HAMISH McKAHN

Berserk in Bagshot, Berkshire on Bank Holiday

2010-05-31T20:55:00.006+01:00

This is our lovely hotel where we stayed for the bank holiday weekend.
So you can imagine how Hamish freaked out when we told him he'd be sleeping in here...as if!Backing onto the hugest, loveliest forest you've ever seen.
With lakes....
And open heathland...
and Jungles....
and rhododendron forests and more lakes....
Lots of deer to track...
Hunting opportunities galore....
Oh, and fun training (not like in the park at all).
Yes, he was allowed inside after all, but kept hogging the mirror.
Peel me a grape...!
Yipee! Hamish loves his life.

Townie Viz and Townie Squirrel

2010-05-31T20:34:00.003+01:00

A rare breed of ginger mountain goat can be spotted only 19mins by train from East London.
Beauty to be found everywhere.
Hmmmm, what does a Vizsla do when the squirrel doesn't run away???
Sniff his rear end...try a play bow?
Coming back for more...Hamish is freaked out now, this is one crazy squirrel.
Hi Mum! Is this my best side? Ok, you're really showing off now Mr. Squirrel.
He even tries to let Hamish in on a few squirrel secrets.
Let's see how Hamish's tactics improve with these top tips. He's always been a rubbish squirrel chaser up till now.
Epping is in full bloom.
You can take the gundog out of the country....I'm still so proud of our lovely pups.

Weekend away in Lulworth Cove

2010-03-30T23:15:00.004+01:00

Just in case you were beginning to think we didn't celebrate Christmas last year......

2010-03-30T21:57:00.009+01:00

Pleeeeeeeeeeease waken up! It's Christmas morning and we smelt a fat red man squeezing down the chimney.
Finally after lots of patient waiting...Hamish is allowed to take the Christmas stocking down.
Vigo is first to open one of her presents.
The kids don't know where to start....spoiled as ever.
As always there was one present that everyone wanted.
And then of course they have to help us open our presents too. But ours seem boring in comparison, except for the paper - maybe.Andrea and Lasse bought us these...hmmm...cosy? pyjamas and made me swear to put a picture on the blog to prove I'm not ashamed to be seen in them. Anyway, time for a quick breakfast before our Christmas walk.
This is the lake in the local deer park.
Having fun, getting smelly.
Time to get back for Christmas lunch perhaps...
Is it nearly ready...?
Steven prepared us a veritable feast.
Hamish is very patient but he hasn't tasted a real goose before.
Andrea is feeling stuffed already.
Time for a cuddle in front of the telly.
The quintessential Christmas Vizsla picture. Fed, walked, spoiled, played with...such joy.Vigo and Hamish went to visit some relatives who are travellers?
Yes, more food Andrea, and t.v. and a log fire...it's just too much to endure.
The best Christmas ever.
And then we went to Camber Sands.
It was so windy Hamish's ears almost blew off.
Never mind it's always safe and warm inside the cottage.
Is it morning again already? Can we do it all again???

I know what we did last sumer Part 1 (at least I think I can remember)

2009-09-28T21:23:00.009+01:00

First we went to Ventnor on the Isle of Wight.
There were scary wee hairy things. WAaaaaaaay too friendly for Hamish.One of the only really sunny days from what I remember. Smashing walk near Godshill.
Chilling on the cliff walk outside Ventnor.
It is very tiring being on holiday you know.
Very tiring indeed.
Oh, no....more hairy things.
Another Bisto moment.
Another idyllic picnic fun day.
Finally, a beach that likes dogs.
What a dog has to put up with, eh?
Hurry up these flies are really annoying.
We stopped here for a picnic.
What a pair, my boys.
Give me the ring please....I need the ring, I must have the ring. Pleeeeeeeeze!My presssssssssssssssshious, I got you now my precious. HaHa!
Hmmmmm. Has anyone seen Hamish!!!
Oh, no that tree is moving. Let's get outta here quick.Chocolate box Church.
No, I'm the handsome one.
Hamish always like to read up on his local history where ever he goes.
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside. Steephill Cove - Hamish loved the Crab Pasties and walked to heel with EVERYONE who had bought one.Wait, do I smell another one in the distance.
You're being very boring Steven.
Yes, yes the flowers are very pretty on the Isle of Wight.
The end of the road for now....look out for part 2 of our summer adventures - coming soon.

Vizsla Rescues Swimmers at Whitstable Beach Tea Party

2009-07-06T23:00:00.007+01:00

What can be going on today I wonder? So much activity and no playing at all? All a bit boring for a holiday at the beach so far isnt' it?
Hamish decides to wait patiently and see what transpires. Anyway it's far too hot to whinge and whine for very long.Hang on, has everyone jumped ship and left Hamish to keep guard of the sandwiches? No I think he's on Lifeguard duty. Earlier, on the way along the seafront, he popped into the lifeguard's hut for some shade and got a few tips from the boys.
The current is looking mighty strong, Hamish keeps a close watch for that rip tide that just might wash his masters out to sea and then what would he do for dinner?
Hang on, this is looking pretty serious.....
Do you think it's wise to go in after them or are the sandwiches left unattended now?
A dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta to do.......fetch the humans if you want any supper and a nice warm bed tonight.
Finally Hamish pulled us into shallow waters safe and sound.
Didn't he do well? Now give over the sandwiches....please, pretty, please!
Saving lives is a very hard job indeed. But very rewarding too.

Heatwave Hits Hackney - Vizslak Refuse to Get out of the Water

2009-07-02T22:05:00.012+01:00

Honestly, just imagine having no sweat glands and a fur coat on in this heat. How would YOU feel? Like a dead man walking? Hamish has never been so well behaved as he's not got an ounce of energy for misbehaving.
At least until, he dives in the cool, reviving waters of Regent's Canal, Victoria Park pond or......What's this? Did a spaceship land in our back garden last night? The best toy Hamish ever had. More photos will follow when friends come over to visit. One at a time please ladies. Welcome to the playboy mansion.

Two Timing in Epping (Shhhhhhh!)

2009-07-02T21:42:00.004+01:00

Well, at least I've managed to stick to my resolution to visit Epping forest more often. Here we are again with the 'other woman' in Hamish's life - Ruby Red.

Water Rats in Ecstasy in Epping Forest - *Note to self - must go more often

2009-05-24T18:07:00.010+01:00

Andrea and Lasse are very busy this week-end so we were very lucky to have Vigo for two days in a row. She is so well behaved we're hoping some of it will rub off on Hamish.
As the weather was so great today we decided that it would be nice to go to Epping Forest.What a great decision that turned out to be as we all had a really wonderful day.I think because of falling in the canal too often, Vigo is still at the paddling stage, swimming will come later. But she still likes to watch the birds, splash around and cool down in the water.I have decided that Epping Forest is our top, favourite, number one, bestest local(ish) dog paradise, even better than Hampstead Heath as it's much quieter and even more like the real countryside.We've only discovered a tiny bit of it so far and already we've came across 4 swimming ponds.And a few beaches too.The people and dogs seem much more friendly.Everyone is very happy and relaxed because of the beautiful sunshine today though.As Vigo doesn't swim yet she has learnt an old trick from Hamish which is to wait until the retrieving dog approaches the bank and ambush them and steal their dummy.We met a sausage dog called Daniel - not the eating kind of sausage, but not much more than a mouthful.Now that the weather is warmer Hamish is very eager to get in that water. He is more enthusiastic about water retrieving than on land I think.Vigo tries her luck again in the shallows.
This one is a lily pond.Sleepy dogs coming home on the train. Lots of deeply satisfied long sighs.
The best of friends. Make the most of the bed while you can Vigo.

Life is NEVER humdrum when you own a Vizsla

2009-05-24T17:47:00.006+01:00

After a very hard week in the office.....
Lasse and Andrea came to pick us up and took us on a long drive to visit Olive.
Olive has two houses and we went to the one in the country near here.It wasn't just a visit though because a teacher was there and we all had to work extremely hard and jump up and down on this trampoline. When we got home things had changed and the boats on our canal were sparkling like this one.It all proved too much for a trainee townie clicker gundog boy.

First Swim of the Year, Back to School and a Sleepover

2009-04-22T19:07:00.005+01:00

Is it my imagination but are our dogs better behaved when the sun is shining? Do you think their spirits are lifted and they get more cheerful as we do? Well Hamish certainly seems to be in a better mood this week and today he decided it was time for his first swim in the canal for 2009. It was totally his idea but it did take him some time to finally take the plunge and a small crowd had gathered to cheer him along.
You may already know, but Hamish is back at school at the moment with the helping hand of renowned Clicker Gundog trainer Helen Philips. The first lesson we had to learn was to calm everything down and work on Hamish's ability to focus on me and therefore the job in hand. With a bit of imagination I have incorporated a 'trick' borrowed from Anna and Ziggi to help him relax.Ruby has been back at school with us too but last weekend they got to have some fun when she came over to stay. Actually Hamish stayed at Ruby's on Friday and Ruby came to stay with us on Saturday so they had a whole weekend together.They get on so very well together and were as good as gold....the reform school is obviously doing them good.Hamish is having to get used to being in his crate all over again. It's our first small step towards getting him over his Separation Anxiety and the first time we've had the crate up since he was 10months old. As you can see Ruby is trying to help him out.

A very Snoozy Easter weekend in Fawsley Hall

2009-04-13T17:20:00.009+01:00

What happens when you've been working too hard and take some time off to relax.....? You sleep and sleep and feel more tired than ever. Well that's what we did this weekend at Fawsley Hall, another dog 'friendly' hotel in Northamptonshire. I say 'friendly' because they weren't nearly as enthusiastic about Hamish as they had been in Stapleford Park, but that would have been very hard to beat, after all there he had his own check-in, bed and dog biscuits on his pillow at night too. In Fawsley Hall the dogs are ONLY allowed in the bedrooms but not in any of the public places - that's not dog friendly to our standards that's barely dog 'tolerant'. But this isn't Trip Advisor so I won't go on.Close to the hotel were Badby Woods, which are home to the most concentrated population of bluebells I have ever, ever seen. Unfortunately we were a few weeks too early. A local lady in the Windmill pub in Badby told us 'Bluebell Sunday' is traditionally the first Sunday in May. That would be a beautiful sight to behold and might just bring out the odd fairy or two.
The surrounding countryside was really marvelous but there were many lambs in the fields so we had to be extremely cautious. Still there was the occasional opportunity to explore off the leash.
The bed was super comfy and absolutely HUGE!
Didn't have much luck with the weather though, not a glimpse of the sun unfortunately.
The woods were H's favourite and plenty muddy too.
They say a dog should sleep 17hrs a day...well the humans weren't far behind on this occasion.

Mediaeval Sofa Surfing and Walkies in Sunny Suffolk

2009-03-17T21:40:00.012Z

Suffice to say we had a very nice time.....?

Snow Party!

2009-02-02T18:29:00.007Z

"No need to come to work today, all public transport is suspended" Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! We got ready as quick as we could and rushed out into the park. Hamish dragged me all the way along the street in excitement and then ran around like a loony wondering why he couldn't find the snowballs we threw for him.
We met so many friends it was busier than a summers day.
I AM the caped crusader, really I AM.
There were some very strange brilliant white people we hadn't met before but they weren't much fun....so Hamish pee'd on all of them.He tried making conversation but didn't get very far.I think this guy has seen better days. Heading for a meltdown I think....hehe!

Our Heavenly Perfect Wonderful New Year in Devon - The Longest Photoblog ever

2009-01-23T14:32:00.018Z

Our blog is an unapologetic documentation of our fantastic adventures with our wonderful boy Hamish McKhan...as you know. It is also a great way to let family up north get a glimpse into our world and keep track of what we are getting up to. It is especially fun for my wee nephews - Hello Aidan and Kyle - who love Hamish to bits, but many friends tell me often that their kids always ask to see what Hamish has been doing on the computer (not that he uses the computer but you know what I mean). Why am I justifying myself you may ask...? Well because this time I've posted the most photos ever and it might just take up a bit more time than usual to visit Hamish here. I tried the slide show method but I've been told it's not appreciated in blogworld so there's a discreet link to one at the very end.

This our view from a certain point on the canal which we pass on the way to Ross's work. If we blow the whistle our friends come to the window to say good morning. And what a beautiful morning it was too. Hello Vigo!
Hamish had a few too many at Christmas so he wasn't at his best when we had to leave for Devon.
We soon got him on his feet with his swanky new harness (on a long term loan from Lasse and Andrea). The canal was thawing out after being completely frozen over.This is the proof that Vizslak can be calm in public. Not always the hooligans that they are made out to be - only sometimes.
A breath of sea air does wonders for a wooly head.
And what better than a game of fetch to get you back on track.Soon we've forgotton that we ever lived in the city and want to emigrate to sunny Devon.There's a big wrestling ring just outside our cottage.
The beach is a playboy's paradise too.
All in all, great place to fall in love really.
Who could resist these wee faces...........?
This beautiful graveyard was just at the bottom of our garden.
No, we didn't fly to Greece for the day - this is still DEVON.
Lots of climbing to be done.
Some days were a wee bit blowy up on top of those cliffs.
Suddenly Hamish was almost on point on a cliff edge and wouldn't recall. My heart was in my mouth as he's not the most sure footed of dogs. He sniffed and sniffed and we wondered what he could smell. Then as we walked on we found out that down below there were strange things in the water...(see here) and scroll down, once you get there, for the answer. It was such a treat.
Then we even met a ginger horse.
This one has to be an entry for our much talked about calendar.
Well behaved again in the lovely cottage (ok so perhaps it was only while I held a treat above the camera).
In the dingly dell.
This is the cottage we nearly stayed in but will definitely go at another time. We peeked through the windows and it's amazing inside too.
Crazy moves on the way to Agatha Cristie's house in Greenway but it was closed and they wouldn't let us look around when we got there.
Always impatient even after 6 miles walking.
Not the north of Scotland in the Autumn, but still amazingly beautiful.
Hmmmmmmm, I think we could be happy here on the river dart.
Hamish looks right at home. This country was made for Vizslak, and they match the colour tones too.
In training to beat all those smug greyhound types in our park.
Hamish of Arabia perhaps...!
Nosey parker, he doens't miss a trick.
Hamish gets impatient with the photographer as he doesn't like the group being split and runs back to tell me to get a move on.
This is thirsty work.
Sun, sea and sand...and forests too - WOW. What more could we ask for...eh a dancing bear perhaps!
Did you know they have little red dancing bears in the woods in Devon?
A landscape to put you in the frame of mind to write your memoirs.
Please let us come back one day.....of course we will, it's too good not to.
The walks are second to none along the SW Coastal path and great for our loved ones furry or not. What a joy to relax on the sofa, log fire burning and food on the stove. Very sweet dreams indeed.
and if that still wasn't enough you can click here to see even more.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-11T17:40:00.007Z

On Christmas Day we went for a walk with Andrea and Vigo (can you spot them?)
We then had a surprise Christmas lunch at Russell and Sarah's house with Cookie who's the one who thinks she's a scarf.
It was a very dog friendly lunch and absolutely declicious.Hamish got to open his own present and as always was just as impressed with the wrapping than the contents.
Ruby came to visit too.
We discovered that Hamish loves Brussels sprouts but supposedly they're not so good for the environment, I'm sure you know what I mean.

Hamish's 2nd Happy Birthday

2008-11-22T00:30:00.011Z

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?

2008-11-21T23:59:00.009Z

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

2008-10-15T21:43:00.005+01:00

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

2008-10-04T23:55:00.005+01:00

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

2008-10-04T21:53:00.006+01:00

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

2008-08-26T16:10:00.006+01:00

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

2008-08-25T18:39:00.014+01:00

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

2008-07-28T17:24:00.016+01:00

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.

Born Freee, Happy Dogs on Logs in Wanstead Flats, Culture and Lions Down Under

2008-07-21T16:36:00.009+01:00

It's only 3 Weeks today till Steven comes home. Yesterday he went to Sydney Zoo and found a temporary replacement for Hamish.
Meanwhile back in London ...life goes on (although we all miss him of course) We had a day out with Ruby. Here we are collecting her from her house.
This was our first time at Wanstead Flats and yipee there is a lake. Aren't they doing well balancing on the log?
Doesn't this remind you of that Disney film 'The Incredible Journey'?
"How will we ever find Hackney from here Hamish?" "Don't worry Ruby, I'll use my new search and rescue skills Anuty Andrea taught me and sniff out those cats of hers. We'll be on their sofa in no time, trust me."
"Hmmmm, I can smell quite a few cats around here, getting me all confused. Mustn't let Ruby down. She might still be the mother of my puppies."
"Hey the humans are here with toys, let's abandon that mission and PLAY!"
And play wrestling.....
Born Free...........as free as the wind blows, as free as the grass grows.
"Wot? Time to go home, already?"
The man in the park said "Look - Twins, Schwarzenegger and Devito"
Relaxing in London Fields

Having a Cappuccino with friends.
Makes him nostalgic for his homeland.
Hamish can get comfortable anywhere, under or on top of anything and it really doesn't matter if you're in his way.
Way back in the '70's when Aunty Andrea was just a girl......Hamish was but a twinkle in his mother's eye........his ancestors also knew instinctively how to get comfy. This gene Hamish has inherited for sure.
Hamish can still get floored by a puppy.

Hamish Diving, posing, drinking, socialising, flirting, playing, courting controversy

2008-07-14T14:06:00.008+01:00

This month's pin up boy? - being the most handsome Viz as usual.Hamish the critic isn't sure what to make of this controversial work by a local artist.
This is Spook (formery Crystal). Hamish used to play with 'Crystal' last summer and then we didn't see her anymore and wondered what had become of her...
She turned up in our park again as Spook and I was telling the owner how we used to know a dog just like her called Crystal and it turned out to be the very same dog. She had been kept indoors for 8 months and beaten for misbehaving until she was rescued. Luckily she seems well balanced now and confident. Isn't she just beautiful.
Hamish has a night out at the Prince George with friends. Sheena the Scottish owner loves dogs coming into the pub and even allows them on the furniture. This pub takes 'dog friendly' to a new level. I'm sure if someone complained she would tell them to leave if they didn't like it. Sadly Sheena's Bulldog 'Bridie' died last year - she still misses her very much.
One too many Mr. McKhan?
Oh dear, time to take you home I think before you start singing.
This is a fantastic clip to finish off with. Today Hamish had a day out with Andrea - and he really loves her because she is so much fun.

The Boys are Still Home Alone...thinking about friends

2008-06-23T18:41:00.007+01:00

Meet Dizzy the new puppy in the park - she's fierce! Hmmm she's still deciding if she wants to be Hamish's friend or not.
Missing absent friends who taught us how to swim in the canal...sweet Radio hope you are at peace wherever you are.Today this new big bone is Hamish's best friend...
Best playmate ever!
This apparently is Steven's new friend. Hmmmmm? His teeth are a bit sharp looking. I bet he doesn't put his flippers round your neck in the morning though Steven?

This is Bebe and she's wonderful as a playmate to train up for the canine wrestling championships. They love each other and rough playmates like her are becoming more rare as Hamish matures. Partly because he's more fussy and partly because many dogs are more wary of him now he's nearly a grown up.
This is Hamish's oldest friend Bailey again, we haven't seen him for a while. Sharon, Bailey's owner says Hamish is the city gent while Bailey is a ruffian. Looks can be very deceiving can't they.This is just a nice picture of Hamish.

But this is Leonard, Hamish's newest human friend.

Another Week in the Life of a Townie Vizsla (aka 'The Caped Crusader')

2008-06-06T13:46:00.009+01:00

Here's what's been happening in our world lately.....

Holkham Bay - Norfolk, Paddock End, The biggest Vizsla in the world and not to mention tigers in the dunes

2008-05-28T20:50:00.002+01:00

My Celebrity Friend and Ducks? Wot Ducks

2008-05-19T17:52:00.013+01:00

Yes, ok there are rather a lot of photos in this installment - but it's mostly for Steven's benefit cos he's in Australia, so the rest of you will just have to put up with our indulgence for now.

On the road....
Cooling down...
Posing...
Viz or Bunny girl?
On Tuesday we went back to ringcraft classes in North London. What a trek it is too. If I can convince Hamish that this can be fun we'll give the show ring another chance. Just missed the deadline for Windsor but hope to go to Richmond later in the year. On arriving we met another lovely Vizsla called Ruby, she's only six months old and very well behaved . Hamish had a lot to live up to because Andy recognised us from this very blog. They called him a celeb...!With all the good weather Hamish has again found his fantastic enthusiasm for swimming (and diving in).
Mirror, mirror......?
Sitting pretty among the 'English ' bluebells (did you know our forests are being overtaken by the inferior 'Spanish' variety?This one's especially for Steven. He left this old jumper behind for Hamish to remember his scent while he's away. Hamish has tried to rip it to shreds but stops in his tracks and sniffs it like fury then didn't try to rip it since.
Hamish has a celebrity friend called Treacle (she was once on 'Dog Borstal'). She's not naughty any more just mischeivious and Conrad (Hamish's dogwalker) calls them the delinquents. They truly love each other.
Poster boy in the water on Hampstead Heath.
I smell a rat!
Now tell me if this is normal for a Vizsla. Look at this short video......

He's swimming for a treat in the water, takes it and doesn't even register the ducks. It could be all those walks on St. James' Park since he was little but I didn't even have to say 'leave it'. I'm sure it's a bit too laid back for a gun dog? All answers on a postcard please (comments will do.)

Last Walks and Cuddles with Steven for a while - Ross and Hamish Home Alone

2008-05-13T18:42:00.012+01:00

Steven departed on Sunday for Australia to work on a film. He'll be gone for over 3 months and we're devastated. He's got sun, sea and sand but I've got sun (for now) and Hamish. Hmmmm? Who's got the best deal??? This is Surfers Paradise near Brisbane on the Gold Coast where Steven will be relaxing on his days off. Wish we were there too. Looks like a nice beach for a Viz to cause havoc.Luckily he just had time to come with us to Hamish's first show. Maybe not so lucky though because he caught sight of him just before we got called into the ring and was so intent on getting to him that he wouldn't stand for me , actually he stood quite nicely but just in the wrong direction and paying no attention to me at all. However, it was a great experience and we had a great day.
Last chance.....
Last time sleeping on your favourite cushion for a while Hamish....boo hoo! I don't even mind if it is Eastenders....Last walk together on Hampstead Heath
And our first time to Connaught Water - Epping Forest
Epping Forest again.
Bye, Bye, Steven we miss you so much already. Promise not to get up to too much mischief and of course Hamish will remember you when you get back. Oh, and yes, the house is still clean and tidy...so far.

Proper Gundog, Ringcraft, Spring Blossoms and Maisie - Coming in and out of Season what a relief

2008-04-21T18:45:00.011+01:00

We are taking 'proper' gundog lessons with Susie Zarpanely in Richmond Park - she's the business. I thought I was quite strict as well as soppy but Susie stands for no nonsense and she really got results from Hamish. My pup did me proud and boy did he love Susie. Tough love seems to work - when he got praise he really enjoyed it. I could really see how much my voice had become background noise to him.
Hamish will go to his first show on May 11th and Susie is helping us prepare. It's me who needs the lessons most but Hamish is a bit fidgety to say the least. Oh, god what have I let myself in for?
Teasel shows us how it should be done. So far Hamish isn't very impressed...How fantastic we're getting some proper sunshine in the back of our garden at long last.
Enough to make you go mad with excitement (well, if you're a Vizsla pup)Warmer nights mean you get to go to the pub and sit outside, ok well, actually this night was still freezing though and we froze to death. Lucky we had a Vizsla to keep us warm.
Attack of the 50ft Vizsla....?
They say Japan is glorious in Spring but Victoria Park is a lot closer.
Steven and Hamish finally have that Father and Son talk.
On Saturday we went to Maisies for dinner. We had lovely grub and great company and the dogs wrestled like they were in the park but did settle when we asked them (not for long though).Hamish stares out at the night sky as Nancy and I take some air on the balcony.

Hamish's Weekly Highlights including Hot 'n' Humpy in Hampstead

2008-04-14T15:03:00.011+01:00

This week started off with a surprise meeting with Iris and Flo. We haven't seen them for ages because Iris fell off a horse at work and broke all the bones in her foot. She's nearly better now but still limping along and not going for long walks. Hamish was very pleased to see them both.
Sometimes we meet friends for coffee on Broadway Market, it's really nice to sit outside and Hamish enjoys the sunshine and lots of attention.
On Saturday we went up to Hampstead Heath. I think the Heath must be our favourite place for walking with Hamish, he seems to love it more than anywhere else and get's a real burst of excited energy and a bouncy spring in his step.Once he discovered they're not just for eating, Hamish quickly became very skilled working with sticks.
We met up with Ruby on the Heath (it was planned) but Hamish got such a shock and nearly went berzerk with excitement. It was like he was saying "Look, look who's here, so far away from home - how the heck did she find us way up here, oh, oh I think I love her, oooops no scratch that last comment?"Ruby and Hamish would like to have puppies but they don't really know how to go about it....Ruby says "Am I doing this right dad?"Waiting for the train, a bit tired out.

Then complete exhaustion (man and beast) at home on the sofa.

Hamish Goes to Leigh on Sea with his Favourite Friends

2008-04-11T21:28:00.005+01:00

Unfortunately I wasn't there...but see how much fun they had. Hamish has never been so tired and quiet which is a sure sign he enjoyed himself.

Meteors, Snowtime, Sleeping Lazy Bones and Romance in the City

2008-04-07T16:27:00.007+01:00

Wow! Super Snowy Sunday Surprise. Surprised that his garden was suddenly white, Hamish had to be carried out to pee this morning but once he got to the park he was super-excited and had a ball with all of his friends. He was sliding around and diving in and peeing on all the snowmen - not popular with the real mummies and daddies, but hey! it's a park and it's a vertical surface.
Luckily Maisie has spots. We haven't seen her in a while - she's been in season. Still giving off a strong signal to Hamish though and he was a bit on her case.Retrieving is much more fun with a white ball and snow. Hamish did really well to find it and loved the challenge. Really I think these were some of the most enthusiastic retrieves I've seen him do.
Photocall for humans too. We all had a really nice morning together; cold, but even more fun than usual in the winter wonderland.
I was away last week and Hamish stayed for 3 days with Ruby. I came back to find that they'd been getting very romantic together.
Sound asleep in the back of Joe's jeep coming back from a long walk on Hampstead Heath.
Mr. and Mrs. McKahn snuggling up after a hard day's work.
The day after..............today most of the snow had gone apart from these meteors (goalposts really) - still good enough to pee on.
Ermmm? Three's a crowd I think. Stop wrestling and get your paw out of my armpit. Steven is trying to sleep (pretending to I think). This is actually the first time Ruby's even seen a bed never mind get up on one. Sorry guys but she lovvvvvvvvvvvvvvved it.This is the cosy scene I found when I came out of the shower this morning (yes, I know it's a dog and he shouldn't be in the bed). Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...Two sound asleep lazy bones - both as bad as each other.

Saturday's are best for........

2008-03-15T20:16:00.005Z

Hamish is practising his speech for when he becomes king of the dog world.
But he better watch out that his past doesn't catch up with him... here's evidence that he's been getting friendly with cats.Hanging around with puppy Puggles aka Miss Babs (a Puggle is a pug beagle cross to you and I)
Darcy is very respectful of her new uncle.
She's as good as gold.
And is learning fast about life in the east with so many new friends - here's Ruby joining us. Everyone thought they were mum, dad and baby Darcy.

Another weekend on the East Side

2008-03-10T15:38:00.011Z

The big boy on his home turf. Teenage yobo, I'm convinced he'd be very happy if he could pee his name in graffiti paint. Hamish was 'ere 2008.
This is Hamish with wee Darcy who came to meet us all on Saturday. Her folks are going on holiday and she's going to stay with Andrea for 10 days. She is absolutely gorgeous and very petite. She's quite timid and luckily Hamish was very gentle with her.Andrea is enjoying the cuddles but it's still not easy and we all still miss Radio. Darcy has landed on her feet getting a holiday in Haggerston.On Sunday we began some agility with Hamish. He sometimes still jumps like a spring lamb - all four legs leaving the ground and landing at the same time. It doesn't seem like how a Viz should jump very odd indeed. Maybe he's still to grow out of it. It's such a pity his old mentor Radio isn't here to help him learn more quickly, he used to jump these very hurdles. He does something more complicated called Parkour.

He's so neglected can you tell....what a face!

WARNING! This posting contains images of dogs in shops which some viewers may find disturbing (you know who you are)

2008-03-04T16:38:00.010Z

Andrea was looking after Charlie for the weekend. First we meet them both on the market for coffee and mingling with the local community and lots of attention for the doggies.Then we walk to Islington along the canal. The boys have a quick dip along the way. This was Hamish's first time swimming this year, Radio would have been proud of his star pupil since it really was quite cold.
Then we go shopping for some new chairs and they let us bring Hamish and Charlie inside with us.Then we went shopping for clothes and again they let us in even though this shop was quite posh. They soon got bored though.On Sunday we went to Victoria park and met some great new mates for Hamish. This is Feedback, she's a real tomboy and likes to play very rough. She's half boxer and half lurcher.
This is Coco a Neopolitan Mastiff whom Hamish adored. They only played gently though because he's got hip dysplasia even though he's only 2 years old.Next we took Hamish to Steven's studio where we did a bit more for the 'Urban Vizsla' photoshoot. We're still gathering evidence to support our case that Vizsla's can be happy townie dogs. This will continue for the rest of Hamish's life of course.
I think ginger and concrete go very well together in the afternoon sunlight.
Hamish get's very frustrated inside the studio...he just can't understand why he can't just run around chewing on everything he can reach. It smells so very interesting.Then he met his old mate Danny on the way home in London Fields. Danny is very independent but they do run around a bit together sometimes if Danny's in the mood. Finally in the favourite corner of 'his' sofa, an exhausted Hamish pup almost falls asleep sitting up.

Old Hamish Pup's first day home

2008-02-23T00:17:00.002Z

I just came across this old movie and thought I 'd share it.

West End Boy

2008-02-22T18:46:00.009Z

Today Hamish came to work with me in the West End for the first time in ages. Along the way we met Andrea and Radio who walked with us along the canal to Islington. Hamish and Radio were very, very happy to see each other after about 10 days apart. Ross was very pleased to see Andrea and Radio too. We miss our walks with them when they're not around.
Earlier in the week Hamish was in Hyde Park for the first time when we went to see a nice new vet near there. Hamish went to have blood tests but he wouldn't allow them to do it and cried and howled a lot. We will need to sedate him next time. Oh dear!
Never mind he had a good sleep on our bed when he got home.
Shhhhhhhhhh! Now, now steady on Red Girls he's only getting comfy.
Still always the cute puppy when he wants something....He likes coming to work with me cos he gets to help out in the kitchen which always smells soooooooo delicious.The daffs are out in St. James's Park and it's really uplifting that it was still light when I took him out of the office for the afternoon walk.

We Love the Weekend and today is Sunny!

2008-02-16T17:26:00.005Z

Sunny Sunday's are best going to Hamstead Heath on the train......And on Saturday's we have our Local marked called 'Broadway Market' and friends love to come and visit because there's lots of really delicious food and a great atmosphere. Today it was sunny too so everyone seemed in a good mood. Steven's godson, Archie is staying over tonight and he's the young one on the log with Hamish. It must be puppy season as we've been meeting loads recently. This is Snoopy the 12 week old Italian Greyhound.

This is our sweetheart resident poser extraordinaire.

This is a wee Boston Terrier brand new to the park but I've forgotten her name. I'm sure we'll see her again soon in the Fields.
The lovely Broadway Market in the glorious sunshine.

Happy New Year! Holidays all round.

2008-01-06T23:22:00.000Z

Not much time to write because we're up early to go to the Red Sea in the morning and Hamish has gone on his Hols already to Radio's house. Here are some of the things Hamish has been getting up to since last posting.
Hamish's first trip to the pub to play darts...no so impressed.

Hamish's very favourite shop - definintely.Cuddling up to a very new friend on New Years' Eve.
New friend from the country, a surprise encounter with Dodi the Viz from Herefordshire, and of course the lovely best girlfriend Maisie.
Tired out on the way back from the Richmond Viz Whizz.

Countdown to Crimbo!

2007-12-15T21:27:00.000Z

Steven and Hamish on the canal just before we heard plop! and Hamish had fallen in with his coat on.
This is just afterwards, stupid clumsy Vizsla. You can't see but he's shivering and feeling very sorry for himself.
Hamish has some of his own 'office' work to do when I'm on the phone.
We were very lucky today that Radio came to stay for the afternoon. They really, really love playing indoors. Not ideal for watching the Saturday matinee on t.v. with a cuppa. They look more like gerbils than Vizslak in this photo I think.
Not much been happening as we've been s0000000000 busy. Hamish goes to a new dog-walker sometimes now and I think he loves it. He gets to play with 7 other dogs all day and comes home at night very tired. He did chew through two leashes in the back of the van though so we had to buy him a chain one (chewproof). Here he is at the entrance to 'his' park wearing the new collar to match. It's cheap and not fancy but I love him in red I think it really suits him.

Victoria Park Gundog Line-up

2007-12-01T20:45:00.000Z

Today we went to Vicci Park with Andrea and Radio and we bumped into some friends. First to come along was Ruby and then Jake the Weimy and then his new sister Silver and then Rucci. So we were six in total for our line-up photo. 3 Vizslak and 3 Weimaraner. What a great day we all had.

Mr.McKahn's Belated Birthday Party

2007-11-23T21:43:00.000Z

Today Hamish started adult obedience class and we got a recipe for liver cake. He was excellent in the class and we could really see what a good boy he is. So as a just reward we Steven baked him the cake this afternoon. (then he ran off in the park after a scent but we'll ignore that bit just for today).
Mmmmm. That looks very nice but...How do I get it without singeing my whiskers?Oh, I see you just have to get in and out fast as you can........ouch! Didn't quite manage it...what's that smell?Oh Dear, I think I've eaten too much...!

Happy Birthday Hamish McKahn!

2007-11-21T20:42:00.000Z

Hamish turned one today. We walked into work along the canal and stopped for some birthday photos.
The canal residents barked happy birthday as we passed.
I think Hamish is thinking..."If I was a bone I'd eat myself" and I was thinking please put your willie away if only till I take the picture.
We really wanted to have a party but both had to work today - Sorry Hamish promise to make it up to you at the weekend. I'll even bake you a liver cake, how about that. To finish off the day we had a run around St. James's Park and visited the tourists in Trafalgar Square.
We appear to be offering a service for all the London visitors who've left their dogs at home abroad, they all come and ask to stroke Hamish because they miss their own dogs so much. We're only too happy to help of course.

I am a very stylish boy.....how do I look?

2007-11-19T16:16:00.000Z

What a cold weekend we had. Time for the 'Piccadilly Highlander' outfit again I'm afraid. There were no friends around at all for wrestling so nothing for it but a good run after the bicycle around Victoria Park and he loves it.

I've decided for now that Hamish is a very well behaved dog and we're pals. However saying that, we just walked past Radio's house this morning and he couldn't come out but as I was talking on the phone with Andrea and we seen them at the window and Radio started barking and Hamish jumped through the fence and ran up the road towards Radio's door. On the second attempt he came back to me when I blew his whistle, but he was out of sight and round the corner in a flash (luckily there were no cars around). Of course it would have been better if he hadn't wandered off at all, but progress is progress, one day at a time. One day he will surrender to the whistle - immediately I hope.

Kill those Nasty Fireworks by Robodog

2007-11-14T17:48:00.000Z

We got off to a good start with Hamish's first firework season a few bangs in the park and he looked up, cocked his head and then carried on sniffing. Then they got closer to home and the 5th November approached...a bit too close. I let him out in our garden for a wee without realising our neighbours three doors down were having a display in their back garden. As the sparks and bright colours burst into the sky Hamish bolted for the door and hid downstairs terrified. For four nights he wouldn't go outside after dark and then slowly got more settled but he didn't enjoy it at all. Let's hope next year goes better.

On a better note (don't want to speak too soon though) the good news is that so far Hamish loves his new whistle and comes bounding towards me when I blow it. I haven't really tested it with any big distractions so far though...slowly does it, Rome wasn't built in a day but I'm being super careful to make sure he keeps on loving it.

Chickens? Wot Chickens?

2007-11-09T16:46:00.000Z

Today we started a bit of gundog training with Radio. We decided training is much more fun when you do it with friends - for us humans too. I could see Hamish was immediately having more fun and was more engaged so this is hopefully a good way to make progress. We took the boys to see the chickens at Hackney City Farm but they didn't pay the slightest attention to them as Andrea had them engrossed in their commands. Next we'll try it with Squirrels.

Halloween on the Long line - Abney Cemetary

2007-11-06T18:23:00.000Z

We have been advised to keep Hamish on the lead for the next 8 weeks (yes it seems rather drastic) until he learns better recall and get himself under control generally. It is quite a test for us too. He has been jumping up at people and now that he's a big lad it gets very embarassing, he even knocked one lady over. Luckily she was a doggie lady. He gets very happy when he sees folks but obviously this behaviour is inappropriate and has to be modified.
Ho Hum, what to do. We took him for a cycle to Abney Cemetry where we hoped he wouldn't meet any of his mates. He did meet a lovely Alsation called Stella though and we did let him off leash for a while as it was an enclosed space and they played very well together.
He's even getting better at leaving the squirrels alone, but they still fascinate him. No Hamish he's not coming down to play with you - ever!
Even at my work he seeks out the most comfortable chair in the house, in the sunshine is even better. Oi mister - this one's reserved for customers.

Little big man McKahn...!

2007-10-31T15:00:00.001Z

Hamish McKahn is growing up, testosterone and selective hearing , humping....whatever happened to our playful pup? There doesn't seem to be so much time for doting over him taking lovely piccies. Here's one from this morning though. A Vizsla Narcissus in love with his own reflection.
He's mostly on the long line at the moment to try and improve his behaviour at this crucial time, but here's a moment of time-out with girlfriend Ruby.
And another with mentor Radio and Doby Flo - oh and a wee Ruby in the background. This is a new café in our park. They're still learning how to make coffee but they put water bowls out for dogs so we like them already.
Hamish used to sleep for hours when he came to work with me, now he's into everything and wants to be at the centre of it all.

Luckily I kept his puppy crate which he still likes to squeeze in to for a power nap.

Back to the Grind...

2007-10-04T16:37:00.000+01:00

Hamish loves London Fields life as well as the Scottish Highlands. Of course - all his mates are here. "Fancy a pint Louie?"
Just back home and we're off for the weekend already. Hamish makes himself at home at our friends house in Kent. Not much of a gentleman but he might make a good stud yet?
Back to work, but at least Green Park is full of squirrels......leave it!

Belated Tales of a Picadilly Highlander

2007-10-03T17:53:00.000+01:00

It seems like ages ago but we did go on holiday this year and here is the proof of exactly how beautiful it was.....but first we had to get there.
...are we nearly there yet?
Ok, I know....enough is enough, first a bus-then the sleeper-then another train-then another bus...but I promise one little more taxi ride and then.......yes back to the comfort your accustomed to.
I'm ready for my close up Mr. DeMille...
What, have I got something on my face?

Come on...please just a wee forty winks.

Does my bum look big in this?
He wasn't giving this one back for anything. It'd been festering nicely for quite a while, mmmm yummy.
See it does get sunny in Scotland sometimes. Lucky we had a furry neighbour to keep Hamish occupied.
We're going to need a bigger boat.....
What the hell kind of dog d'ya call that? YIKES!
The view in front of our cottage.
I'm sure he was a working dog in a former existence. This is Bill Cowie, Rona's manager (that covers a vast amount of things - very hard work) Bill thought Hamish was a very posh dog and called him a Picadilly Highlander. Bills dogs sleep outside even in Winter.
A peaceful wee inlet with mist in the distance.
It's all so much fun, but leaping through the heather is very tiring.
Hamish takes in the last of the sea air on the boat back from Rona to Portree.

Latest Mischief

2007-08-07T18:34:00.000+01:00

Radio continues to be a great mentor and sometimes Hamish copies him and even remembers what to do when Radio's not around. Looking out for his Humans on Hampstead Heath. (Not really, he's surveying the situation while Radio goes running up to another dog...is it safe to go in yet Radio?)
Hamish thinks some little girls are ok that's if they're very gentle and he can get to know them over several hours. Oh, and it's a real bonus if he gets to steal their dummies. So there's the proof if we needed any that he's still a baby too!
Go on then Delphine, give him a goodnight kiss! Bet you do that to all the boys (and she did!)
The things he has to put up with....I mean a Vizsla shoe shopping...whatever next?
It's so hot and his first summer - he's worn out! But then he does look great in the sunshine.
"Oh I say Radio, what a great way to cool off. Do you think they'll let us stay in here all day"
"Yes Hamish, but you need to learn how to dive in and stop being such a baby. They let you in for longer if you don't look so freaked out when it's hard to get out"

Still Very Much A Puppy

2007-07-28T21:15:00.000+01:00

Wow, isn't she just amazing. I'm sure she looked just like a cow to Hamish, except he's never come across one of those either. He was unsure to say the least, but I think they would have slowly become very good friends if they had met in an open space off leash. She really was a gentle giant.
Hamish is auditioning for the part of Elastipup in 'The Incredibles Part 2 - A Canine Caper'.
Then we met our best friends for a threesome frolic in Victoria Park.
It was a lovely walk and great to see Ruby and have a swim. The boys were quite subdued as we walked home, Radio helped us again with some training. But despite everything, he's still very much a puppy at heart and hasn't grown out of stealing my shoes and running out into the garden with them to make sure that you play with him. And all this is not long after our four hour walk.

Pretty Peggy on the South Bank

2007-07-27T16:32:00.001+01:00

Last night I took Hamish out with me to meet a friend on the South Bank. We met loads of people who all wanted to say hello to him. My friend was amazed at how much attention we got. Hamish however I know was secretly missing doggy interaction and then...out of the blue we spotted a beautiful silver girl coming towards us. This is Peggy and she likes to play rough too, she's only 4 months old, we hope to meet her again in East London. So if you're reading this - leave us a message and we can arrange another wrestling match on grass instead of concrete.
By the time we were going home I didn't have the heart to move Hamish off the bus seat. He was looking very tired and wasn't talking to me. I think I kept the puppy out too late past his sofa time. Sorry Hamish!

Hamish out and about with Friends old and new

2007-07-26T15:16:00.000+01:00

It might look scary but Hamish is really gentle with the new puppies on the block - this is Millie (or is this one Honey?) Bailey is not allowed to play too much until his skin clears up, we want him to stay handsome.Hamish takes a breather in a small meadow next to the pond at Hackney City Farm. He may look calm but just before this he had been in the mucky pond and was running around like a tasmanian devil. Around and around through the long grass. He does often seem to go mad when he sees long grass, does anyone else notice this? It looks like he's having the best time though and wears himself out.
There's another new kid on the block in my office. This is Ted and he's not scared of anything, least of all a giant Vizsla. Another exercise in tolerance for Hamish. Yeah, Mr. it wasn't so long ago that you were this cheeky, see how it feels now with the shoe on the other foot, eh?
Young lovers, aaaah the little lambs should be a picture on a chocolate box. In truth they were more fiercely and S & M than romantic but that's puppy love for you.
This is Ellis she lives in Shoreditch and is three years old. She and Hamish wrestled very well together and she's just lovely. Watch out Ruby, Hamish might just have an eye for the more mature ladies.
This is big gentle Boris, I think he's Hamish's favourite wrestling partner at the moment. They really go for it and knock lumps out of each other but always part as friends.
This is Honey or is it Millie? They've both had their heads in Hamish's mouth and come back for more wagging their tails.

Pussy Galore!

2007-07-22T18:53:00.000+01:00

Hamish got up close and purrrrrsonal with our neighbours black cat this afternoon. He was very interested but only wanted to make friends. He's in training for when he gets his bengal kitten chum so he'd better be good or we may change our minds.

Sunday Sunshine!

2007-07-22T13:57:00.000+01:00

Today finally we were able to have a nice long walk without getting wet at some point along the way. We discovered some new parts of Victoria Park for Hamish to pose while practicing his 'WAIT' command. Not many dogs around for him today though. Oh, he did loose his footing and fall right in the canal but I didn't get any photos of that - I thought it'd be better to fish him out as he was in a bit of a panic as he couldn't get out by himself.Just a bit more to the right please Hamish!Believe it or not he's only just learning that it's easier to jump over a small fence than walk all the way around it.

Three Red, one black and one spotted, friends and lots of Pimms - It must be Pimms O'Clock?

2007-07-21T16:46:00.000+01:00

Pheeeeeewwww! It only started to rain as we lifted the last cushion back indoors in the wee hours of the morning. Our first garden party with new canine friends and owners.
Hamish and Ruby finally get it together when Maisy went home. (Sorry Maisy)
Ruby is getting to know the humans better too. Yeah, more Vizsla cuddles for us.
Ruby didn't quite know what to make of Napoleon our stool.
Four lovely girls together.

Time to take the baby home.but not before Ruby got to see what sofa surfing is all about.

Ginger Overload

2007-07-17T21:08:00.000+01:00

We had a great day on Sunday at the Viz Whizz in Ham, (but we didn't get stuck in the traffic though) Here's a few of our snaps.There were one or two who weren't so ginger (or very impressed either)It was all too much for Hamish , until he manages a power nap to prepare for his agility debut.

The Start of Something Big?

2007-07-08T18:33:00.000+01:00

Today we had our first East London mini-Vizsla Walk (that's not a new small breed it just means there were only three dogs). We were a bit late cos we met the cutest puppies on the way.We met Andrea and Radio on Broadway Market for the usual manic greeting....and then headed off down the canal to meet Ruby Matt and Joe.
We always knew that Radio was a good swimmer (he even taught wee Hamish) but today he really impressed all of us as he swam alongside us as we walked along the towpath for at least 20mins, in fact he was reluctant to come out and needed quite a lot of coaxing.

Maisy

2007-07-05T17:49:00.000+01:00

Meet Maisy, she's another of Hamish's great friends from the park. Ruby mustn't get jealous though cos Maisy is a Dalmation and so can't ever love Hamish the Vizla way. But she is a great wrestler.

Fox Poo...Yummy!

2007-07-03T20:46:00.000+01:00

Hamish had his first roll in fox shit today. Steven wasn't very proud and called ahead to get the bath ready and all doors and hatches sealed. Out comes the tomato purée again then. Hamish thinks this is great since he loves a good splash around in the tub playing 'catch the flannel' but he doesn't quite get why everyone else has angry faces.

Hamish sneaks in Photo Shoot

2007-07-02T21:00:00.000+01:00

We went to have breakfast at our friend Rachel's the other day (She doesn't usually dress like this for breakfast). We were helping her make a card to say thanks to our friends in Italy who managed to send her some silver Prada wedges that she wanted. Hamish of course just had to get in on the action. It's a long time since we took him to see the kids, see how small he was last time.

Love is in the Air......Today We Finally Met Ruby, Matt and Joe

2007-07-01T20:50:00.000+01:00

Today we went to the Tower Hamlets Dog Show which was a fun event with categories such as the Best Harry Potter Impersonator. However we didn't come home empty handed as Hamish won 4th place in the Best Puppy Category. He didn't mind but of course we thought the judge needed glasses. (No offense to the lovely winner 'Snippy' but we do have a clause in the intro of this blog that openly admits that we're biased.) Anyway it was fun and we got lots of freebies.

By far the best thing about today though was that we finally got to meet the lovely Ruby, and Matt and Joe who are very nice too. We've been hearing about them for months now but our paths never crossed until this afternoon, and we were very excited as was Hamish.They got on very well together as you can see. Wouldn't they make lovely puppies...mmmmm? We must be crazy to even think it, no?
After lunch we nearly got the bus home as Hamish was trying to cuddle up and sleep. But he soon perked up at the sight of his furry friends in the park.Ok then go for a quick swim but don't..........HAMISH!!!.......He absolutely stunk something rotten all the way home....and then cuddled up for the rest of the day after a nice warm shower with a good rub with Tomato Purée (apparently an old hunters tip we got from Andrea, he still stinks a bit though).

Jerry

2007-06-30T19:46:00.000+01:00

Today we met another lovely Vizsla boy called Jerry in London Fields - he's great, just like Hamish except a wee bit older at 9months and I suspect a bit more polite. He and Hamish had loads of fun playing together and watching them was like seeing Hamish playing with his mirror image. The perfect match....

Jerry had to go to the market so we took some time to do a bit of buggie training and we did make quite a bit of progress. Although we weren't able to zip up the front as somehow when we weren't looking the zip had gotten chewed? Hmmm, wonder if it was a mouse?

Introducing the Wonderful World of Springfield Park (after brekkie at the Dalston Café of course)

2007-06-23T18:49:00.001+01:00

Our Friend Scottie John has just opened his new Dalston Café at the top of our Road so we have a new ritual of passing by for our Saturday breakfast so Hamish has to be patient before he gets his walk. Hey - we have to put ourselves first sometimes? NO?
No it's not St. James's Park.....but we think it's even better and it's just up the road.
Today we discovered a welcome new venue for watersports right here in Hackney, well Clapton really but very close. Hamish loved it and so did we. It was very, very quiet and there was no rubbish on the ground!!! Not so many dogs but we still had loads of fun (well there was one but Hamish wouldn't stop trying to hump him so he got angry). Doesn't wee Hamish look very grown up here. A proper young Vizsla genteman.Our sticks weren't good enough for Hamish, he had to find us his own big one to throw into the pond. He now has no hesitation about water at all and loves splashing around and does real deep water swimming. Radio taught him really well, the novice has now graduated and the master is preparing the next lesson which I believe will be tomorrow in Hackney Marshes.
How far is it to Calais? I think I can make it, I can, really I can.

That was the just the pond...then at the bottom of the hill there's the River Lea with lots of Narrowboats and so we stopped for another photo opportunity....

Then Hamish feels peckish for something in the water...

He really wants it....

He thinks he can just about reach it....

Oh dear, I thought it would end in tears - or a wet Vizsla puppy.

Still, nothing like a good run to help dry you off, eh Hamish?Just before we came home we seen this and it reminded us of someone special so we couldn't resist to contribute this respectful homage.
Then we came home and I had to cut the grass which Hamish thought was really BORING! so guess what...time for a Zzzzzzzzz

Then just when I thought he was feeling to grown up for cuddles....

Going Quackers in St. James's Park

2007-06-18T14:23:00.000+01:00

Some days I take Hamish to work with me in Covent Garden. He gets to meet lots of new people and gets huge amounts of attention. A bit too much perhaps as now he occasionally can't even be bothered to wag his tail when yet another stranger wants to say hello. Maybe this is just a sign of him getting a bit more grown up and calming down? He loves it when it's cold enough for the fire to be on so he can lie down in front of it, and I must say he does look very 'to the manor born'. Funnily enough he's always quite well behaved in my office and generally lies down and guess what...sleeps for the first 3hrs. Then he gets a bit frisky and plays with some toys for a while until I can stop to take him out to St. James's park and occasionally if I 've got time to Green Park which is better for letting him off the lead (no ducks and the like).
Hamish is now more interested in the water-foul in St. James's park. He shows no aggression, so I really don't know if he just wants to say hello to them like he would another dog - or cat even, but he did try to squeeze through the fence, then to squeeze under it until I had to drag him away disappointed - sorry wee fella.

Here he is posing in front of Buckingham Palace.

You got to grab some water when you're on the go.

Sleepy Head

2007-06-15T22:39:00.000+01:00

I sometimes envy Hamish, he's always happy and mostly gets to do what he likes doing all day and sleeps wherever and whenever he wants. He has amazing friends (and quite fantastic owners too). Vizslas are notoriously energetic and he has his moments but he also has a very calm side to his nature which is very lucky for us. He is always cosy in bed and can't wait to get in at night and in the morning he's quite glad of the snooze button on the alarm. I mean look at him sleep.....zzzzzzzzzzzz in the bed, zzzzzzzzz at the bus stop and zzzzzzzzzz on the floor on the bus.

Me and My Pal

2007-06-14T22:32:00.000+01:00

Radio and Hamish are really really good friends now, you'd better get out the way of the stampede when they meet up or else...excited is not the word - even by Vizsla standards . YIKES!

Sometimes they even lie down together at the same time (ok,not often).

Radio even taught Hamish how to swim.

My god though when he gets hold of that ball.....

Went for a walk along the canal and Hamish wanted to go in for a dip.

Today a cat dared to cut across Hamish's garden. He was stunned into walking on tip toes so silently amazed and bewildered. It soon got the message and scarpered.