Our compendium of fantastic beasts . . .
Esme - our first, and never to be forgotten ! A young golden retriever with a language all of her own. I think we managed to translate several of her grunts, ruffs, squeals and woofs whilst we spent time with her. Very affectionate, loved her toys (it was Christmas after all) and not averse to whizzing after the odd pheasant. Such a pleasure seeing her at the foot of the stairs each morning as we rose from our slumbers - time for walkies . . .
Woof - my name is Esme and I am slowly learning to speak human. So far I have mastered asking to be let out, reminding my owner that it is dinner time and suggesting it's playtime. Whilst I am quite happy to saunter into the village on the lead my favourite pastime is to chase pheasants around the surrounding fields. As you can see I have several training tools to help me improve my skills.
Ah, Hendrix - such an absolute gentleman. Four when we met this flat-coat retriever for the first time. Wonderfully trained and just loved long walks and water (though strangely not so keen on a hose down after a muddy trek :)). Absolutely mad for sticks and, well, retrieving anything really. Fantastic times were had traversing the Devon countryside and edge of Dartmoor with this affable chap.
Handsome ? Moi ? My attractiveness is more than skin deep. Trained to the whistle I am an energetic, obedient, faithful softy. Hurtling around the Devon countryside, my main objective in life is to destroy all sticks - and I'm pretty good at it !
Hendrix shared his nest with Wilton, the Bengal cat - independent, imperious, devilishly handsome (and knew it) he was very much his own thing but loved the odd treat followed by a spot of tum tickling.
I don't usually give interviews so consider yourself rather fortunate. I am the boss in my household and do pretty much as I please. My humans have been well trained to provide me with food, a cosy home and a dog to taunt or ignore as I see fit. What's not to like ?
The three musketeers; Olive, Athos and Bangers - though only one aptly named. These rescue dogs in Greece were definitely a band of brothers (even though one was a girl). Athos - half dog, half octopus and so full of vim and vigour. Bangers - deep and mysterious and the leader of the gang. He'd obviously had a troubled youth and has developed an intense dislike of tractors and black cars, possibly due to being mistreated on the farm from whence he came. And little Olive - the pocket rocket and ever happy to 'come along for the ride'. Whilst the boys were off hunting tortoises in the scrub (luckily the reptiles were too big and tough to be eaten) Olive would trot along behind, happy in her own little world. Coming back from our sorties often involved an ice cream for us and a route past the butchers for the gang. Heavens, the 'bones' they were given we would have called half decent lamb chops !
Don't be fooled by my size ! Although half the scale of my friends Bangers and Athos I can keep up with them all day long. Except I let them go off hunting tortoises. Being small, I can snuggle down indoors, under cushions, blankets, furniture where others cannot go, much to their chagrin.
Call me Athos - a swashbuckling lover of life and runner extraordinaire. I like nothing better than dashing around the scrubland, leading the pack on a hunt. Never quite sure what for, but that's not the point.
Remember Marvin the Paranoid Android ? Well, that's me. Deep and meaningful my thoughts are my own and I keep Athos and Olive in check by pure force of will. Rescued from an abusive farmer, I developed an intense dislike of tractors and dark coloured diesel cars so they get the sharp end of my fearsome bark (but that's where it stops).
Monsieur Nelson; or Nellie to his friends which must give him gender assignment issues ! A rescue dog in southern France amidst glorious rolling countryside. We've looked after Nellie four times and fallen in love with the Tarn et Garonne as a result. Damned brexit ! So much flora and fauna around it's no surprise Nellie keeps a watchful eye out for deer, or coypu, of which there are many. Now that his recall has improved it is beautiful to watch his head bobbing over the tops of tall grasses as he bounces across fields trying to see where he is going. Nellie's favourite possession - an old bit of antler (probably prehistoric by the looks of it) . . . yuk.
Bonjour, je m'appele Nelson, a five year old lab cross; I like gazing over my domain from the open boot of my human's car (I could relax there for hours when the weather is too hot for walking). I love to explore the paths and fields around me, seeking prey whom I help to find their way home safely - trust me, I'm a dog. However, my favoured spot has been usurped by a young pretender - Pepe the pest, who now pushes me off the chaise longue by the window. Why do I let him do that ?
But his life changed when he acquired a housemate - Pepe the puss. The cat is definitely the boss at home and we have to laugh when poor Nellie gets kicked out of his favourite lounging spots.
Ola ! I am a newcomer to the household, but soon cemented my place at the top of the tree. Nelson was a pushover and I only have to twitch and he backs off, as if my whiskers might give him an electric shock - tee hee. It's lovely here, warm places to bask in, cool, quiet nights good for hunting and a seemingly limitless supply of grub.
C'est la vie . . .
Our Italian princess ! Bella is an adorable cockerpoo living in a stunningly beautiful Tuscan hilltop village from where paths radiate through orchards and vineyards. Sadly, we had to decline a second opportunity to see her (and her new stable mate) as we just could not get the dates to fit - hopefully there will be another opportunity.
Ciao - I'm Bella and live in a Tuscan hilltop village. I am well known to the locals and can often wangle some tasty tit bits from the deli along the street or a juicy piece of steak from my owner. Patrolling the vineyards and fields around me is a favourite pastime, especially when it involves chasing down a tennis ball. When it gets too hot for walking in the summer I am more than happy for some serious tum rubbing or gentle brushing to maintain my enviable good looks. Recently I have a new playmate, Ginny, a young cockapoo, and although the writers of this blog have not met her, I hope they will soon.
Our second pair of Vizslas - Cassie and Maddie. Cassie the young upstart and Maddie trying to show her the error of her ways. Deep in the Cotswold valleys this pair just loved to launch from the front door into bucolic English countryside. And so did we - it quickly became quite a routine for an early brekkie, our moves being closely monitored by the hounds, until they spied their leads being liberated from their hooks. After a long trip out they liked nothing better than to join us in the lounge - Cassie in particular keen to show just how elastic her limbs were by pretending to be a scarf. At night (it being winter) they slept in front of the Aga underneath a coupe of old raincoats - sweet !
We had these two humans sussed from the start ! Little did they know we were the lords of this manor and could leap over sofas in a single bound. It was great fun to allow them to put us on the lead to walk along the road before unleashing us to rocket into the woods and through the countryside - we just loved to show our speed and agility to best effect. But, all said, we were treated very well and have certainly developed a taste for chicken - just as well after being deprived of a partridge Cassie had caught (t'was liberated from the jaws of doom - amazingly unharmed).
Oh no, another Vizsla ! This time the wire haired variety. Billy, or Billy the Whizz as he was soon named after the Beano character. One year old, brimming with energy and absolutely addicted to tennis. Come rain or shine, mud, grass or gravel (and boy, was it ever muddy) nothing stopped Billy from the relentless pursuit of tennis balls. Partial to bits of chicken, and cake (grrr, that was mine), Billy is a real live wire, and so friendly with it.
Look into my eyes, look deep into my eyes . . . . you won't be able to resist my demands. Which are simple and include walks, tit bits and round things in general. Whatever the weather I want to be out there, protecting the nation from the growing tennis ball scourge. I adore great frolics all over the patch but my favourite is hurtling down the fields from the ridge top a little way beyond my hillside home. Some say I am so fast that I can reach my destination before I've started out !
And Billy's partner in crime; Ollie. Ollie is a terrier of unknown heritage and gorgeous. He was quite shy when we arrived and refused to emerge from his bedroom for the first day, But gentle coaxing soon had him in our arms on day two and after that he was inseparable from us and Billy.
The two dogs were just lovely together and we had tears in our eyes having to say goodbye at the end of a muddy but exhilarating week (the local pub was very nice too).
Who were these strangers invading my home ? I decided to stay under the bed and let Billy check them out first before taking any action. But once I saw Billy quite comfortable with them I turned on my charm and all was well.
The two dogs were just lovely together and we had tears in our eyes having to say goodbye at the end of a muddy but exhilarating week (the local pub was very nice too).
Who were these strangers invading my home ? I decided to stay under the bed and let Billy check them out first before taking any action. But once I saw Billy quite comfortable with them I turned on my charm and all was well.
We ventured to the pointy end of the west country to meet Nero, a two year old black lab. Wow, after two minutes of serious woofing, he quickly became the most cuddlesome bundle of energy. We had a blast with Nero who helped us explore the Southwest Coastal Path and enjoyed playing tennis with him on his local fields. Great recall, Nero never wandered too far off even though we walked for many miles over fantastic country. Playing along numerous beaches and coves was such a highlight with Nirvana being found in the shape of small, spherical, fuzzy objects (preferably launched from a whanger).
Me, I always try to make the most of the day. Whatever is happening my tail is up, eyes bright and raring to go. These two kept me on my toes and I loved every minute - I don't dare tell them that after they had left I spent much of the next few days just sleeping ! I just love the water, fresh or salt, and take every opportunity to be a beach bum. And, hooray, they came back again - even more walks and playtime and I must admit I developed an urge to spend my dozing time on top of their feet (that way they would not escape without me knowing). Worked. a treat, tee hee.
Me, I always try to make the most of the day. Whatever is happening my tail is up, eyes bright and raring to go. These two kept me on my toes and I loved every minute - I don't dare tell them that after they had left I spent much of the next few days just sleeping ! I just love the water, fresh or salt, and take every opportunity to be a beach bum. And, hooray, they came back again - even more walks and playtime and I must admit I developed an urge to spend my dozing time on top of their feet (that way they would not escape without me knowing). Worked. a treat, tee hee.
Samba and Tango - star crossed lovers thwarted by the small matter of a fundamental species barrier. Such a sweet natured pair, adoring cuddles, balls, mice and, if not careful, each other's food. Tango is such a looker, but doesn't flaunt it - he just knows he is king of the hill. Samba is one of the most wonderfully trained pooches we have come across and was an utter pleasure to be with. Playing hide the ball sent her into paroxysms of pleasure as she quartered the ground looking for her prey.
I just don't get it - why oh why doesn't Tango show any interest in tennis balls ? Instead she wastes her time patrolling the gardens in search of prey which she doesn't even eat ! I do try to explain the errors of her ways but it does not seem to get through. Ah well.
Aside from Tango I love exploring my 'patch' and, on a hot day, cooling off in the village pond or whatever muddy puddle I can find - must have some hippopotamus genes somewhere! Breakfast at 7:30 please . . .
Even though Samba is just a dog, I really do have a soft spot for her - every day we can be found nuzzling up at some point - me whispering in her ear about my latest mouse catching adventure, and she telling me how quickly she could find a tennis ball hidden deep in the long grass. She would have made a great cat - such a waste . . .
Ronnie and Gladys - young, affectionate, adventurous (OK nosey then) and cuddlesome in extremis. A bit like velcro really - in the sense that they seem so happy to bond with anything and everyone, even us, and especially with burrs and grass seeds given their curly coats. We've rarely seen two dogs so obviously happy with each other and with life - never a gruff bark, growl of dissent or air of disdain, even when being subjected to a bit of burr extrication !
They love water, as long as it is little more than waist deep, and always made a bee line for the nearest stream or pond when out and about. In the glorious August weather we had with them it was great to help keep them cool and watered.
Always happy with whatever comes up - and it was so helpful to be reminded it was time for exploring with the personal delivery of our shoes and socks.
Ronnie certainly has the more poodle like characteristics and played the stoic, dependable role (though not averse to mad frolics with his chum) whilst Gladys exhibits more of her spaniel side, often coursing the ground with boundless energy.
Ha ha, we soon had these two entranced with our oh so cuddlesome looks. Putting up with a bath at the end of the fortnight was a small price to pay for the daily walks, lounging in the garden or eating out at the county's finest inns and cafes ! Despite their best efforts to conceal their own nutritional needs little did they know we can hear the opening of a fridge door from several rooms away . . .
They love water, as long as it is little more than waist deep, and always made a bee line for the nearest stream or pond when out and about. In the glorious August weather we had with them it was great to help keep them cool and watered.
Always happy with whatever comes up - and it was so helpful to be reminded it was time for exploring with the personal delivery of our shoes and socks.
Ronnie certainly has the more poodle like characteristics and played the stoic, dependable role (though not averse to mad frolics with his chum) whilst Gladys exhibits more of her spaniel side, often coursing the ground with boundless energy.
Ha ha, we soon had these two entranced with our oh so cuddlesome looks. Putting up with a bath at the end of the fortnight was a small price to pay for the daily walks, lounging in the garden or eating out at the county's finest inns and cafes ! Despite their best efforts to conceal their own nutritional needs little did they know we can hear the opening of a fridge door from several rooms away . . .
Pepper and Zola (the black one) - retriever and flat coat respectively they delighted by their obvious adoration of each other. Always polite, mad keen to greet us in the mornings and bursting to show us their local kingdom. It was hilarious to watch Zola bouncing up and down through the long grass and stubble, eager to flush out any lurking rabbits (many a chase, never a catch) whilst Pepper kept a more watchful eye given her more senior years.
Lots of lovely exploring with these two, around our patch, in the car to new horizons and the beach. We were particularly fond of the 'dogs dinner' at the coastal cafe we went to themed on WW2. I, Zola, managed to badly rip a toenail one day but endured major surgery (3 mins with some clippers) at the vets, even though it meant being confined to barracks for a couple of days (that meany Pepper still went out without me). All's well now though and looking forward to seeing B and S in 2023.
Lots of lovely exploring with these two, around our patch, in the car to new horizons and the beach. We were particularly fond of the 'dogs dinner' at the coastal cafe we went to themed on WW2. I, Zola, managed to badly rip a toenail one day but endured major surgery (3 mins with some clippers) at the vets, even though it meant being confined to barracks for a couple of days (that meany Pepper still went out without me). All's well now though and looking forward to seeing B and S in 2023.
Buck - in one of his two states - full on or fast akip ! Part of a dynamic duo living in a beautiful setting not far from the River Tamar on the edge of Dartmoor. Loves to lurk under the kitchen table 'just in case', have a good ol' scramble with his pal Logan or play 'find the chicken pieces under the beaker'. The first dogs we've come across that like to eat eggshells ! Well, and anything else for that matter.
Wow, we did some walking, Logan and I. every day brought a new destination - even in awful rain and wind. Up on the tors, along the rivers, through the woods - I discovered so many new places to explore as well as leading the way around my immediate routes. Logan, of course, showed off by plunging into the icy river at every opportunity. Wild swimming ? Nah, not for me - unless there is a stick to be rescued of course.
Wow, we did some walking, Logan and I. every day brought a new destination - even in awful rain and wind. Up on the tors, along the rivers, through the woods - I discovered so many new places to explore as well as leading the way around my immediate routes. Logan, of course, showed off by plunging into the icy river at every opportunity. Wild swimming ? Nah, not for me - unless there is a stick to be rescued of course.
Logan, the slightly older member to Buck of this adventurous duo - here atop a high knoll on Dartmoor. Come rain or shine, these two were always ready for action. Seeing them have a quick wrestle in the paddock before hurtling off to their personal hunting grounds in the morning brought huge smiles to all our faces. We adored following new routes around the Tamar and up and across Dartmoor so much - stunning scenery, varied terrain and a good workout for the pooches.
Pah, so Buck things he can best me in an all-Labrador wrestling match does he ? I'll show him, the young whippersnapper. He may be a smidge quicker but I'll let him expend his energy, then pounce ! Anyway, I can always avoid his pesky botherings by simply swimming away - which I love by the way. One day I'll get to the other side of the river quickly enough to catch the heron that always fishes in the same spot a half mile from home.
Pah, so Buck things he can best me in an all-Labrador wrestling match does he ? I'll show him, the young whippersnapper. He may be a smidge quicker but I'll let him expend his energy, then pounce ! Anyway, I can always avoid his pesky botherings by simply swimming away - which I love by the way. One day I'll get to the other side of the river quickly enough to catch the heron that always fishes in the same spot a half mile from home.
Hobbes - one hell of a looker if you ask me. Master of his own destiny and in total control of his empire. Talk about the ideal life - slumbering in the warm conservatory, mousing in the stables, having meals served on demand. What's not to like ?
So utterly bonkers those two dogs - unable to go out whenever they want to, solely dependent on humans for food, restricted to the downstairs. They give up a lot for their home. Me - I'm lord of the manor; free to come and go as I please.
They should be more like me - serene, able to leap into action at a moment's notice and able to command extra goodies from this pair of new sitters - sadly for my owner's wallets I've now developed a taste for the odd morsel or two of smoked trout - yum.
So utterly bonkers those two dogs - unable to go out whenever they want to, solely dependent on humans for food, restricted to the downstairs. They give up a lot for their home. Me - I'm lord of the manor; free to come and go as I please.
They should be more like me - serene, able to leap into action at a moment's notice and able to command extra goodies from this pair of new sitters - sadly for my owner's wallets I've now developed a taste for the odd morsel or two of smoked trout - yum.
Dylan, a young red fox Labrador living in downtown Salcombe, just yards from the harbour. Loves his toys, re-arranging cushions and battling with the towel monster. Our two weeks with Mr D saw rain every single day, so returns from our walks were always concluded with a bit of a rub down - or a game of tug of war from Dylan's perspective ! Sweet natured, very active and knows a thing or two. But beware - don't say 'beach' or all he;; might break loose . . .
Did someone say 'beach' ? Yeah, yeah, me, me me . . . .
Don't forget to bring sticks, balls, bits of seaweed and I'll show you how to play catch. And if you don't remember I'll just steal someone else's . . . .
Did someone say 'beach' ? Yeah, yeah, me, me me . . . .
Don't forget to bring sticks, balls, bits of seaweed and I'll show you how to play catch. And if you don't remember I'll just steal someone else's . . . .
And next on the catwalk; Mabel and Amber sporting the latest in canine fashion accessories. Not that they were much help on this trip up on Salisbury Plain in the wind, snow and freezing temps. But the two vizslas loved it nonetheless - wonder if snow is like the beach for dogs ? They just seemed to love kicking up their paws in it and having a right ol' dance. Mother and daughter these were an inseparable pair out on the Plain - strangely not so close indoors. I think the daughter was gradually exerting her growing dominance over the matriarch.
We just love to run, and run - and where we live next to Salisbury Plain gives us plenty of opportunity for that. Mabel almost caught a hare last week - one day maybe ! But coursing around the Plain is our passion - we know every nook and cranny for miles, know how to find the soldiers hiding in the woods (as if camouflage can protect them from us) and aren't fazed at all by the sounds of ordnance detonating in the distance.
We just love to run, and run - and where we live next to Salisbury Plain gives us plenty of opportunity for that. Mabel almost caught a hare last week - one day maybe ! But coursing around the Plain is our passion - we know every nook and cranny for miles, know how to find the soldiers hiding in the woods (as if camouflage can protect them from us) and aren't fazed at all by the sounds of ordnance detonating in the distance.
Lady Tara - that's not very becoming now, is it ? Regardless of our poor shoe being munched. This adorable 6 month old black lab, living just a few miles up the road from our home, is bringing a lot of joy through both house-sitting and the occasional 'one-off' walk. As squirmy as a squid, as toothy as a tyrannosaur and as cuddly as a cushion (well, head-scarf might be more apt) this is the first black lab we've known to take all steps to avoid water !
Toys, three meals a day, weekly puppy classes with my friend Sky and plenty of attention - I am rapidly learning new tricks and how to turn on the charm to my obvious benefit. Living in a large Manor House I find the staff to be more than acceptable - they've even laid little flagstones across the garden gravel to ease my passage on my tootsies. As for the mud around her - yes. I've learned from the lambs how to bound straight up and over any watery obstacles I encounter. Maid - bring the towel would you . . .
Toys, three meals a day, weekly puppy classes with my friend Sky and plenty of attention - I am rapidly learning new tricks and how to turn on the charm to my obvious benefit. Living in a large Manor House I find the staff to be more than acceptable - they've even laid little flagstones across the garden gravel to ease my passage on my tootsies. As for the mud around her - yes. I've learned from the lambs how to bound straight up and over any watery obstacles I encounter. Maid - bring the towel would you . . .
Skye - the Lickosauraus from Scotland. Affectionate isn't the word and just a wriggly bundle of joy. Best friend of Tara (above) with whom many a boisterous interlude is spent in the garden. Amazingly good at recall during puppy training but a sneaky wotsit outside of those disciplined walls ! Loves to be out and about but putting her lead on can be quite a game and usually involves some skulduggery with tempting treats.
I may still be young, and probably teething, but I think I've got this lot licked - literally. A choice of beds by the door or the Aga on a cold day, meals served on demand and the odd treat when my lead is about to be put on. Tee hee - I've learned to play silly and avoid the leash until said treats are proffered, after which of course I'm more than happy to take my humans for a stroll. I keep in touch via wee-mail with my friend Tara a few miles away and we have the best times together. We don't even have to do the clearing up afterwards :)
Bella and Slipper - an unlikely pair from the Scottish Borders in the midst of the most gorgeous countryside and living it up in a fantastic sandstone farmhouse with acres of gardens to play in. Slipper's the one to sniff out the rabbits and hares that abound here whilst Bella is the calming influence always ready to hop into the car and whizz off for a new adventure. Until of course a tennis ball is involved whence they both tear off in pursuit - possession is everything, after all !
Perhaps it's because I'm a small Norfolk Terrier that I get away with doing pretty much as I like - none of this sit, stay, come or die for the King nonsense for me - I leave that to my best friend Bella whilst I ferret about in the hedges and tall grass. That said, the two of us are inseparable when out together or at meal times.
I really don'y know how I put up with Slipper - she knows only too well I'm faster and can reach the tennis ball first but, somehow, she grabs the one I've missed and guards it diligently. Despite trying to teach her a few commands that I can understand she shows little interest. Not that it matters really as I'm never far away to make sure she is OK.
Perhaps it's because I'm a small Norfolk Terrier that I get away with doing pretty much as I like - none of this sit, stay, come or die for the King nonsense for me - I leave that to my best friend Bella whilst I ferret about in the hedges and tall grass. That said, the two of us are inseparable when out together or at meal times.
I really don'y know how I put up with Slipper - she knows only too well I'm faster and can reach the tennis ball first but, somehow, she grabs the one I've missed and guards it diligently. Despite trying to teach her a few commands that I can understand she shows little interest. Not that it matters really as I'm never far away to make sure she is OK.