Sunday, 23 October 2016

Hounds of the Highlands -October 2016


 I hope at least a few people will read this post - most of you have probably given up waiting.  Anyway all is well with the dogs - they have had a busy summer.  

In May Hamish was diagnosed with Addison's disease.  We had noticed for a long time that he was slowing down, but just thought he was getting old.  Anyway to cut a long story short he is now on daily pills and monthly injections for the rest of his life and is back to the lively little dog of years ago. He is also getting his whiskers back though somewhat greyer than before! 
Then in July we hosted our son and daughter-in-law's wedding  at the house. All three dogs enjoyed welcoming various relatives and friends who arrived several days before the big day, quite a few of them camping or caravaning around the place. And then, of course, their presence was required on the actual day! I have posted lots of photos to give you an idea of how it went.  Firstly there was the preparation just prior to the big day ....

Maja and Hamish greeting one of the campers



Hamish supervising the decoration of the bar which was to be named after him!




Hamish and Maja posing on the 'blanket box'.


Kobe testing the green carpet - no point on walking on gravel if you don't have to.


  It got chilly in the evenings!


Maja looking pretty and behaving for once!


Kobe resting in comfort - guests would have to step over him because he wasn't moving!



The bar just about finished - Hamish's Tavern!



And then the big event - Hamish was very much part of the ceremony as can be seen.  He sat under one of the benches during the ceremony and appeared just in time to act as a witness!! The Ridgebacks were resting inside!






And the the meal!   We had decided that we would shut the dogs in the house during the meal.  Kobe has a habit, (as do a lot of Ridgebacks!) of resting his head on the table between plates and eyeing up the contents, something which isn't appreciated by everyone.  Well we had just started eating when all three dogs came bouncing in, tails wagging, so pleased with themselves - they had escaped - and the expression on Kobe's face was quite something - eyes popping out of his head!  Instead of the usual small number of plates to choose from there were now 70 plus - where to start!!  Sorry to say that his fun was quickly curtailed - they were taken back inside. However, he and Hamish made up for it by closely supervising the cooking of the Hog Roast planned for the evening.  This close supervision resulted in both of them sporting very greasy heads for the next few days.  Pig fat is difficult to remove - L'Oreal wipes proved the best!!  Luckily the caterers liked dogs and the three of them were rather pudding like (even Maja!) by the end of the evening!


Celidh in full swing!


Supervising the eating of the Hog roast!


A well deserved rest!


A few photos out and about this summer.











Maja is a very vocal dog and likes nothing better than a big, loud stretch



She still loves playing with both Kobe and Hamish!

















Finally we had a few days holiday up round the very north of Scotland.  Absolutely beautiful, though unfortunately a lot of sheep so Maja had to be on the lead quite a lot as she is not yet to be trusted amongst them - but it didn't do her any harm.



Wednesday, 30 March 2016

Hounds of the Highlands - March 2016


Well, it's been a long time since the last blog and a lot has happened in Maja's little life since then.  She had her first season at 14 months and which started 22 days before we were due to head for Crufts to do Discover Dogs and we made it!  She did two stints on Discover Dogs and was so good.  She was typical Ridgeback, spoke to those she chose to and slept and ignored the rest!  First day there she stuck close to me on the lead and although not phased by the enormity of the event and the number of dogs you could tell she was happy to have the reassurance close by.  On the second day she marched in with an air of 'been here done this', and she knew exactly how to work the stalls for free food.  We stayed nearby Crufts for 3 nights and she took the new sleeping arrangements (in my bed) and the evening visits to the local pub for a meal and well earned drink, in her stride.  She was a real pleasure to be with and lots of people were amazed that she was so well behaved and unfazed at such a young age.  Our first night away was quite funny - she settled down on her bed on the floor but within an hour she was up on the bed beside me.  I had predicted this so the bed was well protected. She settled down but then about every half hour I was wakened up with the thump of her wagging tail and lots of licks as she realised that I was next to her.  Luckily the next two nights were better otherwise I might have suffered a sense of humour failure!! Below is a fun, official photo taken at Crufts by Ian Dakin - photographer.


Maja doing her bit at Discover Dogs


and asleep in the pub in the evening - it's hard work being good all the time!


 The winning RR bitch and Best of Breed at Crufts.


 and reserve RR bitch


Maja at home doing what she loves the best - walking/running in the woods









Hamish showing off on the log piles









Kobe in hunting pose!! Kobe sees no point in exerting any effort if a female, i.e. Maja wil do the running for him and he can wait and see 



Easter Monday and a days outing to Ullapool.  The weather was sunny with showers and the dogs were not amused that we tried to take some photo when it was raining - timing was not good!




Boy can Ridgebacks look miserable when they want to!