Needles, Fresh Air and Kissing it Better!

Hugo & Pip think this is THEIR bed!

Hugo relaxing!

Horizontal rain!

Last week saw that annual event dreaded by all our canine friends - a trip to the V.E.T. for the yearly vaccinations. Hugo has never had an issue with the vets and actually seems to like going, putting his feet up on the counter to announce his arrival to the receptionists and looking to see if the resident cat dares to stand it's ground. Miss Pip, on the other hand, is terrified. Martin had to go with Hugo and Pip on his own this time so he was stretched (literally) to the limit with Hugo pulling in through the door and Pip dragging behind. Once inside Pip set up her wining/howl that makes everyone very much aware she is NOT happy! The door to the surgery opened and the lady vet and nurse called them in - Hugo went in at the mention of his name but Pip dug her heels in and would not budge. The crafty nurse 

Hugo waiting for the rain to pass

rattled the treat tin and she shot in - food wins the day!


The vet was pleased with them and thought they were both very healthy, Pip with a particularly strong heartbeat (probably thumping because she was scared!), and they both received their inoculations without a murmur (albeit with Pip hiding her head between Martin's legs while it was stuck in her). After lots of fuss and attention from the nurse Pip relaxed and seemed to quite enjoy the attention. Martin also picked up some worming tablets which we had the joy of getting Hugo and Pip to take later that day. Miss Pip was no problem and swallowed hers but, no matter how far we shoved them down Hugo's throat, he managed to spit them up again a few minutes later. Eventually we managed to get the much-disintegrated soggy tablets to stay down and Hugo and Pip spent the rest of the evening fast asleep. Job done.

Pip waiting for the rain to pass

Came home from work the other day to find the kitchen towel up the garden and dirty paw prints on the glass door of the microwave - hmmmm!

Hugo is thrilled because we have started to leave the bedroom window open a crack at night. The only problem is that is isn't quite wide enough for his liking (we have sliding windows) and he puts his nose in and thrusts it open wider so he can hang out and watch the world go by. The only problem with this is that I wake up in the middle of the night, freezing cold and blinded by the street light outside because there he is, curtain rucked up, watching the local cats or hedgehogs in the street.

Ready to go home

Today I have almost lost my voice - no reason, I am not ill but I sound very croaky. As I went upstairs to change after work Hugo came with me and I was talking to him as usual. He leapt on the bed, stared me straight in the eye, cocking his head from side to side and then tried to lick my mouth - think he was trying to kiss it better!

We went up to Minchinhampton Common tonight and arrived just as the heavens opened and the rain poured down - horizontally because the wind was so strong. We could see it was only a shower so we waited in the car until it was over - Hugo and Pip were not amused because they wanted to get out there whatever the weather! We did not give in this time though and, apart from the freezing cold wind, enjoyed a walk in brilliant sunshine without getting wet.

A lover not a fighter!

Enjoying the warmer weather

Pip is now pretty much over her operation, apart from still being naked underneath - we did notice this morning that the hair is just starting to grow back. Toby took her back to the vet last week for her last post op. check up and they were really pleased with her - Toby even managed to get her to lie down and roll over for the nice lady vet to look at her scar! She still howled and barked while she was waiting though. I asked for her to be weighed again as I felt she had lost some weight and was quite lethargic - in the few days since her operation she had gone down from 27kg to 26.1kg which rather concerned us. However, this week has seen a marked improvement and she has been gambolling round the garden, jumping over the top of Hugo who seems quite bemused by her antics. The patio outside our back door is a couple of steps down from the lawn-that-used-to-be and the other evening she was hurtling up the garden, round the decking and charged back down where I was standing, taking a flying leap at me, skidding to a halt - not much wrong with her I think!!

The other evening Daniel and I took Hugo and Pip along the canal but I took Pip back home with me so Hugo could benefit from a longer walk. Daniel wanted Hugo to meet his friends new rescue dog called Bret who is one year old and something like a greyhound cross bull terrier - they knew from his history that he was a hunting dog and had killed several foxes but wanted to see what he was like with other dogs. Unfortunately, Hugo is the same colour as a fox and, well, with that tail, what was Bret to think - he leapt straight for Hugo's throat! Fortunately, Daniel managed to grab Bret before any damage was done and they were kept apart for the remainder of the visit. We were actually very pleased by Hugo's reaction because normally, when Pip is around, he will give a warning growl if another dog comes near and we did not know how he would react if one attacked him and this is the first one that has. Hugo did not bite back and actually went and hid behind Daniel's friend so think he's a lover rather than a fighter- perhaps it would have been different if 

Hugo, you're not allowed up there!

Pip had been there to defend.

This morning Hugo once more proved his love of the ladies. Martin took him and Pip for their usual walk and had to stop and talk to Pepsi, a lovely Boxer, who lives a few doors away from us - Hugo and Pip love her and drag whoever is walking them over to Pepsi's garden if she is out there. While they were there both the Postman and a man from Network Rail walked by and Pepsi started barking at them. Straight away Hugo put himself between the men and his ladies, as if to protect them - what a gentleman (actually, more likely that he thought he would get any treats going first!)

Pip enjoying the sunshine and chasing a beetle on the lawn-that-used-to-be.

Taking it Easy

We love each other now!

Martin with Hugo

Pip had to go back to the vet for a post op. check up yesterday so we took Hugo along too as she is less nervous when he is around. As we sat in the waiting room, once again, every time anyone came or went through there wearing a uniform Pip barked loudly at them and in between times, just for a bit of variety, she howled at the top of her voice. Very embarrassing! As I knew Pip would not be happy about the vet looking at her (even though it was the nice, young, Portuguese one) I had taken photographs of her scar for him to see and he was very pleased with her progress, although she continued to bark at him throughout the appointment. She didn't need much encouragement to leave there and was out and up the steps in a flash. One more check up to go next Friday and then she should be free - let's hope she doesn't have to go back for a long time.

Pip challenging the swans!

Over the last month or two Hugo and Pip have stopped the constant play-fighting and are actually beginning to lie down and sleep next to each other. Now, when I get up in the night, I have to manoeuvre my way over two sleeping bears who take up the entire width of the floor at the bottom of the bed. 

Hugo gets bored waiting when Dad talks to a neighbour!

Today was glorious sunshine and we made the most of it by spending several hours out in the garden enjoying the little bit of warmth in the sheltered spots. Hugo lay down in the shade whereas Miss Pip found the hottest bit of sunshine she could and revelled in it - think she is trying to suntan her bare bits to make them blend in with the rest of her!

Martin and I took Hugo and Pip a short walk along the canal this afternoon - we couldn't go too far as Pip is meant to be convalescing but you wouldn't have know it from the way she was jumping around and scrabbling up and down the banks. Apart from the extensive bikini wax she seems to be very much back to normal so really pleased how well she has come through the operation.

Pip's Day at the V.E.T.S

Hugo waiting for Pip to come home.

Today was the day for Pip to be spayed so all food had to be taken away as from 6pm last night - unfortunately, Hugo had to suffer this as well but I gave them both a huge meal of roast chicken mixed with their food so I don't think they were going to starve, although they did look a bit disgruntled they couldn't have their usual bedtime snack.

Duck hunting!

I left Hugo with Toby and got Pip in the car and off we went for our 8.10am check-in time. As soon as we turned in to the drive to the vets Pip started crying and when I tried to get her to walk down the steps to the surgery door she stood her ground and tried to get back to the car. I managed to fool her by walking the long way round and using the disabled ramp which approaches from a different direction. She obviously had not forgotten her previous visits here. The nice nurse tried to take her down the stairs to the hospital part of the vets but Pip was having none of it and I had to go ahead of her and call her down. She looked back at me through the glass panel of the door and I felt so guilty - it was worse than leaving your child on their first day of school.

Pip feels a bit cold

Pip sleeping it off

When I got home Hugo was very clingy all morning so I took him for a nice long walk this afternoon and he brightened up duck hunting along the canal. I let him lead the way for a change and he totally surprised me by taking me the circular route I always use but completely in reverse - he certainly knew which way he was going so perhaps he was hinting we should do it his way every now and again. When we were almost home we met one of our neighbours walking her husky and they were both very well behaved towards each other with a lot of paw waving at each other - perhaps it's when Hugo is with Pip that he gets a bit dominant towards other male dogs.


We went back to the vet this evening to pick up Pip and we could hear her coming back up the stairs at top speed with the nurse being dragged behind saying 'Wait for me!' Martin took her outside while I was sorting out medication and appointments and she was out of there in a flash and jumped in the back of the car without hesitation. I was in the surgery for a little while and got back to the car to find Martin standing outside it with the back door open and Pip howling inside. When she saw me the noise intensified and she continued to yowl the whole way home. Don't know whether it was the affects of the anaesthetic or she was just making us well aware of what a horrible day she had had but she certainly made herself heard!


While we were out Daniel took Hugo off to his friend's house to give Pip a chance to settle before they see each other. She ate the remains of the chicken from last night and is now sleeping on the sofa, although she did feel a bit cold so I put her blanket over her to warm her up a bit. She seems quite content now but I think she will be feeling the cold when she goes outside as she has a huge naked patch where they shaved her - the scar is only about 3 inches long and looks very neat so hopefully it will not cause her any problems. So far we haven't had to use the 'cone of shame' but only time will tell on that one. Just waiting for the reunion when Hugo comes home - I expect there will be a lot more howling to come.

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.

Pip is not amused!

On Friday we noticed Pip had a bit of a sore patch just under her ear and by last night it had turned into quite a nasty abscess. It was first brought to our attention by Hugo when we spotted him licking her ear and we thought 'ah, how sweet, he loves her' - should know him better by now shouldn't we?! Anyway, the inevitable trip to the V.E.T. took place this evening and Toby and I took both Hugo and Pip along - more worming tablets are just about due and we wanted to get them both weighed as they have both grown.

Come and play Pip!

As we went into the surgery the first thing Hugo did was to jump up and put his feet on the reception desk - unfortunately  the resident cat was sitting on the other side and Hugo was very interested in all the spitting and hissing and wide eyes going on there! We were quite early so had to wait for a while and we were really pleased how they both behaved, especially as smaller dogs were barking at them. Pip was a bit jumpy though so she probably knew something nasty was going to happen. 

A lady with one of the small dogs came out of one of the surgery doors looking rather anxious and they took her dog downstairs "It's always a bad sign when they take them down there" she said. The dog was soon returned though - he'd had a dew claw removed and they promised her he'd only made a small yelp when it was removed (if you believe that you'll believe anything).

We have cut this collar down now - it was
a bit big!

Then it was our turn so we all crammed into the little surgery. The nice nurse had a look at Pip's ear and decided she had to shave some of the hair off so she could see it better - Pip had other ideas!! She wriggled and squirmed and, even after a muzzle had been put on her (she wasn't biting or snapping but the nurse thought it might be safer) we couldn't hold her still enough to get more than a snippet of hair from her. The nurse then called the vet in and he had a look at her and said what a lovely puppy she was - he also commented on Hugo's lovely temperament so we liked him! Then those dreaded words 'We'll just pop her downstairs and clean it up for her!"

We trooped back into the waiting room and the nurse took her through the door while we went to the counter to pay. There was a lot of scrabbling sounds coming from behind the door and we could see Pip, backed right up as far as her collar would allow, four feet firmly planted with the nurse trying to get her to move - she was NOT going down those stairs. Toby had to take her in the end and then we sat and waited for her return. Don't know how they did it (and don't particularly want to) but she came back with a shaved ear and had been given  antibiotics and steroid injections. She has to take antibiotics for a week and we have to go back next Monday for a check up. We mustn't let Hugo lick it because THAT is what caused the infection from probably just a small scratch - wouldn't be at all surprised if he'd made that small scratch (or bite) in the first place.


When we got home Pip kept trying to scratch her ear so we resorted to putting the collar on her - this is the one Hugo had after his op. but it was so big on her we have had to cut it down. Hugo kept lying on the floor in front of her and pawing up at her face in the collar to try and make her play - she was not a happy bunny. She is very sleepy now so think the injections are having an affect.

Forgot to say - Pip is 25.9kg (just over four stone) and Hugo is 41.1kg (six and a half stone) so both filling out nicely.