Life down on the farm

We have some family and friends camping in the garden at the moment. Glamping actually. They baked this (was) lovely cake for us to share. Pippa ( 13 year old terrier) found a way to climb onto a high table, get beyond the boring stuff and she tucked in. "Compliments to the chef" as she ate almost her own body weight :)

Can you spot Strudles?

She has had a lovely holiday at Dogs Paws boarding kennels

Training continues for Ruby and Dapphne. 17 weeks old and off to the city Mel and I went. Yes they are playing with their water pot outside the cafe but they are fed up of being fussed. Everyone stops to pet them, young and old. "Are they Rottweilers" they ask in dismay as they are soooo friendly and we intend to keep them that way and continue our mission to restore peoples faith in this truly stunning breed.
Mel and I are continuing our training on Thursday evenings if anyone has a dog and would be interested in joining us?

 I couldn't keep them out of the water. An older chap watched on as we encouraged the girls to go behind as it is all good confidence building. It made him smile lots too

Bella gets a cuddle with Rachel at Cats Whiskers. She is very young so in a front unit with the door open so we can keep an eye on her at all times. She is getting ooooodles of attention too so good for her confidence

Oh what fun

Last evening we had a "bit of a do"

It was to thank all for helping with the fun day in May as without the family and friends Mel and I just couldn't have done it

We played rounders and had a BBQ

As always the weather was perfect

I bought 100 rolls and this morning there are just 8 left

There were many cakes baked and only crumbs here this morning so I can only assume every one was well fed

It was a whole family affair so there were lots of youngsters and they were fantastic. They played rounders too so everyone had to be patient but it was funny when they didn't really get the game and once hit the ball just ran in circles

Mel's day guest my funniest moment award as he was fielding, the ball slogged by a strong, teenager, his eyes followed it through the tree and he watched the far fielder to see if he catches it BUT it had hit a branch and fell on this head. Everyone howled

Thank you to all for making it such a fun evening x

How many hours in a day??

Down on the farm we have a new litter of gorgeous Cockapoo puppies. Toffee is Mum and Duke Dad. She is a loyal girl as has only ever "married" him. They do make lovely puppies/ adult dogs and there are a few around this area if you wanted to see how these puppies will turn out.

Ruby, my Rotti puppy, has started her training so every day I need to spend one to one time with her as I'm determined to have her at least as good as her Mum, Phoebe. My friend Mel and I took our 4 Rotti's out along the canal Wednesday. It was Ruby's first time on the highway and on a lead. She did well. Our next outing we are taking the two puppies into the city :)

We have acquired a pig, YES a pig who apparently hasn't lived with pigs as doesn't get along with them but is very used to dogs. She is great with my dogs but I will need to build her a safe place for when I'm busy with outer peoples dogs who may not be so good with her. (another job to do) She is such a lovely, loving girl who is also house trained but she is either pregnant or has very large worms :) Time will tell.
Everyone loves her including the many teenage boys we have around here :)

We have acquired a 15.1hh horse. A girl and I don't really do girl horses as they can be so "marish" but she found us and what a lovely calm and gentle girl she is so we have decided to take a foal off her. I have found a stunning stallion who is used by the queen to produce the grey horses to pull her carriage. Good enough for the queen :)
She has had her swabs taken and doesn't have any sexually transmitted diseases!!!  Just as well as she has never been courting before. The stallion owner insists on the test and I cannot blame her as she wants to keep her boy "clean" I had no idea it was such a problem with horses.
I also had her scanned to see where she is in her cycle and she is going to be "married" over this weekend as is about to ovulate.
Fingers crossed 11 month time we will have the pitter, patter of more tiny feet :)

The new dog run a proving a god send and our many boarding dogs can be outside most of the day and if not yappy they never get shut in at all. I do run nice kennels even though I do say so myself. Actually many others say so as we are getting very busy all the time and at points in the summer we are already full.

Painting in the cattery is almost there. Just the doors and the floor to do now then we are ready for summer.

I am looking to take some help on but finding the right person is not easy. Someone who can maintain our high standards, who is great with the animals, who can work and think for themselves and who is trustworthy and good with people. A tall order but I am looking as we would like a holiday and after 9 years of trading I would like a full day off a week :)

Exam season is over for my boys so wind down is happening. They are soon on summer holidays. Middle son is trying to secure a summer job in HR as that is what he is studying at university in September. I'm so proud

What's new?

Where do I begin? :)

We now have a large, supper, dooper  dog run which goes round the island and takes in trees so great for shade on those illusive hot, sunny, summer days. This gives me 3 large exercise areas so ready for the busy summer.

My lovely horse had to be put to sleep as had a long standing problem with his hind legs. So very sad but at least he isn't being passed onto some poor, unsuspecting buyer and I will look again as not ready to hang up my riding boots yet :)

We have acquired a micro pig called Whinney. She thinks she is a dog and cannot settle with other pigs. In fact she does fight them. She is great with my dogs, is house trained and comes when called. She loves fuss and likes watching TV too :)

My ride on mower is proving fantastic and helping me keep on top of maintenance of the place.

My lovely boys are in the middle of exams and seem to be working and doing well. Time will tell :)
Despite having an unconditional offer at university to study business studies with H R my middle son is working hard to do well with his A levels.

I am a very proud Mum

Down on the farm

Thought I would give you an update on what I have been up to "down on the farm"

Maintenance

I have bought a second hand mower so I have half a fighting chance of keeping on top of the mowing. It's a beefy little machine and whilst it is a novelty my youngest is happy to do it. Good move :)

I have had lots of earth moved as am creating a fantastic dog run which encompasses part of an iseland and includes some trees. It will be great for the high energy dogs and whilst i'm at home they could be outdoors all day as there is shelter/shade too.

Cattery

I have got lovely fitted floors in the new cattery block and almost finished the painting so ready for the summer although we have been very busy this week with cats as well as dogs.  I have been gathering chairs and small tables so each unit gives each cat a nice place to sit, either high or low. Either by the window or not. Either inside or out in their own private run.

Our animals

Ruby Do, Phoebe's daughter is doing very well and her training has started.

We have a new addition but i'm not telling you what and see if you spot her when you're next here :)

Bookings

Yes, summer is upon us and bookings are coming in thick and fast. We are almost full in the dog boarding and many units are booked in the cattery too. Dog owners do seem to book earlier than cat's but I guess if you cannot accommodate your dog you really are stuck for going away where as it's probably easier to have a cat looked after by a friend or neighbour.

Phew! another Family Fun and Doggy Day over :)

It was fantastic, the weather was perfect, people arrived in their droves, we had to use our neighbours field for extra parking.

We had in excess of 1000 people on site and hundreds of dogs who were all impeccably well behaved.

The show classes were well subscribed and boy! did we have a good giggle at the scurry dogs.

The team of helpers were fantastic and Mel, in both the run up and on the day, as always, is such a rock. We make a great pair. We think the same and both graft, never shy of work and prepared to do what ever it takes to ensure everyone has a lovely time.

The demonstrations were wonderful so a huge thank you to Prospector canine events team and Dave Blackshaw dog agility group (Sophi)

A big thank you, of course goes to the many, many people who came to support the day.

The big question is, will we do it again next year?