bottom canine teeth caught under the bottom bars of the cage door. He was in such distress that I thought he would lose his bottom teeth. I said a quick prayer and tipped the cage up slightly so that he coudn't pull on them and somehow he got them free.

So now I've come up with the answer. I put Leo on a lead and tie it to my wrist so that he is quite close to my face. He usually sleeps there and so he will settle down once the lights are off. Then if he starts getting any ideas about wandering, or if the girls come for a visit, I know about it and can usually stop the action. But I don't get a lot of sleep, it's only for a few days but I'm at the zombie stage.

The picture at the top is one of Buffie with a cup that she won at a club show last year.

First six weeks

2008-01-12T15:03:00.000Z

We took Leo for his first six week check after his cruciate ligament operation. The vet said that after next week Leo could start going for short walks on a lead, yippee!

He hasn't heard from the Kennel Club yet so they aren't going to be deciding whether we can have permission to show Leo any time soon. I've entered him (and Fifi) for Crufts this week, but I doubt if we will be able to show Leo.

Our first show after Christmas is an Open one next weekend at Exeter. We'll take all three but won't show Leo. Both the girls are fully in season at the moment but I hope they will be out by next Saturday.

New Year Resolutions

2008-01-07T18:38:00.000Z

I've been tagged again by my friend Leena from Conceptis addict

*Start Copy Here*

When it comes to New Year’s Resolutions we seem to fall into four categories:

1) quite serious about them,

2) be flippant about them,

3) do it because we feel pressured to, or

4) do not do them.

So, the purpose of this little game is to let us know which category you are in. Copy from “*Start Copy Here*” through “*End Copy Here*” and post it. Before “*End Copy Here*” tell us who you are, your site(s) (with link) and your New Year’s Resolution, or not.

Then tag as many others as you like, from one to your entire blogroll, your choice.

If you like, create an intro paragraph to your post that also acknowledges who tagged you.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS:

Juliana – Juliana’s Site My New Year’s resolutions are looking for a part time job, keep blogging, and learn to cook and bake.

Michelle - Rusin Roundup1. Learn to be happier and accept myself for who I am, 2. Is to lose about 25 lbs., and 3. Is to stop smoking.

Karen - Grow Rich Along With Me My resolution for next year is to achieve $3K per month passive income by the end of 2008.

Mel - Attitude, the Ultimate Power ;“I don’t need no stinking resolutions.” I never hold to them anyway so why frustrate myself by starting them now.

Sandee - Comedy Plus I don’t need no stinking resolutions either. Years and years ago I did them because everyone else did, but not once did I follow through. Why set yourself up for failure?

Lynda - lynda’s loft My resolution is to see resolve to that which needs resolution. Like Mel and Sandee, I feel that resolutions give us more stress, however, being a person who sets goals each year, isn’t that the same thing as a resolution??? Goals vs. resolutions? Goals are more general and allow for more time to complete them, a resolution requires a mind-set and immediate action, which is not always feasible… Well, that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it…

Amelia - Amel’s Realm This is a list of my New Year’s Resolution:1. Health: Continue exercising twice a week, eat enough veggies and fruit, have enough rest, take vitamin C regularly and women’s multivitamin during my period.2. Spiritual: Improve my Daily Bread reading routine and my prayer life and learn more from God’s Word.3. Financial: Continue to make money online (my goal is getting €100 per month at least), be more creative in writing posts, and save most of the money...

Max - MAXMy New Year’s resolutions are to dedicate more time to my friends; to finally be able to read “Der Spiegel” in German; to be calm when organizing my marriage; to go one last time to my favourite club and dance the night away; and continue to be happy!

Eric - Speedcat Hollydale - I love chicken. Problem is that I really never get to have enough chicken! My New Year’s resolution is to enact “Chicken Tuesday”. On this day I will eat only chicken, blog about chicken, and promote chickens all over the world. (hormone free) Join me, won’t you?Marzie - Mariuca ;- My resolution for 2008 is to enjoy a healthier lifestyle and to expand my Perfume Collection.

Sindi- Life Is A Roller Coaster - My resolution is to complain less, pray more and be a little more thankful for what I have.

Judy - Sugar Queen’s Dream First Time Dad - My New Year’s Resolution for 2008 is to be a better father…now I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions because I never keep them but this one I better keep! Happy New Year to one and all!

Colin - Life - New Years Resolution? No way…Better to achieve more throughout the year rather than pander to the whims of a one day ‘wishful thought’

Mauro - 1 Million Love Messages - My resolution for next year are: 1. Change my job (maybe work online). I’m really unhappy in the actual one. 2. Dedicate more time to my family and girlfriend… 3. Work hard in 1 Million Love Messages and reach 2500 Love messages (or more) in the end of 2008.

MidgetManOfSteel - Mental Poo - To get out of dealing with people who I have no desire in helping at the job I’m doing…catch the eye of someone who can see that I can write and be funny…and get my own ticket to happiness from my humor….and a Ferrari. While I’m doing this, I resolve to get a Ferrari.

Stacy - My Thoughts My New Year’s Resolution for 2008 - Is to be more understanding to my children and to other people, Not to curse at others while I am driving, try to eat right and exercise, try to volunteer in my community, and to believe more in my spiritual side.

Jason - DatCurious.com DatMoney.comAlthough, I normally don’t do New Year’s Resolutions (because I find it as an excuse to actually do something I should’ve already been doing), this year I will plan on giving back to the blogging community, especially my audience. I’m not sure how I will do it yet, but I definitely will.

Kesa - Little Aussie Cynic My New Years Resolution is the standard….. to finally get off the smokes and to loose 8kg…. both which are possible just difficult…..Happy New Year to you and yours….

AussieAnn - A Nice Place in the Sun - “To let the rest of my life begin as soon as possible.”

Hanna- Amori,poesie,arte,chat virtuali by Hanna Io, Hanna, nel 2008 cerchero' di ritornare indietro, vorrei rivivere 2007!!! (I, Hanna, would want to live again 2007!!!)
Leena-Conceptisaddict-My resolution years ago was that I do not do resolutions! I can however promise to keep on solving puzzles and blogging.

Cyn-It's A Dog's Life- My resolution is to stop prevaricating, although I might start that one tomorrow! Seriously though I don't make formal resolutions just for the new year it's more a continual striving to have a closer walk with God and pass the message of Salvation by my actions not my words. Oh! and to finish all the PAPs on the Conceptis site!

*End Copy Here*

I am tagging:

Hope at GollyLog

Scruffy Dog at Scruffy Dogs

LaToya at Christians Unite

Jo at PD Warrior

Looking Forward

2008-01-06T16:27:00.000Z

We all had a quiet Christmas which was good for Leo's knee. Now the girlies (Buffie and Fifi) are in season. This means I have to have eyes in the back of my head, as not only do I not want them to get together just yet, I also don't want Leo to put his knee under any extra pressure. I've written to the Kennel Club asking for permission to show Leo now that he has had this operation and I expect they will get in touch with Mike Shaw our vet.

We don't have a show until the end of January but I don't expect we will have heard by then so Leo won't be in the ring. In any case he still has a very light-coloured rear leg as the hair is still very short and pale where it was totally shaved for the op.

Maybe, at Fifi's next season in mid summer I will let them mate and we will have our first litter of puppies. I am so excited about this, I just hope it goes well.

Another Award

2008-01-06T16:23:00.000Z

I also received this award from a great site called "1 million love messages"

A Happy New Year Award

2008-01-06T15:16:00.000Z

Happy New Year Bloggers Around The World

An Award for you ALL.

Please take this award with my gratitude, feel free to pass it on to other Global Bloggers.

I am really surprised and happy to have been given this lovely award by Cotojo

This is a list of those who were given this award, have a look at some of their sites:

0-Cotojo 1-Lisa , 2-Kim,
3-Deborah, 4-Pearl, 5-Sandy,
6-Jesse, 7-Chris, 8- Colin
9-Santa, 10-Blog Elf, 11-Jackie,
12-Marzie, 13-Adrian, 14-Jos,
15-NAFA SG, 16-Paula, 17-Sue,
18-Kathy 19-Maartje, 20-Morgan,
21-Greg, 22-MaryAnn, 23-Eric,
24-Hawk, 25-Carol, 26-Diane,
27-Ev Nucci, 28-Surjit, 29-Kuanyin,
30-Christy Z, 31-Sandee, 32-Robin,
33-Hanna, 34-Maunie, 35-Kim,
36-Bobby, 37-Billy, 38-David, 39-Jennifer,
40-Aryst, 41-Winston, 42-Christy,
43-LilyRuth, 44-Jess, 45-Rudy,
46-Lynda, 47-Lili, 48-Sandy G,
49-Ange, 50-BlackWyrm, 51-Vincent,
52-Colin & Anne, 53-Blandly Urbane, 54-Marco,
55-Mihaela Lica, 56-John C, 57-Aziz-sm,
58-Ugyen, 59-Lansy, 60-Alex Badalic,
61-Victors, 62-Nostalgia Manila, 63-Franco Yong,
64-Herby, 65-Rubie, 66-Santaram & BVK,
67-Jean-david, 68-Namgay, 69-Catherine,
70-Yunita P, 71-Debbie Dolphin, 72-Lorimer Black,
73-Dream Catcher, 74-Fred Plimley, 75-Anja Merret,
76-Maria Lourdes, 77-Jon B, 78-Aayush,
79-Denise, 80-Dharmendra P, 81-Brent D,
82-Jerry & Daryl McCoy, 83-Brian B, 84-Calvin Innes,
85-Pieter Marburn, 86-Jessica Field, 87-Taflas,
88-Alex Sysoef, 89-Norie, 90-Justin Stanley,
91-Ashish, 92-David Ledoux, 93-Thanate Tan,
94-Kevin, 95-Etienne, 96-Gerbera,
97-Christina, 98-Abhishek d, 99-Uprai,
100-Texas_Jam, 101-Azmiel, 102-Daniel,
103-Kristin B, 104-Luwis, 105-Adavait,
106-Now Sourcing, 107-Buen Amigo, 108-Kiran Pande,
109-Peterson Wong, 110-Lynn, 111-Chessnoid,
112-Luis Hipolito, 113-Joliveira, 114-Jennifer & Pete,
115-Team Dog, 116-Megan, 117-Mark,
118-Raivyn, 119-Mel, 120-Andrea,
121-Jen / domestika, 122-Mimi, 123-Bobo,
124-Lynda Lehmann, 125-Dread Bob, 126-Blue Ribbon Bloggers,
127-RennyBA, 128-Bobbarama, 129-Becky,
130-Magdalena, 131-Michelle, 132-Stacie,
133-Climate of Our Future Team, 134-CashMarble, 135-OilOffShoreMarine,
136-Jos Additional BlogLove, 137-Piper, 138-Barbara,
139-Ann Clemmons, 140-Deb, 141-madang.com,
142-RamblingMoo.com, 143-blogginginmypyjamas, 144-StylewithPassion,
145-Chinneeq, 146-Dora-zooropazoo, 147-Babyshern,
148-HiPnCooLMoMMa 149-Rachel’s Soulful Thoughts 150-When Silence Speaks,
151-Dancing in Midlife Tune, 152-Underneath it All, 153- I am Dzoi,
154-Hobbies and Such, 155-moms…..check nyo, 156-Choc Mint Girl,
157-Amel’s Realm, 158- My Thoughts, 159-Rusin Roundup,
160-Juliana’s Site, 161-Max, 162-Rooms of My Heart,
163-A Great Pleasure, 164-LadyJava’s Lounge, 165-Jesie,
166-Steven, 167-Trinity, 168-Leena,
169-Nick, 170-Nessa, 171-Debbie Dolphin,
172- Anna t, 173-krrey_boo, 174-Logic,
175-Steve Ho, 176-Virtual Entrepreneur, 177-WalksFarWoman,
178-Anna, Beth & Cory’s Mom, 179-Toon, 180-Belinda
181-EPSpeaks, 182-Teacher Julie 183-jafajfer,
184-pmonchet, 185-Aslan, 186-arouetvoltaire ,
187-Tanny, 188-Il vaso di Pandora, 189-Non Lineare,
190-Omniamundamundis, 191-LineaNeuronica, 192-Semplicemente Lisa
193-la penna che graffia 194-Angelbaby, 195-Divya,
196-Cyn, 197-Donna, 198-Liudmila,
199-djeblog, 200-Gracie Belle, 201-Reverend Ray,
202-Walter Winstuff, 203-Denny, 204-Terry (mee mOe),
205-awannabe, 206-Z.S., 207-Il Gnagnera,
208-Kevin Grieves, 209-DatCurious, 210-DatMoney,
211-Sanni, 212-Rolando’s Quiet Space, 213-SatoNa ,
214-Levian , 215-21Knots, 216-PuTLie,
217-Riciard’s, 218-Darlene, 219-Rantings of a Woman,
220-La Place de Cherie , 221-Enjoying The Ride, 222-A Window To Our World,
223-Juliana, 224-Retchel’s Pure Life, 225-We Are Family,
226-Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, 227-Echoes of Life, 228-My 3 Boys and I,
229-Mammagatta, 230-Juliana’s Lair, 231-Bless Sanctuary,
232-Confessions of An Army Wife , 233-Jean’s my So-called Life, 234-So cute tiny pixels,
235-Denz Techtronics Blog, 236-Wanna Be On Top!, 237-Carpe Diem,
238-My so-called Life, 239-TEEBOB, 240-Kikay,
241-Alaverde33, 242-CC’s Lifestyles and Reviews, 243-Pinay’s Lifestyles,
244-Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, 245-The Creativity Of Me, 246-OzLife
247-Scattered Thoughts of Mine, 248-Another Journal of Mine, 249-My Drama,
250-By The Way, 251-Paul, Toni and Lance - Bridging the Distance, 252-Live Love Pink,
253-In The Lance’s Mind, 254-My Life, 255-Rants and Ramblings,
256-WorldBlog, 257-Our Journey to Life, 258-Simply the best,
259-Paul and Toni, 260-Alpha’s Blog, 261-because life is fun,
262-The Simple Life of a Baghag, 263-Rose DesRochers, 264-Sweet Lullaby,
265-AnitoKid, 266- Lisa WAHM, 267-Ben Spark
268-Kesa, 269-Mauro, 270-Sindi
271-Alianorah, 272-Jennie, 273-CTN,
274-Jeremy, 275-Polliwog’s Pond, 276-Yvette,
277-Ali (DorisDay), 278-Rodney, 279-Alice,
280- WBAustin, 281-Max, 282-Rodney
283-Karen, 284-Michelle, 285-Stacy
286-SvenMarin, 287-CoolingStar9, 288-Billy Jack,
289-bbrian, 290-Cris Zimermann, 291-Franx,
292-Ramil, 293-JaniceNW, 294-Cathrina Jones
295-Bels, 296-Raman, 297-Jeques,
298-NPSG, 299-Anndi, 300-Georganna,
301-Jeane Michelle Culp, 302-Sam Chan, 303-Kumowai
Link Love Rules - Make Blogs Not Wars.

Up, Up and Away!

2007-12-21T17:23:00.000Z

My friend Tanny from Tanny's Blog, tagged me for this viral marketing.

Viral marketing is all about getting back links to help you increase your page rank and your authority.

All you have to do is copy the whole list to your post and tag some more friends, and go and visit all the blog/web sites on the list and rate them, use digg, stumbleuon, mixx, Technorati or what ever you want.

Tanny, thanks for tagging me, and to all who are celebrating HAPPY CHRISTMASHere is the list, my addition is at the bottom:

1.The Strategist Note Book
2.The Classy Life
3. Agenc Was Here
4.When Life Becomes a Book
5.The Haven
6.The FireWalker
7. crystrad8. nadnuts
9. ThomasWelcome10. Maitri
11. Dhanosh12."Addiction Explained"
13.Zuiyanhong
14.Heather
15.Let Peace Inspire
16.Conceptis Addict
17. Chuvaness....Chakaness....Eclavu...,
18. Diary (by Liudmila),
19. from Individual@home
20. Seaykopitiam
21. Tanny's Blog.
22. It's A Dog's Life

I am tagging
23. The Dog Log
24. Whee! All The Way Home
25. GollyLog
26. Life
27. Brussels Bailey
28. Beer Church Blog

So keep this list growing, and don't forget to rate them.

Labels: linking, tag, viral linking

Leo' leg

2007-12-18T15:21:00.000Z

Well, Leo had his stitches out today and so far his leg hasn't dropped off!

Actually it will be two weeks tomorrow since he had the op on his knee and he has made remarkable progress. He is already putting some weight on his foot and he no longer falls over when he has a wee!

Mike, the vet, doesn't want to see him for another 4 weeks, when he will be half way through the recovery period. He is going to write to the Kennel Club about Leo's op, we have to ask the Kennel Club for permission to show him after his operation.

The news is not so good for Lacey. She is a 15 year old black rough Griffon who has mammary tumours, they have now spread to her armpits and she walks with a limp. She can also lick the tumours and has made them sore. I thought we would have to say goodbye today but Mike is going to give her a steroid injection which will calm them down. So we will see how she goes on.

My Furry Friend

2007-12-12T17:45:00.000Z

It's not easy to keep a dog resting (see previous post). It wouldn't be so bad if he was the only dog in the house, but there are eight others, and they all want to sit on my lap too! By the way Leo is behaving at least one of the girls is coming into season as well!

There is also poor Lacey who has terminal cancer and is very near the end of her life, she needs lots of TLC and she wants to sit on the nice soft cushion that I have just put down for Leo. So I have two cushions but then the other dogs are all trying to get on them, it's very like a game of Musical Chairs, only with cushions and nine dogs.

At night I put Leo's cushion on the bed next to my pillow and wrap his lead around my wrist so that I know when he is going walkabout. This morning I was dreaming that someone was trying to pull me over a cliff and I was desparately trying to pull them back, digging my heels into the turf etc. Then I woke to find Leo was nearly hanging himself by trying to jump off the bed!

I have to take him everywhere, to the loo, to fetch my grandson from school, to church, to the hairdressers etc. Last night it was so cold that I left him with my husband and son while I went up to the gate to meet my grandson, who was staying the night, I could hear Leo screaming from the other end of the garden and when I got in these two grown men were trying to stop this tiny dog, who only weighs twelve pounds, from leaping about.

At least I'm busy on the computer printing the church magazine and producing copies of our Pastor's new CD, so I can sit and cuddle Leo. That is until one of the young girl Griffons gives him the eye!

Get Aboard The Linky Love Train

2007-12-12T14:16:00.000Z

Get aboard the Linky Love train. Leena from Conceptis Addict blog invited me to join her on a new linky love train. I've never been on board one before, so I'm definitely game for it. Plus this is such an easy tag, how can I not join in the fun?

The rules: when you get tagged, you have to add your name below the person who tagged you and by doing so you are letting the list grow.

Rachel’s Soulful Thoughts

When Silence Speaks

Dancing in Midlife Tune

A Great Pleasure MondayMorningPower

These are the people who I'm sharing my nice warm coach with:

I nearly missed it, make sure you don't

Leo the patient

2007-12-06T16:10:00.000Z

Leo is laying across my lap with a blanket over him. We picked him up from the vet this morning, yesterday he was admitted for an emergency cruciate ligament repair.

To those who don't know what a cruciate ligament is it's the stringy thing that holds one bone to another under your knee-cap (patella) and allows your knee to bend up and down but not side to side. Leo's had broken and needed a quick repair so that he could be free from pain and able to walk on four legs.

The vet told me after the op that he had inserted a new ligament made of plastic with metal clips to the bones, and had tidied up the cartiledge in his knee. Leo was kept overnight as he needed morphine to cope with the pain.

He is to have absolutely strict rest for 4-6 weeks and then very limited movement for another 4-6 weeks, with physio-therapy to keep his knee from stiffening up.

Whether we will ever be able to show him again remains to be seen. We will have to ask the Kennel Club for permission to show him as you do after such an operation.

But that doesn't matter, I am just glad he's OK now

Help! I've been tagged

2007-12-05T17:00:00.000Z

I have been tagged by a meme, this time by Leena from Conceptis Addict.

She is determined to drag me kicking and screaming into Blog Land. I don’t read horoscopes daily or even yearly, I think they are so vague that they could apply to anything, but I don't mind having a go at meme-ing (?).

The rules are simple:

1.Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.

2.Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below).

3.Pick your month of birth.

4.Highlight the traits that apply to you.

5.Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving a comment for them.

6.Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve done it!

-----------------------------------------------

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

I don't think that really described me at all. I am very sensitive and easily hurt, very intuitive of other peoples' motives and moods. I am not in the least hard-working physically but will exercise my brain to the point of melt down. And I love being at home and hate meeting new people as I am very shy.
-----------------------------------------------

Pasted as instructed:

JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And now for the return tag...
I haven't been blogging long so I'm not sure who to tag in return, so I will edit this later.

I've tagged Scruffy Dogs

Plymouth & District Kennel Ass. Dog Show

2007-11-20T14:46:00.000Z

We went to the Plymouth & District Kennel Association Dog Show, held at Exeter on saturday Nov 17th. We had all three dogs entered in the only class for Griffons, so we needed someone to handle one of them. As we were looking after our five year old grandson, Eddy, all day, I just wondered whether he would be able to take Leo into the ring. He has known the dogs since he was born, and we often go for a walk with the three showdogs and play "dogshows" in the turning circle at the end of our road.

He was very enthusiastic at the idea of showing Leo, so we took him to our ringcraft class (near Axminster) to have a chance to walk Leo on his own and learn a bit about what he would have to do.

On the Saturday we left early as we were the third breed in the ring after two classes of Japanese Chins and two classes of Italian Greyhounds. Judging started at 9.00 a.m., we found a position right at the ringside and our friend, Rachael, joined us as we were putting our seats up. I took each dog out of the cage and gave them a quick groom, and put their show leads on. I was just sorting out their ring numbers when the ring steward called for the Chins, after a few minutes we realised that there were none present. So then she called for the Italian Greyhounds, it just then dawned on me that there were none of them either and that we would be in the ring any moment.

Sure enough the Griffons were called into the ring and I hurriedly got them out of the cage, clipped the right number on each of us and dashed into the ring. Then I realised I didn't have anything to bait them with so I hurried out and came back with the cheese that Frank had chopped up that morning.

Fortunately the judge was a very nice man (I think he was grateful to have some dogs to judge at last), he had a quick look at the dogs while I was trying to explain to Eddy which hand was his left one. He then beckoned to us to go round the ring twice. The theory was that I should go first in line with Fifi, then Eddy with Leo, who would hopefully follow me, then Frank would follow with Buffy. That was the theory, in practice this is what happened..... Fifi applied the brakes and refused to walk anywhere, which caused a pile-up as the rest started to walk forwards, I quickly picked up Fifi and grabbed Leo's lead from Eddy so that I could at least get him on the move.

The I went to put Fifi on the table, knowing that this is something she hates........ I won't go into the rest of the class, I felt quite giddy after I had handled and walked all three of them. I was thrilled, however, when the judge told Eddy that he and Leo had got First and Best of Breed. Bless him, he was thrilled with the big rosette he got.

I wanted to take his photo to show his mum but my camera wouldn't work, I should have known that it wouldn't. I've put an older one here of Eddy and Leo (Leorin Little Gem) taken at the Devon County Show a couple of years ago.

2007-11-10T16:33:00.000Z

At the dog Show we went to last week my beautiful boy, Leo, was pushed into fourth place by Fifi, then Buffie and our friend's Lola. He has been suffereing from a knee injury and his movement is not good most of the time.

Frank suggested getting a Bioflow collar for him and as there was a lady selling them at the show we decided to try one. They are very expensive at £35, but if it helps it will be worth it, there is a 90 day trial period.

I've also started giving him Glucosamine with Chondroitin, that's supposed to be good at repairing cartiledge and lubricating joints.

We went to our first Ringcraft class on Thursday, one has just started in our area. Most of the people that went just want socialisation and basic training for their dogs, and most were very large and unruly. I hope they improve over the weeks. We did a bit of ringcraft and Leo was limping a lot, we were introduced to a girl who is an animal chiropracter, she was kind enough to examine Leo and said that on of his vertebra was misaligned, so she put it back for him. She said that she would have a look at him next week.

I am thinking that Hydrotherapy might help a bit, so I'll get in touch with the vet to see if there's a pool nearby.

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-11-02T17:25:00.001Z

2007-10-25T17:03:00.000+01:00

I edit and publish our church (Beer Congregational) monthly magazine, which is also uploaded to the website http://www.beer-congregational-church.org.uk/ I've just put the November edition to bed (phew) and I'm now printing it out on my Brother DCP-130C printer. I go through printers at the rate of about one every eighteen months because I have to print at least 200 magazines, comprising 6 double sided A4 sheets. I try to refill the cartridges with bulk ink but I am investigating whether a Continuous Ink System would work but they seem to be quite hard to find.

No dog shows this weekend, the grandchildren are coming with their parents for a visit so I must do some housework. Two of our elderly dogs are quite poorly and I fear they will be going to the Rainbow Bridge soon........

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...

The picture shows some of our dogs that are now waiting for us at the Bridge

2007-10-16T15:09:00.000+01:00

Well, our good friend won the cup that we sent back to the Griffon Bruxellois Club. We were so pleased for her, she is newer to showing as I am and we both find it difficult at times. Everyone seems to know exactly how to show their dogs beautifully and they don't make newcomers feel welcome. I guess they must have seen people come and go over the years, so I don't blame them for being cautious.

Robbie is feeling much better after his dental work, he had to have five teeth out and is now on antibiotics and eye ointment. His half brother Sam, who is nearly 15 and has a heart condition, has suddenly become paralysed in one of his back legs. The vet thinks he is just having a bad arthritis bout and has prescribed Metacam, an anti-inflammatory pain-killer. I hope he pulls through, it is horrid seeing him staggering about.

2007-10-13T11:28:00.000+01:00

Today we are supposed to be near Oxford showing two of our Griffons at the Griffon Bruxellois Club Open Show. However one of our older rescue/rehomed dogs suddenly had a burst abcess behind his eye. We rushed him to the vet who booked him in yesterday to have five teeth out. This was the cause of the abscess which is still draining horrid yucky stuff into his eye.

Poor Robbie, he must have been in pain for the past few days but he didn't show it, he certainly wasn't off his food! But on Friday he went to the vets and we were anxious until our lovely vet phoned to say that all was well. He had taken some blood to test that his liver and kidney function was fine, he is 13 years old so this was good news.

So we decided that the welfare of our older dogs came before any dog show and we stayed at home. We were going up with a friend the day before and staying at a B & B on Friday night, so we met her along the way and gave her a cup which one of our dogs, Buffie, had won last year, this is her in the picture. We were hoping to win it back with our new little girl Fifi but that wasn't to be.

Ho hum, life is always very variable when you have a family of dogs, but we wouldn't change any one of them for a more peaceful life.

2007-10-06T09:49:00.000+01:00

I'm a Pixie! I've been chosen to be part of a team of volunteers to help promote the fabulous puzzles of Conceptis.

You've probably seen some of their publications, they print books of all sorts of Japanese picture puzzles, Nonogram, Sudoku, Kakuro, Maze puzzles, Logic puzzles, Paint By Number, Link-a-Pix, I could go on as they produce just about every sort of brain using puzzle.

But I bet you didn't know that they have a really great web site at http://www.conceptispuzzles.com/ where there are loads of puzzles all for free. Plus there is a great forum where you can find help and access to even more puzzles. You will never have a spare moment once you've found this site. It's great!

And then there were three

2007-10-05T09:40:00.000+01:00

Well to continue, we got so addicted to Dog Showing that we were travelling all over the country. Staying in different towns overnight and meeting new people. We travelled by train if the shows were more than 60 miles away and we met some lovely people who made a great fuss of Leo. Not many people know of Griffons and many people said what a lovely pug he was! I am going to get a T-shirt for him to wear with "I AM NOT A PUG!! on it. Many people took his photo with their phones, I must say that we felt honoured to have such a beautiful dog with us.

After a while we decided that it would be good to use him at stud so that his name would go on and maybe he would produce such beautiful offspring that they would become champions. But he was too much of a gentleman to have anything to do with the bitches that visited us for the afternoon. So we decided to purchase a bitch puppy, so that he would have live-in lover, but it would have to be a suitable Griffon with the right pedigree. We found one at last, Buffie, she is very pretty and loves Leo, they looked a suitable pair but unfortunately it soon became obvious that the little bitch had some problems that would rule out breeding from her.

So we tried to find another Griffon bitch and at last found Fifi, another gorgeous red smooth with loads of character. Now just have to wait until she is old enough to have a litter, after eighteen months. The dogs in the picture are (from left to right) Leo, Fifi, Buffie (Timmy, one of our rescue Griffons has slipped in the picture, too).

Let's get started

2007-10-04T14:22:00.000+01:00

Well here I am, sitting at the computer with a comatose dog (Leo) hanging across my lap snoring gently. Six of our other dogs are taking their customary positions on the sofa while the other two have gone for an afternoon snooze with my husband, Frank.

This blog is primarily about the life and antics of our nine Griffon Bruxellois (aka Brussels Griffon). We have rehomed Griffons for many years now, I can't imagine just having one, they are addictive. We take in special ones that are elderly or for other reasons can't go to normal sane people. But at Christmas 2002 we were giving the opportunity of buying a show quality red smooth Griffon puppy from friends. We called him Leo and as he grew into a magnificent dog we were encouraged to try him at a few local shows. The first companion show we tried he won Reserve Best of Breed, and at the second a week later he got Best of Breed. OK, these were very small, fun shows but we were addicted!

Next came a Championship show at Birmingham, where we joking said that we could qualify him for Crufts... and we did, or rather, he did, because I barely knew one end of dog showing from the other. And so in 2003 we exhibited a dog at Crufts!

This blog will be a rambling of dog news and all things doggy and Christian. Oh, did I forget to say that I am secretary of our Congregational Church? We live in a tiny fishing village in Devon, UK. a veritable paradise.