Time for a Bath - it Must be Crufts Again!

Hugo waiting to go in to Pets at Home

Hugo and Pip have had a very busy two days and are currently lying exhausted on the floor - I don't think they will be moving much for the rest of this evening!

Yesterday started bright and early because Hugo and Pip had a 9 o'clock appointment with their beautician to get them ready for their next grand appearance at Crufts. Before we made our way to Pets at Home where the Groom Room were going to perform their magic, Martin and I took Hugo and Pip up to Minchinhampton so they could have a good walk first. We arrived at the Gloucester store ten minutes before it opened so we waited outside in the sunshine. Hugo was very interested in that big, bad Akita just the other side of the shop door that, strangely, copied his exact movements. Miss Pip was in fine form, play bowing to Hugo, trying to make him chase her and woo-wooing in excitement. At last the doors were opened and we were straight in, hurriedly dragging Hugo and Pip past the lady cleaning out the rabbits, and down to the beauty parlour at the end. Hugo went in without hesitation, nosey dog that he is, but Miss

Miss Pip in mad-dog mode

Pip started to dig her feet into the ground just in case it was the V.E.T she was going in to. She soon gave in and went through the door, too, where the nice lady took them both through the counter door and into the room at the back. She told us she would be washing and grooming Hugo but another girl was coming in at 10.00am to do Pip. We were told to come back about 1.00pm unless we heard otherwise so off we went. After doing our weekly shop we were on the way home with it when my phone rang - the Groom Room were almost finished so we could come back at 11.30am. After offloading the shopping we set off again and walked through the store. As I opened the door to the cubicle at the end of the shop I leaned over the counter and there

Sparkling, clean & fluffy

was Miss Pip, just finished - she was thrilled to see me and dashed round to great me, howling and throwing herself at me. Martin took her outside the door as it was rather a confined space and there were a couple of other people in there and the girl went to get Hugo who greeted me with much wriggling and leaning himself against me - I think he was pleased to see me. All this time and while I paid Miss Pip was standing outside with Martin howling and generally letting the whole world that she was there. The ladies in the parlour said that she had been very vocal for the first hour or so - I suspect while Hugo was being pampered and she was left to wait. We certainly like to create an audience when we go out. Hugo and Pip looked fantastic when they came out, sparkling white and very fluffy and soft. The ladies had even cut their nails which is something they will not let us attempt to do so we were very pleased.

All of this grooming and preening was, of course, for today's main event - Hugo and Pip's fourth trip to Crufts to represent Akita Rescue & Welfare Trust on the breed rescue stand. This morning's start was exceptionally early with the alarm clock going off at 5.30am but Hugo and Pip decided to ignore that,

Early morning walk

lifting their heads briefly and then promptly going back to sleep. And there they would have stayed had Toby not arrived causing great excitement, especially when they saw we were all wearing our ARW uniforms. Toby and I first drove Hugo and Pip up to Minchinhampton Common for a walk before we set off - it was frosty and dry so perfect and yesterday's beauty treatments were not ruined by wet and mud. Even better we were the only people up there so it was a very pleasant walk. Back home we picked up Martin and off we set to the N.E.C. in Birmingham. We arrived at eight o'clock and made the long walk from the car park to the Hall 1 entrance which is the only door that dogs are allowed to enter through, even though we were in Hall 3. A quick trek through all the halls and we were finally at our destination and Hugo and Pip settled in to their pen for a day of being fussed and stroked and generally made the centre of attention. Some time later we were joined by Meg who stood outside the pen and wowed the crowds too - a gorgeous, laid back girl who is this year's cover girl for the Kennel Club calendar. 

Greeting the crowds

At first it was exceptionally noisy as the ring next to us was holding the Young Kennel Club owner's fly-ball competition and the load speakers and dogs barking was almost unbearable. Fortunately, after half an hour or so it died down and more sedate activities took place. Hugo, Pip and Meg were stroked and patted by hundreds of passers by and loved every minute. After several hours they began to flag and gradually sank into lying positions, although still allowing people to lean over to touch

Getting tired now

them. By three o'clock were were all exhausted so we decided to call it a day, leaving Meg to greet the crowds alone. 

The journey back through the halls was quite traumatic as the aisles were chock-a-block with people all going in the opposite direction to us so we had to fight our way through. Martin and Hugo led the way with Pip and myself following. Hugo was getting quite stressed as he normally likes to weave as he walks but he was

Young Meg, our pin-up girl!

very confined and kept bumping into people and coming to dead ends so it was with great relief we reached the doors and got out in the fresh air. Hugo and Pip are definitely 'country' dogs and are not used to crowds or narrow pathways as we tend to walk them in wide open spaces but they behaved beautifully and we were very proud of them. The journey home was, fortunately, very quick and uneventful with two sleeping beauties in the back who hardly moved all the way back. Here's to a quiet day tomorrow, I think we all deserve it.

Homeward bound.

Spring catch up!

Once again time has been speeding by and it has been two months since I last wrote so I think it is time for a catch up.

Hugo and Pip made their usual appearance at Crufts in March, representing Akita Rescue & Welfare Trust on the breed rescue stand and spent  four hours being petted and loved by hundreds of people who came to the stand. As is normal at any event at the N.E.C. we had to park quite some distance from the buildings and thought we would have a long trek in. Not so this time as there was a conveniently timed shuttle bus that was virtually empty just waiting to pick us up. This was a first for Pip (Hugo having being taken on the local bus by Daniel when he was younger) so Toby and I were interested to see how they would react. Apart from the fact there was another dog just inside the entrance that Hugo would have dearly liked to 'play' with we made our way to the back of the bus where Hugo and Pip had a grand view of everything we passed and they sat down beautifully watching the world go by. Success! We had a slight moment of panic when we got just inside the building which was chock-a-block with people, dogs and loud noises. Hugo and Pip had their head collars on and we held them very close to us but Hugo must have suddenly felt overwhelmed by his surroundings and tried to back away, slipping his head out of his collar as he went! Fortunately, Toby was right behind me with Pip and we managed to grab him and get the collar back on before he escaped. After that the day went very smoothly and they behaved brilliantly - they were so exhausted and so relaxed towards the end of our stint on the stand that they both lay down and went to sleep despite the loud speakers blaring out every few minutes and people trying to stroke them.

On the same weekend as Crufts Martin went into hospital for a knee replacement and we were worried how Hugo and Pip would be around him when he came home. They tend to get excited and playful, especially in the evening, and we had visions of them crashing into his bad leg or tripping him over. We have been very pleased that they have done none of these things and have been very gentle when near him. When he first got home they took turns in climbing up on the settee next to him, Hugo even laying his head over Martin's leg as if to protect it. Pip, being the woman that she is, decided she did not like that nasty hospital smell and proceeded to wash his hands and arms until it was gone. Martin was always the one who took Hugo and Pip for their first walk of the day, albeit only a short one and we were surprised when Daniel took on this role without being asked - those of you that know him will understand what a miracle that is! Pip has always being wary of Daniel and barks every time he comes in but since he has been walking them she has begun to like him and now woo-woo's at him bringing a toy as a present when he comes through the door so some good had come out of it.

Just two weeks ago we went up to Sutton Coldfield for an ARW pack walk and we had a most enjoyable time around the lack and woods. Toby and his girlfriend, Steph, came too and I can honestly say this is the best pack walk I have ever been on because I let them take Hugo and Pip whilst I took photos and chatted to the others - I think Hugo and Pip enjoyed it too with younger legs taking them at a quicker pace.

Martin and I took Hugo and Pip to one of the places we used to take the boys very often when they were younger but haven't been for years -  to the Cotswold Water Park at Ashton Keynes. Martin still cannot walk far so we left him at the lakeside coffee shop and Hugo, Pip and I set off around the lake. After a brief stop to drink out of the lake (Hugo and Pip, not me) we followed the path through shaded paths with not a soul in sight. At the far end of the lake there were gaps in the undergrowth where Hugo and Pip could creep down and paddle in the cool water. As we rounded the lake, almost back to where we had started, 

the vegetation thinned out and there was a wide 'beach' where Hugo and Pip took great delight in  wadding through the waves that the wind had whipped up. I didn't feel we had gone quite far enough on such a pleasant day so instead of walking the last 100 yards to meet Martin at the coffee shop, we turned around and did the route in reverse. A good two mile walk with no-one to bother us at all so one that we all thoroughly enjoyed. Next time we might consider the other lake which joins that one and is two miles round. We rounded off our time there with a cool drink on the terrace over looking the lake where Hugo and Pip lay down, exhausted from their activities. Not much movement from them even now but there is that very familiar smell of wet dog!

Hugo and Pip Do Crufts - again!

Pip enjoying all the attention

Oooh, more of that please!

I went up to Crufts on my own yesterday, stayed over, and was joined today by Hugo, Pip, Martin (my OH) and Toby (my son). A brilliant, sunshiny day which started with Toby taking Hugo and Pip up on the Common for a good run before setting off to meet me at the N.E.C. where we were all going to represent the Akita Rescue and Welfare Trust - Toby has now decided that seven o'clock in the morning is definitely the best time to walk them as no one else was about at all.

Hugo spots Ashi Taka

I arrived at the show-ground just after my family so they were waiting for me outside the entrance when I got there. Surprisingly, Hugo and Pip didn't spot me straight away which was probably because of the volume of people arriving at that time. I got quite close before I was noticed and Pip set up her usual bark/howl of greeting, leaping up as if she hadn't seen me for years. Apparently, last night Hugo and Pip spent all evening lying behind the front door waiting for me to come home - nice to be loved isn't it?!!

We then had to fight our way through Halls 1 and 2 so we could get to Hall 3 where we had a spot in the Eukanuba rescue booths. Hugo and Pip went very willingly into their little pen and were quickly mobbed by the crowds, taking any amount of stroking, patting, being oohed and aared over and being photographed from every angle. With us were Stephanie, Teresa, Kirtsy and Jude but It wasn't long before we were joined by Kevin with the stunning Ashi Taka - a long coat akita who was really wowing the crowds with his laid back attitude and beautiful coat (Hugo's not so keen on him though!).

Ashi Taka

Kessie & Kovu

Toby took Hugo off for a comfort break but, as Pip also looked as if she needed 5 minutes peace from all the crowds, I followed with her a few moments later. I hadn't realised how much she depends on Hugo for reassurance because as soon as we hit crowds of people she went almost in to panic mode and at one point, when I took a slightly different route from the one Hugo had gone, she sat down and refused to go on until I coaxed her out. Once outside she set up a whining cry and wasn't at all happy, however much I tried to comfort her - she was only relaxed once she had Hugo in her sights. Needless to say we didn't separate them again.

Hugo gets down to greet his admirers

Later in the morning Rosie and Damien bought the two K's - Kessie & Kovu (another one whom Hugo is not keen on, and the feeling is mutual!) - so we were able to go off for an hour or so. Once again Toby and I fought our way through the crowds to look at the stands with Hugo and Pip in tow.  I have two country dogs who are used to open spaces which they can explore on the end of a long lead so are not at their best when being held close and, Hugo in particular, keeps trying to see round people and pushing them from behind when they don't move fast enough! We decided to retreat to the safety of the booth and they really settled into their role as ambassadors for ARW, loving all the attention.

Rosie, Kevin and Toby had all made cookies  with special Akita-shaped cutters which we handed out to children when they visited the stand. Hugo and Pip decided these were far nicer than any of the doggy treats we had for them so have had a large quantity of 'junk' food today as they quickly made it evident to anyone who had one they they wanted some too!

Going home!

By mid-afternoon we were beginning to flag so we decided to take Hugo and Pip home, leaving Kessie, Kovu and Ashi to work the crowds. As soon as we hit the motorway, Hugo and Pip were lying down and asleep which is where they stayed for the whole journey home. What was really funny was when we got back - Hugo and Pip were let into the house first while we unloaded all of our things but Miss Pip then stood on the doorstep and went mad, howling and talking, greeting us as if we had been away for hours. I think she had forgotten she had been with us the whole time. She then had a mad five minutes leaping on and off the bed upstairs and running about and has now crashed out again - think all that sugar might be out of her system now!.


All in all it was a very successful day with lots of interest and new contacts made. All of the dogs were beautifully behaved and were loved by everyone who met them. Really proud of all of them!

Beauty Parlour Time!

Hugo before

Eight o'clock this morning saw Hugo, Pip and I walking across Selsley Common on a beautiful, crisp, sunny day along with all the other early dog walkers around Stroud. There seemed to be groups of people standing around all over the place so I picked our route carefully to avoid any confrontations but needn't have worried. We saw a German Shepherd, two greyhounds (one with three legs) and several spaniels - all off lead but all beautifully behaved and ignored us totally which resulted in a very pleasant walk.

Pip before

The reason for the early start was to let Hugo and Pip do what they had to before we took them over to Pets at Home at Gloucester where they were booked in for a grooming session. They have never been to a groomers before so we had no idea how they would behave, nor have we left them with anyone else apart from the vets and we all know what they (Pip is particular) think about that! They aren't particularly keen when we brush them so we thought we would let the experts have a go especially as they seem to have been blowing for weeks.

Hugo after

We arrived in plenty of time and after explaining certain traits - Hugo's hip dysplacia which makes him a little tender over his hips sometimes and also his phobia about baths, towels and hairdryers, and Pip's slight separation anxiety we left them in the hands of two lovely young girls. Hugo and Pip went straight through hardly looking back at us - it was like leaving your child on their first day of school. We were told they would be at least three hours so off we went to do some shopping in Gloucester.

Pip after

One and a half hours later I noticed I had a missed call on my mobile so phoned back thinking the worst - perhaps they had been a nightmare and couldn't be done or were upset at being left. Not so, they just wanted to to say they were ready! We arrived back to be greeted by a room filled with fluff billowing all over the place, escaping into the main part of the store as soon as the door was opened. There they were, all fluffed up, sparklingly clean and very pleased to see us (Pip being her usual vocal self and Hugo standing with his feet up on the counter to get to us). They had been very well behaved and had even let the girls clip their nails which they haven't let us get near lately. Apparently Hugo had done the usual Akita thing of leaning although this happened to be against Pip on the table and neither of them batted an eyelid when two Jack Russells came in to have their nails clipped. Think I need to adopt these two girls!! As we left the store I kept seeing wisps of hair floating around that huge store so think there will be evidence of Hugo and Pip's visit for some time.

Squeaky clean!

The reason for all this pampering and preening is for a very special event. Once again, Hugo and Pip have been invited to Crufts on the Akita Rescue and Welfare stand next Sunday (9th March) to represent the Trust and to promote rescues. So, if anyone is coming to Crufts on the big, final day when the Champion is selected, then do look out for us.

Croaking Frogs and Fishy Kongs

Hugo and Pip with Toby and me at Crufts

After two days of doing nothing but sleep, Hugo and Pip are beginning to get back to their normal lively selves after their day up at Crufts. I have never seen them so tired before and they haven't even bothered with their usual nightly romp when the rest of us are winding down. We were really proud of all our dogs on Friday and hope they raise the profile of the breed.

Gorgeous Anouk with Teresa & Kirsty

On Saturday my parents came down for the day which is only the second time they had met Pip. When they came the last time my dad did something which made her bark - she had not forgotten and as soon as she saw him she started shouting at him and then ran upstairs out the way until I called her down again. Fortunately, he was well prepared and had some tasty treats in his pocket for her and Hugo which she devoured. Hopefully, next time they meet she will have forgiven him.

Hugo and Pip went charging out the back door when I let them out the other night before we went to bed but they suddenly came screeching to a standstill, both 'pointing' at the pond. For a horrible moment I thought someone was in the garden but then realised what the problem was - a frog was croaking loudly in the pond! I don't think either of them had heard one before as they weren't with us this time last year and they certainly couldn't make the noise out at all.

The beautiful Kiri posing at Crufts

When we were up at Crufts we bought a goodie bag of Fish4dogs food which contained, amongst other things, a couple of sachets of salmon mousse and some tiny biscuits. Toby filled the Kongs with a combination of both these and Hugo and Pip have spent a happy hour or so licking it all out - only one problem, the house has a decided fishy smell to it now!

Obi wowing the crowds!

For the last week or so Pip has been periodically pawing at the side of her mouth but, however much we looked, we could not see anything wrong. As she was not off her food and it was only every now and again we had hoped it would sort itself out. Today, though, Toby spotted a sore patch just below her mouth which has probably been caused by her rubbing her mouth. The inevitable trip to the vet was arranged for this afternoon and, as Pip is nervous at the surgery, we took Hugo along to keep her company. We were the only patients in the waiting room but every time one of the nurses or staff went in and out of a door Pip would bark loudly at them, just like she was guarding the place. Unfortunately, the lady on the reception could not hear on the telephone and had to transfer her call to another room! Every time Pip barked Hugo would do a high pitched whine - not very manly - and wanted to sit on one of the chairs alongside us. I wouldn't mind but he isn't the one who normally gets on the furniture at home. At last they called us in to the surgery and Pip had to be pulled through the door whereas Hugo strolled in quite happily and wondered round the room while first the nurse and then the vet examined her. Toby lifted her on the table which weighed her at 27kg so she has gained about 1.5kg since December. Because she was nervous Pip was panting which actually made it much easier for the vet to have a good look in her mouth and, fortunately, could find nothing untoward which was a bit of a relief. Instead they gave us some antibiotic/steroidal cream to put on twice a day and we left £45 worse off! Have got to go back in a weeks time and have also booked Pip in for the week after Easter to be spayed - dread to think how the pair of them will be if they have to be separated for the day.

Hugo & Pip at Crufts as featured on TV!

At 6.50am this morning Toby and I set off with Hugo and Pip on the journey to Crufts at the NEC in Birmingham. At 6.53am we had stopped the car because BOTH of them needed a comfort break - at this rate it promised to be a very long day! Once back in the car they both settled down and by the time we were on the motorway were lying down which is always something of a relief - two Akitas standing up in the back of a Fiat Panda is not conducive to a clear view of the road behind!

Hugo working the crowds

After a fairly smooth journey we arrived at the show ground and parked up along with hundreds of other cars all containing little balls of fluff, all either being carried or wheeled along in cages - whoever decided that the Utility and Toy dog groups should be shown on the same day must have had a sense of humour as you could not get much more extreme sizes. Hugo and Pip were very excited and we had to walk them quite a way to get to the main halls - no bus ride for them as we would not risk taking them in one with all those little tasty snacks in a confined space!

Dogs were not allowed in through the entrance that would have been closer to where we were heading so we had to go through Hall 1 and 2, all chock-a-block with people and dogs which we had to negotiate, until we eventually made our way to our allotted space in Hall 3. As we got Hugo and Pip in to their special little pen we breathed a sigh of relief we had made it without any incidents. Needless to say we all felt a bit hot and bothered at this time.

Pip sporting her pink bandanna

Shortly after we arrived, Stephanie and Anouk joined us and Teresa and Kirsty were not far behind. Hugo and Pip behaved beautifully and eagerly greeted everyone who came to see them, standing up with their front paws on the edge of the pen thoroughly enjoying all the fuss and attention. At one point Hugo started to get a bit stressed out but after a short comfort break he was back to his usual self.

After three hours on the stand with hundreds of people stroking them we were relieved by Christine and Clive who had bought Obi and Kiri along and we took Hugo and Pip out for a walk outside. After a bite to eat (Hugo and Pip enjoyed their bits of bacon roll) we walked them round all the stands and arenas for an hour or so. Although they were really well behaved it was just so packed with people it was very hard work guiding them round and through the crowds so it was with great relief when we arrived back at our space again.

Too exhausted to move!

Lots of people were taking photographs of the dogs, some very official looking with huge lenses on their cameras but Hugo and Pip took it in their stride and posed for most. As the afternoon went on they began to flag and they lay down on the floor, looking absolutely exhausted not so keen or interested now in all the people passing by. At 4pm we left the stand and fought our way back through the crowds and made the long trek back to the car. Unfortunately, the M42 at that time of night is horrendous and it took us an hour to get to the M5 and another hour home. Normally when the car slows down in traffic Hugo and Pip will stand up to see what is happening but not today - there were flat out on their bed in the back of the car and stayed that way for all of the two hour journey. 

As we were sitting recovering from the day we watched the Crufts programme on Channel 4 and there were Hugo and Pip wearing their Akita Rescue & Welfare bandannas - what a lovely way to end the day - fame at last!

As I sit typing this I am accompanied by two snoring, very tired dogs, no doubt dreaming of all they have seen today and perhaps wondering what one of those fluff-ball snacks would have tasted of!


N.B. I took very few photographs today so will 'borrow' some from Teresa and Stephanie to post another day.

Getting ready for Crufts!

Waiting for a treat after their bath

On Sunday I was carrying an armful of just ironed clothes upstairs when I dropped a pair of socks in the hall. As I was holding too much to be able to pick them up I left them where they were intending to come back for them. As usual, my two shadows followed me up and in to the bedroom but I was surprised when I turned round from putting the clothes down to see Hugo placing the pair of socks (albeit a bit soggy) on the bed for me - what a clever boy!

Not a happy chappy!

The other evening Daniel decided to take Hugo with him when he went round to his friends house and left Pip with the rest of us. She was totally inconsolable - first she whined and kept running round in circles but got more and more distressed when she realised he wasn't coming back and ended up howling at the top of her voice. It would have been funny if she wasn't obviously so stressed out - I tried hugging her and making a fuss but the only way she eventually calmed down was after Toby took her for a quick walk round the block and she could see for herself that Hugo wasn't there. Strangely enough she didn't take that much notice of Hugo when he did come back so think she was giving him the cold shoulder. Don't think we will be separating them again in a hurry.

 

(Pip)squeaky clean!

Well, tomorrow is the big day! Toby and I are taking Hugo and Pip up to Crufts where they have been invited to represent the Akita Rescue and Welfare on their stand. When I got home from work it was time for that dreaded event - bath-time  Unfortunately, both Hugo and Pip remembered what this meant and we had a really hard time getting them anywhere near the bathroom. Pip was the first to be cornered and Toby and I managed to lift her in the bath and then shampoo and rinse her off fairly quickly. We towel dried her, tied another dry towel round her and let her go while we tried to persuade Hugo to come in. After much cajoling and several gravy bones later we managed to get him half way through the bathroom door so we grabbed him and pulled him in and shut the door behind us. He was not impressed and found it very undignified when the two of us together lifted him in the bath. After all the fuss and bother of getting him in he stood their as good as gold while we washed him and showered him off but he got his own back when we had finished by jumping out and soaking me and then shaking himself all over Toby. In the meantime we heard Martin come in and Pip greeting him and Kita-talking at the top of her voice, telling him what we had done to her. As soon as Hugo was free he shot downstairs and rubbed himself all along the leather settees - thanks Hugo!

Hugo and Pip are now drying out - Pip lying as close to the fire as possible and Hugo sulking in the corner. They certainly look a lot cleaner but there is a definite smell of wet dog about the house tonight!

We will have to be up bright and early tomorrow as we aim to leave about 6.30am in the morning to be at the NEC for 8-8.30am - if anyone wants to come and see us we are in Hall 3 Stand 52.

Hugo and Pip are going to Crufts!

Hugo and Pip were wild with excitement on Saturday afternoon when first Toby returned from his trip to Sierra Leone and then, about half an hour later, Daniel got back from Spain. They didn't know who to attack first! Think they have missed their 'brothers'.

This morning Pip retrieved the empty toothpaste container from the bathroom bin and she and Hugo had a wonderful time crunching their way through the tube - made a bit of a mess but they have lovely minty breath now!

Now for some exciting news - Hugo and Pip are going to Crufts!!!! A few weeks ago the Akita Rescue and Welfare were invited to have a stand in the rescue section of the show and they kindly asked us if we would like to go to represent them.. Our old friends Obi and Kiri will be there and so will Anouk so if anyone is able to come along we would love to see you - it is on Friday 8th March at the NEC. Rather amused me to hear that this is the day when Utility and Toy dogs are there (Akitas are classed as Utility) and one of our neighbours will be the Pomeranian Rescue so hope Hugo and Pip behave themselves and don't think they are toys to play with!