My Feline Bodyguard.

An early morning excursion.

Maxi and I headed out before sunup but thankfully the lingering halo of the full moon cast enough light to walk comfortably down the darkened neighbourhood. Just in case I had a torch with me.

Maxi was doing the usual hovering in the beginning and that is why I heard the soft voiced arrival of Parsley, our domesticated feral lodger. A mix between a meow and a throaty moan. He who is bigger than Maxi and he who has a heart of gold. Enough time for a quick cuddle before Maxi ran along. Normally Parsley accompanies us for a few meters before heading back to our front steps but this morning he toddled along.

Each time Maxi stopped to either lift a leg, stare at the sky or whiff at the calling cards of his rivals, I looked back and there the cat was not far behind. Sort of slinking along until he saw me look back at him. Gosh, then he upped his peculiar meow along a quick sprinted  gallop towards us. Too cute.

Maxi seems to also have gotten used to having a cat along for our walk. At times he stops, turns his head sideways ( the good eye side ) to look for Parsley and once he hops along bumping gently into him, he carries on. Comforted.

Today was the first time this lovely cat followed us almost all the way to the main road. I got worried in case it would get lost or even worse, head into an oncoming car. No, that wouldn't do. Maxi and I changed our route and turned around walking Parsley safely home.

Along the way Maxi suddenly barked madly at a tree and only when I shushed him enough and wanted to carry on the walk did I see another cat hiding under the low hanging branches of a fir tree. All I saw were big eyes and a small white face. Gosh, Maxi despite being half blind has his instincts honed to perfection.

There is something so special being witness to the unfolding character of a pet. To some a cat is a tool to keep the yard rodent free and to others it is an affirmation that all beings have intellect, feelings and a unique personality.  Seeing the various personalities of all of our pets makes me so glad that I don't eat animal products anymore. Just as Parsley, Maus and Maxi are unique, clever, cheeky, loving, funny and adoring, so too are pigs, cows and chickens!

Biggi

The Boy Feels At Home.

 His new life.

Maxi has adjusted. Maxi has conquered and Maxi has accomplished. It wasn't easy for him to lose his mother and in a way his sister, not to mention his old life. But adjusted he has.

I notice how he takes little meanders around the house, sniffing and smelling his new fiefdom. Remember that he can't see a lot so it must be a daring adventure to investigate his new home. He looks forward to his daily walks ( two long ones morning and afternoon, intermingled with three short pippi brakes ) and once back home dances around as if it were Christmas. Well, in a way it is as either breakfast or a nice treat awaits.

We take the same route every day so that he feels comfortable and can mark his territory. Oh, and also leave his special kind of love with the neighbours. He delights in meeting people and getting a cuddle or two and predictably, they love giving it.  He knows when we have to move along and does so with a happy nod and bark to say goodbye. Too precious.

Lately he has taken to letting off a series of barks once we go outside for our walk and it is almost as if he wants everyone to be aware that he, Maxi, is doing his rounds, inspecting his areal. Absolutely fabulous. Now and again he deigns too cuddle with the more than eager tomcat waiting for us at the door, and other times he lets him toddle along with only a small glance now and then. Keeping him eager!

When we encounter people we don't know on our walk ( rather seldom! ) he turns into a protective lion giving the performance of his life. Protecting me, showing his teeth and in a way marking his territory. Funny how a small dog can elicit such huge respect and caution. As for us, we love having him and his little brave character has added another layer of goodness to our lives...

Biggi

A Friday, Ordinary But Nice.

 And the sun is here again.

Winter is definitely close by although this morning the weather gods were kind enough to order a bit of sunshine for us. Not without leaving a chilly reminder of what is in store for us. 4 degrees this morning was so chilly that I changed into long johns and extra sweater. Yikes, I forgot all about that part of winter.

The sun is out and the skies are blue yet again. Magic and perfect to lead us into the weekend. Well, Bob is working through it as the grapes don't differentiate between workday and weekends. When they have to come off, they have to come off. Sunday he will be at home though and I aim to make his day as easy and lazy as possible. Reading, eating, sleeping.

The last few nights when Bob came home late, Maxi has been besides himself with happiness as opposed to Miss Mausi who is still giving us a bit of the jealous cold shoulder. Understandably, as Maxi does get a lion's share of all our attention. How to explain to her that because he is old and almost totally blind he needs the extra TLC? So, Bob keeps on dropping hints that Maxi needs to have a hair cut. Woolly sheep is what I think he called him.

Both of us know that I will be the one doing the fur styling. Pure and simple. Fair enough, I don't mind and mum did buy me a pair of sturdy gloves for those occasions where Mr. Maxi might show me the sharpness of his little teeth.

This morning I asked him to step into the bathroom ( a.k.a. the room where all his hateful grooming takes place ) by gently picking him up and carrying him through! He was surprisingly calm and after I let him sniff the scissors he let me snip away. Difficult with one hand as the other had a constant check on his head. First a bit off the fringe around his head, then one paw followed by all his others seeing that he didn't complain. A snip at his behind's fluffy bits and the odd dread-lock and then all done.

Well, all done in the sense that he had enough. A few jerky head movements along with the odd grumble helped convince me that it was time to wrap things up with a nice tasty treat for him. All good despite the mismatched haircut. But you know, he actually looks cute and spiffy, a bit like a hippie...perfect for us. Will Bob notice when he gets home later tonight?

Biggi

Mausi Keeps Us Entertained Well Into The Wee Hours Of The Morning...

 A hunger for food or fun?

Lately Mausi has taken to sleeping next to me again. Whenever I am semi-wake, there she is glued to my side, stomach or top of my head. Not complaining, as it is rather nice. Well, last night she must have moved too forcibly because I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep.

To the lounge we headed, Mausi and I, only to join a snoring Maxi. Yes, his basket is in the lounge and that's where he mostly sleeps. Last night he tried to venture into our bedroom, but I nixed that idea because when I get up in the middle of the night I don't want to accidentally step on him!

So, the three of us took to watching tv and at 12. 55 am, the only show to watch was Medical Detectives. Eventually we all drifted off until of course her Highness forcibly jumped off the couch and quickly honed in on an object. My worst fears were confirmed the more animated and boisterous she got and the louder the little squeaks were!

A mouse in the lounge. Goodness me, she was chasing this tiny little thing all over the lounge and truth be told, I didn't want to get up to sort this business out, because then Maxi would want to go outside. Let sleeping dogs lie...of course he wasn't sleeping as I could make out his little head following the dash and lunge affair of his new sister. Somehow I wouldn't have been surprised if he too was sacred to step paw outside his basket. How was he supposed to know what made those squeaks of panic?

All this time I was worried that Mausi might take it into her mind to come and show me her new toy. Jumping atop the couch even with a morsel between her jaws is child's play for her. In the dark there would be no way of knowing if she dropped a gift for me until said gift might dash up my face to safety.

Eventually morning arrived and with it the ability to go and switch on the light to purvey the crime scene. Thankfully nothing on show which meant that she stopped short of killing her toy...toy still on the loose in our house and I think I saw it flit under Bob's rucksack. Not going to look. These mice are amazingly agile and fast. I did tell Bob about it but I don't think he listened...only time will tell if I was right!

Biggi

Ran Into A Bunch Of Happy Chicks Today.

 Chickens are more than food on a plate.

Towards the end of my walk I came across these friends basking in the sunshine atop a comfortable ' sofa ' of sorts.

Could this be the quintessential mother hen? Puffed out chest to convey how proud she is of her flock?

These chickens were so calm and collected and almost enjoyed being fodder for the local papparazzi....

Naturally there is a boss in charge of this coop. He was measuring me from a safe distance, following my every move yet not finding much fault with me.

The gals taking their cue from the boss posing for me to the side. Aren't they lovely in their white and grey plumage, punctuated by the striking red colour of their beak and comb.

Finally. the man in charge posing delightfully yet somewhat bashfully for me. What a character!!!

As I said, chickens are so much more than momentary food on a plate...

Biggi

The Cat Lady.

 Wherever I turn...

Somehow the numbers keep growing. It used to be just the one and now it is just the four. Yes, we are  parents to four feline sweeties. How they managed to find us, nobody knows. Well, as you know the one and only princess, Princess Mausi, we brought home from the pound but the rest showed up and rang the bell.

The two feral tomcats have adopted us full time it seems. Despite the odd cat fights or should I say hissy-fits because that is what it sounds like, they seem to get along fine. A moment ago I went to fetch the washing from the line and there they were, side by side under Bob's van, waiting for supper. Cute as can be.

The new addition, our grey one, follows my every move and loves nothing better than to sit and watch me take the washing of the line. Somehow the minute I get there she pops out from her sleeping quarters. Honestly, it does melt the old heart and makes me wonder what to do about winter.

The two tomcats are used to roughing it, but she seems more delicate and refined. Bob and I will have to make some fort for her, a warm little haven complete with warm bedding and a roof. Perhaps a door with a lock too because these two tomcats have cottoned on to the fact that she gets preferential treatment and like to hover about where she is.

Although Bob did tell me that the other day when the two boys were starting their hissy-fit, the grey cat sprinted up to where they were having their duel and started to hiss at them. Perhaps she is their mother after all and has just become more friendly in her old age. Kind of like Tigger used to do.

Ah well, that is the beauty of living in the country...one can keep cats, dogs and a flock of birds.

Biggi

An Interesting Winter Ahead For Maxi & I.

 The little man doesn't like cold, rain or I suppose, snow!

Last night it started raining and of course, it continued well into the morning, the morning I usually take the boy out for his morning rituals. Calling him a boy is akin to fake news....he is an old and grumpy little man!

I know he was desperate for his outing this morning, but the minute he felt a raindrop on his back, all bets were off and he put on his four little but surprisingly strong brakes. Nothing, really nothing would budge him. At least he eventually deigned to walk to the gate and relief himself against his favourite shrub. Small mercies because after that the only way I could move him was to carry him inside.

Trying a bit later, because let's face it I live in constant fear of tripping or stepping on one of his #2s inside our house, I went a step further and got his warm coat out. Gosh, I thought he would be thrilled to step outside stylishly clad in a warm covering but no, even trying to get his feet through the foot-hole proved to be impossible and was accompanied by growls and snipes. Yikes, what a grumpy old man!

Naturally  I left him alone as I value my fingers too much but I could see that he was ashamed of his outburst and was watching my every move from his basket in his own way purveying a sense of being sorry. Cunningly I realized that eventually his need would be too great that even a few drops of rain wouldn't make a difference. Yes, true.

What will I do every morning and evening come winter? Should I offer him treats each time he does his business outside, or should I get a carry sling and carry him far enough away from the house that when I put him down, he would run straight back home and hopefully stop along the way for you know what.

The plot thickens and I fear his waistline will too. Imagine not going for long walks? No, I will have to find a way that he enjoys going for a walk with me regardless of what the weather holds in store. Fun and games ahead for sure...

Biggi

Maxi Feels At Home.

A member of the family, a member of the neighbourhood!

Maxi has been with us for almost two months now and I think that mostly he has accepted us as his new parents and our house as his. Who can tell how traumatized little dogs are when their owner goes away? Only one way to help...give them a nice and loving home.

The first few weeks he lay in  his cot or next to it between walks, not taking note of life around him but that has changed. He keeps his ear open for odd sounds outside such as a family walking past, another dog barking or a loud conversation underneath our window. When any of those happen, he adds his two cents by letting out a series of little barks, some friendly but others more to the point. His point being:

                     I live here and this is my house now. Beware!

When he first arrived we had that unfortunate incident where his teeth met my thumb and somehow that has grown into an urban legend. Everyone treats him with respect and distance afraid that he might also show them the sharpness of his teeth! Honestly, such a small thing and all he wants is to be friendly.

At least he gets greeted by name and he loves it. One of his favourite is the little girl next door but we all are ultra cautious and won't let her get too close to him just in case...She would love nothing more than to cuddle him. Often she shouts from the balcony as we walk past;

        Hallo Maxi. Tschüß Maxi.

We have settled into a nice family routine and I almost have his bathroom schedule under control. If only he would talk more! And if only he didn't have those stubborn streaks...when he doesn't want to go any further or in a certain direction, he stops. All four paws glued to the ground and the only way I can move him is by picking him up. Makes me wonder if he stops in order to be picked up by me in the first place.  If only he weren't so heavy I would gladly carry him  about everywhere. So happy that he has settled in and likes being with us...

Biggi

Trying To Outsmart A Couple Of Pets Is Far From Easy.

So much for being the adult.

I had a plan. Don't most stories start like it? This morning I had planned to take our new cat lodger to the vet in order to be scanned for a micro chip. All was ready for the trip. The carry case ( one of those cat carriers with the lid on top ) had nice bedding in it and all that was missing was the cat.

She tends to follow me wherever I go and was investigating this carry case in the middle of the driveway with interest but when I picked her up ( still very docile and loving ) put her into the middle of the case wanting to close the lid, all hell broke loose and so too the cat. No one got injured but the cat high tailed it to safety somewhere in our barn....not been seen again for ages. Clearly, a trip to the vet was out of the question.

Maxi has been scratching himself a lot lately which clearly was a warning for me to get him some flea muti. Might as well go to the vet after all I thought, and stock up on dog and cat flea medicine. From experience I know that those drops bought in the supermarket hardly dent any flea population in a cat's fur. It needs to be from the vet. Which I got this morning for all two of them.

The vet arrogantly told me where to put the stuff, despite me mentioning that Mr Maxi wasn't too fond of being medically cared for. In fact, I don't think he gave a hoot, even going so far as to opine that woman owners are the cause of little dogs to be a bit overly fond of nipping at all and sundry. He might have a point, but that doesn't help me, does it?

When I got back home I tried the dog first mainly because the cat was still missing! A tiny tube to be squeezed onto his neck. Two or three seconds at most but therein lies the rub. He must have a sixth sense because as soon as my hand hovered over his neck, he started to twist his head baring his little teeth at the same time. Yikes, what now. Should I be firm and shout especially after the vet's opinion about the weak willed rules of female owners or should I just let it go? Still deciding on that one and for the moment the easiest option will be to wait for Bob to come home!!!

As for the cat outside, if she ever trusts me again, I will have to put the contents of the other vial onto her neck as well. If only they understood that it is going to make them better and stop the horrid itching caused by fleas. Gosh, life with pets is never dull and makes for good stories.

Biggi

We've Become The Top Address For Lost & Wayward Animals.

 Another new lodger.

Last night I had a late call to work. An unexpected guest meant mum and I were cleaning a Kellerstöckl after seven in the evening. Early for some, late for me. Off I drove with Bob still telling me that more than likely he would be asleep when I got back. Fair enough, he works hard and gets up early.

Fast forward an hour and I approached our driveway as quietly as possible so as not to wake up Bob, but I needn't have bothered as he was standing in our driveway excitedly waving his arms as well as pointing at a grey tabby circling his feet.

Oh, the feral ( or so I thought ) of a day ago had turned into a domestic princess getting cuddles at Bob's feet. Most certainly a runaway house princess like ours. As she looked so hungry I rushed inside and selected one of Mausi's lesser favourites and went to give it to her outside. Gosh, she wolfed it down in seconds yet purring with pleasure all the same.

Clearly the notice she picked up along the way about those two living in Eisenberg having the best spread had proved correct. Gosh, Bob and I must be the first address of consequence for wayward cats, dogs and birds. Why do they come to us instead of our neighbour down the road? Never mind, we love hosting animals!

Most of the night this young cat alternated between sitting on our windowsill or in between our two front doors. Meouwing non-stop I might add. She wanted to be let inside to the land of feline honey!

Couldn't do it though but still, she had a nice place to rest her little head.

In the morning she was waiting for us outside the front door happy to see us. Bob was first and of course his heart has melted even more. When Maxi and I went for a mini walk, she followed. Every time we go outside the gate, she is there. When I carried cut branches down to the trailer, she followed. When I hung up the washing, she was there. 

I have posted photos online and hopefully this delightful cat's owner will be found as this cat is something special and deserves a lot of TLC.

Too cute!

Biggi

A Dog And His Bone.

A love affair that never wanes.

We try and make little Maxi's life exciting and special wherever we can. God knows, he's had a lot to bear in his almost 13 years. Whereas some would have taken him to a final visit to the vet, citing his old age, we would rather make the rest of his life ( long or short ) full of fun, treats and love.

Well, that's where the bone comes in. Firstly, him being part of the canine pensioner's club means a slight adjustment to bodily functions and their timing. Yes, bladders get weaker and loo sessions more frequent...depending on what is eaten and when. Oh yes, we've had the odd surprise find in the morning! Even bones have to be calculated into his toilet schedule.

Anyway, yesterday after lunch I gave him one of those dental-cleaning bones. Can't imagine that it taste anything other than toothpasty, but surprisingly, these bones seem to be the dog's biscuit. 

He has a method. Once I give him his bone, he sniffs at it then takes a few preliminary chews only to drop it about a half meter from his head. Usually in the middle of our path between lounge and kitchen, daring either of us to try and touch it. Gosh, such a small thing can get quite angry when he thinks we might be close enough to also have a chew. Angry growls galore, which then prompt him to take his bone to his basket in order to bury it under his pillow where we can't see or find it!!!

So, about an hour into his idolizing of the bone, I called him to go for his afternoon constitutional. Clearly he needed to go outside because he jumped up and started to run towards me but then all of a sudden he stopped and turned his head towards where he had dropped his bone. I could almost read his mind; will the bone be safe here or should I take it with me?

Honestly, he took a minute to decide and then when we were on the road he kept on stopping, wanting to go back home. All thoughts of toilet business clearly gone from his mind...but not from mine. No more morning surprises for me. The whole walk turned into a mini duel between us. He putting on all four brakes and me trying to drag him along. Talk about a one tracked mind. The minute we were back home he sprinted towards his long lost bone and was overjoyed to it still being there....who knows, one day Mausi might surprise us all and take charge of the bone.

Life with a cats and a dog is fabulous and never dull. Animals, the same as us, have oodles of character and personality. Love it.

P/S: When Bob came home he advised me that it might be safer to take Maxi's bone away ( half eaten by then ) because it might affect the timing of his having to do a business. And yes, I dared the lion's den by distracting him and hid the bone for the next day. Felt quite bad when he searched high and low for the next hour...

Biggi 

Mr Maxi Has An Interesting Night...

Mums and their crazy ideas!

Yesterday he had a touch of stomach upset which is easy to manage for us humans-private bathrooms as often as we like-but not such fun for a dog inside with only a few scheduled bathroom breaks.

Part of this upset might have been caused by his chewing half a raw-hide bone or perhaps just one of those things. Anyway, I was alert to any and all of his movements. Bob and I took him out for a late evening walk and it seemed the business was over and done. Great. Bedtime. All of us. Not.

I woke up at ten from a deep sleep because Maxi, who had chosen the spot next to me on the floor, was chasing his tail like a lunatic and still deep in slumber land, I got up, grabbed him, put on his collar and leash and hastened outside. Not thinking farther then having him do any business outside. None of that by the way but I realized that I was parading around in my pjs while it was still light and people about. Yikes. Back to the comfort of our garden but nothing from Maxi's side.

In we went and in order not to wake up Bob, all three of us ( Mausi too ) took up the business of slumbering in the lounge. An hour later out of the periphery of my consciousness I noticed Maxi  walking about, sniffing the floor. ( Recently we have had an unfortunate bathroom accident inside that has made me hyper aware of his movements. ) Oh, a quick sprint from me, picking up Maxi, putting on his leash and heading outside. Into darkness at least but again, after ten minutes of hovering up and down the road, not even  a #1 from him. In again. Back to sleep...until.

You guessed it, the boy was walking around the lounge, sniffing and scratching. Mausi was by the way reclining on the couch watching our progress with a languid eye and throwing me looks to convey the ease with which she deals with bathroom issues. The same procedure again, and I swear, Maxi was actually waiting for me to pick him up, take our torch and head outside. Nothing, nada, false alarm.

Suffice to say, it happened one more time until it dawned on me that the little man was hungrily searching for his other half of the raw-hide bone, that which I had hidden away. Serves me right for taking food from hungry dogs. Bob, when I told him our saga only laughed and casually mentioned ( because he knows I wouldn't have ) that I should have woken him up to help... 

Biggi

Loosing Time In A Sea Of Dog Paraphernalia.

 Pet shops, the new fun place.

Bob is adamant that little Maxi has developed a dog odour which I cannot refute because of my olfactory glands still ticking along the corona clock. The only thing I do notice about little Maxi is that his white fur is starting to look a bit dull and dirty. Why wouldn't it when he loves nothing better than to roll on his back in dirt! Bob has plans to bath the little man and thus instructed me to buy dog shampoo.

Dog shampoo? Surely the shampoo I use for my tresses is going to suffice? No, Bob wanted one that won't hurt his eyes should a dollop of suds get into it. One fact I have picked up from the hairdressing world is that if a shampoo says it won't burn your eyes, than it won't be nice for the hair. To do with the  ph-factor. In any case, mute point as they didn't have dog shampoo that was gentle on the eyes. They had plenty of dog shampoo ( at least 20 different ones ) and most of it aimed at the owners. Honestly, light and fluffy / moisturizing / pearl white ( a bit of a blue rinse affair ) and itchy scalp makes us feel better but I don't think the dogs really care!

No, didn't get shampoo-will use mine. The various dog treats, dog harnesses, dog leashes, dog boxes ( no, none big enough for a husband to fit into ) and dog foods had me agog. Honestly, an hour dashed past and I still hadn't seen everything. People do love their pets.

I needed to get some dry food for Maxi. The one that I took over was calibrated for the younger dog and often he won't touch it. As luck would have it, I stumbled upon a nice bag of dry dog food, which  is made in Germany ( nothing from the far shores of China ) and is vegan. Yes, vegan! I had read about vegan pet foot but never seen it. As this wasn't any dearer than the normal dry food, I bought a packet.

After I got home from town, I opened this packet in the back room. Sounds mysterious but anytime we open any packet Miss Mausi thinks it is a treat for her. So, as I portioned out a cup full of this food, one pellet dropped on the floor and was hoovered up by her! Unheard of because often when her cat food pellets drop on the floor she sniffs around them but walks away disenchanted. Well, if he wouldn't eat vegan dry food at least they won't go to waste...when I dropped them into his bowl, he went up to it and started to eat. Gosh he ate them all, which is also a first in this house! Love it. Let's see how it affects his movements as there are lentils in it!!!! Don't worry, I will still feed him the normal wet dog food...

Nice, isn't it?

Biggi

Little Maxi Is A Taxpayer.

Dog tax, a must in Austria.

There you have it. A dog tax, going up in increments depending how wide you open your heart to the canine fraternity. Why dogs I wonder. So far Miss Mausi and her feral brethren have gone under the tax radar and are living tax free. Nice for us.

Having been a dog owner for less than a month I have yet to see what advantages the canines have over cats in terms of getting a return on their taxes....maybe I have not yet discovered public dog baths, dogs only parks, dogs administrators for speedy resolution of barking fines or a yearly bag of luxury food shipped to the canine tax payer.

So far the tax is minimal compared to humans but what a nice little earner for the government. There must be close to a million dogs kept in Austria and thus a nice revenue stream for the public coffers. Gosh, makes me wonder why they haven't tapped the more lucrative feline world because it was mentioned on the trusty internet that there are 2 million cats in Austrian households. A real gold mine standing idle...

Us dog people ( doesn't that sound nice! ) or should I rather say pet people tend to go a bit overboard when it comes to outfitting, feeding, cosseting and loving our lot. Spending money on a cat or dog toy isn't even thought twice about despite the toy often only being played with once! A small yearly dog tax will not even register on most peoples radar.

 Food, can't really call it pet food because gosh darn it, the price of it must surely mean that it includes caviar and champagne. If you haven't had a chance, go check out a pet store and look at all the various meals on offer. Some of the cat food cost several euros per meal...imagine that when free fodder is running riot outside and under floorboards. No, in case you are wondering, we don't spend anywhere near that much on Missy or now Mister. But it goes to show that whoever gazetted these dog taxes is very cunning and clever indeed... keeping the tax very low thus not making it worth a person's while to oppose it, while all the time minting several millions of easy money, year in and year out...

Biggi

The Local Canine Crowd Is Agog.

 Excitement galore...

Amazing what a short little walk with dogs can achieve. If I had designs to be a private detective I would hire myself a couple of cute dogs. Good golly, my two have magically started many a conversation. The only time I haven't been spoken to was the early morning walk. Can't blame them as I did take the two out at a quarter to five.

It is rather fun to be able to have these mini conversations around our neighbourhood. One forgets how deprived we were of them during lockdown and thus it is simply nice to shoot the breeze with whoever happens to be out in their garden when we meander past. 

Dogs have an innate ability to bring out the best in people. Maybe we remember our childhood hopes of owning dogs or maybe it's the knowledge that dogs won't say mean things. A yap or two maybe, but verbal attacks - never! Of course the two I have the privilege to parade about with are instant hits with everyone.

Clever they are too. After the first time around the neighbourhood block, little Maxi ( blind in his left eye and vision impaired in his right one ) remembered which house came with inbuilt excitement. Oh, he has bouts of doffing the veneer of old age and embraces youthfulness by barking madly and dashing threateningly alongside a local fence, all the while being kept company by the dog living behind it. There the two of them ( Maxi-Maltese, Lilly-Dachshund ) dash about like mad instead of civilly sniffing each other out at a more sedate pace, suited for their old age. Lilly is porky and close to being ten years old. Each subsequent walk we've done past this house has resulted in Maxi temporarily hopping about like a young whipper snapper. In fact, ten meters before we get there he changes his tired mien to one of vigor preparing for the joyful battle ahead.

While this is going on, the next two fence dashers are alerted by the grunts and barks and set up station to go to battle defending their fifedom. Yikes, what a crowd. Funny enough it is just old Maxi who tries to prove his might, as Mali couldn't be bothered and usually plonks herself down on the grass waiting for them to get it over with.

How long these two will stay with us I can't say, but what I can say is that they are a breath of fresh air for the neighbourhood and us...

Biggi

Fostering Two Orphaned Dogs.

 Maybe we can help a bit.

Their owner died two days ago and I couldn't bear to see them stay alone in their home with only being taken out for walkies by me. Other possibilities but at the moment the best one is to foster them until something is sorted out. Bob was the one who suggested it although I secretly have been thinking of fostering them if the worst happens.

Yesterday I went to fetch them. Packed all their paraphernalia which let me tell you, isn't little! Gosh, the little old Maltese has a whole lot of t-shirts, jerseys and raincoats. The younger French bulldog has to make do with what nature gave her. Anyway, as you might have guessed, our Mausi could and is a spanner in the works. Having had the run of us and the house for ever, she now has to witness two dogs taking over her fiefdom. 

Hissing and growling aplenty, dashes into safety too and on the other side, a playful pug who just wants to play with her. Each and every time it catches a glimpse of Mausi, running and dashing ensues. We let them be at it and are hoping for the best.

Last night, after they finally settled down after what must have been a whirlwind afternoon of change for them, I couldn't help but smile when the house was featuring sound surround snoring all around. Yes, two dogs, Bob and at times me. Who knew that dogs could snore so loudly?

The walks are a breeze as we are surrounded by forests and stone paths. The inaugural meeting with our next door neighbour couldn't have been more awkward; she called me over to chat about this new development as I started out the walk ( the most important time in the walk in regards to #2's ) and as luck would have it, Mali ( the pug ) left a huge christening gift on her lawn. Thankfully I had a bag for such situations but it wasn't much fun picking up a steaming heap in front of her. Nonchalance was the order of the day!!!

What the next few days will bring I don't know but both of us are glad to be there for these orphaned dogs, as they didn't ask for this to happen. Hopefully Mausi will come around and show a bit of kindness to these two...

Biggi 

A Hare, Poppies & A Green House.

 On a sunny day of course...

The last of the pretty ones still blooming. Always a treat to be greeted by such lovely poppies.

I came across this seemingly docile or rather distracted hare whilst walking this morning. It let me come quite close before hopping off into the distance.

The moment before it took note of me and escaped. Isn't it a great animal? It was so cute watching it try to eat a few tall blades of grass. A great encounter for this morning and the reason I always am equipped with my camera.

I did promise you a green house! Imagine the other tenants in there...bugs, bugs and a few spiders for sure.

That vibrancy of red is so magnetic, cheerful and uplifting. 

Closing off with this purple stunner. The various gardens around the vineyards that have been shaped by keen gardeners are certainly a joy to see being shaped and grown...

Biggi

The Etiquette Of Business, Dogs' Business!

 It pays not to walk with your head in the clouds.

This morning as I was making my way to fetch the two dogs for their early morning round, I couldn't help but notice a road strewn with business. One likes to think that the roads are paved with gold but not this morning...doggy landmines galore.

We live in the depth of countryside yet that shouldn't equate to dogs doing their business sans rules. So far I have gone above and beyond, even going so far as lifting little Maxi from the street onto the outer verge mid-business. Didn't he get a fright and eh, stage fright. Had to wait another fifty meters before he assumed his position...in the grass this time.

The other day I asked a couple who walk their dog along the same trek daily what the etiquette of business was. My main concern was if I should scoop up stuff that is in the grass next to the road and I was empathically told that the farther grass is fine, but not on the road. Well, pretty much as I had thought and surely common sense.

One would think so but no, judging by this morning's landmine affair, there are two dog owners who buck the system. Of course after a few rounds on the same ground one gets a feel for which dog went where. Size mainly and seeing a dog being walked in the distance and stumbling upon a fresh steaming heap. Doesn't take much to know who's been naughty.

Luckily for me these offending clues are much to big to even be associated with my two delicate little canines. So far I have not needed to use the doggy-bag but I have it on me all the time. Of course there is one problem with these warm plastic parcels...our village doesn't have any rubbish bins close to the usual walking route, which a lot of tourist who have dogs have complained about in the past...where to put  their dogs' business. Ah well, may that be the worst of our problems.

Bigg

Dog Walking...

 Keeping track of more than one dog.

As small as my two charges are ( an aging Maltese & a youthful French bulldog ) they do have their spurts of power and there are times when the two leashes clash and tangle. 

How do the professional dog walkers, those with a minimum of five dogs, manage a walk? Dogs do have their different needs and interests, sniffing and leaving individual scents, never mind the all important taking care of business so it boggles my mind how on earth one can manage five dogs on a leash at a time. But obviously one can. 

It rained this morning and I wondered whether their would be joyous participation or mutinous stop and go action. Yes, the older one has moments where he literally lies down with a grin, daring me to carry on. Cute indeed but short of me picking him up to carry him the rest of the way, only encouraging words do the trick. It was hot though when he did it, so I do understand and perhaps should invest in a dog carry pouch!

Anyway, today they both were good as gold and trotted happily alongside me most of the time. The other times one would stop and smell his roses while the other would pull ahead to find her places to leave her mark. Didn't bode well for me and my handling of both leashes. I can't tell you how often my arms were crossed over and if I hadn't skipped ropes, would have tripped over them. There surely must be a trick to handling them concurrently but it still hasn't revealed itself to me.

We encountered one other dog walker and luckily he is most of the time equipped with dog treats. Well known in the Deutsch Schützen canine community, he was a sight for my two dogs' sore eyes...Gosh, they ran like crazy toward him and almost knocked him over with enthusiastic attempts at jumping for their treats. He didn't disappoint and gave them each two. Amazing what power a treat can have...for a moment they doffed the mantle of their age and raced ahead like two young pups. Cute and sweet and surely the reason why dogs brighten one's day.

Biggi 

Organizing The Life Of Dogs.

 Creatures of habit.

Just like I have a set routine, so do dogs. Even more so I think. They know when to eat, or rather when to expect to eat and when to step outside for a round of walkies. Well, one dog at least.

The older of the two darlings I am looking after has his own schedule and it doesn't lend itself to going happily for walks. Actually, the start is more the problem as he likes to hide under the table when I dangle his leash. Or perhaps he likes playing hide and seek with me. Regardless, trying to leash him is not as easy as I thought. Once he is on the walk, he is as good as gold and does what needs to be done. So far, discreetly out of sight!

Both of the little darlings are a tad bit on the bonny side and could do with dropping a pound or two. Let's see if my care helps. Don't worry, I feed them as told and even slip them a few treats.

Watching various dog whisperer shows hasn't helped at all. All those lessons in how to establish boundries with your dogs seemed far easier when he did it than when I am trying to apply them. Only day two, let's give it time.

So far they have been great and have handled being left without their mum quite well. Often we think that animals don't have feelings like we do but that is wrong. They are just as part of the family dynamic with all its feelings as humans. If only they could talk...

It is still raining and somehow I know that my afternoon walk is going to be cut short. They are not too fond of being rained upon, never mind having muddy paws. This morning I noticed how they side-stepped and hopped over puddles. Slowly I am learning their traits and habits and hopefully they mine.

Biggi