TRAINING LEVEL 2

A momentous day in training. I was let off my lead in the big field. The instructors stood 50 yards apart, shouted my name, and I raced to get my reward. I was that excited, I did overshoot the first couple of times, probably by a further 20 yards. But I soon got the hang of it, and was doing regular 50 yard sprints to order.
My reward was 10 minutes off my lead, which gave me the freedom I have been craving for. I stuck with Uncle Arthur Gard most the time, but also stuck in a few frantic sprints. I came back each time when called. 
That's military discipline for you!
As you can see, I got a bit mucky. 
This afternoon I shall be experiencing ablutions for the first time. This will be interesting.

QUICK LEARNER

We seem to have found a good pupil here.

Less than 2 weeks in we have mastered "sit" "down",

half decent lead walking, and toilet training.

Misty even bashes the keys in the front door

to let you know she wants out.

She can't go in to the countryside yet.

The injections have to kick in, but she 

should be fine late next week.

PUP TRAINING

What we have here is a fast learner.

The "sit" and "down" was mastered

in minutes.

As was "Blanket" which is her outside

safe place.

She sleeps in her cage at night. Wailed the first night,

but Marie has been sleeping downstairs on the sofa,

which has settled her a bit more.

Bonding with Arthur was a bit slow, but here

we are on day 4 and things have improved.

MISTY ARRIVES

After 550 miles of travelling, via 3 different cars,

Misty has made it to her forever home.

Arthur is a bit put out, but we are working on that.

Her first full day involved "sit" training, which went very well.

She has made herself at home so quickly.

Plenty of time for toys as well, and as I type she is

tired out on the sofa.

STRANGE WEATHER

Unseasonably warm weather arrived yesterday.

17C in February is very rare.

Great to have a bimble around the village

in bright sunshine after a gloomy few months,

Was even able to mow the back garden as the grass

that had grown over winter had got quite long.

A fine day finished off with a glass of vino

in the garden for the first time this year.

ANNOUNCING A NEW ARRIVAL

Everyone knows we are a 2 dog family, and

have been for years.

Poor old Arthur needs a playmate.

Walks aren't the same with just one dog, and we

miss Bella desperately. 

Straight away we knew that there were plenty 

of unfortunate dogs out there, that need a

warm home, country walks and much love.

Introducing Misty Blue. Age 11 weeks.

Currently down south being fostered by some 

wonderful people who have reversed her sad 

start in life, and given her a real spring in her step.

She was found with her brothers in woods, popular

with walkers.

On Monday, thanks to wonderful people who

have car pooled together to get her to

Nantes, we shall be picking her up.

Her 2nd round of injections, booked in for

next Thursday means there will be no walks outside the 

home for 3 weeks or so.

Training. and she has already started, will continue

on arrival. Military style training of course.

And once all is in order, looking forward to country walks, trips to the lake, and much fun with "Uncle Arthur" 

showing her the places of interest

around the bazzars.

HEARTBROKEN

With great sadness we had to call the vet, 

and at 3pm we said our final goodbyes.

Obviously we are heartbroken.

Our thanks to Arguenon Vets in Plancoet, who have been wonderful.

Around 12,000 miles walked, much rabbit and deer chasing.

We gave her a fabulous country life.

Thanks to all our guests who threw the ball, gave her

a pat and put up with her barking.

The local postman will miss being chased

up and down the garden.

RIP Bella. 19th April 2008 - 6th February 2019.