Sunday Walk

Walk in the park

Shula loves her Sunday walk in the park, mainly because Ken comes with us.

I am a good girl

After spending two weeks in the UK we picked up Shula yesterday. Pat said she had been really good, playing every day with the other dogs. So nice to know we have found somewhere she is happy when we have to leave her. Missed her loads, and she was very happy to see us. I think we are very lucky to have found Pat where we know she is well cared for and doesn't fret because she is just one of the family with all their other dogs.

All the cats were fine, thanks to Carmen. Pippa was her usual vocal self, telling us off. Chia came in to sleep on the bed. At the moment Tich and Tommy are on the window ledge and Oliver is asleep on the terrace, so all is well at Casa Alta.

While we were in the UK Ken bought me a new camera the results you have seen with the video of Shula, not all that good but I hope to improve. Anyway, happy to be back, weather a bit grey and my palm tree is not looking good. Ken is hopeful it might be lack of water, me I think the dreaded beetle might have got it, hope I am wrong.

New Camera

Fishing Trip

Tina (our first dog)

Ken and I went to Isnajar yesterday on a fishing trip taking Shula with us. She gave us such a fright. After Ken had set up his rods I took her for a walk and we came across some hares, she was off chasing them before I could stop her. No amount of calling made any difference, she was up the hill and out of sight in seconds. After a while I gave up and went back to tell Ken I had lost her. I then went back to where I last saw her and called, after awhile I could hear her yelping in the distance, then caught a glimpse of her on the chase. I called and she started to come and another hare ran across her path and she was off again. Eventually, tired out she came to me, she knew she been naughty as she crouched down when she got to me. I made a huge fuss of her, although I could have cheerfully strangled her, I don't want her reluctant to come when I call. Ken met us on the way back, he had been so worried he had been unable to fish. He did go on fishing after that and caught ten, but as you can imagine he says she isn't coming on any more fishing trips. We will see, he said that years ago about our first dog after she stole his fishing bait.

Photograph by George Birnie

Shula posing for George. What a good dog she is. Sometimes !!

BBQ

Photograph by George Birnie

Me and Shula with Ken in the background. This was a BBQ with some friends, not sure what I was trying to do with Shula, showing off some trick or other. I think we can just see Jean's hand waiving in the background. Just one of those nice days we have with friends. I think sometimes we take it a bit for granted. Jean sent me this photo today and it makes me think how fortunate we are . Quien sabe lo que tra et mañana? Who knows what tomorrow brings , I just hope whatever, I remember days like this.

One Year On

It is a year and a day since we first saw Shula. The time has flown and it just seems like yesterday we were bringing her home. The little dog we have today is far different from the dog we brought home. That little dog was so timid, today she is confident and outgoing. What hasn't changed is her nature. That little dog wanted to love everyone and everything but just didn't have the courage. Today she is trusting, wants to love everybody and any dog, cat or animal she meets. Having said all that, there has been the odd occasion when she has been a bit wary of someone. I trust her judgement and avoid those people. The one good thing is, she is not a barker, in fact she hardly ever barks. She doesn't bark if the doorbell rings, or the phone so when she does bark you know it is for a reason. She does, however talk, it is like a low rumble, if you ask her if she wants to go out she will answer. I think we are so lucky, when you decide to take on a dog it doesn't always work out so well, especially when it is a rescue dog and you don't know what went on in their life before, but for us Shula is the perfect dog.

Tich

Our beautiful boy Tich

Poor Tich has a bad foot and is limping a bit, we are keeping an eye on it, hopefully it won't get any worse. We can't just take this one to the vet as he is really wild and hard to catch. I think it would have to be something really serious to make us make the attempt to catch him as each time you do it makes it harder the next time.

Porky

This little pig was rescued from the market when he was a baby and is just over a year old.

Lunch at Carmen's Finca

I went to lunch at Carmen's finca , she had invited about 10 ladies including Pat Coleman who runs FAMA, the rescue centre where I got Shula.

Before lunch we walked round the finca to see the animals, they have all been rescued and are enjoying a happy life. There are three goats, a pig, and various birds. Carmen also has three dogs a lots of cats. There is also a section of the finca with a cattery for cats waiting for adoption. These are separate to the old cats which have no hope of being adopted and will live out their life on the finca.

Lest I forget

Since Ken has been in the UK I seem to have had one disaster after another. It all started before he went when our solar heating tank developed a leak. The repair man arrived as Ken was leaving for the airport and pronounced the tank beyond repair. I then had to decide which company to employ to replace it, which knowing nothing about solar heating systems and being in Spain was not straightforward.
A couple of days later trying to grab hold of the dog I tripped over the cat, fell and damaged my shoulder. I was in a lot of pain for a week before I gave in and called the doctor. After several weeks, lots of tablets, it seems to be on the mend, still aching a bit but nothing like it was.
Next, one of my freezers packed up. I had to unload both freezers, decide what to keep and then pack the remaining freezer. My shoulder did not like that at all.
Two days later my oven broke, nothing in it is working.
My desktop computer went on the blink so I turned it off and used my laptop. That did not last long as after downloading an update the laptop wouldn't connect to the Internet, fortunately my desktop came back to life.
The guys came to fit the new tank. I think that went well, I haven’t been up on the roof to check it but it seems to be working okay. The big problem came when I came back after letting the men out only to find they had scratched the car, this must have happened when they were taking the old tank past it. The company have admitted liability but we are still in negotiation on how they will reimburse us, and how much.
Today my desktop computer froze, but fortunately when I turned it on, my laptop connected to the Internet. I will leave the desktop turned off for today and hopefully I will feel more like tackling it tomorrow.
When Ken gets back we will have to think about replacing the freezer. It maybe he can fix the oven, if not it will be a new one. We will also have to get the scratches on the car sorted out.
I am hoping nothing else goes wrong but I am not banking on it, and I am certainly not worrying about it.

Grovelling

It is very hot again today and I had to go out shopping this morning for a new pair of readers because Shula had chewed the ends off my old pair. My fault, I left them on the sofa and she just can't resist chewing the plastic ends. I am sure she knows it's naughty, and she knew I was mad because she came round grovelling, laying on her back and being all silly. I really don't know how to stop her doing this sort of thing because she doesn't do it when you are watching her. I suppose I should be more careful and not not leave stuff lying around. She has all her own toys to chew so why she likes things like pens and reading glasses is a mystery.

Potting Up

Went out with a friend last week to a really old vivero in Calahonda. The guy there has some really old pots and my friend and I did a good deal on quite a few of them. We then went on to a garden centre and bought some plants. This is just three of the pots I have planted up so far.

I have now run out of potting compost so can't plant up any more. Hopefully next week I will get some more and continue the job. I now have in my mind the look I want to achieve which will involve buying more pots, and plants of course.

Early Morning Walk

The weather is very hot at the moment so I took Shula out early while it was still cool. We didn't meet anybody but she found a few sticks for me to throw for her. She tends to prefer long ones that are not easy to carry. I don't know why but she never bothers with short sticks that are easy to throw.

Bobbik

This is Shula's friend Bobbik. He is an American Staffordshire Bull Dog and is a very strong full on little dog. They loves to run around together. Whenever Shula finds a stick he chases after her and takes it away. She doesn't mind, she just thinks it is a big game and goes off to find another stick. I like to walk with him and his owner as both dogs get loads of exercise dashing about and she comes home and sleeps.

Tommy

Tommy was originally one of Carmen's strays but followed her over here when she was looking after my cats and decided to stay. He is quite timid and was very nervous of Shula when we first got her, but he is fine now and just ignores her.

Carmen & Hannibal

Hannibal is my friend Carmen's latest rescue dog. He was found wandering the streets and it is not known where he came from. Unfortunately he does not like other dogs, although he now gets on with Carmen's own dogs and he likes Shula. Anyway this problem made him difficult to re home and as there were already too many dogs at the rescue centre he was due to be put down. Carmen stepped in and now he has a loving home with her. It has taken her awhile but now he gets on with her other dogs. Fortunately there was never a problem with the cats. The fact that he is wearing a muzzle is not entirely due to his problem with other dogs. It is the law in Spain that all dogs over 20 kilos should be muzzled in public places.

Roxy

We met up with Roxy this morning. We haven't seen her for awhile so Shula was very excited and both dogs charged about. It is good for her to have someone to play with and the exercise makes her want sleep when she gets home.

What are you doing

Pulling up this root

Follow me

We met this twelve year old Schnauzer cross with his Italian owner for the first time this evening. After an initial little run around he was quite happy to follow slowly after Shula.

Blacky

Plumbago And Bougainvillea

The Plumbago mixed with the Bougainvillea is a stunning sight.

Bougainvillea

My neighbour Micheal has this beautiful Bougainvillea cascading over his wall. We have this delightful sight throughout the summer.

Sad News

Chispa

Sadley Chispa has died.

At the grand old age of twentythree it seemed she would go on forever, but last week she was a bit poorly for a few days and didn't want to eat, she died peacefully in her sleep. No one wants to lose a pet but I think most people would agree she had a good life, and due to my friend Carmen that was extended by three years. Blog dated October 23 2009 explains all.

I am such a good girl

Photograph by Ian Merchant

Don't you just love her.

Exploring

Photograph by Ian Merchant

Shula exploring Ian's garden.

These days she only wears her harness when we take her out in the car. The reason is, that here in Spain, unless you have a grill in the car between the driver and dog, the dog has to be tethered so it can't interfere with the driver. It is not unusual to have to stamp on the brakes when some idiot pulls out in front, so in order to avoid breaking her neck should such a situation occur, we clip the strap to her harness. The harness which was only bought as a temporary measure when we first had her because she was so nervous has come in very handy.

Shula - Out to lunch

Photograph by Ian Merchant

This photo was sent to me today. It was taken a couple of weeks ago when Ken and I were invited out to lunch at the villa of some friends and took Shula with us. She was very good and had a fine time exploring their garden. The garden, which is very beautiful is set on different levels with steps and paths meandering through it.

So we were not disturbed during the excellent lunch we gave Shula a chew which she promptly took off to one of Ian's flower beds to eat. She was well behaved for which I was grateful, it is nice to know we can take her with us and not be worried all the time that she will misbehave.

Ken is in the UK at the moment as we are having the bathroom and cloakroom there refirbished. Well, I say refirbished, but in actual fact they are being gutted and everything from floor to ceiling is being renewed. Ian who is doing the job has sent me photos of the work in stages and it looks to be going very well.

Catch me if you can

Today we met up with a lady and her two young children walking with their Spaniel. Shula and the Spaniel had lots of fun chasing one another. On the way back the little girl picked up a long piece of bamboo with leaves on the top and was waving it about. Shula thought this was a great game and grabbed hold of the end of the bamboo and pulled. The little girl let go and Shula ran off with her prize, it might have been quite funny except the little girl burst into floods of tears. Getting the stick back was not easy as all attemts to retrieve it were seen by Shula as part of a great game. Eventually I managed to get it back and peace was resumed. The mother then convinced the kid that it was great fun having the dog running off with her bamboo stick so the little girl waved it about, would Shula take it, oh no. Stealing from a child is one thing but actually taking a stick someone is trying to give you is no fun at all.

Frightened of flies?

We think Shula may be frightened of flies. This all started several weeks ago when she suddenly shot out of her basket in the middle of the night. As she wouldn't get back in the basket I removed the cushion to check it and a big black buzzing thing flew out. I hadn't put the light on so couldn't see exactly what it was. By the time I did put the light on, and got the fly spray, the thing had gone, probably through the bathroom window. Anyway she settled down and we forgot all about it, well until two weeks ago. Shula was all relaxed laying on the floor one minute, then suddenly had a panic attack. I thought at first she might be having a fit but she wasn't. She was just trembling and her heart was racing. She didn't want to stay in the lounge, but was fine in the garden. We notice then that there was a fly in the room, I sprayed it and got rid of it and she came back in and was fine. Yesterday she went to lay in her basket in the bedroom and wouldn't come into the lounge, we looked around and finely found a half dead fly on the window ledge. Once we removed it she was okay. I don't think she could have seen it so can only imagine she could hear it. Whether she has been stung and that has frightened her we don't really know. It just seems that when our confident happy dog gets upset by something the timid frightened little dog we first met emerges.

100 Today

Ken's Auntie Rose on her 100th birthday 25th April 2010

Fed Up - Raining Again !!

It has been raining heavily all morning and I have been unable to walk Shula, she is fed up, as am I. So far this year, according to our local amateur weather station it has rained 51 days and we have had far more than our average years rainfall already. I think everyone would be quite happy if it stopped raining and didn't rain again for another year.

Last week we took Shula to the vet for her blood test for her passport, which will enable her to travel to the UK if the need arises. The passport is a very official looking document and is called a Pasaporte Para Animales De Compañia, which actually just means pet passport. The Spanish language really is twice as long as English. Anyway once we get the results of the test and the necessary time has lapsed she can travel whenever we want, as long as we keep her rabies vaccination up todate, which we will. The blood test and passport cost far more than a human passport so you would not want to do that too often.

She was really good for the vet, he gave her a check over and weighed her, she was 15.7 kilos which he said was fine but she mustn't put on any more weight. We are now including her in our weekly weigh in, she was 15.5 this week. Ken is keeping a strict eye on her meals and I am limiting her treats. We are both making sure she doesn't eat any of the cats food, which she would given half a chance as her favourite thing in life is eating.

Fun finding things

Shula hasn't changed her habit of picking up things to play with. I do wonder who drops these things, this was a big bundle of string.

This morning we passed a car parked about 30 meters into the ravine, music blaring out but nobody in sight. Behind the car was a big open bag of dog biscuits and a bowl of water. Shula, of course, had helped herself to quite a few mouthfuls by the time I caught up to her. Half way down the ravine I met up with a young Spanish couple with two dogs and asked them if it was their car. It was. I wanted to say that my dog had just stuffed down half a bag of their biscuits but my Spanish could only run to politely telling them my dog had eaten their food. Typically Spanish, they just shrugged and said it was not a problem. I suppose it wasn't, except I am trying to get this little dog, who lived wild for the first four months of her life, out of picking up and eating everything she comes across. Not to worry, she had a wild time playing with their dogs. I am not sure which she enjoyed most, finding the food, or playing with the dogs. Anyway when we got home she flopped out and was sound asleep within minutes.

Mimosa in full bloom

The Mimosa is in full bloom and looks wonderful. Fortunately the weather has been good since we got back from the UK and we have been able to go out on long walks.

Back Home

Well we are all back home and it seems Pippa is glad to see us as she is not chasing the dog. Both the cats are more tolerant.

We picked up Shula , Pat and Mike had put a huge bow on her, all the dogs came to greet us. I am so happy I have found such a nice place for her when we are away. No more thought of finding kennels, this is a holiday home. I am sure she will always be happy there, lots of dogs to play with and Pat and Mike who are dog people to look after her.

On her holidays

I took Shula to her holiday home yesterday where she will live in with the family dogs and cats. Pat the lady who is looking after her rang this morning to say she settled in okay and is having a good time playing with all the other dogs. I will at least be able to go away knowing she is happy and well cared for. I am so lucky to have found Pat and Mike. The idea of putting her into kennels where she would be in a run on her own was not something I wanted to do. All my animals are now well catered for, as my cats can come and go through their cat flap and my friend Carmen will come twice a day to feed them.

My beautiful girl

My beautiful girl weighs 15.7 kilos and is quite a solid little dog - I think we are going to have to watch her weight now, especially as she has been spayed. We go out walking for about two hours a day. I am always grateful when we meet other people with their dogs as it gives her chance to run more.

I walk Shula mainly though the local ravines, which round here is the only place where I can safely let her off the lead. This has its problems because although I regulary keep up her flea and tick protection she has so far picked up three ticks at various times.

I have looked into all the ways of safetly removing them and so far - one I pulled out by dropping a small drop of surgical alchol and pulling it firmly in a clockwise direction - but the last one which was very small I removed with a little plastic tick remover my friend had purchased on the internet. This was really easy and will be the method I will use in future - I think I will still use the little drop of surgical alchol as this is a good antiseptic.

Holiday home for Shula

Last Thursday Ken and I took Shula to meet a lady who boards dogs in her house. She has four dogs of her own, two small ones and two about the same size as Shula. When we arrived we stayed in the front garden while she brought out first the two small dogs, then a Doberman type cross and then a Border Collie. All the dogs were fine but we gave them time to run around together before going in for coffee. The dogs were then let out into a large back garden, Shula loved it, dashing round with the Doberman cross who was called Livvy. All the dogs are rescue dogs and seemed very happy and well cared for. I was really pleased that Shula got on well with them and Pat liked her as this is where she is going to stay for a couple of weeks when we are in the UK. The visit was to see if she would fit in with the other dogs as Pat only takes one boarder at a time, and only dogs that get on well with hers. I think Shula will be very happy there and it will be so much better than putting her in kennels.

Rain, rain, rain.

The rain is back and the ravine is again running with water. Shula doesn't seem to mind, I try to get out as soon as the rain stops or at least when it is not pouring down. I do try to walk her for two hours a day but it is not very pleasant when it is so wet.

Spring

Last week before the rain started again it seemed like spring had arrived. The Mimosa trees are in full bloom and most of the wild flowers are yellow. The few days of sunshine reminded us of why we came to live here.

I think she wants a walk

The rest didn't last long and she was up wanting a walk. We stayed on the sunny side of the street and she was totally dry by the time we got back.

Still a bit damp

After all that excitement Shula had to have a rest.

Treat

Shula had to have her treat for being good.

Bath Day

The weather has been really nice for a couple of days so decided this morning to put Shula in the shower. I don't think she was too impressed but was very good. She looks really lovely with her fluffy coat and smells nice, even her feet.

Back to normal

Patch

Yesterday we took Shula to have her stitches removed. The vet thought she looked fine. We were hoping to get her blood test done for her pet passport but the vet wants to do it next month which will be more than six months since her rabies injection. This was not my interpretation of the rules, but I guess he knows best. Really it doesn't matter as we have no intention of taking her to the UK, just want the passport in place in case something unexpected happens. She is back to normal now and I think her ordeal is already forgotten. Hopefully the weather will be better by the weekend as I really want to bath her. All this stress has made her smell very doggy, and her feet are something else, doggy deodorant is not helping much.

While we were at the vet we met a lady who recognised Shula as one of the three dogs rescued from the golf coarse. She told us Patch, Shula's brother has now been adopted. I have checked the F.A.M.A website and there is no note of this but it could be the website has not yet been updated. I hope if he has a new home he is as happy as Shula and his owners love him as much as we love her.

Look what they did to me

Poor Shula

Don't you love her, what a showoff. You have heard of these people who want to show their operation to everyone, well we have got one of those dogs.

Pippa is being naughty

After a week of sunny reasonable weather we have another grey rainy day, a bit like being in the UK. Yesterday I made the mistake of turning the automatic watering back on, Ken thinks I am a jinx. Good thing is, it was not due to water until tomorrow morning and has now been turned off again.


Shula is back to her happy lively self. We had thought she was over bothering with her stitches and has had a couple of nights without her plastic collar, however, this morning, around the stitches looks a bit red so it will be back on tonight. Hopefully by next Wednesday everything will be healed and the stitches will be removed - can't wait.


Pippa is being a bit naughty and has taken to sitting in the middle of the sofa and chasing Shula if she tries to get on either end. Although she is told, no, and we know she understands the meaning of the word, she still does it, cats are a law unto themselves. I suppose it was too much to expect them to like having a dog around and we are lucky they except her most of the time. Shula loves the cats and wants to play and even when they swipe at her she just dodges out of the way.

It is still raining and both Chia and Pippa are in, Chia, in front of the fire, and Pippa in the middle of the sofa. Shula is safely sat with Ken on his sofa.

Getting Better

Shula is a lot better today, we have been out for several walks which she has really enjoyed. Her stitches look to be healing up. Although she has had a little yelp when she has moved too fast, on the whole she is doing well. We have another three days of antibiotics but she takes them without any fuss, not like Pippa who has to be wrapped in a towel and fights the whole time. Still I will be glad when it is time for the stitches to be removed and we can get back to normal.

Poor Shula

Friday 15th. January was the day of Shula's operation. I had hoped to delay the date when we had Shula spayed but having to return to the UK for a couple of weeks beginning of March dictated the date. When we brought her home from the vet she was still dozy from the anaesthetic so slept for a couple of hours but when she was alert went straight for her stitches. We put a plastic collar on her but thought as long as we watched her we could take it off. Big mistake! she immediately tried to pull the stitches and made them bleed so we had to put the collar back on. Our first night was terrible, Shula would not lay down until she was so tired she almost fell down. I sat up all night apart from 2 hours when Ken got up.

Saturday was a bit better with her slowly coming to terms with the plastic collar. We still had the problem with her yelping every time she made a sudden movement. I can not tell you how distressing this can be, unless you have had someone close to you in pain.

Sunday, we have been out a few time for walks and Shula has been super, when she is round the house she can be a bit whiny. I don't blame her. She is trying to be very good, we love her loads. We just want to this week to go fast, not something we normally wish for.

Walking in the rain - Again!

The weather has been terrible again with rain most days. The cats which normally are out most of the time are now mostly in. Walking the dog has been difficult but Shula doesn't seem to mind the rain as long as it is not too heavy, and I make sure I take my umbrella.

After having the best autumn I can remember here in Spain, this last month or so has been the worst rain we have ever had. The electricity which is not reliable at the best of times was off for 12 hours one day last week, and most days we lost a phase for a few hours. The electricity board has put a temporary pole at the bottom of our road so hopefully that will solve the problem until they manage to find the fault.