17th January

Any self respecting blogger in the South today would have to mention the weather! This morning was dreadful! Heavy pouring rain, garden under water. We had to drag the dogs out, then they couldn't wait to get back whether they had done their "business" or not, so we were in danger of having accidents in the house.

I love talking about the weather, after all it affects everthing in my life. My father worked on the land so I grew up with an obsession with the weather and watching the forecast.

Last night I found myself, unusually alone, sitting in front of the television watching Countryfile and awaiting the weekly farming forecast, no other distractions,nothing else I needed to do, no teenagers wanting to watch an obscure channel I didn't know we could get! I had even found my glasses!

I watched Puffins diving, a Spaniard in the channel Islands prising some kind of mollusc off the bottom of a rock. A strange gentleman who never went in a supermarket and had a herd of Japanese cattle who produced delicious,expensive meat and who was, despite his lofty ambitions, very strange, and it was obvious, although the presenter covered up well, that he was not the kind of chap you would choose to spend an evening with down the pub!

Then at last the moment I had waited for, the weather...........then "Next on Countryfile...." "What?!"

Yes, I had managed to fall asleep and miss the whole thing! I may have heard something about temperatures lower than average, then again I may have dreamed it, I was asleep after all!

14th January

Despite our many successes with re-homing some dogs just "stick" for no obvious reason.

One of these is Sapphire who we have had with us now since April 2010

She is approx 6 years old and lived with a girl who worked with horses, she is used to horses and happy in a stableyard environment but she would be equally happy with a reasonable sized garden.

She is ball obsessed but this is a positive thing as she is happy to play ball getting her exercise that way.

She is good in the car and happy to be left for a few hours.

She is good with dogs she knows and o.k. with cats.

She is settled and quiet in the house, enjoys eating raw carrots and drinking tea.

She can walk well on the lead especially the extension lead although she can be strong at times and a bit of a "tank" on occasions!

Like all Staffies she loves people and cuddles.

She is approaching middle age and deserves a home of her own for her "mature" years.

Could you offer Sapphire the home she deserves?

13th January

I have recently spoken to two of our owners, both had dogs with certain issues which they have patiently worked through. They keep in touch providing me with regular updates and it is both encouraging and moving to hear how much they love their dogs and the lengths they are prepared to go to to solve their problems.

I am pleased to report Riley has settled well into his new home. Apparently he is more like a 10 year old than a 1 year old.

Thank you Sarah and family we wish you many happy years together.

12th January

Some of my ponies got out of their field again last night, waking everyone at 4.45 am eating pig nuts from the metal bin in the barn. This resulted in me shelving whatever plans I had and patrolling the whole of the fence in the top field.

Hammer in hand, staples in pocket accompanied by Jade and Dolly I strode around patching up here and there.

The field is huge and curves round up the valley, bordered on both sides by woods and on one by a bridleway( so you cannot completely relax re other dogs) but all was quiet, it was warm and both dogs were running free and I realised I was enjoying myself and the dogs were having a great time too.

As we returned to the farm two men were walking around outside the house, one with a clipboard, I almost put Dolly back on the lead but they walked back towards the back door so I thought it was ok but too late Dolly had seen them and made a bee line to say "Hello" despite my calls. It was obvious they were not dog lovers but this was lost on Dolly as she skipped around their feet......then......too late! Yes she jumped up depositing mud all over one man's jeans. He was obviously furious and pushed her down and back in my direction but he also managed a sly smack before she bounded back to me. Seeing this I decided not to apologise! It turns out they were architects! At least they were not from the council!

Later on we had another visitor, a large male labrador who strays when his owners are abroard. He was a regular when the farm Spaniels were un spayed. I remarked to someone he never got bitten or attacked by another dog.

He appeared again when Sapphire was having her run so instead of putting her on a lead I left her. She dropped her ball and charged up to him........nothing! He drooled, delightful! Then they just parted, who knows what was said, what a shame you couldn't get that reaction every time!

11th January

Word must have got out among the dogs here of Dolly's blogging activity, because this morning Sandi disappeared only to be found cavorting on the bed! Oh no don't tell Dad! We definitely DO NOT allow dogs on the beds in this house!

Dolly has now extended her repertoire to helping with the college run and going to the bank.

I wish I could have taken a picture of her as she watched the hordes of sixth formers passing the car oblivious of her sitting gazing inquisitively at them. I am sure she would have given them a true Staffie welcome if she could have.

Then on to the bank where she checked out the Guildford Stafford Rescue account with Nigel the bank clerk, just to make sure all was in order.

After all that hard work she relaxed by having a good, long, muddy run at the ponies. Ah it's a dog's life!

Whereas Sandi has also had an exciting day, apart from discovering the bed. We took her to a session of Doghouse naughty dog agility.

She did really well and is very bold getting the hang of the tunnel straight away. It is so good for her to learn to focus on something especially with other dogs around, we have signed up for a course and will keep you posted of her progress.

10th January

I have a confession to make. Recently I have not been writing my blog alone!

Quite often one of the dogs will keep me company but one of them really likes to get involved.........that's Dolly our Christmas Eve pup.

Here she is "helping" tonight.

Making a mess! What me?



In the river meadow



Please note we never allow dogs on beds!

You too could have Dolly help you blog!  Ask me how.

8th January

Thanks Sam for your comment (7th Jan) and Happy Gotcha Day to Harry!

What a great day that was when he finally got out of kennels after so long. Do read Harry and Trix's story (blog 24th December) and thanks to Sam and Jim for giving Harry and Trix a wonderful home as I know it has not always been that straightforward especially once Harry arrived but they stuck with it.