Whippet and Hound Adventures

Chico - Cold wet and miserable with Haiji

2012-07-18T04:16:00.003-07:00

It has been so cold, wet and miserable that we have been hibernating!! There's nothing better than snuggling up in front of the fire with Haggis and warm my toes on her hairy body!

But we still get to go out every day, it's fun having a neighbour where we can walk to and then we can run around like mad in giant circles at Haiji's place! She has an awesome garden - it's huge and has lots of bushes to hide in to play hide and seek..

Haiji is getting really big now, she's much bigger and fatter and me now - but maybe it's the hair giving her that look..

You can see how big she is now - unbelieveable! and she grew so fast - one minute she was teeny and then next moment - whoa! where did she come from? and all that hair... hmm

There's a fantastic orchard in their garden, where we can dodge in and out of trees for extra fun - except one day I did run full tilt into a tree and it really really really hurt - I was so stunned I couldn't move because it hurt that much...

But you can tell she's still a young pup because she's got no stamina - can't keep up with us sighthounds.. well, not many can.. and as you can see here, she's more than happy to take a break after play time.. One thing she does still amazes me though - even in the winter time she'll jump into her pool and go for a swim - somehow she doesn't feel the cold - I don't understand that!!

Haggis - Radar stays the night!

2012-05-24T03:00:00.003-07:00

I was so excited the other night when all of a sudden Radar turned up on our doorstep at night! We didn't get to go for a run that day, so we were full of energy when we got together! I tried to entice Radar to come outside and play with me, but he's so silly he doesn't know how to go through the dog door! mum and dad tried to teach him how to come through by using food as bait, but he just couldn't work it out!

We did get to run around outside in the dark, I know our garden like the back of my paws and Radar chased us around the garden in the dark, very exciting! Afterwards Radar had to share my bed, I have a really comfy mattress and there's just enough room for both of us to cuddle up.

I love to sit on Chico's bed because it's right next to the fire, but Chico doesn't really like it. Radar will just plonk himself wherever I go, he's so affectionate.

It's so nice to play on my bed, dad was keeping an eye on him though, in case he got a bit cheeky, no funny business is allowed!

Chico - Whippet Racing! Woo Hoo!

2012-05-20T00:34:00.002-07:00

Today I got to meet heaps of new whippet friends! We joined the Yarra Valley Whippet Social Racing Club in Wandin and got to run in so many races! The very first time I was a bit unsure as to what I was supposed to do and turned straight back to mum. But the 2nd time, all of a sudden my mates took off and I simply chased after them!

How much fun was this? I got to run soo many times! It was non stop! Then I noticed the lure - whoa that thing can move fast! It was like chasing a rabbit!

Even Haggis got to take part in a race, but we didn't get a photo of her. But there was only the 3 of us and all Haggis did was chase me - she's not a whippet - she's didn't have a clue what to do!

My new mates were so cool and it's great how they can run as fast as me! I also had to put on a muzzle, which was a new thing. They're well made, lightweight and I hardly even noticed it as I was racing! Everyone had one on! I looked like a PRO! :)

Stinky Haggis gets a Bath

2012-05-16T02:28:00.005-07:00

Today we were taken for a run at our usual spot and we caught the scent of some kangaroos! Then almost immediately afterwards we saw them - all 4 of them - fly past us on the road ahead.. Of course Chico and I took off after them! It was so much fun, they're nice and fast but we manage to keep up with them - for a little while anyway... Soon we hear dad calling and we have to leave these fascinating creatures and run back.

We were pretty exhausted by the time we got back.. and then I caught another whiff of something delicious and because I was so tired, I just dropped my shoulder onto this heavenly smell and rolled this wonderful perfume all over my body.. Funnily enough mum and dad didn't touch me much afterwards and I was made to jump into the bath!

It's nice getting a warm bath when the fire is going nice and strong.. They had to scrub me from head to toe to get the yummy smell off me.. Shame. I loved it.. Can't wait to find it again..

Chico - Running to keep Warm - Love it!

2012-05-10T00:11:00.002-07:00

Whenever we get together all we do is run around chasing each other, this way and then the other way. Round and round in circles. It's great that Haggis can keep up with me, but I thinkg we slow down slightly just to keep Radar happy, it's not his fault he has short legs.. He does his aboslute best to keep up..

We have so much energy that when we jump out of the car, we go mad. I need to as a I need to warm myself up but it doesn't take long! It's a such an exhilirating sensation to be able to run at top speed and off leash.. and I have only bumped into a a tree once. And that was enough!

Sometimes when Haggis is feeling particularly energetic, she will play fight with us, but she's such a big dog she can do some damage - unintentionally of course! Especially Radar, he cops it BIG time! And he'll always run back for more, cause he just can't seem to get enough ot if! So sometimes for fun we like to gang up on the big Haggis, just to give her a taste of her own medicine! Ha take that big yin!

But no matter what happens we are all still friends at the end of the day and finish off with a nice drink together! Happy days!

Haggis - Visiting our Old Friends Bonny and Nico

2012-05-09T08:25:00.003-07:00

It's so exciting when we jump into the car, we never know where we're going to end up when we stop! Such an adventure every day (almost). We used to see Bonny and Nico almost every day until they moved far far away, and now that they have another fabulous giant property to visit near Daylesford, we were invited to a play date again!

Bonny and Nico are both Cocker Spaniels and also rescue dogs like me. They are the best swimmers in the world considering they are pretty hairy dogs.. funny how our hairiest friends are all water lovers.. They definitely have excellent ball skills and give us a run for our money when chasing the ball. But alas for them and for all our fine young friends, we will always be the fastest... sorry! They have so much energy that it's practically impossible to get them tired, so by the end of the day, we're exhausted..

We also met some new friends too! A couple of miniature Appaloosa ponies and some horses.. the mini Appaloosa stallion as you can see here is a feisty little thing! When we wanted to go over and say hello to the bigger horses, he instantly turned his rear end towards the big horses as if to say.. "Don't you dare go near them! They're my friends not yours! You're not allowed to get pats." It's clear to see who is in charge here!

We stayed well away from them..

Chico - Visiting Uncle Archie Again!

2012-05-08T04:39:00.001-07:00

We were so excited when we arrived at granny's house and discovered little Uncle Archie! He's twice the size than he was last time, I wonder how big he's going to get?

He was so excited to see us as well! He must think we're the BIG dogs.. well I suppose he does look up to us! It's so funny watching Uncle Archie run, he takes about a millions steps to our (especially Haggis's) one! It take's him forever to catch up with us in the garden, it's not even worth asking him to chase us, cause there's no way he can keep up!

Another funny thing about Archie is that he already thinks he's so tough and big! He plays with Haggis like they're the same size.. that is - until she puts almost all of him into her mouth, or rolls on top of him.. oops.. Haggis is the same, but she seems to think that she's still the same size as when she came to us.. yeah right!!

Haggis - Jealous of Radar and Heiji?

2012-05-07T04:04:00.003-07:00

My relationship with Radar has recently taken a turn since little ms Heiji has joined the party.. he seems very interested in the little black dog, a bit too interested I say! As a result I must admit I am slightly jealous.. it is unfair that when another girl doggy comes along.. that all the makes all the boys stand to attention..

For example today he hardly came over to say hello, he was only interested in the little black Heiji with her beautiful shiny curly locks (the curls always do it).. so I ran away to get his attention..ran away into the next field so that they all had to chase me..

And they didn't chase me.. sob sob.. I don't care, they have have each other, but first I'll show that Radar what I really think about him! The bugger...

Chico - Playdate with Radar and Heiji at the Dam!

2012-05-03T03:52:00.000-07:00

Playdates are the best! Today we caught up with Heiji at Radar's house. For hours and hours we chased each other around the paddocks! Charging under the fences, around the goats and horses (and horse poo galore!) We get so hot and bothered that there's nothing better than to take a dip in his dam - he's pretty lucky Radar to have his own dam - wish we had one!

Now Heiji is a Portuguese Water Dog and we were very interested to see how much she liked the dam! As you can see, she simply dived into the water like a fish, she must have webbed feet and fins, cause she's amazing at swimming and never feels the cold! Amazing - not like me! I get way too cold!

The great thing about swimming in the dam is that it wakes you up! And then all we want to do is chase each other round and round again, banging into each other and occasionally a mum and dad here and there - all part of the fun!

This is a rare picture of Radar actually keeping up with us! ha ha.. After all this running around though, I was cold, wet, starving and exhausted as well.. I needed my bed soon! But thanks to our wonderful auntie she made us an awesome scooby snack before we went home...

Haggis - Camping near the Beach!

2012-05-01T18:32:00.002-07:00

We had such a fantastic weekend! Mum and dad drove for miles to take us camping near the beach, the sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky and the camping ground was empty! You beauty!

When we go camping, we get to go for a run 3 times a day or more, because dad wants to have a go at fishing to catch fish for dinner. It's so wonderful to feel the sand between my toes and be able to charge around the beach at top speed running around after Chico, no boundaries at all! What an absolute pleasure!

So many campsites allow us to join in the fun, as long as we are kept under control, keep quiet and someone picks our poo up, we are most welcome - especially at quiet times - not at Christmas though.. (Can you imagine camping with 700 hounds at Christmas time - I think not!)

Dad's a great fisherman, religiously he goes out every day to try and catch us some food for mealtimes.. Unfortunately because of all the rain recently he didn't even get a bite, but we met some fellow campers who had been out on their boat, who kindly offered us heaps of freshly caught shark meat!! Lovely big chunky flakes of fish - too delicious! We love our food!

Chico - Let Skinny Sleeping Dogs Lie...

2012-04-27T00:28:00.001-07:00

After a massive walk today, (mum and dad went for a run again) we are so tired. So tired we can hardly move.. we are so stiff when we try to get out of bed. I need to stretch so many times before I can actually walk. That silly Haggis still wants to play, she's lying on her side, thumping her long tail against the floor and barking at me to play with her. I love biting and licking her ears! They smell and taste so good!

As we're sighthoounds we're pretty skinny dogs, despite Haggis's size, she's still quite skinny. This is photo from the other day when she got into the dry dog food bucket and gorged herself stupid. You can see how huge her belly is!

But she didn't seem to be in any pain, in fact she just lay there all night, happy as Larry!

This is how skinny she usually is! (with no protruding belly) And this is how flat I can make myself when lying down.. Probably not the best photo but you catch my drift... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Haggis - Electrocution! OUCH!

2012-04-25T23:03:00.004-07:00

Today mum took us over to Radar's to play, as none of us had been for a walk at all yesterday, we were fully charged and raring to go!! Play time was hard and fast, and a slightly rougher than usual. The claws and paws were out, the teeth and gums bared and there were some clever twists and turns to get out of some wrestling positions.

For some strange reason, mum hung these annoying bells on us as we were on our walk, apparently to scare off wild animals so that we don't pick up on their scent and chase off after them. It might have been because of the other day, where I found the giant hare and ran off after it. The property that Radar lives on is very near a train line and shortly after I ran off, the train came zooming past.. It was so loud and scary and noise that I ran straight back to mum, and I lost the hare..

So today we walked around the back paddocks, with our stupid bells on - which must have frustrated the dogs on two properties away.. I suppose we sounded like reindeers coming! I ran to the fence and was ready to gallop off to the barking dogs over the fence, when all of a sudden I screamed! I felt the most extraordinary pain somewhere near my head for a second and ran to mum, where I knew I'd be safe. It was such a horrible sensation that I reeled from it for a long time afterwards, sticking close to mum. Never before have I experienced anything like it and never do I want to again.

Those damn electric fences are there to keep the gigantic Clydesdale horses in their own fields, and no wonder they stay in there and don't escape. The power coming through those lines is really high, so watch yourself!

Your Whippet or Hound photo here!

2012-04-25T02:28:00.000-07:00

Hey we've had a brilliant idea! Why don't you send in photos and stories of your dogs so that we can show them off here? I would love to hear about your exciting adventures when you're out on your walks. I'm sure there are some awesome tales! Please send at least 3 photos and a story to misshaggispie@gmail.com

Can't wait to read yours!

Chico - Ball skills from Melba

2012-04-25T00:29:00.001-07:00

I believe that balls skills are important for a dog and I learnt this from a dog friend called Melba. Melba is a Coolie cross Spaniel - I think. She's a tough lady, she lives in Kinglake and hangs out in a pub in Collingwood.

Melba is my hero when it comes to catching a ball. She gets it every time without fail. Even it if takes a fight, she always gets the last say. Oooh she's a fierce one, always plays hard to get! She scares me but at the same time I have so much respect for her ball skills. She is amazing!

I remember when I first saw her in action (I was a puppy still), I was mesmerized by her agility and confidence. She is intelligent, attentive and interacts with humans well, but she's tough with us. So afterwards I practised and practised, making dad play ball with me almost every night till I caught it every time (almost). I got better and better.

I'm sure I taught Haggis everything she knows about ball catching, she might be faster than me now at times, but in a tussle, I will always get the ball, just a smidgen too fast for young Haggis. She's developed a really bad habit of running off with the ball and not bringing it back - how cheeky can you get? That's not the game, you're supposed to take it back so that they can throw it again.. stupid dog - she's a bit slow.

But she's getting prety good as well.

But I'm the best.

Off Leash walking for Sighthounds

2012-04-24T03:27:00.004-07:00

I just found some fantastic information on www.sighthound.net/loosedog.htm regarding walking your dogs off leash. As you may have noticed we do allow our Sighthound dogs to run free at the park, in the forests and trust them to return always, but there are some tips and tricks that we follow and here are some I'd like to share with you.

Before we start I would also like to mention that both Chico and Haggis are walked and trained on leash about 3 - 4 times a week, to maintain good behaviour and encourages our good 'dominant' owner and dog relationship.

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Sighthounds just love to run free - of course!

They are quick to learn and only really want to please their owner. They are trustworthy and loyal and often stay near you when you walk with them on the loose, but one must constantly be aware that they can in seconds, be miles away, if they see something to chase after - and if there is something to see - then they will see it!!!
Here is how you treat them and train them for maximum obedience.

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The first thing you must have uppermost in your mind:

No matter what "crime" your dog may have committed, how long time he took to come when you called, or how worried and angry you got when you called in vain - you must ALWAYS show true love and a hearty warm greeting (preferably with a small treat or two) when the dog finally does come back to you. You may need to be a good actor/actress for this!

In other words: Your dog MUST be able to be sure of a warm and loving welcome AT ALL TIMES, no matter what he did prior to coming to you. He must learn from his earliest days, that to be by your side is the most pleasurable situation! He must know that you, without fail, are always glad to see him again. He must look forward to being with you again if, as and when he runs off - and he will!

Far too many owners make the fatal mistake of showing their quite natural anger when their dog has been disobedient or in some way let them down. They also feel the dog should be punished.

But it's impossible to explain to a dog that, whilst he did right here and NOW when he finally came when you called for the 100th time, he did wrong prior to this by delaying coming. There's just no way you can explain this subtlety to any dog.

Punish him and be angry when he finally does come and next time he'll put off the evil moment of rejoining you, perhaps even learn to dread coming, next time as he knows this will only be unpleasant.
Never reproach a dog for being slow to return - he'll then only be even slower next time!

I have seen many a dog slinking along TRYING to come its angry owners, tail down and hating and scared of the situation and nervous of the scolding or maybe even blows that will ensue. I have seen hunters hit their dog when it was disobedient.

So do not ever fall into the trap of showing your negative emotions. Never punish a dog for finally doing the very thing that you have after all, been trying to get him to do for the last 10 minutes or more!!!

The point to keep in mind is, that the moment when the dog has come to your feet, he has done the right thing! He's done what you wanted! His behavior is at that moment in time is 100% correct.
For this, he must be instantly rewarded.

If you were very annoyed, perhaps even feeling murderous, (!!!) then HIDE YOUR FEELINGS AT ALL COSTS! You can instead, make him sit on command so that he "earns" the treat by being obedient yet again, and then you must immediately give him praise and a tit-bit. In other words: He must be real glad he came to you, no matter what he's done or how you feel about it. This is vitally important.

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Training:

From the first moment you bring your new dog into your home, have some dry puppy food always at the ready in your pocket. (I say puppy food, as the pieces are very small - do NOT use something unhealthy like chocolate, which is poisonous for dogs! Rather use a brand of dog food that you reserve only for treats.)
Call his name in sweet (but commanding) tones and reward with praise and a single piece of the puppy food every time he comes. Do this often - but not so often he gets bored with it! This is the first important step. Takes just 5 minutes to learn!!!

The place where you will walk the dog:

The next step is to choose with care the area where you will take the daily walk.
There must not be busy roads too near or too many wild animals. Open areas are best for Sighthounds as they CAN crash into trees - they look back to see what you're doing or if other dogs are chasing behind and at high speed, suddenly - wham! It happened to Chico the other day, not a very nice sight.

Take the walk five or six times or more (if it's an older dog who's new to you, then MANY times over 2-3 weeks), whilst keeping the dog on the leash. (Once a day, not 5-6 times a day!) Let him examine the route the whole time. The idea is that he learn the route thoroughly before getting his freedom. By learning the area, he won't get lost or panic if suddenly he runs off the beaten track. It's best to always take the same route each time.

Always walk at the same time every day:

Wild animals learn quickly and will scram out of it fast, prior to your coming each day - if they have a chance to get to know you! Fix something on to the dog's collars that rings or tinkles and the sound of this will act as a warning to all the wild creatures. A hare only has to be chased after once and it will make quite sure it doesn't happen again if it can recognize the same collar bells ringing! You can whistle, sing and speak unnaturally loudly to the dogs or stamp or clap occasionally - anything that will scare wild animals far away! Believe me, the wild animals soon learn to keep away from your dogs!

I'm of course assuming that you, as I do, have the dogs as pets living in your house together with you. For those of you who have their dogs shut away somewhere the most of the time or permanently, this close bonding between owner and dog is impossible and you may never be able to trust your dog in the same way when, if ever, it runs free. It will no doubt ignore you and make full use of the freedom and refuse to be caught. I know I would do the same, if I was a dog who never went on regular walks!

WARNING: If it's an older dog you've taken over from someone else, who is not used to having his freedom, take an extra long time getting him used to the area where you walk whilst keeping him on the leash, and be sure he has become devoted and faithful to you and comes enthusiastically every time he is called. I'd take several weeks to be on the safe side. I always train my dogs to come to a whistle as well. A soundless whistle carries further, especially for men whose voice is usually isn't as effective as a womans! A whistle can also be used by others, should they walk the dog for you one day - so he's not just used to just one or two particular human voices. And it's more discreet than plain standing hollering, should he disappear and other people are around!

Note: Never underestimate how different you may look to a dog when he sees you from a great distance - and maybe for the first time! Remember that moving objects are easier to spot than stationary, so don't just stand there calling, run to and fro! You can also wave a large white handkerchief. I always do. He will also tend to run to look for you where he last saw you - so don't wander too far away.

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When out on the walk, it's important to occasionally call your dog to you and praise, love him and give a treat - and then just let him go again. This way, he'll never know the moment when you plan to "capture" him permanently and put him on the leash. Dogs CAN play up when they sense that the end of a walk is nigh - which is usually all too soon in their opinion! I have never had a sighthound who did this, but the possibility is there.

You can also occasionally walk on for 5 minutes and then release him again. He should get a relaxed attitude to being restrained on the leash - and a relaxed attitude about running free. Dogs who rarely get the chance, cannot be blamed for playing up and trying to prolong the fun - much to the owners frustration. Such owners often swear: "never again!"

But one should rather take the dog for a daily run, give him time to get used to the situation and enjoy it like it's no more special than his dinner each day. A dog who runs free every day, will always be attentive to his owners wishes - and happy and well balanced in himself. (And a good mover at shows!) He'll find running free no big deal and will always be willing to come to you again. You will get a lot of pleasure from seeing him run around. Sighthounds are simply beautiful in motion and you can see all their muscles flexing!

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Don't be deceived by a sighthound:

If you get a puppy and start walking short distances every day - this is great and you'll have few problems. But I have heard sad stories of several "beginner" owners of older re-homed or rescued sighthounds who, despite warnings from the breeder, let their newly acquired dog run free straight away - without any of the precautions I mention above.

Sighthounds are easily bored and therefore can appear very docile, quiet and sweet, often moving slowly most of the walk. This is deceptive. A new owner can believe that all is well and go off on a walk in the countryside with the dog off leash. But the docile sighthound can, faster than anyone would dream of, turn suddenly into a bullet shot out of a gun and race off at such a speed that it can in seconds be up to a mile away and perhaps out of earshot!

It will run straight back again just as fast, if dog and owner both love each other and are "bonded together" as they should be. (Even experienced owners can have their heart in their mouths occasionally - but that's all part of the fun of owning such a breed of dog - you get the "adrenaline rush" regularly!!!)
But what happens to the inexperienced, newly placed dog? He panics.

The unknown new situation scares him out of his mind. He's maybe never seen his new owners at such a distance, (perhaps they are dots on the horizon or even out of sight). They are suddenly complete strangers and he becomes afraid of everyone. He runs wildly around and is soon totally lost.
THIS is why you should spend a week or more familiarising him with the walking area BEFORE letting him run free.

If you have several dogs, start the first time by having them on the leash when the new one is set free to run loose. They will act like magnets to ensure he keeps nearby. The first time all dogs are let free, choose a rainy day or a day that is too hot - this puts a damper on all stupid flying around antics, drunk with freedom - they will just want to get home again!!!

If your dog has run off and you have waited a hour calling an whistling, then what do you do? Well, never stop looking and calling and if possible get hold of someone he knows, who can help. Get the police, local dog rescue involved. Put up notices in schools, on trees, notice boards in shopping malls etc. He's out there somewhere dying for you to rescue him. But all this worry need not happen if you take the precautions explained above.

Haggis - Freezing cold day in Macedon

2012-04-24T00:18:00.001-07:00

I must thank my lucky stars that I have a thick wiry coat that keeps me warm pretty much all the time. I can stay out all night in the cold and not be phased at all. In the same way, I have chewed many a dirty old bone in the pouring rain and have wondered why everyone is inside.. Rain never hurt anyone!

Not like poor Mr Chico, he looks small and skinny, and he feels the cold all the time. Today he got wrapped up in his new coat and we drove over to visit my boyfriend Radar. It had been raining all morning and it was wet underfoot.

As we ran around the paddock chasing Radar, I suddenly caught sight of this huge Hare that has been hanging around, I made chase and ran straight after it. I could hear mumbles of my name in the background, but I dismissed it and galloped the long way around the fence to get at that gigantic thing of a Hare. Radar followed me. Strangely enough Chico didn't follow, he probably didn't want to get his new jacket dirty.

I dashed back to mum and dad pretty quickly and got hooked up onto the lead - not fair. I came back didn't I? Radar took ages to come back, he is such a slow coach, his legs are just too short!

We stopped to say hello to the Nanny goat that lives in the paddock, she loves to watch us dogs run around like crazy buggers, it must be so boring for her to be chained up all the time.. again we are so lucky!

Chico - I got my new coat!

2012-04-23T05:50:00.001-07:00

We got another pressie in the post today, mum was so excited! My new custom made to measure coat from www.whippetwear.com arrived! So she grabbed my snout and pulled me through the neck hole and it felt like I was wrapped inside a sleeping bag, I tried to pull it off with my teeth. Hmm didn't work. It feels so close to my skin and rubs my hair the wrong way.. But the material is very soft and warm.

Mum kept telling me how handsome I looked. I think it will be perfect for a really cold day, but it was pretty warm as you can see. Haggis kept slobbering all over my new coat, she must have been jealous of my new handsomeness.. :) We ran around the garden a bit, Haggis tried to get me to chase her, but I felt like I couldn't run properly, not yet anyway.

Can't wait to have it around when I am absolutely freezing and shaking all over, I know it will be awesome then! Definitely an outfit I need to get used to.. but don't I look fantastic?

Chico - How good do I look?

2012-04-22T04:55:00.002-07:00

It was a stormy day in the Macedon Ranges, so I only went out for a quick training session in the morning. Such weird thing to do being made to walk on a chain (that hurts when I want to go a different direction from mum) and then made to sit so many times! What is the point? Still can't work it out.

Anyway these stunning portraits of myself and Haggis appeared on the wall today, they were a present from our Auntie and Uncle for Christmas past. The artist that created these magnificent prints is Heather Galler- check her out on http://findfolkart.com/heathergaller/PostersPrintsOrignals.html

How good do I look? She's got my ears right, when they sometimes both point to the left and my wild worried eyes like when I'm starving? And Haggis - apparently it's supposed to be Lab Retriever, but it looks so like Haggis, so docile and dumb, with sleepy eyes... yeah that's her!

Haggis - Our neighbour Haiji

2012-04-21T00:56:00.001-07:00

Such a beautiful day again today! I had a lead walk and a training session all the way to our neighbours house (round the back), I had to sit down about 10 times! How silly is that? But it made mum happy.. weird. And then we arrived at Haiji's house. Haiji is a Portuguese Water Dog and about 4 months old, extremely well known for their love of swimming and playing in water.

Chico got thrown over the fence, as he doesn't have to do training anymore, lucky bugger, not fair. We had a ball with Haiji, she is so much bigger and thicker since we last saw her, which is great as she can play fight with more confidence now. We chased each other round and round the big garden until we were so thirsty and tired that we had to have a big drink from the well.. Haiji even jumped in for a swim. She swam round and round, drinking as she went and then just jumped out! She's a funny dog!

She's just had a new haircut and when she got out of the water, she was soaking wet, but she LOVED it! Being wet got her even more excited! so she started chasing us around the garden again! Being cold isn't a problem for Haiji.. She's the best swimmer, can't wait to see her in Radar's huge dam!

Then she cuddled up to her mummy all soaking wet.. she must love her! Mum would push me far far away if I was soaking wet like that!..

Chico - Mushroom risotto

2012-04-20T04:35:00.002-07:00

Another run around the forest today, it feels so good to do this and it has been 3 days in a row! Pine mushroom picking again. Last night it rained a little so it's a good day to come. There are so many smells in the forest, and it's very exciting when you get a whiff of a wild animal such as a rabbit or a fox. We did meet a fox once, and tried to make chase but mum and dad held us back. It was a very smelly mangy thing, it would have been awesome to get a real good smell of it - up close.

There weren't many mushrooms at all, very disappointing, the weather has been too sunny, which has been glorious! Mum and dad found a couple of fresh ones and brought them back with us. These toadstools below can be found everywhere, and no we didn't pick these ones..

At home mum made a delicious pine mushroom, thyme, smoky bacon, garlic and onion risotto, it smelled so amazing as it wafted through the room, I was starving! For lunch WE got crappy mixed Dry dog food and canned meat - yuck - so disgusting! I hate eating this crap and the same stuff all the time. Bleurgh!

But I must admit we had a special treat tonight. We had the most delicious dinner I ever tasted. I don't think I have ever tasted such delights before and will dream of the flavour for the rest of my life. Mum presented a bowl of ripped up salmon and caper & lamb and yoghurt pizza. Magnificent!

Haggis - My boyfriend Radar!

2012-04-19T02:55:00.002-07:00

Today we got to hang out with my boyfriend Radar! I love him so much I could squeeze him to death! Radar is a red Stumpy-Tailed Cattle dog, he came from the same rescue centre as I did in Woodend www.headingforhome.asn.au. When mum and dad came to look at me, they were really impressed by his good looks and sweet temperament with the new puppies. Radar was used as the baby sitter, because the puppies loved jumping all over him, and he let them! Looks can be so deceiving, Radar is such a sweetie, even when he looks like such a tough breed of dog.

We get to hang out together quite a lot, and the three of us have too much fun together. Because Radar is pretty slow when he runs (not like us) he's developed all these new tricks to fool us, such as running under the fence when we almost catch him, or pulling up under the trailer - yep he's got us sorted. He also knows the exact height of each fence around the paddocks so that he can make a quick getaway if we get too close when playing chasey.

We LOVE play fighting, it's a bit like wrestling where one of us has to tap out with a squeal - usually it's Radar though.. ha ha.. I look pretty scary here, but it's only because I have a large mouth - honest! Once we finish play fighting, we always lie next to each other and cuddle up. We share ropes together, we even share bones together! Ahhh.. What's mine is mine and what's yours is mine too isn't Radar? H x

Chico - Mushroom hunting

2012-04-18T01:22:00.002-07:00

Today mum and dad went for a run to find wild mushrooms, usually the ones you find around here are Pine mushrooms or Slippery Jacks. We also get to come along for some exercise, when we first arrive I am so charged!! It's great fun jumping up the mountain and then racing downwards on the way back.. So exciting!

I did hurt myself once, as I caught sight of a rabbit I sprinted for the chase and ran straight into a thorny, spiky bush. One pierced my left eye. OUCH. That hurt. I trotted over to mum and walked alongside her for the rest of the walk. I really wanted to go home to bed. I kept touching my nose against mum's hand but she didn't take any notice. Only once when we jumped into the car did she see that my left eye was covered by my inner eyelid. She panicked and drove me to the vet immediately, picking dad up on the way. A couple of eye drops later.. I was almost right as rain!

There hasn't been any rain so there were no mushrooms. Boo. So we went for a run instead. Haggis and I had the best time ever chasing each other through the pine trees, there's a couple of tracks we can follow, or we can simply crash through the forest at top speed! Then we'll hear mum and dad calling and we'll run back to them as fast as we can. Don't realise how far we've run sometimes...

A big black crow followed us all the way on our run. It was like having a new friend on our walk.. it was very playful and swooped us almost every 100m. At first it scared me.. all I could hear was strong flapping over my head and I ran as fast as I could. But towards the end of our fairly long walk, it would swoop in front of me encouraging me to chase and follow, which was a lot of fun!

Mum and dad are on a health kick at the moment, so we ran pretty hard and fast the whole time. Haggis was so tired she had to have a lie down in the middle of the run.. and she was also a bit scared of the big black bird that kept swooping us, it sounded so much bigger than it was..

At the very end we were really hot and needed a drink, so it was wonderful to be able to jump into the lake, have a drink and wade around the cool water to cool our legs down.

Haggis - Meeting our new Uncle Archie ! He's awesome!

2012-04-17T00:48:00.000-07:00

Today we also got to meet our new uncle! I was so excited. Now - he's our 'Uncle' because he's dad's mum's new puppy dog. Uncle's name is Archie and he is a Jack Russell cross Shitzu - aka Jack Shit! :) He's sooo cute! And sooo tiny! He doesn't even reach my knees!

Archie was so excited to meet us! And so friendly! So intelligent and charming already, and very good looking for a young pup. His hair is a bit wiry like mine and he feels so soft. This is Uncle! :)

Chico and I had a great runaround at Granny's, she has a massive garden and it's so much fun chasing Chico at top speed! There are logs to jump and trees to dive in and out of, that Chico is pretty fast and it's good fun trying to keep up!

Uncle Archie tried to follow us everywhere, he told us he wants to be a big dog as soon as possible. He has pretty short legs though and he takes about 6 steps for my one step. He'd be no good for hunting. For pigs anyway! But he has the important job of protecting Granny. He has to bark whenever he hears someone coming, and I think he'll do a good job.

Chico - Going to the Vet :(

2012-04-17T00:22:00.001-07:00

Haggis and I started the day off going to the Vet today to get our annual shots. We go to the Hamilton St Vet in Gisborne, they're so friendly there. We got our annual vaccinations (valid for 3 years) for Hep B and Parvo. We also got the vaccine down the nose for kennel cough, just in case... not 100% sure where we would catch something like kennel cough.. oh well.

Met another puppy dog there, a St Bernard, very friendly and a bit stinky.

I was nervous and shaky standing on the table about to get my heart and lungs checked.
I was given the all clear, I am very healthy and intend to stay this way!

Haggis is too large to lift up onto the table (she must weigh a tonne!), so she got to stay on the floor. She hasn't met the vet and so she has no idea of the horrible things that happen here! The stabs in the back were not fun, and the snort of liquid down the nose isn't very comfortable - Yeah Thanks for nothing mum!

To overcome my nervousness, the vet made a great suggestion about popping into the Vet when I happen to be passing by for a special treat - this way I won't always think only nasty things happen there... yeah right.

Meet Little Miss Haggis Pie the Staghound

2012-04-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

Woof. My name is Haggis and I have a deep throaty, growly bark that I like to use to wake everyone up first thing in the morning! Every day I head out through the giant dog door to the back garden. I'll run to the bottom of the garden to say hello to the chickens, lick my lips and tell them how good looking they are today. I'll always drop a hint to let them how tasty they look. Both of them. Lucky they didn't know their predecessors, they weren't so lucky and bloody delicious.Unfortunately mum and dad have built the chook house like Fort Knox and I can't get in anymore, no matter how hard I have tried.

But to introduce myself in a friendlier way.. I love you and I love everyone! And I'm always excited to see you no matter what. I love making new friends big or small but I forget how big I am, and sometimes little dogs may be scared of me, but don't pull back nor be angry, I just want to play and have some fun. Chase me! chase me!!

My best friend and brother is Chico the Whippet. He is my HERO. He's told me he's the fastest dog in the world and WOWEE boy can he run! It's weird, when I first met him, he was gigantic! Now he's so small and fine.. but still pretty tough. I love doing whatever he is doing. I love sleeping on his bed, it's smells so good! And I love cuddling up to him, but he gets a bit grumpy when I touch him with my toes.. To keep up with him, I practise running every day, and slowly I am getting faster and faster.

Mum and dad found me at a rescue house (www.headingforhome.asn.au) in Woodend. I had just arrived from Queensland and wasn't feeling very well. But I must have been cute enough. I was supposed to be a Whippet cross, but they tell me often how this is impossible because I am too big.

I love my home, I love mum and dad and Chico. Oh I LOVE my food as well. Any kind of food. If Chico is the fastest runner in the world, then I cam the fastest eater in the world, there is simply never enough food in my bowl. I always finish first, I'm sure they give more to Chico cause he takes forever to eat and I'm sure his food is much tastier than mine... hmm.

Can't wait to tell you all about our adventures, we have so much fun.