Sun at last

Cactus - starting to flower

This morning we were able to take our walk all the way through the ravine. There has only been about three hours of light rain in the last twenty four. The water has stopped coursing through the ravine and although it is very wet underfoot the water is just lying in the deep ruts, if we don't get any more heavy rain it should dry up in a few days. To take our walk and know we are not going to be caught out in torrential rain is bliss. Trying to dry the dog and the wet towels over the past week has been a nightmare. Shula's best Christmas present was doggy deodorant which smells a bit like soap, but is infinitely preferable to damp dog. The cats managed to keep dry, preferring to stay in front of the fire, only going out when absolutely necessary, or when the rain stopped, unlike the dog who wants her walks whatever the weather.

This week I am looking after my friend Carmen's dogs and cats as she is visiting her sister in Belgium. Matty is as sweet as ever, and Chispa hasn't growled at me. The cats all seem fine so hopefully it will be a good week.

Weather

We have had a week of torrential rain, and according to our local ameteur weather station more than ½ our rain for this year fell during the past week.

Tich

Tich is the brother of Pippa and Chia. He is a beautiful cat, and although he will let you stroke him through the window he will not let anyone get near him outside.

Tich and his brother and two sisters were born under our hedge in the spring of 2000. When we discovered them they were a few weeks old. We rang one of the rescue agencies, they said if we fed mother and kittens until the kittens were around six weeks old they would help to trap them, spay the mother and re home the kittens. When the kittens were six weeks old we rang the agency and they sent someone to help trap the mother, but said if they took the kittens they would all have to be destroyed as there were too many kittens already to find homes for. We decided to keep them all. The girls who were quite tame were caught and taken into the house but the two male cats who were totally wild were left outside with their mother, who had been returned after having been spayed. Tich and his brother, who we called Charlie, seemed very happy living together with their mother and although we did try to tame them we couldn't really get near them. When all the kittens were six months old we decided to have them neutered so as not to add to the cat population. With great difficulty we managed to catch Charlie and he was taken to the vet. When he came back his mother wouldn't have anything to do with him and took Tich to another part of the garden and kept chasing poor Charlie away. Two days later we manage to catch Tich and when he came back the mother abandoned both cats and went to live down the road. Oliver our Spanish neighbours cat turned up around about this time and all three male cats got along together. When the cats were about 18 months old there was a storm one night and the next morning Charlie had disappeared. Where he went, or what happened, we don't know. We did try to encourage Tich in after this but have never succeeded, he does, however, seem happy with his life.

Tommy who is another cat we feed turned up about two years ago. He is a very nervous cat and another one you can't get near outside. We do, however, make it a rule that they are stroked before they are fed on the window ledge. No stroke, no food. This is so if we have to catch them for any reason we stand a chance of getting them when they come to eat.

Hello Pippa

Most evenings after Ken has gone to bed I move over to his sofa and Pippa and Shula take over mine. Chia always goes with Ken.

Layla

Layla is a big gentle dog when she is out walking with Marley. I would not, however, want to try to enter her house or garden uninvited as she is very protective.

Shula with Marley and Layla

Shula loves to walk with Marley and Layla.

Nearly Christmas

You can tell it is nearly Christmas by the Poisettias.This is what happens if you plant them out in your garden in this part of Spain.

Laying in the garden

Both Ken and I have colds and are not much fun. Shula went out for a long walk this morning but still has loads of energy so she is out in the garden, laying down at the moment, but not for long, I suspect.

Cactus

I am so lucky walking with the dog to see such exotic plants just growing in the wild.

Bobby

Bobby was a rescue dog. He is so well behaved and such a nice dog. I think that if you are thinking of a dog you should try first your local rescue centre. Not every dog is for you, but they have puppies, they have dogs that might well be the right one for you. Don't rush, take your time, they don't mind, they just want the right home for the dog. That could be you. Make sure the dog you choose is the right one for you, if it is, then you are the right owner for it..

Picking up rubish

I know that when she started out Shula had to fend for her self and whatever she found she ate. Now she has a loving home, is well fed, but still she forages and picks up rubbish. Lots of which upsets her stomach, and most worrying, people here are not above leaving poison down in places where people walk their dogs. I think I may have to resort to a muzzle which I don't want to do. I haven't found anyone who can tell me how I can overcome this, but would love to hear from anyone with a solution.

My Beautiful Dog

She looks like an angel, but she can be really naughty picking up all sorts of rubbish.

Friends ?

Well at least Pippa is not chasing Shula any more. I think the break through may have come on Saturday as Ken and I went out for the evening and left the cat and dog in together. When we got back we were surprised to find Pippa still in and it was obvious they had both been on the bed. I was still surprised however, when on Sunday, Shula jumped up on the sofa next to the cat. It is really nice that they are getting along together and we dont have any hissing and spitting anymore, or the worry that the cat might scratch the dog.

It rained most of the day yesterday so it was lunch time before we were able to get out for a walk. A few dog owners had the same idea so Shula had lots of exercise dashing about with all the dogs we met. Around 5 pm we managed to take a walk round the block before it poured down again. Both Pippa and Chia spent all the afternoon and evening in, which is unusual so it shows how bad the weather was. Chia sat with Ken and Pippa and Shula sat with me. Since we have been back from the UK Shula seems to have lost interest in the cats so they are more inclined to ignore her. Pippa likes to sit on my knee and will let Shula sit next to me on the sofa but if I get up she won't have Shula sitting there. Shula is such a gentle dog she just excepts her place which is good because the cats were here first and had no competition for ten years.

It is not raining today but the temperature has dropped a bit so I had to wear my jacket for our walk this morning, which until yesterday I have not had to do.

Perfect Dog

Pippa as a kitten
Chia as a kitten

Since we got Shula home from the kennels she has been the perfect dog, following us around everywhere and coming as soon as she is called. She also seems to have given up her inclination to try to play with the cats, which is just as well because at nearly ten they do not appreciate it. I don't know how long her perfect behaviour will last, probably by tomorrow she will be back to normal trying to steal the cat food and bugging the cats. It is a shame the cats are are not still kittens as when they were young they played all the time and she would have loved it.

New Friend

We met this little chap and his owner when we went for our morning walk in the ravine.

Everything is back to normal, all the cats are okay. Pippa is being very vocal and clingy which she always is for a few days when we get back. Chia came into eat then disappeared again and Tich and Tommy came to eat on the window ledge. I haven't seen Oliver yet but could hear him crunching in the kitchen after I had gone to bed last night.

Back Home

Yesterday Ken and I went to pick Shula up from the kennels. She was well and happy and very pleased to see us. I felt sorry for Patch who looked sad when we took her out of the kennel. I am very grateful to Pat Coleman and her girls for taking such good care of Shula while we were away. The FAMA kennels are like a big family and Pat and the girls are dedicated to making the dogs as happy as possible, in what for some could otherwise be a very traumatic time in their life when they are waiting for a new home.

When we got home Shula got straight back into the routine of using her special place in the garden for her toilet needs. I wondered if two weeks in the kennels might have made her forget but it hadn't.

Shula and Patch

I took Shula to the kennels this morning. When they let her kennel mates out into the paddock she was very nervous but soon gained confidence and was running round with her brother. Patch seemed delighted to see her , and I am sure he recognised her. Apparently he has a home to go to but the people want him a bit more socialized before taking him home. He is still extremely nervous. I hope she enjoys the next two weeks playing with her friends but that she will be pleased to see us return. Only time will tell.

The Day Before

Yesterday afternoon I took Shula for a walk in the ravine, she was way ahead of me and I got this photo when I called her. She has gained confidence and unless some strange dog approaches, she rushes ahead all the time. I felt a bit sad as I have to put her into kennels for two weeks while I am in the UK. She is actually going to stay in the kennels where I got her. My reason for this is, they know her and also she will share a kennel with her brother who is still there. Most kennels round here don't want dogs to share, which I can understand as there could be problems if they don't get on. I know Shula would be unhappy on her own so am very grateful to Pat Coleman who runs F.A.M.A that they will have her while I am away.

Biscuit Ball

This is one of Shula's favorite toys. I bought it for the cats years ago when they were kittens. You fill it with biscuits and I thought it might keep them amused, but they never showed any interest in it. Shula loves it and as long as there are biscuits inside she rolls it about. Once the biscuits are gone we have to remove it as she does then try to chew it, as it was designed for cats I am sure it is not dog prove. I would like to find a similar toy for dogs. Shula does have a Kong toy but that only really holds one treat. I am in the UK next week so will visit one of the large pet stores which will be fun as I have a small list of things to look for.

Calahonda Nature Trail

Ken and I had to go out in the car this morning and took Shula with us. We stopped off on the way back at a nature trail. It is a very pleasant walk and there are notice boards every so often with pictures of the local flora and fauna complete with descriptions in Spanish and English.

Shula now gets in the car on her own without having to be lifted in, but she was very reluctant to get back in after our walk. Finally after much coaxing and bribery (two biscuits) she got in. Shula is the only dog I have had that doesn't like the car, all my previous dogs loved going for a drive. We are hoping that by taking her every few days for a short drive, and a nice walk, she will begin to enjoy it.

Visiting Friends

Charini

Today was a very good day.

We went to visit some Friends in Sabanillas and took Shula with us. It was the longest car journey we have made with the dog, some 45 minutes there.

I would love to say she enjoyed it, but she didn't, anyway, she was very good the whole way. When we got there we took her for a short walk then up to the apartment. Everything was new for her, especially walking upstairs, with lots of encouragement we got there. Joe made a fuss of her and we took her into see Joe's wife Maria who is an invalid. Everyone was happy except Joe's cat Charini, we realised it was stalking the dog and growling. Shula decided to keep a low profile and lay down with her head on my feet. What a perfect dog, Joe was impressed.

Coming down the stairs was a first and we just went down and where we went she followed, not straight away, but my motto is, consistent, persistent and patience, in the end you get there, just some things take longer than others.

Calahonda Dog Show

This nice family had entered their dog, which was a rescue dog, in the Miss Calahonda competition. I didn't enter Shula in anything. Our main reason for going to the dog show was to get her used to crowds of people and lots of other dogs and I think this was achieved, she was very good.

A few people were taking advantage of the beer stall.

It was quite hot today 27° so everyone was trying to find a bit of shade.

Lots of dogs meeting and greeting each other and mostly they were all well behaved and friendly. There was just the odd one that was bit aggresive. I blame the owner, get the dog trained or stay away from events that can be spoiled by your dogs bad behaviour.

Little dog with a big name

Mamute

Mamute is Carmen's other little dog that I am looking after. He is the sweetest little dog. Carmen found him in a basura (rubbish) bin when he was a few weeks old. How anyone can dump puppies in the rubbish to die I will never understand, especially in this part of Spain where there are many animal rescue centres that would find a loving home for them. He was so tiny when Carmen found him you could sit him in your hand, so she gave him a big name. Mamute is a bit of a mouthful so I just call him Matty, he comes which ever name you use. He responds to come, and also ici, which is French for here. Carmen is from Belgium so her first languish is French and that is what she speaks to her pets. I find that it is more the tone you use than the actual words they respond to, except of course when you want to make them obey a command like sit or stay, then you really do need the languish they were taught in.

Grand Old Lady

Chispa

I am looking after my friend Carmens cats and dogs for a few days while she is visiting her sister. The little dog in the photo used to belong to an old Spanish lady, and when the dog was nearly twenty the old lady who had Alzheimer's had to go into a home. Chispa was taken to a rescue centre where my friend Carmen is a volunteer dog walker. The dog had major problems, she howled when she was left alone, also she was very aggressive and growled at the staff and wouldn't let anyone touch her, except Carmen. Nobody wants to home a dog who is that old, and as staying at the kennel was not an option, due to her aggressive behaviour and constant howling, the decision was made to put her to sleep. That is, until Carmen heard about it, no she said, she will come home with me. Two years on and this twentytwo year old dog is still living happily with Carmen and her other rescue cats and dogs. She is still aggressive to strangers but fortunately has given up growling at me, not that I would be bold enough to stroke her.

Nice to have a little helper in the kitchen

Not a good idea to leave the dishwasher door open with a little dog about. Fortunately this was before they were washed.

A Present for Shula

Some friends came to lunch yesterday and brought a present for Shula. It is called Pleasure Chewing and it certainly was for Shula. The leather bone kept her busy and happy for a couple of hours. I shall certainly be investing in some of them.

Smelly Feet

Shula must have the smelliest feet ever so we thought that if we bathed her it might improve the situation. I picked up a bottle of shampoo and Ken asked if it was okay. I think its for fleas I said.
Cachorros is the Spanish word for puppies and although I have been in Spain for years, one I had never come across before, or if I had, I hadn't taken note of. When I got home I realised Chapu Cachorros was Puppy Shampoo, why I thought it was for fleas I don't know. I have checked the dictionary and the nearest I can come up with is cucaracha which is a cockroach. Fleas are pulgas which I think is a really good name for them.

The bath was a temporary fix and after a few days her feet are starting to smell a bit. It is only noticeable when you are really close up, which I am a lot of the time so I would really like to find a solution.

Oliver

Oliver the Bandit

Oliver really belongs to our Spanish neighbour across the road but has been coming to our house since our own cats were six months old and they are nearly ten now.

I think it is only because he prefers our food. When we had the cat flap installed Oliver was the first to use it, he is quite a smart cat. He knew the sound of our car and when we came home he was straight out of his gate and across the road and was always waiting at the front door. He doesn't have a proper miaow but trills and will come to tell you if the food bowl is empty. When there is a cold snap in the winter he will often spend the night in.

I think that Oliver doesn't like dogs which I find surprising as our Spanish neighbours have always had a dog. Since we have had Shula Oliver is no longer waiting at the door when we come home. He still comes to eat but now prefers to have his food on the window ledge with Tich and Tommy. He hardly ever uses the cat flap and I wonder if he will bother to come in when the weather gets colder.

Shula is the sweetest dog and loves the cats and would really like to play but even our two female cats Chia and Pippa just tolerate her. Pippa chases her down the garden if she gets too close, but Shula thinks it is all a game.

Resting in the shade

This was all a new thing for Shula, driving to the beach, walking on all that sand, a lot of excitement for a little dog who was smart enough to rest in the shade.

Getting her back in the car was something she did not want to do, hopefully we will convince her it is all fun, once you get there.

We are back home and she is flaked out, all those new things, all that excitement, we are so lucky to have this little dog. I hope we can make her confident enough to enjoy trips in the car.

Sitting down on the walk

It is really hard work walking on all this sand and as we are not allowed on the actual beach we have to stick to the sand dunes. This beach and sand dunes are part of a nature reserve and also a naturalist beach, so we have to be very careful where we point our camera.

First Beach Walk

This is our first visit to the beach. Shula is still not happy in the car but really likes the walk when we get there.

Cork Trees

There are several cork trees in the green zone where I walk Shula and they look as if they have been harvested in the past. I can't think there were enough to be profitable, but maybe someone thought it worthwhile.

Throughout the urbanisation there are hundreds of pine trees. When I first lived here gypsies came once a year to knock down the green pine cones. They were gathered up and put into sacks and taken to various points on the coast where a representative from a disinfectant factory would collect them. I don't know if the practice continues. Perhaps there was a similar setup for the cork.

In The Shade Of The Palm

Shula still lays in the shade of the palm tree, but now it has been trimmed the shade is in a different place. I dont think it is quite as comfortable as when she could lay under the tree on the grass.

Palm Tree

The palm tree looks really smart now it is all peeled. The Palmero did a good job.

Palmero

I waited in all Friday but the Palmero didn't arrive, I was a bit fed up, and thinking this is typical of workmen in Spain. When he arrived lunchtime Saturday he explained, he had taken his family to the ferrier in Fuengirola on Thursday evening, where his seven year old son had got too close to one of the horses and it kicked out and caught his leg. The Palmero asked a man next to him with a mobile phone to call an ambulance but the guy refused. I asked him was it 'el hombre ingles', no he said 'espaniol'. I was glad it was not an english man who had refused help but one of his own country men. I guess there are some not nice people everywhere. Eventually someone helped and the child was taken to hospital. He said when he finished the palm tree he was going home to shower, then straight into Malaga where the little boy was due to have an operation on his leg. I think that will be one ferrier they will never forget.

Half a Job

Yesterday a guy came to trim the palm tree, he got half finished and then went home. He also wanted to be paid for half the job, with the promise he would be back at ten this morning. It is now 11.30 a.m. and he still has not arrived which is not unusual in Spain. The one good thing is, he left his tools behind so we know he will be back sometime. I have spent the morning clearing up the mess, not just the palm peelings next to the tree but also the ones Shula stole to take round the corner to chew.

Favourite places

One of Shula's favourite places is under the palm tree, except when she is chewing something she shouldn't, then it is round the corner out of sight.

Panic

Ken and I were busy again today continuing the job of running in our new water pipes. Shula was in the garden and I pulled the wrought iron garden gate to. Instead of pushing the gate open she thought she would climb through the bars. Half way through, the gate swung open and she paniced and struggled and yelped. Ken and I rushed to get her out, she wasn't hurt but was very shaken. I cuddled her for a while and she calmed down. Ken and I had a cup of coffee to calm our nerves.

Shula and Bobby

Sunday was a very nice day, the weather was perfect. We took Shula with us to the club for an hour or so before lunch, she was very good and lay quietly.

After lunch I took her for a long walk and we met up with her friend Bobby and his owner. Later we met a Spanish guy with three dogs. Shula is getting a lot more confident with other dogs and loves to play.

Our sit training has gone very well and she now sits on command. I think next it will be the down command but I wont start that until later in the week.

Resting under the Palm Tree

We had two long walks today. The first one not very eventful, but Shula was chased by three Yorkshire Terriers on our second walk. I should be grateful she is not aggressive but it looked funny her being chased by three dogs that together were not as big as she is. We did meet a man with two friendly dogs, and on the way back passed the lady with the Yorkies. I put Shula on her lead and the lady managed to keep her dogs under control by hanging onto the one which obviously was the ringleader.

Chia

Pippa's sister, Chia

Big drinking bowl

Every day I change the water in the drinking bowls for the cats but they all prefer the pool.

Tearing up Barbara Taylor Bradford

You can tell Ken and I were very busy this morning, we were trying to run in a new water system and dog was getting into all sorts of mischief. Tearing up paperback novels is a tiring business, fortunately it was not one of the authors best. Oh well, lesson learnt, don't leave little dogs unatended with temptations like books lying around.

Walking through the ravine

Walking through the ravine has become part of our daily exercise. There are several paths leading off so we can vary the walk.

Sit

Today we had a long walk in the ravine. Shula really enjoyed it running backwards and forwards. We met a man with a very nice dog who played with Shula for a while, she is still a bit timid with other dogs so I am a bit careful as I would hate to meet an aggressive dog that might put her off being friendly.

We did some sit training which looks pretty good when we get it right, but it is still a bit hit and miss. I find if I hold her collar under the chin this stops her jumping up. Usually as soon as she has had her treat she is up again but this time she stayed long enough for the photo.

BQQ in the rain

Shula's Brother Patch

We had a very nice weekend although it rained all day on Saturday. Ken and I went to a BBQ in the evening although we did have to eat inside. Shula was good while we were away, we left her with a chewy treat and a Kong toy and a ball filled with treats, all was quiet when we arrived home.

Sunday we had friends to lunch and she was very good not pestering at the table, she just came up once or twice but went and lay down when she was told. Laying down when she is told is not a problem but getting her to sit is not so easy. Normally I would just hold a treat slightly over the dogs head then as it sat to take the treat I would say 'sit' and give it the treat. With Shula this does not work as she tries to jump up and if you push her backside down she just folds up and lays down. I will have to rethink the technique but there is no rush, it is early days yet and she is doing very well.