Hi all, it's been such a long time since I last posted and boy, has a lot happened!
In December 2011 our old greyhound, Merlin was getting steadily worse due to old age. In the end, his body could take no more and on 14th December we said our last goodbyes to him. Whilst we were going through this trauma, Stag started limping and as much as I tried to convince myself that it was nothing, a trip to the vet and an x-ray confirmed my worst fears. On 23rd December we lost our precious Stag to Osteosarcoma, at the young age of 7 1/2. To add insult to injury, our old Westie, Mac started being ill in the new year and we sadly said goodbye to him too on 6th January 2012.
Not a great time in our lives, and one I wish never to repeat.
However, time, and a new hound is a great healer! On 31st March 2012 a skinny, hairly lurcher boy called 'Brax' joined our family... and it was like having Stag all over again. Which is ironic as I felt I couldn't have another greyhound, so close to losing Merlin and Stag, so opted for a lurcher!
Brax is so much like Stag in so many ways. The way he kicks off when we meet other dog walkers around the village, the way he barks and jumps around excitedly at dinner time, the way he runs around like a lunatic, with the terriers, even the way he chews up and spits out bits of rubber off of toy bones!!! He also has very soulful eyes, just like Stag, and I know my boy is still with me, every day!
Just to bring you up to speed, I now have a website, where I am selling my handmade dog collars, not only for sighthounds, but for all dogs, great and small! If you are ever in need of a new collar, please check me out! www.dogoninetails.co.uk
Life is very busy at the moment, with the dogs and the new website, and come summer (if it ever arrives) we shall be out and about with the collars at greyhound events around the country! There is a list of where we will be on the website!
Friday 29 March 2013
Sunday 14 August 2011
Our First VW Festival!
Today, myself, hubby, Stag, Roxy, Hendrix and Tilly went to out first ever VW Festival! We had not a clue as to what to expect! Our destination was Harewood house, near Leeds for the 7th Annual VW Festival!
The furst hurdle was getting the dogs there without them being travel sick! Both Stag and Tilly are not good travellers! We have recently invested in a 3 pod terrier box for the JRT and this was their first long trip out! Each pod has a cushion in it, to make life comfortable for them! We sprayed all the bedding with DAP spray, gave Stag and Tilly some Rescue Remedy and off we set!
Apart from Hendrix crying and whimpering all the way there, the trip was uneventful, and all dogs arrived none the worse for the journey - result! Time for a quick feed and drink of water and off we headed off, into the show.
What a sight! I have never seen so many different kinds of VW cars and vans in all my life! There were shiney cars, grungey cars, campervans needing work and campervans fitted out with every home comfort imaginable!!! Engines were being revved up all over and the atmosphere was terrific!
We wondered around all the exhibits then headed for the trade stalls! We wanted to catch up with Facebook friends 'Dogs n Dubs' who sell fantastic slogan t-shirst for greyhound lovers and VW lovers! Followed by more wondering around the exhibits, a look around the house's gardens and a bite to eat. There was so much going on, circus acts, graffiti artists and competitions to name a few.
Stag, despite his fear agression towards other dogs, was very well behaved and coped exceptionally well with all the different shapes and sizes he encountered. He also got to meet some of his Facebook friends too!
The journey home was equally uneventful and so we treated outselves to a pint at our local. Well done dogs!
thanks for reading, Lisa x
The furst hurdle was getting the dogs there without them being travel sick! Both Stag and Tilly are not good travellers! We have recently invested in a 3 pod terrier box for the JRT and this was their first long trip out! Each pod has a cushion in it, to make life comfortable for them! We sprayed all the bedding with DAP spray, gave Stag and Tilly some Rescue Remedy and off we set!
Apart from Hendrix crying and whimpering all the way there, the trip was uneventful, and all dogs arrived none the worse for the journey - result! Time for a quick feed and drink of water and off we headed off, into the show.
What a sight! I have never seen so many different kinds of VW cars and vans in all my life! There were shiney cars, grungey cars, campervans needing work and campervans fitted out with every home comfort imaginable!!! Engines were being revved up all over and the atmosphere was terrific!
We wondered around all the exhibits then headed for the trade stalls! We wanted to catch up with Facebook friends 'Dogs n Dubs' who sell fantastic slogan t-shirst for greyhound lovers and VW lovers! Followed by more wondering around the exhibits, a look around the house's gardens and a bite to eat. There was so much going on, circus acts, graffiti artists and competitions to name a few.
Stag, despite his fear agression towards other dogs, was very well behaved and coped exceptionally well with all the different shapes and sizes he encountered. He also got to meet some of his Facebook friends too!
The journey home was equally uneventful and so we treated outselves to a pint at our local. Well done dogs!
thanks for reading, Lisa x
Friday 12 August 2011
I did my first talk today!
Months ago, I was asked by my mum's 'Friendship Group' if I would give a talk on Greyhounds. It seems like a life time away, so I said yes!! How fast 9 months goes by!!!
Last night I thought I had better gather my thoughts, put some notes down on paper and work out what the heck I was going to say! I scanned through my Greyhound books, surfed the internet for interesting facts and made a plan! Then this morning, while grooming the girls, I decided to do a little booklet on each of my greyhounds, a bit about their racing career, family tree and some piccies! So off I went into town to buy something to present them in. Got back with just enough time to rattle something off on the computer, print it off and pop in the folders!! Packed up a bag with books, RGT material, poop bags, treats and off we set.
I have never been so nervous in all my life, waiting for a group of about 18 OAP's to arrive and settle in the village hall. Lucy was in her eliment, every lady that walked in wanted to stroke her and she just lapped it up. Becca was a bit more on the causious side and tried to hide. After a while, however, Becca settle and laid down (I think the bag of treats the ladies gave them helped!)
Off I went, scimming through my prompt cards at speed! I stumbled a little, back tracked and got through the history bits, interesting facts and myths! I talked about the good work the RGT do in finding homes for the retired racers and then did my presentation on my hounds (the bit I was most comfortable with!)
Myth number 1 was dispelled with the sight of Stag in my daughter's car - they loved that one! Pictures of Lucy, roaching on the bed, sitting in a kitchen chair and laid flat out on the settle had them in fits of giggles. And when I told them about Merlin, my OAP, they all just melted (probably because they understood his arthritic pains and general slowing down of pace!)
All in all, I think, for a first attempt, it went reasonably well! They asked lots of questions, a few took RGT money boxes and some of the info, so you never know! Hopefully they will spread the word about just how good greyhounds are a a valued member of the family!... And I won a jar of jam in the raffle!
Thanks for reading, Lisa x
Last night I thought I had better gather my thoughts, put some notes down on paper and work out what the heck I was going to say! I scanned through my Greyhound books, surfed the internet for interesting facts and made a plan! Then this morning, while grooming the girls, I decided to do a little booklet on each of my greyhounds, a bit about their racing career, family tree and some piccies! So off I went into town to buy something to present them in. Got back with just enough time to rattle something off on the computer, print it off and pop in the folders!! Packed up a bag with books, RGT material, poop bags, treats and off we set.
I have never been so nervous in all my life, waiting for a group of about 18 OAP's to arrive and settle in the village hall. Lucy was in her eliment, every lady that walked in wanted to stroke her and she just lapped it up. Becca was a bit more on the causious side and tried to hide. After a while, however, Becca settle and laid down (I think the bag of treats the ladies gave them helped!)
Off I went, scimming through my prompt cards at speed! I stumbled a little, back tracked and got through the history bits, interesting facts and myths! I talked about the good work the RGT do in finding homes for the retired racers and then did my presentation on my hounds (the bit I was most comfortable with!)
Myth number 1 was dispelled with the sight of Stag in my daughter's car - they loved that one! Pictures of Lucy, roaching on the bed, sitting in a kitchen chair and laid flat out on the settle had them in fits of giggles. And when I told them about Merlin, my OAP, they all just melted (probably because they understood his arthritic pains and general slowing down of pace!)
All in all, I think, for a first attempt, it went reasonably well! They asked lots of questions, a few took RGT money boxes and some of the info, so you never know! Hopefully they will spread the word about just how good greyhounds are a a valued member of the family!... And I won a jar of jam in the raffle!
Thanks for reading, Lisa x
Thursday 11 August 2011
What have we been up to lately?
Life is certainly never dull in this household! Stag has provided endless entertainment over the last few years, he is certainly a dog of character!
When we first had the dogs, hubby used to make their feeds up on the windowsill. Now underneath this windowsil is where we stand the wellington boots - you see where this is going!!! One night Stag was to be seen, snuffling around the boots, getting quite excited! All of a sudden the silly fool stuck his head in a boot, got stuck and walked around the room with said boot on his head!!! You can bet he got the kibble though!!
When my daughter got her first car, a little Renault Clio, she was so proud of it. Washed it fairly regularly, hung pretty things from the read view mirror, that sort of thing. On one occasion she carelessly left the door of the car open! Well this was just an open invitation for several dogs, of assorted shape and size to dive in, hoping for an adventure! Stag was found, sat in the passenger seat, waiting patiently for the off!!! We have a photo somewhere but I have no idea how to upload on here!
Stag (there is a pattern forming here!) has 'acquired' many things over the years! He is a thief of professional proportions!! One lunchtime I quickly grabbed some leftovers, put the dish in the sink and dashed back to work. Now we are talking Belfast sink, glass pyrex dish and glass lid! When I got home the glass dish was on the (Stone) floor, licked clean, while the glass lid remained in the sink, in one piece!! I will never be able to explain that one!!!
The list of thieved items gets longer as the years go on! Most dogs pinch slippers, cushions perhaps, socks seem to be a favourite. But in the house hold its things like 1lt White Spirit (unopened!), a pair of scissors, daughters expensive work boots and Christmas chocolates. He has also recently 'played' with MY greyhound soft toy - the sewing kit will be coming out shortly to reintroduce nose to said toy!
Tomorrow myself and the two girly greyhounds, Lucy and Becca will be doing a talk, all about greyhounds. This is in a local village to a group of pensioners! I hope this goes well as I am not a great public speaker, but I figure the audience will just want to pet the dogs, so won't notice me at all! Stag will not be joining us on this little adventure! He would most probably pee on all their handbags, pinch all the bikkies and make terrible smells all through my talk!
When we first had the dogs, hubby used to make their feeds up on the windowsill. Now underneath this windowsil is where we stand the wellington boots - you see where this is going!!! One night Stag was to be seen, snuffling around the boots, getting quite excited! All of a sudden the silly fool stuck his head in a boot, got stuck and walked around the room with said boot on his head!!! You can bet he got the kibble though!!
When my daughter got her first car, a little Renault Clio, she was so proud of it. Washed it fairly regularly, hung pretty things from the read view mirror, that sort of thing. On one occasion she carelessly left the door of the car open! Well this was just an open invitation for several dogs, of assorted shape and size to dive in, hoping for an adventure! Stag was found, sat in the passenger seat, waiting patiently for the off!!! We have a photo somewhere but I have no idea how to upload on here!
Stag (there is a pattern forming here!) has 'acquired' many things over the years! He is a thief of professional proportions!! One lunchtime I quickly grabbed some leftovers, put the dish in the sink and dashed back to work. Now we are talking Belfast sink, glass pyrex dish and glass lid! When I got home the glass dish was on the (Stone) floor, licked clean, while the glass lid remained in the sink, in one piece!! I will never be able to explain that one!!!
The list of thieved items gets longer as the years go on! Most dogs pinch slippers, cushions perhaps, socks seem to be a favourite. But in the house hold its things like 1lt White Spirit (unopened!), a pair of scissors, daughters expensive work boots and Christmas chocolates. He has also recently 'played' with MY greyhound soft toy - the sewing kit will be coming out shortly to reintroduce nose to said toy!
Tomorrow myself and the two girly greyhounds, Lucy and Becca will be doing a talk, all about greyhounds. This is in a local village to a group of pensioners! I hope this goes well as I am not a great public speaker, but I figure the audience will just want to pet the dogs, so won't notice me at all! Stag will not be joining us on this little adventure! He would most probably pee on all their handbags, pinch all the bikkies and make terrible smells all through my talk!
Friday 8 July 2011
Introducing me and the hounds!
Hello to anyone reading this blog! How on earth did you find it???
We never intended to have so many dogs, but you know how it goes! You start with one, then get it a friend and before you know it, your home is full of beautfiul dogs!!
Our first dog to arrive was Roxy. She was only 8 months old and we were her fourth home! She was a little nervous at first, but soon settled. Roxy is a white and tan Parson Russell Terrier. After a couple of months, we thought she would like a friend!
We found Tilly (then called Tiny for obvious reasons) on the internet and travelled to Hull (and beyond) one night to meet her. Till (JRT) is a little bundle of fun, always wagging her tail and running about. Roxy used to give her a side ways glance, as if to say 'She's STILL here'!! They are the best of friends though!
A few months later, just before Christmas, my brother phoned. Would we look after his 'aged' Westie as they were planning to semi retire abroad! Along came Mac, aged 9 at the time - he's nearly 14 now and still going strong!
Springtime arrived and friends happened to mention a litter of Jacks their relative had bred. Off we went to Market Drayton and fell in love with a black white and tan little boy! Hendrix had arrived! Little did we know what fun and games we were to have with this little lad. He is actually a Parson, just like Roxy, the long legs being at the root of the problems!!!
So, by now, we have a house full of terriers. More than enough for most people! But... I had always loved greyhounds and whilst browsing the internet, fell in love with a beautiful hound called Stag!
Stag came with problems, maily food agression but one or two other 'issues' too (due to being cast out on the streets). We swiftly dealt with the food problem and soon had him eating out of our hands! From day one, Stag seems to have seen himself as a terrier, runs with them, plays with them and barks with them! He is my constant shadow and always makes me smile!
Being the only greyhound in the household, I felt he needed someone his own size. We visited RGT Worksop and met Bob, what a gentleman! Gorgeous big brindle lad, who settled in straight away. He had no time for running and barking, he took his retirement VERY seriously!
By February of the following year, Becky and Lucy had joined our family! They are as different as chalk and cheese! Becky was (and still is to some degree) very nervous and jumpy. She had had a bad time and needed to learn to trust humans again. Lucy however, walked in and made herself at home straight away! She just settled from day one and had never put a foot wrong (well apart from digging in the garden!) Lucy is quite a character, loves snuggling and 'roaching' on her back!
Finally, after a day out at Lincoln Show, we all fell in love with Merlin! He is our senior hound, coming to us at nearly 10, he is now nearly 13! Merlin is a bit unique in that he can't bark, he 'huffs' instead! He is a gentle black boy with so much love to give!
Sadly, in April 2010, we lost our precious Bob after a short illness. Gone but never forgotten.
There we go! That's us in a nutshell! I find the greyhounds so easy going, they do make great pets. If you are ever looking for a new family member, please consider a retired greyhound!!!
Lisa x
We never intended to have so many dogs, but you know how it goes! You start with one, then get it a friend and before you know it, your home is full of beautfiul dogs!!
Our first dog to arrive was Roxy. She was only 8 months old and we were her fourth home! She was a little nervous at first, but soon settled. Roxy is a white and tan Parson Russell Terrier. After a couple of months, we thought she would like a friend!
We found Tilly (then called Tiny for obvious reasons) on the internet and travelled to Hull (and beyond) one night to meet her. Till (JRT) is a little bundle of fun, always wagging her tail and running about. Roxy used to give her a side ways glance, as if to say 'She's STILL here'!! They are the best of friends though!
A few months later, just before Christmas, my brother phoned. Would we look after his 'aged' Westie as they were planning to semi retire abroad! Along came Mac, aged 9 at the time - he's nearly 14 now and still going strong!
Springtime arrived and friends happened to mention a litter of Jacks their relative had bred. Off we went to Market Drayton and fell in love with a black white and tan little boy! Hendrix had arrived! Little did we know what fun and games we were to have with this little lad. He is actually a Parson, just like Roxy, the long legs being at the root of the problems!!!
So, by now, we have a house full of terriers. More than enough for most people! But... I had always loved greyhounds and whilst browsing the internet, fell in love with a beautiful hound called Stag!
Stag came with problems, maily food agression but one or two other 'issues' too (due to being cast out on the streets). We swiftly dealt with the food problem and soon had him eating out of our hands! From day one, Stag seems to have seen himself as a terrier, runs with them, plays with them and barks with them! He is my constant shadow and always makes me smile!
Being the only greyhound in the household, I felt he needed someone his own size. We visited RGT Worksop and met Bob, what a gentleman! Gorgeous big brindle lad, who settled in straight away. He had no time for running and barking, he took his retirement VERY seriously!
By February of the following year, Becky and Lucy had joined our family! They are as different as chalk and cheese! Becky was (and still is to some degree) very nervous and jumpy. She had had a bad time and needed to learn to trust humans again. Lucy however, walked in and made herself at home straight away! She just settled from day one and had never put a foot wrong (well apart from digging in the garden!) Lucy is quite a character, loves snuggling and 'roaching' on her back!
Finally, after a day out at Lincoln Show, we all fell in love with Merlin! He is our senior hound, coming to us at nearly 10, he is now nearly 13! Merlin is a bit unique in that he can't bark, he 'huffs' instead! He is a gentle black boy with so much love to give!
Sadly, in April 2010, we lost our precious Bob after a short illness. Gone but never forgotten.
There we go! That's us in a nutshell! I find the greyhounds so easy going, they do make great pets. If you are ever looking for a new family member, please consider a retired greyhound!!!
Lisa x
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