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/

May 10th

The past week has been relatively uneventful. The beginning of the week saw lots of rain and boy, does Maja not like the rain. She is showing signs of being very stubborn and refused to go out to the garden for the toilet, to the extent that we had to carry her out and stand around until she went.  Her toilet training definitely took a backward step and her love of the nice, warm Aga shot up!

Tuesday saw as at ringcraft - not the best performance!  She found it difficult to stand for any length of time and when she didn't want to run she sat.  A bit of work to be done in that area. I was dreading puppy class on Thursday night, but wearing her new coat, not the best example of stitch work but serving the purpose, she was remarkably good and very cosy.  No photo of her with coat on but will take one soon.

Towards the end of the week the weather improved and we went on two of our favourite walks, one along the river and the other up the hill from the house..  There were tadpoles in the ditches and the primroses were out on the banks.  Maja loved the walks and was constantly charging off amongst the trees.  One thing she is still very good at is coming back when called.  I have started using the whistle and she is responding well. Long may it last!

There was  also a deer to chase - it crossed the path in front of us so off they went, not that they were ever going to catch it

And there is still snow on the mountains but the views were spectacular

back home it was time to rest and play!

Finally today, Sunday, we went to a local dog show.  Obviously not to compete but just as a social event.  Disappointingly it was inside but we had a wander around and she was pretty good.  Slightly hesitant to start with but soon settled and had a good look around.  All good experience