{"id":102,"date":"2011-03-21T12:54:08","date_gmt":"2011-03-21T12:54:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.garniesdogblog.com\/?page_id=102"},"modified":"2013-08-28T11:21:29","modified_gmt":"2013-08-28T11:21:29","slug":"diary-of-a-dog-walker","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.garniesdogblog.com\/?page_id=102","title":{"rendered":"Diary of a dog walker"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Bluebells<\/a>Preface<\/strong><\/p>\n

I do love my walks with the boys.\u00c2\u00a0 I write my ‘stories’ in my mind while I am walking – I think that helps me to notice things.\u00c2\u00a0 This diary started as accounts of walks in emails to a friend, Sue, and there is no-one else I have ever met who is as interested in the countryside in the same amount of detail so it is possible that others will find these accounts boring but my main reason for keeping them is personal \u00e2\u20ac\u201c a record to read and remember when I am doddering, dotty and dog-less.\u00c2\u00a0 Sometimes I go out and notice nothing while another morning\u00c2\u00a0 it may be misty and the hedges will be hung with sheets of spiders\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 webs.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 They must be there every morning – but I just haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcseen\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 until they are covered with minute drops of moisture.\u00c2\u00a0 One morning as the sun was beginning to break through the mist it caught on the bigger drops and they sparkled like tiny crystals.\u00c2\u00a0 In November ’11\u00c2\u00a0 it snowed the type I think they call snow grains which caught and hung on the webs.\u00c2\u00a0 Sometimes it is so<\/strong> beautiful that it brings tears to my eyes.<\/p>\n

The entries on these pages are a rough and ready record \u00e2\u20ac\u201c largely un-proofread and often just notes<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Day by Day<\/strong><\/p>\n

25.08.2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

It has rained for two nights and a day and it has also been windy.\u00c2\u00a0 This morning the paths are scattered with yellow leaves.\u00c2\u00a0 A portent of autumn coming and the death-knell to a summer which, though lovely, has been all to short.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

22.08.2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

Misty morning<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

19.08.2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dog training tonight and someone pointed out the huge moon shining in through the window of the hall\u00c2\u00a0 (it gets dark so early now)<\/p>\n

On returning home the world is bathed in moonlight.\u00c2\u00a0 The sea is a band of burnished steel on the horizon and the\u00c2\u00a0 and the boys and I are followed in by our ‘moon-shadows’.\u00c2\u00a0 What a beautiful world<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

18.08.2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

Walking through the wood the path is dry as dust, the driest it has been for more than a year.\u00c2\u00a0 The reason why it is noteworthy is that last night it rained, however the canopy, mainly beech is so thick that few if any drops have penetrated.\u00c2\u00a0 As we walk, the dogs and I, a feint breeze must have moved the leaves and at once the air above us is filled with the pitter-pattering\u00c2\u00a0 of water falling from leaf to leaf.\u00c2\u00a0 A veritable rain-storm seems to be in progress, yet the moisture is still retained within the vegetation.\u00c2\u00a0 There is, on the woodland floor, a sparse growth of brambles struggling for existence; leaves grown large in the effort to capture sufficient light to support growth.\u00c2\u00a0 From time to time one of these will suddenly nod, briefly, it is the only sign that any water at all is reaching the ground and does nothing to alleviate the aridity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

26.01.2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

A sharp frost and remnants of partly melted and refrozen snow made the roads lethal, the cold pinched my fingers and stiffened my hands making handling of leads and treats a feat almost beyond my ability.<\/p>\n

A yearning for good hot comfort food had resulted in my topping up on a supply of wonderful spicy warming Waitrose dal \u00e2\u20ac\u201c the main part of last nights dinner and I could feel the ominous gurgling after effects.<\/p>\n

As I struggled to open the gate into the woods, feet slipping in all directions the dal caught up with me. Loud and musical as a hunting horn!\u00c2\u00a0 The hound, born to the sound, was off giving tongue with a volume that carried across the county and Ferrari like acceleration of 0 \u00e2\u20ac\u201c 60 in 6 seconds.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0Unfortunately the flexi lead having barely a second\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s worth length brought him to an abrupt halt but, not one to be beaten, he assured me that he had a huge stag before him which he was holding at bay.\u00c2\u00a0 The barking which had been deafening now went off the scale.\u00c2\u00a0 The terrier, not to be outdone rushed busily back and forth squealing with excitement and nagging at us to pay attention to him.<\/p>\n

Though normally good about walking on a loose leash the scent of deer in the area (though nowhere near as close as the imaginary stag) drove the pair of dogs to the verge of insanity.\u00c2\u00a0 I forged forward along a path, turned into a rough gully by a year of record rain.\u00c2\u00a0 Snow and ice lethally cover the sides with a mini torrent between.\u00c2\u00a0 Slipping and sliding from pool to pool via tumbling cataracts I was further disadvantaged by a small stone which seemed to have found its way into my wellie.<\/p>\n

With some relief I reached the bottom of the gorge-like section of the path to where it flattened out at a crossing of two ways.\u00c2\u00a0 Close at hand a metal post advises riders on the bridle path that horses are not welcome on the foot path.\u00c2\u00a0 I welcomed the post and hung on to it while I remove my boot and emptied it upside down to get rid of the stone, which has been cutting sharply and uncomfortably into my foot.\u00c2\u00a0 Fortunately for the moment the boys had lost interest in deer both real and imaginary.\u00c2\u00a0 Having shaken the boot I took the additional precaution of rubbing the foot of my sock just in case the stone has stuck in the wool, but there was nothing there.<\/p>\n

I returned my foot to the boot just in time.\u00c2\u00a0 The boys, who had waited patiently thus far dived into the undergrowth and come out holding the eg of a small deer.\u00c2\u00a0 Fortunately it is obvious that the leg and its owner have parted company long ago.\u00c2\u00a0 Dextrous management (or as dextrous as possible under the adverse circumstances) of treats and a firm \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcleave it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 cue, followed by treats thrown further along the path and a burst of the \u00e2\u20ac\u02dchunting\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 game persuade the boys that the bones are something best not to take home and we continue on our way. \u00c2\u00a0Unfortunately the stone was still there.\u00c2\u00a0 When I eventually got home I found it inside my sock<\/p>\n

Fortunately most of our walks are far duller!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

25.11.2012<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rain, rain, and yet more rain.<\/p>\n

We haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t had as much as the West Country but too much all the same.\u00c2\u00a0 We live near the top of a hill which protects us, to a large extent, from flooding, fortunately but it can still get pretty wet.<\/p>\n

Today when I took the boys out I walked \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcupstream\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 to the top and \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcdownstream\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 by another route.\u00c2\u00a0 Just before the final turn for home there is a small crossroads. \u00c2\u00a0As we approached the corner we came face to face with one of George\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcnemesis\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 dogs. I hadn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t been fully concentrating or I would have noticed him alert and had warning.\u00c2\u00a0 As it was the best I could do was to hastily retreat while calling them enthusiastically to come and play the hunting game.<\/p>\n

Arnie, enthusiastically, and George, slightly less willingly (not without a bit of a growl) came over to the other side of the road to play the hunting game with a new twist.\u00c2\u00a0 The minor cataract was swirling the kibble away as fast as I could throw it; rather than hunt they quickly learning to fish.\u00c2\u00a0 Plunging their noses into the water and grabbing the food before it could be washed out of their reach.\u00c2\u00a0 It proved a wonderful distraction and the much hated large yellow lab was able to pass without mine taking further notice, despite the lab straining on her lead in their direction<\/p>\n

2012.11.10<\/strong><\/p>\n

The day had been totally miserable, although mild for the time of year; it was oppressively grey with a drizzly mist turning into torrential downpours from time to time.<\/p>\n

It was one of these downpours that caught us (the boys and me) when we were out on our morning walk and we came home like three soggy sponges, leaking gallons of water over the sitting room floor (roll on the new porch so I take some remedial measures before entering the front door). \u00c2\u00a0The best that could be said of the walk was that it only rained hard on the way home and there was no wind.\u00c2\u00a0 The previous Sunday we had left home in pouring rain and a gale which made the trees along the road creak and groan alarmingly.\u00c2\u00a0 The dogs were squinting with the effort to keep their eyes sufficiently open to see where they were going.\u00c2\u00a0 Already soaked to the skin after barely a mile I asked the boys if they wanted to return home.\u00c2\u00a0 Instantly George took off as if Old Nick were on his heals and Arnie, after a disbelieving look in my direction was soon aster him.<\/p>\n

The rain continued, with varying degrees of intensity, all day so I decided to take them together for their afternoon walk.\u00c2\u00a0 As we left the rain stopped and little by little the sky above us started to clear.\u00c2\u00a0 A horseman, bursting out of the undergrowth a short way ahead of us momentarily startled the boys who stared to bark but on being asked to go to the side of the road and wait they quickly calmed down, finding the routine reassuring.\u00c2\u00a0 Where the rider passed was a place where the vegetation opened out giving an open vista to the west (behind me). As he came to the place he turned back to me to comment on the amazing sunset which, distracted by the dogs\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 unrest, I had missed.\u00c2\u00a0 The sun, still just above the horizon was fiery gold and the surrounding sky a blazing orange.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0The violence of colour quickly passed as the sun sank and the horizon was clad in shades of peach and apricot while the mist over the fields in the foreground, grazed by a flock of small black sheep, were tinted with a delicate shell pink.\u00c2\u00a0 It was overwhelmingly beautiful.<\/p>\n

24th<\/sup> July 2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

I noticed a place where a badger had been digging and on closer inspection saw that it had dug out a wasps nest.\u00c2\u00a0 I seemed to have a memory of learning that badgers eat wasp larvae so Googled and found the following on the New Scientist website\u00c2\u00a0 -\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBadgers will dig out a wasps’ nest and eat the larvae and their food base\u00e2\u20ac\u2122. This picture<\/a> shows an underground nest demolished in the summer of 2003.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 (The pic looks very similar to the one I saw)<\/p>\n

Note: Wasps don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feed their young on honey they feed them on \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcmeat\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 – Ro and I sat at the table in the garden for ages one evening watching a wasp come down, cut a tiny piece off some left over meat fly off with it then come back for more.\u00c2\u00a0 If we hadn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t been there to provide them with a nice bit BBQ\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d lamb (or whatever) they would have sought out carrion.\u00c2\u00a0 Some species take caterpillars back into the nest for their young to feed on.\u00c2\u00a0 It is only the adults that go for jam, juices from over ripe fruit etc as their \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcwasp-waisted\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 shape apparently precludes consumption of solid food<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

10th<\/sup> June 2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Bet you haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t seen one of these before!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said a neighbour crossing the road to speak to me as I was walking home with the boys this morning. \u00c2\u00a0He was quite excited and had something concealed in his hand – as he opened his fist I saw in his palm a tiny creamy coloured egg, slightly translucent and faintly spotted and barred with chocolate markings \u00e2\u20ac\u201c somewhat smaller than the sugar coated eggs sometimes seen on Easter cakes.\u00c2\u00a0 He went on to explain that earlier in the year he had spotted a tiny mossy nest in the garden and from the size of the minute opening surmised it was a wren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s.\u00c2\u00a0 He watched it carefully and eventually saw the wrens popping in and out.\u00c2\u00a0 On one occasion, when they were both away he took out a ladder and peeped in \u00e2\u20ac\u201c there were six eggs.\u00c2\u00a0 Later he watched and in due course the parents appeared with five fledglings \u00e2\u20ac\u201c weenie mites, flitting and fluttering more like large moths than birds.\u00c2\u00a0 Once they had flown for good he climbed up to see if there had been an infertile egg and sure enough found the one that he was now showing me.<\/p>\n

17.03.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mis weather here grey and foggy with such high humidity that drizzle was sort of leaking out of it and all the trees were dripping in a rather depressing way<\/p>\n

On the plus side though while the boys were sniffing around I noticed a few violet leaves just coming through and than that there were loads of limy green wood sorrel leaves \u00e2\u20ac\u201cthey are so lovely, being such a vivid green \u00e2\u20ac\u201c however cold it seems spring really is on its way<\/p>\n

12.03.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Took the dogs out this morning in mist and drizzle \u00e2\u20ac\u201c about 50 yards before I would have turned round and gone home Arnie stopped to sniff at something and George was momentarily out of sight \u00e2\u20ac\u201c next moment I saw he war rolling \u00e2\u20ac\u201c there was a deer skull with some slimy stuff adhering to it and George was rolling all over it \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Yeuk!!<\/p>\n

Anyway I thought that there might be water at the bottom of the hill I was on so kept walking and eventually found a small pool where the ditch had dammed up \u00e2\u20ac\u201c clean and sandy at the bottom.\u00c2\u00a0 I grabbed his legs and rolled him on his back in it \u00e2\u20ac\u201c he looked so indignant!<\/p>\n

Anyway he got his revenge because when I let him got up he shook and some of it splashed into my mouth \u00e2\u20ac\u201c I spat in a very unladylike way for the next \u00c2\u00bd mile!!!<\/p>\n

When we got in from our walk – which took nearly two hours, instead of 1\u00c2\u00bc due to having to find water I took G straight into the garden and poured a good few bowls of clean water over him and then put him in his dog bag to dry – pic is of him as he is just beginning to emerge from it an hour or so later!<\/p>\n

23.02.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wet and foggy here today \u00e2\u20ac\u201c so bad that I put both the dogs raincoats on \u00e2\u20ac\u201c in the interests of protecting the sitting room from shaken mud splatters!\u00c2\u00a0 And when I got out oh sooo cold \u00e2\u20ac\u201c I felt decidedly cheated as the weather forecast had said significantly warmer today \u00e2\u20ac\u201c up to two figures.\u00c2\u00a0 I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think so!\u00c2\u00a0 Remembered to put towels and George\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s dri-bag with newspapers by front door.\u00c2\u00a0 Can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t find Arnie\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s one anywhere \u00e2\u20ac\u201c how can one loose a dri-bag, especially Arnie sized.\u00c2\u00a0 I am sure there must be \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcBorrowers\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 in the house!<\/p>\n

Only one canine encounter \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Arnie perfect George tetchy so no reward but not going loopy<\/p>\n

Got home to lovely warm sitting room but unfortunately George managed to shake before I could get his coat off.\u00c2\u00a0 Popped him in his dri-bag and wrapped Arnie in a large towel and popped him on his bed where he is still sleeping.<\/p>\n

Cuddled George on my lap in his bag and he was very happy to doze while I gently rubbed his tum and legs \u00e2\u20ac\u201c he really loved it and when he was unzipped just sat beside me and finished the cleaning himself.<\/p>\n

22.02.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Found the tomatoes, which I thought Arnie had eaten, in his bed along with an unopened packed of ginger \u00e2\u20ac\u201c I think he suffers from kleptomania!<\/p>\n

21.02.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Had good walks with dogs today and both pretty good in training but knackered now!<\/p>\n

Most of the time A&G are so good with not pulling now that we are OK with cats, squirrels and rabbits – but not foxes. \u00c2\u00a0A while ago though they got really worked up over a squirrel and stopping had no effect what ever! \u00c2\u00a0In fact it was all I could do to sdand still so in the end walked homewards until they quietened down, then turned round and tried again – mayhem – so started on homeward walk until quiet. \u00c2\u00a0Actually now can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t remember how many times – but must have been bad for me to blank it out of my mind! \u00c2\u00a0Anyway significantly better since so worth it though couldn’t decide whether suicide or dogicide (???) was going to be the better solution at the time!<\/p>\n

Oh must have left a small basket of mini plum toms to near the edge of the work top.\u00c2\u00a0 This am found one in George’s bed, partly eaten (tom not bed) went to pick it up and saw the basket – also partly eaten – but no more toms – presumably one of them ate them???<\/p>\n

20.02.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

All well chez Ridley \u00e2\u20ac\u201c the boys are no worse than usual – though all the mud and dirt the wet weather is causing us to walk in is really defeating me – just can’t be bothered to wash the throws today when they are going to be filthy again tomorrow.\u00c2\u00a0 I am so looking forward to some better weather. \u00c2\u00a0Hoping to have a porch by next winter – think my next dog will be a Chinese Crested!!!!<\/p>\n

19.02.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chucking it down here – got bloomin\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 soaked this am – had the boys out at 7.15 as had to get to Julia’s by 9 and get some diesel on the way – 4mls in opposite direction but couldn’t risk going to Js 1st<\/p>\n

17.02.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Went to SCATs to complain about my wellies – probably gone on about these previously \u00e2\u20ac\u201c they are really nice. Thick soled with good treads that were brill during snow.\u00c2\u00a0 Neoprene lined so keep my feet really warm and snug.\u00c2\u00a0 I bought them last October as had got really fed up with Hunters (\u00c2\u00a360) only lasting 6 months. \u00c2\u00a0Anyway so pleased with these as they only cost \u00c2\u00a340 \u00e2\u20ac\u201c not exactly cheap but looked such good quality that I thought they would last a year or two (as the Hunters used to before outsourced to China!!)\u00c2\u00a0 So imagine my disappointment when they started splitting in January! \u00c2\u00a0Well the last couple of weeks I have had to be very careful not to walk in any puddles \u00e2\u20ac\u201c in wellies?????? \u00c2\u00a0So today took them back \u00e2\u20ac\u201c by a miracle have kept receipt \u00e2\u20ac\u201c experience from Hunters. \u00c2\u00a0They were really nice in SCATs\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcno problem\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 \u00e2\u20ac\u201c \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcnot at all satisfactory\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 \u00e2\u20ac\u201c \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcnot normally complaints with this brand\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 \u00e2\u20ac\u201c \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcreplace or refund?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122\u00c2\u00a0 Only slight fly in the ointment \u00e2\u20ac\u201c have to wash them before they can accept them back \u00e2\u20ac\u201c but they found me water and a cloth in their yard and were terribly apologetic about it! \u00c2\u00a0Anyway I am now the proud owner of a pair of new boots. \u00c2\u00a0If these only last 3 \u00e2\u20ac\u201c 4 months at least I will not feel quite so \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcdone\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 but hoping for at least a year.<\/p>\n

16.02.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Did manage to get to bed a bit less late last night 1min after 12mn but must have been asleep by half past and slept solidly until 6 when I got my breakfast (well about 20 past by the time I had actually forced myself out) \u00c2\u00a0Did Soduku from last night as had gone to sleep with only about 2 numbers done. \u00c2\u00a0Must have slept far too heavily and woke with headache<\/p>\n

Anyway up by 7.30 and out with dogs then to post office and buy paper followed by breakfast with friends and long chat about this and that.\u00c2\u00a0 Then rushed back home to go out and to shopping before meeting friends for lunch.\u00c2\u00a0 Beans on toast with grated cheese grilled on top – very simple but really yummy – never had it better than at this particular place – it is a cafe and craft centre so quite interesting to poke around in – lots of little old ladies with curious hobbies.<\/p>\n

As well as meeting my friend Lesley (recently retired) new friend Kate was also able to get there – had been keen for her to come as she lives in the same village as Lesley and has only recently come to Sussex from London.\u00c2\u00a0 They seemed to get on well as both had a dog called Lily and are both cat lovers – so that was good.\u00c2\u00a0 we met just b4 1 and didn’t leave until 3.15.\u00c2\u00a0 I wanted to move on to cake but the other two were too committed to dieting!!!<\/p>\n

By this time quite late for feeding dogs – so fed George quickly and sneaked him out while Arnie still chasing ‘Wobbler’ round.\u00c2\u00a0 Took George on a walk I havent done since b4 Xmas – bit of a mistake – VERY muddy and very SLIPPERY.\u00c2\u00a0 think sheep had been in field as not really churned up just pattered to a smooth slidey surface.\u00c2\u00a0 We met one of George’s friends – a collie who is sometimes chained up.\u00c2\u00a0 Not always and I don’t think for long but the bridle path runs through their garden and she always comes out of her ‘kennel’ (actually almost a hut) and has a little play.\u00c2\u00a0 Having then slithered my way through two fields had to go through a gate.\u00c2\u00a0 George ran under it (usually waits but I thought I could bring him back through when I had undone it.\u00c2\u00a0 Unfortunately it ‘escaped’ and swung open ‘chasing’ George in a huge arc.\u00c2\u00a0 G was so frightened running away from it but too scared to turn his back on it.\u00c2\u00a0 Eventually it came to rest and I was able to push it closed!\u00c2\u00a0 By the time I got George home he was a little mud slick but it was a lovely walk.\u00c2\u00a0 Quick swap and took Arnie out for a road walk for 3\/4 hr – after 5 when I got back and still fully light – nice – and it felt good to be back into what I think of as my summer routine of pm dog walks – two reasonable length 1-2-1s<\/p>\n

Then home and had a piece of shortbread as a consolation prize for not having cake out lol<\/p>\n

Well time to be getting some supper now and put some more wood on the fire – dogs both asleep along my legs – shame to disturb them! \u00c2\u00a0But got to be done!!<\/p>\n

13.02.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Weather here grotty again – took the dogs for their morning walk and in effort to avoid one very muddy path decided to take another only to see the ‘Shooting Today’ sign up – not quite sure how far the shooting extends so somewhat curtailed walk.\u00c2\u00a0 Don’t think they can shoot across bridleways – perhaps need to find out – but [\\z- JUST TYPED BY gEORGE JUMPING ON THE LAP-TOP – he obviously also landed on caps lock lol] – as I was saying – it is only a few days a<\/p>\n

11.02.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Miserable weather today soaked through again twice – dogs are getting pretty used to their dri-bags<\/p>\n

08.02.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

This morning I went for a walk with a new friend from dog training (Julia’s). She has a border terrier called Lily, who had been attacked by a JRT and another dog so is a bit nervous of Jacks.\u00c2\u00a0 She was also run over and has problems with her pelvis (think it was about a year ago)\u00c2\u00a0 Anyway G had a few seconds growl when we started off and pulled a bit for the 1st few yards then he just settled down and the two of them were really good for the whole walk (on lead – will keep them on lead for a few more walks before they run free together).\u00c2\u00a0 Kate (Lily’s mum) came in for coffee afterwards and I asked her if she minded the dogs sitting on her.\u00c2\u00a0 She said she didn’t so she had both of them pile up on top of her – she seemed genuinely happy about it and now appears to be quite besotted by the pair of them<\/p>\n

Going back to the walk – it was absolutely glorious, bright sun and so warm I just wore a thin jumper!\u00c2\u00a0 As we walked through the woods noticed the bluebells were just beginning to peep through the leaf-mould – very bright shiny green (just thinking to myself hyacinth leaf when it occurred to me – prob related species) and as we walked down near the stream all the wild garlic was starting to push through as well.\u00c2\u00a0 All in all a very successful walk.<\/p>\n

05.02.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Did NOT have good walk this morning – mist and drizzly rain were merely irritants – the big problem was the wind. \u00c2\u00a0It was coming from the South West and nothing between us and the sea! \u00c2\u00a0Usually you can see it, although we are about 16 miles inland. \u00c2\u00a0Anyway the walk out was not so bad but coming home was a real fight. \u00c2\u00a0Got in knackered – got a coffee and banana and sat down in front of Saturday kitchen and went to sleep.\u00c2\u00a0 What am I like – dozing off in front of the television in the evening is one thing – doing it at 10 o’clock in the morning is something else!! \u00c2\u00a0Having just re-read the beginning of this paragraph I am laughing at the thought of possible misinterpretation if anyone else reads this.<\/p>\n

Took Arnie to training yesterday and have potentially made two more friends – really nice woman who moved into the area from London about 4 months ago – cant see us becoming bosom pals as she is heavily into watching rugger!!\u00c2\u00a0 She has a border terrier – cute little thin but a bit stressy – it was run over and badly injured a year ago.\u00c2\u00a0 She has had a look at the forum too – even though she hasn’t got a Jack.\u00c2\u00a0 We are planning to do an odd dog walk together.<\/p>\n

The other was advised to go to Julia by Sally (Ro’s ex) because she has hah problems with her PRT. \u00c2\u00a0It went down a rabbit hole a year or so ago and was down for a couple of hours – she was in a terrible stew – when ‘Rattie’ came out he was very battered and bloody. \u00c2\u00a0Anyway now she has lost confidence in letting him off the lead because having done one rabbit hole he has become obsessed with them. \u00c2\u00a0I think she has been advised to keep him on the lead and work on the training for the moment.\u00c2\u00a0 Have given her the link for the forum too – she hasn’t come back to me but I think she may well go and have a look. \u00c2\u00a0Probably she will just be someone I will be on friendly terms with rather than getting to socialise with!<\/p>\n

04.02.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Having commented on seeing the catkins yesterday I have now seen them everywhere – must have been walking around with my eyes shut.<\/p>\n

Even though the weather has been so rubbish there is definitely a feeling of incipient spring and the days are slowly stretching out at both ends – can wait for a few nice ones.\u00c2\u00a0 Crocuses are in flower in pots in the front and one of the neighbours has a grassy verge outside their gate which is positively jewelled with tiny early crocuses.<\/p>\n

My daffs are coming through and some of the early tulips are quite well up. \u00c2\u00a0On the down-side I can hear rain dripping with depressing persistence outside.\u00c2\u00a0 Well let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hope it is all outside \u00e2\u20ac\u201c always have to take a walk round the house after heavy rain to check!<\/p>\n

George isn’t wild about the dog dri-bag idea – Arnie seems to like the warmth and I zip him in and pop him in his day-bed where he usually curls up and goes to sleep – leaving me the time with George. \u00c2\u00a0It usually takes a bit more time with George but getting easier all the time. \u00c2\u00a0I have only had the Bags for a few months and I think where I made my mistake was not getting them used to them when they were dry. \u00c2\u00a0Popping George in when he was cold but clean so not trying to stop him shaking at the same time as zipping him in and perhaps having him on my lap and rolling him on to it – zipping him in and giving him a treat then cuddling him in it for a few moments and letting him go before he started to worry would have been best. \u00c2\u00a0He isn’t too bad now but usually wriggles out after 5 minutes or so – he can work the zip loose.<\/p>\n

03.02.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lovely walk this morning – brilliant sunshine and just the lightest of ground level mist where the warm sun was beginning to touch the cold wet ground – a haze really.<\/p>\n

It had obviously been raining until quite late as there were drips hanging from every twig and where a neighbour had put chicken netting on his gate to keep their banties in there was a sparkling drop in every link – like a miniature version of those LED light nets what people put under parasols etc.<\/p>\n

Even so long after the leaves came off the trees the beech leaves, in particular, have retained their colour and texture, showing up a reddish brown in the sun. \u00c2\u00a0In the autumn they were quite striking – so shiny and in bright shades of orange, rust and old gold that they gave the impression of a pool of sunshine on the forest floor even on dull days. \u00c2\u00a0We have a lot of beech round here \u00e2\u20ac\u201c they remind me of my teens in Purley where we had several huge beeches at the top of the garden and Croydon too – three huge trees outside the class rooms – much better watching them turning colour than working!<\/p>\n

One thing I did note on the walk this morning was a hazel THICK with catkins – not fully blown Lambs Tails but another couple of weeks – maybe less with a bit of sun and they will be.<\/p>\n

02.02.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arnie is sound asleep in day bed and George asleep under my knees – so he is nice and snug – but suspect he will be wanting to go to bed in a bit. \u00c2\u00a0Arnie was grumbling this evening that it was raining when he went out – it was just misty when I took George – Arnie says it isn’t fair as it always rains on his walk and hardly ever on George’s<\/p>\n

I have just been on the Jack Russell Forum and confessed to being a bad Mummy – because I forgot George’s birthday. \u00c2\u00a0Will probably organise him a little party when the weather is better – am planning one or two games that the children up the road can join in with their dogs<\/p>\n

I seem to be fated to encounter sheep just at the moment – driving home today I met one skipping gaily down the road to meet me – luckily had a pretty good idea who it belonged to so although I didn’t have a phone number for him I had the number of a mutual friend and hope it is now, once more, secure.<\/p>\n

30.01.2010<\/strong><\/p>\n

All three of us went for our usual walk this morning – and it was overcast and soooo cold with a biting wind when we went out but the sun was out and starting to warm up a bit by the time we were coming home.<\/p>\n

Later I took George out with Liz and Monty and it was absolutely beautiful BITTERLY cold but just what a winter\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s day should be with frost on the grass, ice on the puddles and brilliant, brilliant sunshine.\u00c2\u00a0 Once in the forest the dogs ran like mad things but coming back when called. \u00c2\u00a0I made a point of calling and treating them as a bit of training as Monty hasn’t had much. \u00c2\u00a0Liz isn’t so used to having to do the training stuff as her dog, Bruno, is so good, and he is old now too.<\/p>\n

When we had been in the woods for about 15minuts pesky George found something to roll in and never have I seen a dog roll with such ecstasy \u00e2\u20ac\u201c he would not come when called and even when I walked away he would not come. \u00c2\u00a0In fact several minutes later I turned round and I could just see four little white feet waving in the air. \u00c2\u00a0Suddenly he realised I had left him and came bounding back to me in panic! \u00c2\u00a0It was lucky we were going to the stream as you could smell him coming.<\/p>\n

As we approached the stream the dogs ran on ahead and suddenly I heard barking and knew George had found something \u00e2\u20ac\u201c probably a dog. \u00c2\u00a0I was n a terrible panic unless he should get into a fight or bite someone.\u00c2\u00a0 When we got to the stream there were a couple of people bending over a dog OMG I thought \u00e2\u20ac\u201c George has bitten it (felt sick) shouted down to them to ask if their dog was ok and had George bitten it \u00e2\u20ac\u201c they looked at me as if I was raving and George and Monty rushed passed totally ignoring the other dog \u00e2\u20ac\u201c George must have given a few barks to ask it to play and as it did not come just gone on playing with Monty. \u00c2\u00a0They did go down to the other dog a couple of times but only to take a passing sniff \u00e2\u20ac\u201c no aggression from George and best of all he had two really good swims and once he had shaken he was quite \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcpure\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 again\u00c2\u00a0 Ha-ha<\/p>\n

I managed to find some time to make some tuna-bread for the dogs and late afternoon, after the dogs last walks I had a couple of friends round (dog club committee) to show them the website<\/p>\n

29.01.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arnie was very good at training this afternoon. \u00c2\u00a0wWe didn’t get home until 3.30 so fed them straight away and took George out leaving Arnie with his bone.<\/p>\n

We bumped into friends so walked with them which meant a shorter than usual walk so when I got home he wanted to go back out so took him with Arnie (you may wonder why I am going into so much detail but stay with it) We have a bit of common land which is grazed by sheep. \u00c2\u00a0As we were passing I noticed one of the sheep had its head stuck through the fence. \u00c2\u00a0I tried to reach it from the outside but a ditch and the thickness of the hedge plus holding the 2 dogs made this impossible so decided I would have to go over the style and into the field and tie the dogs up.<\/p>\n

So far so good – but there wasn’t a post firm enough to tie them to so went back to the style – not ideal as so close to road and others may need to get in. \u00c2\u00a0Try to tie to shaky posts – hands to cold and by this time dogs raising Cain (mortified that people may think my dogs have caused sheep to get stuck) so decide to take dogs home and get help.<\/p>\n

By this time the dogs don’t want to go back over style and wildly leap back and forth – I am well stressed and shaking. \u00c2\u00a0Eventually manage to get both dogs and me back on the road side of style – now sweating! \u00c2\u00a0Walk homewards passing friend’s place – call in to see if she will help but she is out feeding pony, however her husband says she may have phone number for owner.<\/p>\n

Take dogs home and see friend is home by the time I pass on way back. \u00c2\u00a0She has rung owner and he is on his way there but had left before her call so doesn’t know about sheep – I decide to go back anyway and make sure he finds the sheep. \u00c2\u00a0When I get back to the field there is no sign of farmer so I try to free the sheep. \u00c2\u00a0It has its head through a hurdle which has been tied into the barbed wire where the hedge is a bit thin the wire and hurdle are making a gap too small for the sheep to get its head back and even when I pull wire and rails of hurdle apart to the max can’t get head through (where is the bloomin\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 farmer). \u00c2\u00a0My sleeve by now well caught in brambles and thorn hedge – will we all be spending night in the field ????\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Slowly and painfully untangle sleeve and hope farmer will appear.\u00c2\u00a0 No such luck.<\/p>\n

Consider abandoning sheep but worried about its survival (Rowland used to say sheep don’t need an excuse to die!!). \u00c2\u00a0Review the situation and decide I must make a final attempt to free the pesky animal. \u00c2\u00a0The only possible solution seems to be that id needs to twist head sideways to get it out. \u00c2\u00a0Grasp hurdle with one hand and back of sheep’s neck with the other and force its head over and backward with all my strength – slowly her head starts to move – another huge effort and she is free. \u00c2\u00a0She gulps a few times and makes off towards the herd – a bit uncertainly at first but regaining her composure as she gets closer.\u00c2\u00a0 Stops for a poo and then back with them – I think all will be well!<\/p>\n

28.01.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Beautiful sunrise as I took A&G out this morning – as I walked to the forest there was a broad streak of rich peach lightly mottled with little gold edged clouds beneath a hard edged black cloud. \u00c2\u00a0As I came out of the forest I saw this had turned to a pale apricot wash and the stark line was breaking up into lumpy grey and white with tiny patches of duck egg blue peeping through a promise of a lovely sunny day, which has now been fulfilled, but bitterly cold. \u00c2\u00a0Thought my hands would drop off before I got home. \u00c2\u00a0I don’t wear gloves as I can’t manage the leads and treats very well if I do.\u00c2\u00a0 I just hold both leads in one hand, when possible and tuck the other in my sleeve. \u00c2\u00a0My sis gave me some beautiful red wool fingerless gloves for Christmas – very lovely with long cuffs – elbow length but meant to ‘slouch’ to give extra warmth round wrists so have to remember to put on before jacket which has tight wrists. \u00c2\u00a0They help but fingers still stiff with cold!<\/p>\n

I spent a lot of time, starting from last summer, training Arnie to ignore the postman – he used to go absolutely bananas and rip anything that came through the door (he can leave teeth marks right through a magazine) anyway the postman has just been and he didn’t get out of his day bed.\u00c2\u00a0 Now I just have to work on George – not that the problem is so bad – he can’t reach the letter-box – my great fear with Arnie was that he would grab the mail so quickly that he would pull the postman’s hand through the letterbox.\u00c2\u00a0 I have to say it has taken an awfully long time but worth it.<\/p>\n

It is Arnie’s training session with Julia this afternoon – Friday we do ‘obstacle’ (probably best described as a combination of Rally and agility) at the moment there are various types of rally but the following will give an idea http:\/\/www.apdt.co.uk\/ukrally.asp<\/a> In the Summer we always do agility with the club and all year we go to the Club on Monday for obedience training but with Julia he just joins in with whatever she is doing – obstacle, agility, flyball and now obstacle because he really needs the discipline and control. \u00c2\u00a0When Julia first said he could join the obstacle class she thought because it would be easy for him he would be able to demonstrate to some of the new ones but although it is all within his abilities he is just so naughty!!! <\/strong><\/p>\n

27.01.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Did morning walk then went to meet friends at a garden centre – started planning spring planting – but far to cold wouldn’t be good to be planting things out at the moment – trying to snow all day. \u00c2\u00a0Bought some gardening gloves though – to indicate intent!\u00c2\u00a0 3 pairs for me and 2 prs for my sis for under \u00c2\u00a37 in sale – can’t be bad.<\/p>\n

Have now got back to doing the dog’s pm walk separately\u00c2\u00a0 It is such a pleasure to be walking them one at a time – so much better behaved.\u00c2\u00a0 Don’t know how I will manage when I have 3 dogs – I very much want a JR puppy next year. \u00c2\u00a0Make a lovely Birthday present for George. \u00c2\u00a0It is so lovely watching him running with Monty. \u00c2\u00a0Arnie doesn’t really play with him.<\/p>\n

Dogs had raw bones today so house stinks of rotting flesh – gross!\u00c2\u00a0 I gave Arnie his while I took George out and he let me take it out of his mouth when I came home to swap dogs – he is so good natured. \u00c2\u00a0Did give him a small piece of cheese and I think that plus the walk equated to a high value reward.<\/p>\n

George had got bored with his by the time I got Arnie home but they both chewed for another hour or two during the evening. \u00c2\u00a0So good for their teeth – and this is the first time they have had them since Christmas. \u00c2\u00a0Now will have to wash the bedding as A takes his into his cage. \u00c2\u00a0Anyway all the chewing has worn them out – so surrounded by sleeping dogs<\/p>\n

21.01.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

A&G were a disgrace this morning – saw woman walking with three new dogs (i.e. someone with dogs we’ve never seen before) and they went mad – barking hysterically – and nearly tugging me off my feet – and it was slippery – so all I could do was try and anchor myself and hang on to them.\u00c2\u00a0 Met her at x-roads coming straight towards me so I turned left to let her past – unfortunately she wanted to turn right (sods law) she yelled at me to tell me what she was going to do but couldn’t hear a word above the hullabaloo – she had to bawl it out about 3 times – then I had to find a way of manoeuvring my way around the corner without loosing my footing!!! \u00c2\u00a0This used to happen several times every walk when I first got George – now is rare and getting rarer all the time. \u00c2\u00a0But awful when it happens<\/p>\n

12.01.2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nasty wet, miserable walks continue lol – there were leaches (I think) on the road the other day must google to see if they were – Yuk<\/p>\n

Later<\/p>\n

Looked up leaches \u00e2\u20ac\u201c appear to be horse leaches \u00e2\u20ac\u201c some discrepancy in info as to whether they actually parasitize horses \u00e2\u20ac\u201c reported in one description to have been found in horses nostrils \u00e2\u20ac\u201c another states that the name refers to a group of leaches some of which may attach to horses.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Preface I do love my walks with the boys.\u00c2\u00a0 I write my ‘stories’ in my mind while I am walking – I think that helps me to notice things.\u00c2\u00a0 This diary started as accounts of walks in emails to a … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":77,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-102","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.garniesdogblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/102","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.garniesdogblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.garniesdogblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.garniesdogblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.garniesdogblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=102"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.garniesdogblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/102\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.garniesdogblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/77"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.garniesdogblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=102"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}