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.