Suffolk Dog Day.

Hi Ya'll

I didn't tell you about the Suffolk Dog Day last weekend! It was amazing, there were 100's of dogs, lots of dog shows, funny agility competitions and stands with dog stuff!!! As far as my eyes could see there was dog stuff!!!

Mummy had her stand there selling her "Doggy Bag's" and paintings. The bags proved to be quite popular, it was nice to see people walking around with them. There were lots of different kinds of dogs there, the man we met at Tendering Show with the two Italian Bacco's was there, this time with a different pair, they were admittedly a beautiful pair with an aristocratic, almost snobby air about them. Mummy wants one now, she seems really keen on these dogs, I do hope she doesn't get one because we are planning for me to have puppies in the autumn with Percy, she will definitely keep one of them so there won't be room for a Bacco.

Do you remember me telling you about "Storm" the Great Dane? mummy met him at the Suffolk Show earlier in the year (we posted a picture she did of him in an older post - here it is again to save you looking)

Well, he was at this show, mummy spotted him straight away and his owner bought the painting! It was so nice because it looked just like him and is much better hung in his house than in ours, there isn't enough room for 'other' dogs anyway, all the wall space should be kept for me and Mouse!

By afternoon, the show ground was packed with a variety of dog owners, some with an uncanny resemblance to their pets, for example there was a short stocky man who had a big fat tummy, he walked quite stiffly and looked uncomfortable, on the end of the lead he was holding was a huge British Bulldog, panting and wheezing in the heat as he waddled along to heel. Mummy put a bowl of water down for the passing dogs, he drank what appeared to be the lot but his awkward shaped face slopped most of the water over the sides. I am glad I have a neat 'beak' and not a squashed one, I am not keen on the 'snubby' Pug faces although mummy likes them for their character.

As we were there all day we had a couple of biscuits from the dogs bags as a snack, 'quality control' as it is referred to, Mummy and Chris had two German Bratwurst each (which they didn't share!) and two cakes each! Thats just greedy if you ask me, we didn't get any of them either! No wonder they are so fat, oops did I say that?

By 3.30 it had sadly clouded over and the the heavens opened with a loud crashing storm, complete with flashing lights and rumbles, a bit like the jet that suddenly appear at home. This kinda killed the show although after the rain had passed, things picked up again and more unusual dogs appeared on the stand. My favourite was an ancient Bulldog with one ear missing, the type with the long Roman nose and small "piggy eyes" she was very sweet and told me it wasn't from fighting, it had been removed because of a tumour. I asked her if it affected her balance, she said it did at first but she has learnt to live with it and her body has managed to compensate somehow.

Another dog I liked was a large Basset Hound, he was very comical to look at, his huge drooping ears dragged along the grass as he walked on thick set stumpy legs with ceases of skin around the joints. He too was very friendly, he told me not to under estimate a Basset Hound, saying "I'm bloody fast when I need to be, my ancestors were fine hunting dogs!" I struggled to imagine this having met fox hounds and tried to picture a pack of these saggy skinned tri-coloured's baying on a scent. The moment was soon gone and I was onto the next dogs, this time two liver and white German Pointers.

Pointer's are another favourite breed for mummy, I am sure that if we had a bigger house and lots of money we would have a whole pack of dogs, mummy loves German smooth and Wirehaired Pointer's, smooth Jack Russell's (affectionate name for 'Bastard's' sorry but it's true) Wirehaired Visla's and anything which looks like a Fox Hound.  I think its something to do with HPR, hunt, point retrieve. Quite where a Jack Russell fits in I will never understand as they are HKCH, hunt, kill, create havoc. I on the other hand am perfect and as far a a terrier is concerned I broke the mould!
Incase those reading aren't aware,  (I have mentioned in earlier blogs), mummy's last two terrier's 'Yoda' and 'Sneaky Bovril' were a nightmare, I overheard mummy saying that they would never have been able to go to a show like this because of all the fights they would cause! I rest my case.

XX Popp's

A very naughty dog!

Hi Ya'll

Guess what? I have been a bad dog again! Do you remember me telling you about my favourite yard antics? The one where I bark and snap at the horses heels as mummy leads either of them to the mounting block? Well I do this every day with both horses now, I am getting quite brave and have managed to get away with it for a number of weeks now. Mummy is clearly vexed about this game and recently resorted to a water pistol in an attempt to stop me barking. Nice try but it didn't work! It was fun while it lasted though, watching mummy trying to soak me with the pathetic jet was hilarious, Mouse watched from a safe distance, even she thought it was amusing. Spiderman however, did not and fixed me with a stern glare as I dashed between his legs, ducking and diving from the pistol water shots.

Mummy finally gave up when she realised it wasn't working and returned the gun to the stable. When she returned I was nowhere to be seen, I heard her whisper to Spider that she was pleased I had finally given up and gone for a mooch about with Mouse. I was in fact hiding behind the mounting block and at precisely the right moment, gave Spider a proper nip on his off side heel, just as he was being mounted. This must have startled the old boy as he loaded to buck, mummy yelled at him thinking he was being naughty, hee hee hee, it was my fault!!

This is not the only naughty thing I have done recently, I have spent a few days at the forest office with Chris, I like going there because the secretary spoils me and the postman has started to give us two biscuits each, mainly because of my rolling display, this works every time! Mouse and I always make sure we are by the door for when he comes, as soon as the post is handed over, we get out treats. On this particular day, we had had our treats and Chris went outside with the postman, he left Mouse and I shut inside. I was really cross because I knew if I had been outside I might have managed to get another biscuit. I decided I needed to get their attention but couldn't work out how I could do it, Chris's chair was pulled out too far and his desk is too high to jump up on. Mouse suggested I tried the bookshelf where my peep hole dog bed is, as the bed is soft enough to collapse, I could jump on to of that, from there onto the chair covered in computer bits, then up onto the desk. This was a brilliant idea, I did as Mouse suggested and although I did catch my foot on something which went 'snap', I was on the desk in just three hops.

Once in the window I barked and jumped up on my back legs, I even did my little dance for the postman who stood outside and laughed. Chris looked annoyed and appeared to cut the conversation short to come back inside. I didn't get another biscuit after all, just a stern telling off and shortly after that a really sharp talking to about the 'thing that went snap' I thought Chris might cry he was so upset with me! As it turns out, what I broke was a really important piece of equipment which could not be replaced. Oops!

Rain rain and more rain!

Hi Ya'll,

I needn't remind you folks about the weather as it is across the whole country, but c'mon, enough is enough! It was so wet last night that 'Beavis and Butthead' were allowed to stay inside in their 'straw carpeted' houses. Normally 'Butthead' (real name Spiderman) hates being inside, I think even he had had enough and quietly munched contentedly on his hay as we bolted the door to leave.

I hate the constantly wet grass, it causes all sorts of inconvenient problems, the main activity it affects is my visits to the green house for plant inspection, and more recently (as Mouse is now hiding bones on there) to steal my mates ripe and smelly stash! The greenhouse has a sandy soil floor, when I go in for my 'mooch' about, the dry powdery sand sticks to my wet paws and creeps between my toes. If I dig up Mouses treasures it is ten times worse and takes me ages to clean them when I go back inside.
The other thing I really hate is getting soggy trousers, (Mummy and Chris call my fluffy back legs trousers) to be honest I think I am more of a fair weather dog even though once I am out and wet I just get one with it.

Mouse has been very busy this last couple of weeks, since having her little health scare she is now fully recovered and back to her usual spade feet antics. There are several cavernous holes under the hedges, one is so deep mummy reckons we could go to France for free. Chris is not amused, he grumbled at Mouse and threw all her smelly bones in the bin. Mouse was sulky for the whole afternoon and stayed in bed with her bears. Mummy managed to cheer her up with the evening yard trip.

When we arrived at the yard, Percy (mummy's yard mates terrier) was waiting for us, he had heard Wesley grumbling up the drive and came out from the buildings to greet us. We greeted with sniffs and circles sniffing nose to tail, then played chase and 'kill'; I was able to use some of my 'stealth moves' which impressed Percy. I was pleased Percy approved of my wrestling routines as he is going to be my first husband in a few months time, I am glad he fancies me after all the flirting I have been doing!

XX Pop's

Birthdays and a new routine!

Hi Ya'll,

Mummy has been rubbish at doing my blog, I am really cross with her! She has been up in her office for what seems like days! She spends all day on the apple thing and painting. The routine is 'topsy turvey' again but better than when she was away all day! I don't like her being away all day, she used to come home looking very fed up then spend all evening trying to catch up on what she couldn't do during the day. All is back to how how it should be and I am back to my old tricks of misbehaving at home! Today I shredded a toilet roll in the dining room and took all the contents out of one of my stuffed toys. I spent time ragging it first to loosen it up, then carefully pulled all the stuffing out under the table and finished the job off in another room so I could see how much stuffing there really was. Once I was satisfied I had done a good job, I left the 'skin' in the kitchen to go back to later.

Its mummy's sisters birthday next week, she is very funny, I like her lots and lots and lots because she always makes a huge fuss of me when I see her. This is her card, what do you think?

Earlier this evening we did manage to get a good run out with Wizz through the woods, it was a really nice ride, mainly because Wizz has calmed down and mummy could ride her normally rather than the recent spates of speeding of and sweating up in a frenzied crazy kinda outa control fashion. I know mummy has been really fed up with her being such a nightmare and even had a vet out to see if she was ok. I knew all along that she was fine, she's just a prat and gets herself in a muddle. (A bit like someone else I know!)

To add to the animal problems in the Brooks household, Mouse has been unwell. She too has been checked over by the vet and is on her third course of antibiotics! Everyone has been very worried about her and a scan revealed two small areas of infection in her uterus. Hopefully the new treatment, (three expensive sounding injections), has prevented the need for her to be spayed. Mouse is positively the best dog mummy & Chris have ever had, they were both very solemn when the treatment started. So far so good and Mouse is definitely feeling better, so much so that she had to be reprimanded in the paddock for digging up field mice nests. Mummy likes mice, we are not allowed to disturb them in the fields, only the feed room!

I am in my basket now, snoozing on my spotty cushion, thinking about tomorrow. I know where mouse hid a Muntjac leg, I might go and dig that up tomorrow.

xx

Routine

We seem have developed a new routine recently, we are dragged out of bed early to go for a walk or straight in the car to visit "Beavis" & "Butthead", I like the walk best, I get more attention than when we go to the horses. Mouse is always first up and greets mummy with one of her bears, she parades round chuntering carrying her soft toys, while mummy makes a cup of tea to take with her, more often than not, Mouse has two toys in her mouth at once!

On the days we go to the yard we see lots of beautiful wildlife, on this morning in particular we saw a Roe buck with a doe and lots of hares. Mouse always watches the deer intently and tells me which are Munjac, Roe or Fallow. We rarely see Fallow, the last ones we saw were melanistic which gives them a dark velvety appearance.

Our days are varied, either spent at home, with Chris in the office or in the kennel in the garden, mummy's friend comes to let us out at lunchtime if we are in the kennel, we make this visit fun, by doing a 'rip' round the garden, presenting all our bones and by trying to take as long as possible to 'tinkle' so we can stay out longer, this makes mummy friend impatient (we think it's funny!) If I have time, I like to go in the house made of glass to inspect mummy pots of plants, I like to see what is happening as they seem to be changing size and climbing up the sticks now.

Mummy comes home around tea time, we have no idea when that is (it usually varies within an hour) so I tend to bark whenever I hear a car, just incase, never know it could be an imposter. We are always pleased to see her when she does return, I have noticed that she takes her tights off first before letting me out, I wonder why that is? Snigger!!!

We had a great time the other evening, Spider man had new shoes, the man with the nice Scottish accent (from Ardrossen just over the water from mummy & Chris' favorite island-Arran) came to attend to this and provided Mouse and I with a selection of smelly foot trimmings to eat. Mummy did a doodle of him while he worked. He must be one of the nicest farrier's we have ever met, he is so kind to the horses and never seems to 'loose his rag'. Mummy is always very complimentary of his work, if anyone reading this blog wants a decent farrier, this is the man: 'Fraser' from Newmarket!

The house is full again!

Hi Everyone,

Mouse & I have had an unusually quiet weekend, Chris disappeared on Friday and returned last night with a van of furniture from Hopesay, Mouse and I inspected every box and bag, one of the bags had some of our things inside, I wonder if this means the house in Hopesay is being emptied? There was talk of mummy wanting to go back to help Chris but it was decided that she should stay at home to look after us and make space for more things coming back on Monday. The house is like a maze of tables, bed parts, boxes, even a mattress...the lounge is getting pretty full, I cant help wondering if they are going to box themselves in!

Chris went off again this morning, mummy has been alone in her musings and has been to the yard, she emptied Spider's deep litter stable today and uncovered a shrew, it was not impressed and shrieked when mummy tried to gently move it to a safe place, too quick to be captured, it managed to go under the dividing wall into the next stable. We weren't allowed to look for it and mummy shut the door so we couldn't sneak in either, we were told to keep out so the shrew could be left in peace. She was going to draw the shrew to show you but needs to download a driver for something? Maybe it will appear another day!

When we returned home, mummy went into the garden and started putting funny plants which were in trays of black stuff into into pots of more black stuff, then stuck little twig like canes around the outside. I have no idea what this is for and am wondering whether there is a point to the trips back and fourth from the green house. Every now and then she pours water on the pots, I can just about see things poking out but they all look different and nothing like any of the plants I am used to.

As gardening was the theme for the evening, Mouse decided to dig up one of her deer legs, it was really ripe, I was quite jealous! She paraded round with it poking out from under her whiskers like a Cheroot after taking it to show mummy, then after about ten minutes (just to make sure we were all sure she had a leg in her mouth) she settled under the trampoline to eat it, I watched with a nonchalant look on my face, although I really wanted some. We are now upstairs in the office, I am in my usual place, behind mummy on the large office chair snoring in the wool of the sheepskin throw she keeps on it admitedly, she is just perched on the front, I am very good at inching my way forwards to get more of the seat. Mouse is snoozing and letting little 'guffs' go, just so we can all be reminded of her earlier stinky snack, I am glad the radiator is not on as she is right next to it.

Catch you later,

Pops. xx

Night time cuddles!

Morning all,

I have just had a lovely sleep, I dream't about Bruce, he is small terrier with a 'broken coat' probably not a year old and is tri-coloured! Bruce lives with the beautiful Linda & her Chef partner Martin, originally from gypsies, he has had a tough time recently, Mouse and myself are helping him to enjoy playing with other dogs again after a bit of a scare with a big dog. I really like Bruce, or 'Brucie' as Linda calls him, he is completely bonkers and never stands still, I really hope mummy paints him as his little face is so comical, full of mischief and excitement.

I have been up for about two hours now and am now drifting in and out of 'snoozles' on Mouse's bed. Chris drove to Shropshire last night, he insisted that mummy stayed at home with us rather than waste valuable car space which is intended for some of the remaining things left in the house they are selling. As mummy was home alone, Mouse & I were allowed to sleep on the bed! I had such a lovely 'snuggly' sleep, curled up in mummy's dressing gown, (mummy always makes me a nest next to her and partially covers me up so I don't get cold by the open window). I like mummy's dressing gown its fluffy and smells nice, it's particularly nice being cocooned inside it with just my head out.

Last night was fun, mummy called in to see the Brigg-a-Deer, Mouse and I had 'chases' round the garden with Kipper the terrier (remember in an earlier blog about the ratter with the scars?) and Cromwell, Brigg's Spaniel who unfortunately is completely deaf and is being trained on hand signals. Mummy had brought them all cigars each, the terriers were very pleased with theirs, Mouse was a little jealous but cheered up when mummy produced a larger one for her. We didn't see the puppies this time which was a pity, maybe next time, no doubt they will have grown considerably! We did get to see Smudge, she is a working Spaniel and black and white which is a nice change to the customary 'liver & white' we are so used to seeing. Smudge had a 'bollocking' for going in the house covered in mud, she is an outside dog and never normally goes inside, Brigg's was not impressed with her cheeky tour and told her off, she wasn't in the slightest bit bothered!

Not sure what the plan is today, there was talk with Percy's mummy of taking Beavis & Butthead out in the lorry, I hope we do, thit means me, Mouse & Percy will get a run out in the forest....oh I really hope we do.

Will catch y'all later with an update!

Pop's

Lovely evening for a ride!

Hi Folks,

Lovely morning today, we arrived at the yard to find two barely visible bumps lying in the grass, if it hadn't been for the rugs showing up in the long green strands, we would not have spotted them. Beavis and Butthead were flat out, they didn't even move when mummy walked right up to them, Spider simply lifted his head as if to say "Oh its you" then laid it back down for a lie in! Mummy resorted to a tap on the bottom to get them up so she could remove their night coats, I must admit, the pair of them were hilarious as it took several attempts to get them to their feet and lots of disgruntled snorting!

Another funny day, we haven't seen mummy which is unusual and neither of us have been allowed to go with her in Wesley either. I think this is because she has another job somewhere where dog's aren't allowed, not even me! I try to sneak out with her, like I always used to, but she takes me straight back inside and gives me to Chris so I cant follow her, I wonder where it is she goes?

When Chris brought us home after work, we went back to the yard with mummy for her evening yard duties. We have been for a lovely ride out tonight with Spiderman, we had a good run through the woods but didn't see much wild life tonight. I was hoping for a grey brush to chase but didn't see one! Must have gone to bed early.

Spiderman was very cheeky earlier on when he was due to be caught for his ride, he saw mummy walk towards him with his head collar, realised it him she was making a bee line for a promptly 'pissed off' round the field bucking and 'teararsing' about with Wizz. Mummy was not impressed and stood there cursing much to the amusement of Lee, one of the inhabitants of the nearby houses who happened to be passing at that moment. (he's another designer type person who spends hours staring at 'apples'). Spider always lets her catch him in the end, he just likes to act the goat every now and then!

Anyway, back home now with a tummy full of rice and venison mince (yes I had tummy ache earlier and didn't fancy my biscuits) half a Rennie and a good run seemed to do the trick, two helpings later and I am "beetled" (an expression used in this household when we are so full that our huge distended bellies make our heads look small!)

Off to bed now, I am waiting for my night night biscuit, Chris has just given us both a cuddle and gone up. Mummy will not long be heading that way too, she is chewing her fingers again, if Chris catches her there will be trouble!

Catch you later.

xx Pop's

Sunshine & Breezes!

Morning All,

Hope everyone is well. We have been very busy, mummy seems to have something up her sleeve as she is being super organised and even 'mucked out' Wesley. I have never seen anyone use a hoover in a Land Rover, a jet wash yes, the Dyson? No, she even cleaned out the back where we have our blankets and cushions. Something is afoot and I will find out today for sure.

Yesterday mummy was back at the gallery, she was collecting some work she had framed and discussing harmonica music, I am seriously worried that she will take this up, I know she has one in a box which sounds awful!. The gallery owners are amazing people, mummy loves interesting people and never bores of listening to tales of artists, and sculptors. The stories don't stop there...Chimney Mill, once a riding school is steeped in wonderful adventures, incorporating Kayleigh music, famous musicians, antiques, Morris dancing on horse back (to music), engineering triumphs, copper sunflowers and life sized naked men, the list is as endless as is the musical talent. The house is a labyrinth of musical instruments and objects of interest, things which are sentimental, beautiful, important or just there because they are significant. On the 'aga' is a small sign which reads. "Dust samples in progress, do not disturb". This kind of humor and and carefree attitude is what makes the place so wonderfully refreshing, I see way mummy likes it so much.

The afternoon was spent doing errands, mummy forgot to get the main thing she wanted and was cross with herself when she returned home. Long suffering husband Chris will pick it up later when he goes to collect the new wheel for the 'muck barrow'. Now that the horses have been swapped onto another paddock, the 'poo collecting' must continue. This has to be mummy's worst job ever, she abhors pushing the barrow round clearing up after Beavis & Buttheat, she will wave a tenner at anyone willing to do it for her, its not that she is lazy, having done horses for a life time, she just hates this job! Mouse and I particularly enjoy this time, we get to mooch about digging holes, chasing squirrels and generally fooling around. We will be at the yard shortly, mummy is later than usual but I am not going to pester her as she is doing my blog!

Ah, looks like we are getting ready to go...
Better stir my stumps!

Here is a recent picture of Mouse and I in the lorry cab, taken on the way home from mummy's riding clinik' ie thingy, (some sort of lessons I believe), our job is to guard the lorry for mummy! Apparently we do a good job, myself in particular, I bark at everything that moves...just incase!

xx

My first rosette!

Hi All,

I didn't mention my success in the dog show last weekend. Mummy did her best to show me off in the 'best companion' dog show, she even waited till the last minute to remove my coat so I didn't look like a drowned rat! Worst bit was her trying to stop laughing while placing me in 'show stance' (the ridiculous game she used to play with Bovril, one of her last terriers...thank the Lord that she didn't say "what a fine example" whilst cupping my muzzle and holding my tail between thumb and finger!...Bloody stupid!) Anyway, I was placed second probably for my perfect behaviour and neat little trot to heel. Mummy said we were robbed, I have to agree with her!

Here is a picture of me with very proud mummy. I was standing on a table being admired when this terrier went past, I had to lean to speak to him.You can just about see my rosette (mummy insisted I wore the bloody thing!) Oops, shouldn't say naughty words, I learnt them from some of the gun dogs at the last game fair! Snigger...

xx Pop's

Suffolk Game & Country Fair & Guide Dogs.

Hi All,

I have to share this image with you. This stand was to raise money for Guide Dogs and did have a a couple of beautiful 'Labradors" mooching about out of the rain. There was this stunning young dog in training (front), I wish him all the best of luck for his future! The yellow dog behind is a little older and had tried a career as a guide dog, he decided he was more suited as a companion. After meeting him, I should imagine he is fantastic at that job, what a cuddly sweet dog this was, he was adorable! We hope you all enjoyed the show and raised lots of money.

This photo was taken several hours later, the weather was so bad that by afternoon, the whole tent looked frozen and were huddled together in a blanket. The black lab above is buried behind the yellow one underneath the pink blanket to keep warm.

I wonder if they raised more money looking like a crowd of homeless folk?

Either way, it was lovely to meet them!

More from the Suffolk Game & Country Fair

Hello again!

I have managed to persuade mummy to draw the stunning "Kerry Blue" we met yesterday.

"Derrin" I hope you like your portrait!...I think we may have to work on her to do "Barney" next otherwise it won't be fair!

"Derrin" Copyright Kirsty Brooks

The Suffolk Game and Country Fair...More pics...

Hi All,

I want to tell you about two really interesting women mummy met at the show, one of them was from Australia. We spotted them across the show ground as one of the dogs they had with them was a "Terrier X" who had a very big voice! Mummy caught up with them later on and met their three dogs who were all rescue dogs. The noisy one it would seem was only a baby, she is just one year old and called "La La", she was saved from being drowned by gypsies. I have a lot of respect for people who re-home dogs like this, we all deserve a good home and the kind humans who give us a happy life deserve a lot of credit! Well done girls!!!

Mummy thought this tiny dog, (who's noise did not match her size) had such a pretty face that she has drawn her, this time in a style using vector graphic as her expression suited a strong graphic medium. The other two dogs were "Barney" the extremely handsome "Beagle" with wonderful soft 'floppy' ears, (he is only about two years old) and "Derrin", a very smart Kerry Blue who is the oldest at five and a half. I have never seen a dog of this breed before and thought she stood very proudly. She had a curly coat which like her breed name is almost a blue in colour. I hope mummy draws her, she was so unusual.
All three of these dogs race in harness, one of their owners runs 5k most days with all the dogs! They must be even fitter than Mouse and I, they would definitely keep up with the horses if they were ever to come out on a hack with us!

Here is a link to the sport which is called Cani X http://cani-cross.co.uk/

As we parted company, "Derrin" told me that they were indeed very fit and very loved, "La La" despite her noise is a very fun little terrier who loves to play and is very affectionate. She also whispered "do you think your mummy will draw me?" I told her I would see what I can do....watch this space....

"La La" Copyright Kirsty Brooks

The Suffolk Game & Country Fair..cont

Hi All,

I think mummy should be ill more often as we are 'cracking on' today. I mentioned a charcoal sketch of the "Deerhound" X "Greyhound", this is a sketch in 'charcoal pencil' (mummy does have proper charcoal but needs to dig them out of a box and she isn't sure whether that box is here or in Shropshire. Her work in charcoal is quite nice, I will make sure that I pester her to do some in future as I would like to see what it looks like.

"Do Your Best" Copyright Kirsty Brooks

The Suffolk Game & Country Fair Update!

Hi All,

We hope you all had a good time yesterday at the show, well those of you who went that is!
Mummy was cross she couldn't go again today as she likes to help in the BASC tent as watch all the dogs who come to visit. Yesterday she wasn't very well and put on a very brave face, the cold wet weather has made her worse and she now has a voice which sounds funny, Chris made her stay at home, this is great for me because I get my blog done!

I have two new images to show you, the first is of the biggest dog I have ever met! His name is "Storm" standing almost at mummy's waist he was massive. I needn't have worried about meeting him as he was terribly friendly, his best mate is Barney, the "Sprocker" he is just a baby, only five months old. (I hope mummy will paint him later) To those of you who may be wondering what a "Sprocker" is, let me explain. Take one "Springer Spaniel" (preferably of good breeding) and one Cocker Spaniel (of equally good breeding and very importantly of the opposite sex) mix the two flavour's, et voila "Sprocker!"

 X breeds are becoming more & more popular in the shooting field, the result makes for a sturdy do with fewer problems encountered with dogs of high pedigree, my best buddy Mouse being a perfect example, for those of you new to this blog, Mouse lives with me, we are 'bestest' ever mates, she is half "German Wirehaired Pointer" and half "Labrador" she taught me all about stalking and shooting etiquette. Both her parents were top dogs in their field, Mouse is no exception (apart from when mummy takes us riding and she forgets her manners on squirrels). I hope I don't get her into trouble telling you that!

Anyway, back to the fabulous Great Dane "Storm" at just five years old, this dog certainly made an etrance, turning heads as he gracefully walked around the show ground. Mummy couldn't resist taking his photo as his markings were so unusual and he was so well behaved. For a dog of this stature, I was very surprised to learn that he is not as fearless as the impression he gives out, in fact the ironing board poses a massive danger and is avoided at all costs, his owner's said he wont even go in the same room! This did make me chortle!

"Storm" the Great Dane. Copyright Kirsty Brooks

The next dog I am going to tell you about left many of us speechless. His manners were impeccable and his quiet noble nature gave him a rather aristocratic air about him, almost like the old fashioned sporting paintings enjoyed by wealthy victorian's showing hounds and pheasants, this beautiful dog would not have looked out of place next to a table of fruit and hares in a heavy gilt frame. Anyway, my mind is wandering, this is "DYB" "Do Your best" he is 3/4 "Deerhund" and 1/4 greyhound. he is not as big as a "Deerhound" (they are very large dogs). I overheard "DYB's" owner saying that he lives out but is very adept at sneaking back in for an afternoon nap inside the house, can't say I blame him!
Mummy is going to have a go at a quick charcoal sketch of him, she said she fancied an experiment.

"Do Your Best" Deerhound x Greyhound. Copyright Kirsty Brooks

Blossom and Deer

Hi all,

It has been a 'stunning' day today, Mouse & I went out for two lovely rides in the woods with Beavis & Butthead.
The sun was out, the birds were busy, we saw several squirrels, broke rank to give chase three times, were chastised three times. Part of the short ride includes a line of blossom trees, the pretty petals looked like they were floating when a breeze caught them, I was quite taken aback at how beautiful this little spot is, made even more beautiful by the sighting of two Munjac and a Roe doe, not to mention several hares, we didn't chase these and stayed close to the horse. The second time we did the ride we only saw hares, unfortunately our outings with the horses are now limited to this one track, something to do with spray on the fields. I think mummy will try to box them up to get a longer ride in the forest as a change.

Later in the afternoon, after lunch which we were allowed to share (don't tell Chris) we went back to the horses with mummy, she was painting them again. I slept next to her while Mouse mooched about and found 'nasties' to roll in. (Mummy hadn't noticed, bet she would have if it had been me! Unfortunately for her, Chris did as soon as he saw her and wasn't happy! As the patch of "L'eau, de fox was only small, mummy used baby wipes to get rid of it, lucky for her it was all that was needed as it was getting a bit late for a 'dog bath'. Mouse was furious and slunk back to her cushion to sulk. At last tinkles before bed, she refused to go out and completely ignored Chris, he resorted to 'chucking her out' she was very annoyed! Chris gave her the customary bed time biscuit which she refused to eat (until he had gone), I must say it was hilarious!

Night night.

Pop's

The Suffolk Game & Country Fair

Hi All,

I have just returned from the game fair today and have so much to tell you about the wonderful dogs I met during the course of today, it was thoroughly enjoyable for me, I made lots of new friends and saw one of my old mates 'Oliver' the Whippet, owned by another Chris, both of whom are in fine fettle! Oliver was especially pleased with himself as he had caught a rabbit right in front of the show stand when it was being set up. he told me he was a little put out that it was safely taken from him before anyone noticed his uncouth behaviour! Tsk, humans are so mean!

I will write this post in more detail tomorrow as I am very tired and want to wait until mummy has put the photo's she took on the computer. I can then describe all the fantastic dogs I met with a picture!

Before I go, I met three Lancashire Heelers too! more about them tomorrow!!

Night night,

Pop's xx

Puppies!

Hi all,

This is my 68'th post!

I hope everyone is well despite all the wet weather we have been having. I am not happy, Mouse keeps taking my ‘Poo Bear’ outside and leaving it in the rain. ‘Poo’ (a small (Whinnie the Poo) stuffed bear, is very sentimental, it was was given to me to take with me when I was re-homed. Mummy has always been careful that it is not damaged although I have to admit to chewing his nose off. I like this bear, it’s fun to shake it really fast and growl at the same time. It seems to make humans laugh so I try to do it if there is an audience and if ‘Poo’ is not in the bloody garden!

I haven’t yet told you about ‘Ella’ & ‘Pudding’, the are mummy’s friend’s puppies, they are the same ‘flavour’ as Mouse, half  Pointer and half Labrador. They are about eight weeks old now and have been to visit us twice. Mummy was very insistent that they were kept separate from Mouse and I, incase we were jealous and frightened them. As it turned out, I was fine, Mouse wasn’t very keen and found their clumsy ways irritating. She stared and chuntered under her breath, Chris sat with her to reassure her that she was still no1 dog while I had a play with the two of them. I showed them a few of my ‘kill’ manoever’s, the ‘stalk’, the ‘wait to pounce’ the ‘stare’ and the ‘flip over’. Pudding, the larger of the two was game and had a go at some of the moves, she was hopeless and only managed the ‘wait to pounce’ without looking serious and the ‘roll over’ put in a ‘puppy’ I give in kind of way. In fairness, this wasn’t bad, she is only a baby.

Ella wasn’t really interested in my ‘kill’ manoever's, she was more than happy ‘ragging’ a rope dog lead, she liked ‘tug of war’ with her sister and made some pretty good noises, I should think as she grows she will develop a fearsome growl! Mouse watched from the safety of Chris’ arms, the puppies were somewhat irksome, she was relieved when they were put to bed for a sleep in the ‘posh bed’. Its wasn’t long before they were both snoring after exerting all their energy. It wouldn’t be long before they would be awake again and full of mischief!

Bloomin' horses again!

Hi all,

Tsk, why does mummy spend so much time with Beavis & Butthead! Its bad enough that she rides them, now she's painting them again. I thought I was the subject of her sketch book!
Here's one of the sketches she did yesterday of Wizz (Beavis), plus one of me!!! Me Me Me!

"Wizz" Copyright Kirsty Brooks

"Poppy" Copyright Kirsty Brooks

East Anglian Gamefair.

Hi Folks,

Sorry, I didn't get much written yesterday as I was keen for mummy to get a drawing done to sum up the last two days. The weekend was interesting, from a dogs point of view as there were many many different dogs attached to owners, some similar looking and others what appeared to be an unusual combination. The funniest was girl who must have been about eight or ten with a huge, infact 'monstrously' sized St Bernard. Embarrassingly for her, he decided to 'empty' right outside a hog roast stand, fortunately the girl had 'poo bags' although I couldn't help wondering if she was going to produce a roll of bin liners, it would have been easier! The rain made for interesting sights, most of the dogs looked like they were wearing brown stockings from the mud and it was interesting to see how many of the little dogs without coats changed shape the wetter they became, I heard many 'drowned rat' comments!

I am going to tell you about some of the jackets which came out as a result of the bad weather, some which had hoods and some went under the belly. One jacket in particular, which caught my eye was on a Bichon Frise, this soggy (once white) 'weeny' dog was sporting a loudly patterned bright pink fleece 'hoody', I am very glad that I am not subjected to one of these! I also saw a greyhound type dog wearing what looked like a parka, it even had the fur trim around the hood. I am not sure as the point of hoods for dogs, I think humans like to 'humanise' us somehow.

Oh, remember an earlier entry in this blogg about me learning to sit on mummy's shoulders? We saw another terrier doing the same! I think he was a Patterdale, even he was wearing a jacket! This just goes to show had wicked the weather was for the weekend as Patterdales are hard as nails!! Mummy says 'Patterdale' is an affectionate word for 'Bastard', her experience of this breed has been interesting as has Chris' (long suffering husband)!

Another cute little dog we met was a small black Pug, she had the same name as me and was wearing a red hoody. The owners were the proud owners of five! Apparently Pug's are quite addictive. There were many beautiful dogs which sadly due to the mudd and wet didn't look their bast. The most frequent to pass were labrador's (made me miss Lordy), Cocker Spaniels in all colours, the odd pointer (mummy was in raptures) and 'umteen' soggy Springer Spaniels. I didn't see a single black and white Springer, there would have definitely been one there but I never saw one!

Finally, we spotted three fox hounds on leads over the two days, mummy was thrilled although she now knows now not to call them 'fox hounds' they are referred to as 'scent hounds'. They make friendly, pets but as many of us already know, the are renowned for 'getting out', it is a brave owner that takes one on. Mummy asked one lady whether she had a lid on her garden, she laughed and said "I bloody need one!"

Anyway, off to do Beavis and Butthead the four legged's which neigh.

Catch you later folks!

Pop's xx