Hamish's 2nd Happy Birthday

Yesterday on November 21st Hamish enjoyed his 2nd birthday. We went for a long walk and he met some of his best friends. We stopped off for a cappuccino at the Victoria Park Pavillion and just as I brought the cup to my lips a big gust of wind carried my froth all over me and Hamish.
Once we got ourselves cleaned up we were ready for the birthday photo shoot. His other friends (at least that's how he sees it) just weren't interested and wouldn't pose with Hamish special portrait; we should have brought some bread.Then we went to Hamish's favourite shop (we actually love it too). It's the 'Ginger Pig' and we always get the best selection of free range bones for Hamish who sits and cries, and whines when Steven goes inside.
In the evening we had a guest star at Hamish's wee party. Yes it's the lovely Vigo, and yes we're planning the wedding already if you must know.
We finished off the day singing a lovely rendition of Happy Birthday to YOoooooooooo! Which Hamish joined in with.

So many New Friends and Family?

Way, way back in the summer we went to the Addaci Funday in Wales where we met hundreds of Vizslak. One we especially remember (because she was so pretty and full of beans) was called Willow but we never thought we'd see her again. Then just last week we met her again in London cos she's now living with Andrea and Lasse for ever.
She is now called Vigo and Hamish loves her and she loves Hamish. She came to spend the day with us but she's not had a sleepover yet. She loves biting Hamish's muzzle and we laugh at Hamish looking ever so patient without so much as a growl because we can remember him being just as irritating and persistent.Max is the most handsomest new puppy in our park. Max is very special to us because he got attacked by a staffie who wouldn't let go of his throat and he nearly died. Hamish plays very gently with him and luckily he's got his confidence back now. He is a very lucky pup. His owner Allan got lots of stitches in his hands from trying to rescue Max from the jaws of death. The same staffie still walks off leash and the police won't do anything.
The squirrels have been getting really fat and slower so Hamish sometimes decides that they are worth a look but not very often. He actually thinks they're quite boring because they run to hide up trees and don't like to be chased very much so he doesn't usually bother with them.
My two wee nephews Aidan (in front) and Kyle came to visit us all last weekend and we had a great time. Hamish gave them lots of kisses and cuddles and was very happy to have them staying with us even though they kept sitting on his bed all the time - he didn't mind really boys. We went for a big long walk and met Ruby but got completely soaked before leaving Hamish with Matt, Joe and Ruby while we all went off to the London Dungeon.
These cheeky boys actually have a lot in common.

Birthday Treat - Stapleford Park

Last week was my birthday and as a surprise I was taken early on Saturday morning on the train to Grantham not knowing what to expect or where I was going....
Hamish and I got up very early on Sunday to catch the first sunshine.It was a such a fantastic weekend and we all had the best time. It really was so nice to be spoiled in the country and to soak up the wonderful peace and quiet. There was even a lake for swimming and the most pheasants and grouse we've ever seen.
Hamish was made to feel so welcome. Everyone knew his name already and there was even a dog bed (not that he slept in it - shhhhh!) and a water bowl and even gravy bones in the room for him.
The sky remained blue all day Saturday and Sunday too.
As you know I like to take lots of pictures so rather than bore you all here I've now made it optional. If you'd like to see more of our trip to Stapleford Park please see the link below:

East End Boys and Girls

Hamish and Ruby do living to the max in Hackney making the most of the inner city. There's even time for a spot of shopping at the local pet store.

Urban Vizslak Rule........

The Long Awaited Wasdale Head - Part 2

Well, this week Wasdale Head will be revisited once again by the third in a line of notorious Vizslak from Blogworld. Ruby will be next to follow in Hamish and Radio's footsteps and the following week Charlie Morph will be on Sheep duty.

Just to refresh everyone's memory of how lovely it is (oh, and please pay particular attention to how loose Hamish's line is in the photos with sheepies):

I hope you all have a fantastic time and give my love to the Redgirls,
xxx

Wasdale Head - Lake District Part One

Well, it's been a while and we've had a cracking summer even if the weather has been a let down. I've tried for ages to put a slideshow together with 'slide' on the blog but it seems not to be compatible with my Mac so here's the link if you'd like to see the first installment of our photos:

Since Hamish discovered chasing sheep as a pastime in Wales, we have had to be super-vigilant when out on rural walks and the Lake District is a superior challenge in this respect. However we did a lot of work on it and let's say he's on very friendly terms with our woolly friends as long as they don't make any sudden movements.

The scenery is something to behold as you can see and the walking is second to none of course. We could literally take any direction from our farm cottage and find a stunning view within minutes.

We were very, very fortunate to finally meet the beautiful Redgirls - the loveliest of which is of course Di who drove 2 and a half hours to come and walk with us. This was a long anticipated moment but all hopes of romance were thwarted when within moments of meeting Hamish had discovered Berta's very interesting rear end (even though she was 2 and a half weeks past her season).

I'm so sorry Berta he was utterly relentless and spoiled your walk. We definitely need to reschedule so that you can see his true character. Still I'm so very, very glad we had the opportunity to meet despite Hamish's rampant libido.

hope you like the pictures and keep your eyes peeled for the return of ROBODOG xxx

Sheila Harper - Canine Activity Holiday in Staffordshire

We've been on the go for most of August and started off with our Canine Activity Holiday in Staffordshire with the stress free approach of Sheila Harper in Staffordshire.

We stayed with an amazing couple who'd just taken over the B & B from Andy's dad and were new to it so luckily they welcomed us into their home as if we were old friends. It really made a big difference to our holiday and the kids Ptoley (Toli) and Monty were absolutely amazing and loved Hamish and he seemed to like them too. Monty even lent Hamish his nutty professor glasses to try on.

I don't know quite where to start as it was quite a revolution in my thinking once it had all settled down in my head. I'm now more confident that I can build the kind of relationship that I always wanted with Hamish before I started reading too much and focusing too much being 'leader of the pack' and all that. Oh my, it's so easy to be wise in hindsight isn't it.

Right next to the guest house was a beautiful canal where we went for our evening walks if we weren't too tired.The locals were able to direct us to a pub with a beer garden so Hamish could be with me while I had dinner.
Plenty of opportunities for swimming too.

School was never so much fun...the dogs were allowed to do exactly as they pleased in this exercise. The owners had to do the work observing what was interesting to their dogs and well just really watching them in wonder, seeing what fascinates them and their ways of investigating their environments which we enriched for them.
We asked the waitress to take this photo for us to send to Steven in Oz. Scampi and chips mmmmm his favourite pub food.
Hamish just wanted to do some quality control.
Of course you will know about Anna's accident with her thumb. (Hope it's getting better now Anna) and so she arrived a day late to the course. It was excellent for Hamish and I to get to know both Anna and Ziggi better.

Two peas in a pod or on a log (well they are from the same breeder after all.)
They both pose in exactly the same way?Hmmmmm? And have the same taste in accessories? It must be in their genes.
Hamish makes himself at home in the classroom. All allowed of course in this school.
Hamish can't take his eyes of the teacher, gives a new meaning for teacher's pet?
Hamish with Ptoley and Monty.
Does he look as intellectual as Buster Brown?
The regal Vizsla in his most natural environment.
Once they got settled Hamish and Zig had a good run around. If you look closely you'll see Zig demonstrating the Vizsla multiple 360 degree spin with all feet off the ground. She's rather good at it actually.

Addaci Fun Day - A Trip to South Wales

We started our trip with a night at the wonderful Pen-y-Dre Farm near Abergavenny. It was really nice but Hamish couldn't believe his luck and never slept a wink (neither did I) . There were goats, pigs, chickens, donkeys, rabbits and cats....oh, and our next door neighbour. Hamish cried all night to get outside to visit everyone. I stupidly gave in about 4am and let him out while I waited in my underwear at the front door. Of course I ended up having to go back in to get dressed and go find him - I really should have known better. He wasn't happy until it was daylight and I eventually gave up and took him for a walk at 6am.Hamish just couldn't believe we wanted to sleep when this place was so amazing.
Hamish just couldn't see how it was possible to read a book at a time like this. And sleep was totally out of the question while there was livestock outside to play with.
Well, there's a first time for everything and I think Radio is having a good laugh over in that Rainbow bridge place. Yes, his prodigy wee Hamish - my wonderfully desensitised, well socialised pup chased (and boy did he give chase) his first sheep while we were out walking on the Brecon Beacons. I've never ever seen him run like that before - he was a more like a leopard than a Vizsla. The next four and a half hours were very frustrating and boring but ultimately necessary session of long line training in ignoring sheep. Andrea was kind enough to take over from me when she could see me losing patience. Autie Andrea gives wee Hamish pup a gentle talk in why it's not good to chase sheep. Do you think he looks convinced?



























"Okay, I get the message about sheep but why is she standing like that?"Tired now. Hmmmmmmm? What did I try to tell you last night eh? You just wouldn't listen would you?
NO ! Not even one little sheep Hamish.
Hamish was the only one who got a bath in the next two days at the Addaci Ranch.
Here are some of the new puppies.

A tea-break in Ynysybwl ( I can't say it either).
Okay now this is proof that I'm not vain but I am not this fat or ugly in real life alright. Andrea made me promise to publish the pic as we laughed for half an hour after we took it. We were totally delirious from lack of sleep and we were all sleeping on puppy bedding in the stable. We're not complaining but we weren't very well organised or prepared for the bush adventure.
It was great fun but I'm covered in mosquito bites and the bath water was very dark when I finally got a wash back home.
Hamish took it all in his stride of course and was never more comfortable. Night, Night till our next adventure.