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

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

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

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.