Christmas 2011

Not the best Christmas as I found our beautiful little cat Chia dead on Christmas eve. I will be eternally grateful that I did find her because if I hadn't the not knowing would have been terrible.

We had a friend to dinner and the meal was excellent, one of Ken's best. Shula spent the time trying to get to grips with her Christmas present.

I was kept quite busy over the Christmas period as Carmen, my neighbour had to fly to Belgium as her sister who was suppose to come to Spain was very poorly.While she is away I am looking after her little dog and all her cats. I was also feeding another ladies two cats while she was away.

The weather this year has been very good, just a bit cloudy Christmas day but bright sunshine the rest of the time, not like the previous two years thank goodness. Hopefully this good weather will continue, it makes it so much easier walking the dog.

Calahonda Pet Dog School Christmas Fancy Dress

All the dogs lined up for a photo shoot.
Shula went dressed as a greyhound. Two reasons really, as I have never done this before I didn't want her to look silly, also as she is the fastest dog in the school I thought the greyhound costume was very apt.

 Garry with Dahlia the Dalmatian won in her devil costume and Georgia with Scruffy in a little Santa outfit came second, both well deserved.

The whole thing was a huge success and loads of fun. I think if we have another such day I will feel better able to join in. Shula didn't mind the coat and had loads of fun running around. All the dogs had fun running about, and some, I think mainly Gary's own dogs enjoyed tearing the Santa outfits off each other.

Winners and Rodney

Winners 1st. Dahlia
2nd Scruffy

RODNEY

Rodney one of Gary's own dogs was a little star but ended up with his costume torn off. Dogs having fun, discipline another day.

Malaga Lights

Went on a coach trip with the club Naranja to see the Christmas lights in Malaga last night. There were so many people that Andrea had to put on two coaches. I didn't think there was quite so many lights as last year but they were very pretty and more colourful.
When we got to Malaga it was still 19% but during the evening the temperature dropped and when we left it was down to 13%, a bit chilly for us.
Back at the club we had sandwhiches which were included in the price of the trip. All in all it was a very pleasant trip which everyone enjoyed.

Bonita getting ready for Christmas

This photo was sent with a Christmas card from my friends Kim and Steve.

They got Bonita when she was a tiny puppy about six weeks old. They were out shopping one day when a Spanish family put her into their arms and told them they didn't want her.

 This sounds appalling, but at least the family were trying to find homes for their unwanted puppies and didn't just abandon her which so often happens.

 Fortunately for Boni it was Kim they chose, now she is a very happy well adjusted dog with a loving home and looking forward to Christmas.

My Birthday

Ken came for a walk in the park on my birthday. Shula really loves it when Ken comes with us.

I had some friends to lunch. Beautiful flowers from Bev and Alan also lots of cards and good wishes, all in all, a very good day.

Beautiful Sunday Morning

What a beautiful sunny morning. Shula and I went to the park for our training with the Calahonda Pet Dog Club. We had three new members. We started with a walk in the woods, all dogs running free being called in at intervals. Next walking on the road with dogs on the lead. Back to the park for a bit of obedience training, then fun with the agility course. The dog were all let to run free again at the end of the session. I think most of the dogs were tired at the end, the owners certainly were.

Back home I took this photo of my beautiful boy Tich lying in the sun in one of the pots. All my cats love laying in plant pots.

Gary our trainer at the dog club is having a fancy dog thing in a couple of weeks. I am at a loss what to do for Shula but want to join in, she loves going to our training. I know this sounds odd but as soon as we get to the park for the dog club she is pulling on the lead to get there. Not normal, when Ken and I just go for a walk in the park she doesn't bother. She knows, how I don't know, just glad she enjoys the club, enjoys our walks. I don't want to make her look silly but want to join in the fun.

Looking Back

Looking back over my photographs I found this one of Barbara, Su and Mollie, such a happy holiday. The photo was taken before Shula, before this blog but a holiday I will always remember. My family, my fathers half, is Mollie and Barbara. My stepmother Mollie and her sister Barbara. Su in the middle is just a good friend.

Sadly Barbara died earlier this year, I know Mollie misses her terribly, but I miss her loads. We could talk.

I am trying to ease my stepbrother (my mothers half) back into his family, not easy. How can I explain to him how important is family, when I have none, well not many. Can only try.

All Saints Day --- Dia de toldos los Santos

Today is the day of the dead here in Spain. It is a public holiday and a day when all the cemeteries are spruced up and families visit the graves and memorials of their loved ones. I think it is quite a good idea, it means that at least once a year these places are all clean and tidy. I think also, it is not a sad day like the anniversary or birthday of the person you have lost, it is a day when you remember everyone, also everyone else is doing the same thing. Whole families get together and go out to lunch, more a day to celebrate the lives of your loved ones than to mourn.

Ken and I had intended to take Carmen out to lunch today, but because of the holiday she is unable to go as she has to give the girl who cleans her animal runs at the finca a day off. Also, the world and his wife will be at the restaurant we intended to go to, it would be so noisy. Ken and I do try to avoid going out anywhere on public holidays, these days we prefer quiet places. Hopefully the weather will be nice next Tuesday and we will be able to go then.

The photo is of the grave of my very first dog Toots which I had when I was eight. When she died she was buried at the PDSA cemetery Ilford. When my aunt died 2007 we didn't know where to put her ashes. They are now laid to rest in the marble urn on Tootsies grave. I can't think of anywhere Eileen would rather be than with our little Yorkie who gave us so much pleasure and who we both adored.

Home

Ken , Simon, Hugh and my beautiful dog Tina

Came home yesterday, Pippa as usual was waiting for us, wailing as we arrived.

I rang Pat and arranged to pick up Shula. When we got there she was so excited to see us. Pat said she had been very good, I am sure she was. Gone are the days when she chewed everything and was nervous, now she is confident and well behaved. I think she was pleased to be coming home.

Pat is fostering two little puppies for www.f-a-m-a.net They are, I think, a GSD / Husky cross . Sweet little dogs, I would like a friend for Shula but Ken is adamant only one dog. Who knows one day, but I don't think a puppy is the answer. If something is meant, it will be.

Had a great time in the UK, went to see Ken's auntie Rosie, 101 and still with us. How good is that?

I also caught up with Hugh, a blast from the past. Hugh is now married to a nice lady Claire and they have a little five year old daughter Hannah. Loads of news to exchange. Nice to know after all these years we are not all that far apart from where we were then - thinking that is.

Leaving Shula

Ken and I took Shula to Pat's this morning. When we let her out of the car she ran in to join all her little doggy friends. After awhile she was looking in at the window and whining, then off again with the other dogs.

She was watching us when we left her which is always hard for me. I just wish I could explain to her why we were leaving and that we will be back. I know that leaving her with Pat is the best I could ever do. Whatever, while I am away Pat will look after her as I would, she is not just another dog in kennels. Pat doesn't have kennels, every dog is looked after as part of the family, she only takes a couple at a time. I am so lucky to have found her, but think in future I will have to book well in advance because everyone thinks the same, and like me, they recommend her.

Keep quiet in future Georgie. No; any dog left for whatever reason deserves a Pat in their life.

Clean and Beautiful

Shula, bathed ready for her holiday home on Sunday. Tomorrow we will frontline her so she will go all clean and nice to Pats. Still got to wash her quilt cover.

It is ages since I was in the UK so am looking forward to it, well, not the weather, not leaving Shula and the cats, but seeing what Andy has done to our front garden. Also plan to see Rosie, at 101 she is our inspiration and has always been important in our life. Loads planned for the ten days we will be there. I will miss the dog and cats but know that I have the best people looking after them. I am so lucky with Pat looking after Shula and Carmen who has taken care of my cats for years.

Great Party

Photograph by Patricia Gonzalez Larsen

I think when Shula was sick in the early hours of Saturday morning and puked up all Saturday night I panicked imagining all sorts of things. Although she was fine Sunday morning I could not risk going to the party in case there was a problem. She has been fine since so I think it can only be something she ate, unfortunately she still picks up anything she can when you are not looking. I really wish I could stop her. She is so good, if I see her and say drop it, she does, but if I don't see, she eats whatever. I have resisted a muzzle for her but maybe it may be the only answer. I really wish you could communicate everything, but you can't. I am so in touch with Shula she knows all the commands, she is the best dog I could ever want. She is also the little dog I adopted that was born to a little wild dog, she wants to eat what she sees. Anyway she is now fine.

Enjoying the party

Photograph by Gary Joynson

I think everyone was enjoying the party, except Shula, and me, but only because we weren't there.

Calahonda Pet Dog Club 1st. Birthday

Photograph by Gary Joynson

Special day but Shula and I couldn't make it. Big disappointment, Gary had made a people cake and a doggy cake Poor old Shula had a very poorly night being sick. She seemed fine in the morning but I just couldn't risk the party in case she is ill. I think it will be a visit to the vet tomorrow, although she has been fine all day, no sign of her being sick or anything else. How worrying is that, with my trip to the UK planed for a week tomorrow it is all up in the air, we will just have to see what the night brings.

Ladies Pool Party

Last evening I missed dog training because I went to a Pool Party. It was the first time I have ever played and I was useless. I did pot one ball and managed to hit a couple of others, the rest were misses.

I did win however!!

The girl I played against was brilliant, she put this down to misspent time at university. She quickly potted all her balls but managed to put the black hovering over the pocket. Her next attempt potted the black quickly followed by the cue ball.

I did concede, however, which saved me from the embarrassment of another game. That might be the first and last time I play pool.

I have to say that a very pleasant evening was had by all.

Pippin

Photograph by Gary Joynson

What a beauty. This little dog comes to our dog training classes and is a little angel. He didn't actually look quite like this when we finished the class last Sunday as he got filthy, luckily his owner had already booked a dog groomer for today.

Shula's feet were muddy and had to be hosed down when we got home. When we let all the dogs off for a run at the end of the lesson she headed down to the pond which hasn't got water in it, just mud. Fortunately the dog that went with her had the sense to stay out of it.

The class was very good as Gary invited David the dog man to give a talk, he is retired now but was a well known dog behaviourist on the coast. The talk was interesting and he answered a few peoples questions afterwards. He also made a good point why dogs should be castrated and spayed which I totally agree with. I am not sure the people he aimed the comment at were convinced. This is always an emotive subject, I don't know why but I think it is mainly men who identify with their dogs. What I don't understand is, most of them will quite happily have their cats done but think dogs are different. In my view it makes dogs easier to deal with and stops bitches producing unwanted puppies. I really think that unless you are a licensed breeder everyone should have to have their dogs neutered.

What you doing Pippa?

Sadly my Bottle-bush tree died but Pippa is happy with a new pot to kip in.

Poisonous Toads in Spain

Bufo Bufo - The Common Toad

I had this e-mail from a friend who is also in Spain.

PLEASE READ THIS AND PASS IT ON TO ANYONE YOU THINK MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE DANGER.

I am looking after 2 dogs for friends of mine, while they are away from home for 3 days.
Yesterday evening, I stopped one of the dogs, a West Highland Terrier, from "pestering" a toad in the garden.

30 to 40 mins later THE DOG HAD DIED from the effects of the poisonous toxins sent out from the frightened toad.

PLEASE , look up the facts and be aware of the dangers of this problem.

How awful for my friend, for the poor little dog and devastating for the dogs owner.

I checked on the internet and found this :

Toads Species

There are 7 types of Toads that can be found in Andalucia all of which are poisonous but the 'true toads' of the Bufo family are generally considered to be the most toxic. Toads range in size from 2 - 25 cm (1 - 10 inches). The poison is located in the raised area behind the eyes, known as the parotid gland. Poison is also present in the warts found on the toad s skin. The toad secretes poison when it feels threatened. Toads are nocturnal creatures from the Amphibian group of animals; they live on the land but breed in water. The toad will often burrow itself underground and remain there for long periods of time, particularly during droughts or very cold weather. They are more likely to be seen at night and in wet weather conditions.

What Are the Symptoms of Toad Poisoning?

The affected dog may show some or all of the following symptoms after mouthing or biting a toad:

• Drooling, head shaking, pawing at the mouth, crying .
• Attempting to vomit, vomiting, diarrhoea.
• Loss of coordination, irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing,
• Convulsions, foaming at mouth, tightly clamped jaws.

What To Do If you Suspect Toad Poisoning?

It is vital to get prompt treatment for your dog. Try to be at your veterinary surgery within 15 minutes as this can make a life saving difference. If you cannot be at your vet within this time because you live in a remote area, speak to your local veterinarian about keeping an antitoxin medication at home.

Keep your pet cool, they can overheat when convulsing.

If the dog is having a seizure handle it with caution, the dog may not recognize its owner and could unknowingly bite.

Are Cats Or People At Risk From Toad Poisoning?

It is extremely rare for cats to succumb to toad poising but not impossible. Cats seem to be more aware of the threat posed by these amphibians and tend to stay away. However if you were concerned that your cat had been in contact with a toad the same procedure as for dogs would apply.

In humans, toad toxin exposure is not considered hazardous but it can cause severe irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. The use of rubber gloves is recommended when handling a toad.

There are only two types of toad in the UK and I don't think there is such a great risk, but have read that they are toxic, so any contact with dogs especially small ones should be avoided.

Thursday 22nd. September

Photograph by Gary Joynson

Calahonda dog school in action, left to right, Shula, Kiki, Tiger, Pumkin, Kevin, Lu and Alba. Pumkin a four month old Coton De Tulear was a little star, still learning to walk on the lead but was brilliant at the sit and wait. Tiger and Lu, who are brothers did well but it was obvious they wanted to be together. They did so well to sit and wait until they were called, needs lots of patience to train them together but really worth it. Kiki and Kevin are sisters. I know, but Kevin and her owner are quite happy with her name and she comes as soon as she is called, every owner would wish their dog responded as well to its name. Everyone I think enjoyed the class and the dogs enjoyed the treats, well Shula certainly did.

Ermita de San Miguel

This photo shows how close the fire came to the Ermasita. The shrine is at the top of Calahonda and is said to look over Calahonda and protect it. Well if this is true it sure did its job, down a little way behind the wire fence is a block of apartment so the fire came within 50 meters. Actually I think it was the terrific job that was done by the fire department, all the aircraft throwing water and soil on the fire. Also the Bomberos. It is thought these fires which broke out in several places were the work of arsonists. No doubt in due course we will find out and hopefully those responsible will be brought to justice, although I am not sure what punishment could be enough for the mindless vandals that have caused this devastation.

Fire at the top of Calahonda

I went up to the top of Calahonda to see the damage the fire has caused and the campo is black as far as you can see.

Two Years Tomorrow

Does anyone remember this picture? It will be two years tomorrow since we brought our beautiful little dog home.

Today we had our dog training class and I met a really nice little girl Georgia with her dog Scruffy, what a superb dog handler is she. I was reminded a bit of how keen I used to be.

These days I just want Shula to have fun and enjoy herself but have been reminded that I have neglected her obedience training. Yes, she comes when she is called, she sits, and mostly she is good at home. When she is out with lots of distractions she does not always come immediately, fortunately I have never been in the position where she has been in danger. The best thing about these classes is she is learning that doing what she is told leads to treats - anything for food is her motto - for me, I just enjoy it.

Sunday 4th. September

Photograph by Gary Joynson

We made a bit of progress today as Shula went over the jumps, she is still very determined to avoid the tunnel and the weaves. I think her experience of getting caught in the gate (post October 9 2009) is making her very wary of confined spaces, still slowly, slowly and if she does it and enjoys it great, if not it is not important, we are there to enjoy it. That is not to say that we don't take the obedience part seriously as I think it is important that she sits and stays and comes immediately when I tell her, mostly for her safety and my peace of mind.

Calahonda Park

Photograph by Gary Joynson

Knine Dog Training - Calahonda Park

Shula and I went to dog training classes again this evening. It seems a lot harder than I remember with Meg but that was a lot of years ago and I was younger and fitter then, also Meg was a very different dog from Shula. Meg was a Border Collie bred from generations of obedience champions and Shula is a mixture born to a little wild dog who was probably of mixed breed. There may be some Border Collie way back but there is also some Podenco and who knows what else. The main thing is, we made a little progress and did some of the exercises off the lead. Keeping her attention and keeping her close in takes quite a lot of concentration and it is definitely a benefit to have a trainer. I thought this lesson, we were both able to focus more on what we were trying to do. Shula is still quite interested in what the other dogs are doing but I am getting better at keeping her attention. I enjoyed the hour and I think she did too, she certainly enjoyed the treats. What she doesn't realise is her food allowance is cut down on training days so overall she gets the same amount, of course the treats are not her normal diet so keep her interested.

Gary - KNine Dog Trainer

Gary

I am taking Shula to dog training classes twice a week now because I have managed to reorganise my Sunday schedule. I think the bit she enjoys most is running free with the other dogs, but we are making slow progress on the disciplines. Gary our trainer is very patient, and as he says it is repetition, repetition and more repetition. Fortunately I have found a treat that Shula really likes but she still shows a lot of interest in what the other dogs are getting, keeping her attention is not as easy as it has been with previous dogs I have had but I am working on it. One thing I thought she would enjoy was the agility, but faced with the tunnel and the jumps she reverted to the timid little dog I first had. Anything new seems to throw her back so I think it will take careful handling, most of all I just want her to have fun.

Training Classes

Shula had a full day yesterday, in the morning we took her to the vet for her annual vaccinations and worming. She also had her nails clipped and was weighed, the vet was pleased that at 14.6 kilos she has not put on any weight since her last visit. Everyone tells me they think she should be fatter but the vet says she is perfect for her sort of breed, his opinion is that most people overfeed their dogs and don't take enough notice of the shape the breed should be.

In the evening I took her to dog training classes. I don't think I was as well prepared as I should have been. Firstly I wore open sandals, not a good choice for the park, next week it will be trainers. I also didn't have enough treats, in future I will be better prepared.

The training didn't go too badly, although to start Shula was more interested in what the other dogs were doing than in what we were trying to achieve. Once I managed to get her attention we got on a little better. I haven't been to dog training for years and every trainer has their own method. Although Gary's overall aims are the same as previous trainers I have had, his training is a bit different. I have done some basic stuff with Shula like sit and down when I tell her but Gary wants the dogs to sit each time you stop walking without a voice command. This is achieved with a slight tug on the lead and a hand signal, something Shula and I will have to practice. Once I get used to this guys methods and get the timing right things should get better. The other problem I have is keeping Shula's interest as she gets bored and is not keen on doing the same thing over and over - she may look a bit like a Border Collie but she is not, she is a little hunting dog with all those tendencies - once I learn how to keep her focused things should improve. Getting her to lay down with just a hand signal was easy - lazy toad - getting her back to a sitting position, really hard. It is early days but if I want to continue I will have to practice a bit every day. Some of the other dogs go to classes twice a week but we can only manage one.

This morning after our walk I bathed Shula, she looks lovely. We played in the garden while she was getting dry. I also did a bit of training but only ten minutes at a time. I think with her little and often will be best.

Dog Training

Ken and I took Shula for an early walk in the park this morning. Each Sunday there is a man who runs dog training classes but they start when it is not convenient for us. This morning he was just setting up so I went to ask him if he has other classes, it turned out that I know him but did not realize he was a dog trainer. Good news is that he runs a class on Thursday evenings. I am not quite sure what sort of class it is but I am not really taking Shula because I have any particular problem, I just think it will be fun for us both. There was agility equipment set up so I am hoping that will come into it. Whatever it will be nice for me to meet other people and for Shula to meet their dogs. I am really looking forward to it, it is years and years since I went to dog training classes and I am sure Shula will love it.

Oleander

The Oleander is looking lovely this year

Shula, just bathed

Shula lying in the shade.

Shula really misses laying in the shade of the palm tree which has been cut down as it succumbed to the dreaded Red Beetle.

Sleeping or hiding?

Pippa finds the funniest places to have a nap.

Rain Lilys

I did wonder if my pots would flower this year but needn't have worried.

Pippa still hunting

A very young Pippa

Pippa came in around 3am this morning yelling which meant she had caught something. I got up praying it was not a mouse as she does not kill anything but when she lets them go in the house, mice tend to run. It was a Gecko, still alive and complete with tail. I put it outside, frightened but no real harm done. I thought at eleven she had given up with all that nonsense, it seems not.

Chia, Pippa's sister was sound asleep on the bed, sensible cat.

Tommy

Tommy likes this new casita as its makes it easier for him to get on to the window ledge, also as it comes to the corner of the house he can check both ways before getting down. He is such a coward.

Matty

I am looking after my friend Carmen's dog and cats this week. This is such a sweet little dog but does not want to play with Shula as he is getting a bit old now and finds her too boisterous, she in turn is jealous and resents any attention he is given. I find this a bit odd as Shula usually loves every dog she meets and does not usually mind how much fuss you make of them. I have come to the conclusion that it is because he will not play and ignores her. Walking them together is not such a pleasure as it should be because it is like walking two separate dogs. One thing I have learnt, is, if I ever take on another dog with Shula, which is unlikely, as Ken only wants one dog, but if I ever do it will be one she gets on with.

Pippa

Pippa likes laying in the sun on this table.

Naughty Shula

When the cats are hogging the fire this is where Shula gets if we leave the bedroom door open.

Sound asleep

Although the weather so far this winter has not been as bad as last year, it shows how bad it is when Chia spends the afternoon asleep in front of the fire. This busy little cat which is usually out and about during the day is spending more time at home. This could be, because at nearly 11 she is at last settling down, but more likely because the weather is not so good as it used to be. Whatever, it is nice to see her so relaxed.