May 15th

This week started much as usual with us going on walks, ringcraft etc.  Monday saw us on the river walk where someone has built a walkway over a ditch that leads you into the forest.  I though I would see if Maja would go over it - never even hesitated and she was first to go!

Tuesday we did a forest walk as a neighbour had phoned to say that a friend of hers had lost their dog on Sunday whilst out horse riding.  We did a circuit but no sign of the dog, however, she phoned later on that day to say that it had been found.

The weather has not been too bad the past week so I have been out gardening a bit with lots of help from two of my four legged friends!

The sensible one looked on with little interest - it is chilly when your relaxing!

and there is always time for some play!  For two dogs that initially seemed like deadly enemies they are now best of friends - well most of the time!

We also had an outing to the vets this week - the two older dogs for their boosters and Maja for her 4 week lepto booster.  Hamish and Kobe had lost some weight which was good and Maja had put on 1.5kg in ten days.  She seems to have shot up and definitely doesn't look quite so thin now.  The vet agreed that she was about right now.  this week also saw Maja's first trip in the Landrover.  It was just a short trip to a nearby farm but she slept, flat out in the back bumping along.  No problems there.

Ringcraft and puppy classes ok this week but she is becoming increasingly stubborn if she doesn't feel like doing something.  At puppy class she was definitely getting bored and I had not brought very exciting treats with me.  Rabbit poo was far more preferable! Next week I will have to up to sausages or cheese and see if I can get her full attention.

And finally today we went for a walk with a friend along the coast.  This was a new walk for us. When Maja first met Gem she was quite a bit smaller than her, so it must be a bit of a shock for poor Gem that she is fast being outgrown.  However they still enjoy a run together.

Lots of rabbit smells and even ponds for swimming in. Hamish went in no problem and then Kobe decided to venture in. Maja, who doesn't like getting her feet wet obviously didn't realise that it got deep very quickly and decided, as she often does, to follow Kobe! I think the pictures tell the story. Kobe is very graceful in the water with very few splashes whereas Maja- well! Kobe had to make a quick exit as he is not too keen on a lot of splashing ever since he was ducked under by his longtime friend Cheetah, another Ridgeback!

Despite the shock of her unplanned dip, she shook herself off and continued as if nothing had happened.  Whether she will swim again - well that's another story.

Sunday sees us off to Gordon Castle Highland Games, weather permitting.  This should be a good socialising exercise for her, pipe bands, lots of people, dogs, noise etc and hopefully lots of photos taken. I am sure she will cope with it all.

http://www.gordoncastlehighlandgames.co.uk/