Heidi

Elsa

After the untimely and sudden demise of our beloved GSD Heidi in January, after almost ten years for her with MrT and almost six years with me, the void left behind was more than dog-shaped. Why is it that only when someone, or a much-loved pet, departs that we become aware of how many invisible tendrils of love they have created? The out-pouring of touching messages brought much comfort in knowing that others also held her in high esteem and affection.

Such was the silence and sombre mood in ensuing weeks that I chose to 'facilitate' the decision over when and if to consider getting another dog by trawling GSD Rescue, GSD Lifeline and other rescue sites for a GSD bitch. And we found one in the innocent guise of 'Gemma' at the Dogs Trust in Evesham. Her write-up forewarned of apparent aggressive behaviour that masked a loving and kind nature.

We duly trundled off to Evesham to meet her. We asked if we could go alone to begin with and the location of her run was pointed out to us. As we rounded the corner to her run, we were confronted by a large-ish young GSD launching on its hind legs towards the mesh of the cage with much growling, barking and an impressive display of very white, effective-looking teeth. We both instinctively dropped to our haunches and within moments she calmed down, lay down and was rolling around in friendly, submissive mode.

Two more visits followed after which we found ourselves the new owners of 'Elsa' (new start, new name..)

Thanks to MrT's experience and patience, she is gradually morphing under his leadership from ladette to good girl - 'Lady' would be a step too far at this stage!

Her earlier introductions to Sam have not been that great - he is a little too small and rabbit-like, thus exuding great appeal to her hunting instincts. We have decided, especially as he has had recent ill-health and surgery, to delay any further introductions until he is stronger and she is better disciplined.

Once I have mastered the art of uploading pictures I will let you see both Elsa and Sam.

Sandy Stevenson Workshop

In anticipation of attending the Sandy Stevenson workshop in Milton Keynes on Saturday 8th May, Paulette travelled down from Oldham on Thursday and I switched my Friday clinic to Thursday so we could have at least one day together other than the workshop itself. The events for Paulette leading up to that time must be disclosed only by her but assume it was a pivotal time for her! Synchronicity and serendipity in terms of timing of the workshop though!!

We were not disappointed - are we ever?! - with the workshop, Sandy's self-discipline and dedication to her mission and the integrity with which she works. If you also look at Karen Bishop's web site it is clear to see that Mother Earth is wrapping things up!

Another 26,000 years here? Nooooooo, I don't think so. Motivation if ever any was needed to get one's act together now.

On a lighter note, I have been pondering putting together a sampler on the blog of 'The Snoop Sister's School of Skullduggery' about the exploits of a pseudo private detective. Maybe one day Steven Spielberg will see the wisdom in converting it to film. Yes, I AM joking!

Should the sampler manifest, some feedback would be welcomed.......

Passwords 'r Us!

Aren't they a blessing, these password thingies? Blocked out of my own blog because I failed to record my own details..... ah, the joys of ageing!

From 30th September 2009, The Boy was officially adopted so there was a seamless transition as he was already residing with us under foster care. The relief was immense, given the roller-coaster ride we - and the others - had experienced during the 20 months it took to conclude. His identity can now be revealed: The Boy's name is Sam.

The ravages of his earlier life continued to loom large in 2010. During a routine visit to the Medicine Man in January for booster injections it was evident that he needed some dental treatment. This was scheduled for 15th February and proved to be far more serious than anticipated. Six teeth were removed, his gums had to be cut and stitched and stomatitis diagnosed (a condition from which most of the other 13 suffered). His recovery was hampered by nasal bleeding so his stay was extended. He was home briefly (like two days!) before being due back for a check-up and just as we were leaving the house to keep his appointment, he opened the nasal blood-gates once more and had to be immediately handed over to a nurse on arrival.

Thankfully, he was allowed home again after the check up as the bleeding quickly subsided.

All was well for a couple of months until the beginning of this month, May, when his ears began causing problems. He is currently on treatment for that and is due back in a couple of weeks for another check-up!

Will update the situation after that.....

ThetaHealing

In mid-June, I took my ThetaHealing course; it exceeded any expectations I may have had in what we covered. Already I have been putting it into practice before I "go public", as it were.

It will be interesting to see what results it brings ....

There are still a few more volunteers in the pipeline, for which I am very grateful. Although it is a very simple principle, the techniques take some getting used to.

Watch this space for feedback on those sessions.

Scalpels at dawn!

Over the last couple of months The Boy has been tried on two different medications, neither of which suits him. His side-effects have been very unpleasant for him. His best hope now is to resort to surgery and he is booked in for Thursday 25th June.

Timing is questionable as the Court Hearing should conclude today, June 24th!

Trust that all is in Divine Order ......

It's in the neck, you know .....

Well, Little Man's bathing must have helped after all; he has moved on to a new adoptive family!

The New House Guest has had to leave ahead of time thanks to The Boy feeling usurped by his presence! Such a pity; we had hoped for the makings of a new friendship there but it was not to be.

Yesterday the Medicine Man speaketh and declared that The Boy does indeed have hyperthyroidism. The first stage is to check how the condition responds to medication; pills have been made available for collection today. Coincidentally, for the first time ever in the 6 weeks he has been with us, during the night he was sick. Other than that, he continues to look well and is settling down again now that The New House Guest has departed.

We had an unexpcted visit from my sister J last Monday. She was en route to her hotel 'down South' in readiness for a client appointment the next day and was able to do a detour for a couple of hours. She was able to meet The Boy for the first time, fresh from his visit to the Medicine Man and quickly recovering from his hyperventilation from the ordeal!

AND, today is the last day for Donna at The Boy's former care home. We will miss her greatly as she has such a calm and friendly presence. We wish her good luck in her new adventure!

New house guest

Well, by Easter Sunday The Boy will have been with us for 4 weeks. Earlier this week his ears were given the all-clear by a different Medicine Man but his views are that the blood tests for thyroid function should still go ahead. He has been booked in for Monday 20th April.

We have a house guest whom we hoped would become a new friend for The Boy but it is not quite working out that way. It hasn't come to fisticuffs exactly but they are best kept involved in separate activities. Shame, really.

During one of my volunteering spells yesterday, I offered to give Little Man a bath. He is a delightful fellow but has a habit of 'wearing' his ear ointment all over himself. The end result gives him an endearingly scruffy look but I accept that it might not be viewed in that light by others and could potentially compromise his future. He was so good; I have never known such a well-behaved chap in those circumstances. Let's hope his spruced-up appearance helps ......