Golden Retriever Centenary Celebrations...

Hi there friends,

This is a quick post....

I am posting this to alert my readers about a wonderfully written account of the recently held

 Golden retriever centenary gathering and 

celebrations in the UK! 

This is a very worthy read for those of us who love golden retrievers and were wondering what all the fuss was about amongst our breeders.

Reading this article produced chills down my back as I, too, offered a quiet moment of tribute and respect to "Lord Tweedmouth" who started the breeding process all those years ago. Without his vision, I wouldn't have had the pleasure of the company of my own beautiful canine companions. Lexi's breeders -Wayne and Marycke Ackhurst - had the pleasure of being able to attend this grandiose event with other South African Golden friends. So, South Africa was also representative at the celebrations.

 What an awesome experience! You have to read about it!

(Photograph courtesy of Marycke Ackhurst)

If you want to read the full article, 

CLICK HERE

Perhaps someday, I may also have this privilege of visiting this historical place.
IF YOU LOVE AND FOLLOW GOLDEN RETRIEVERS, YOU MUST READ THIS!!!

Sending lotsaluv

Random post, birthday, and photos...

Hello there everyone,

Up until recently we have been blessed with a mild, pleasant winter.  The temperatures have been glorious.  Although our world is dry at the moment, flowers still find a way to cheer us up. The little planter in our driveway is sporting some happy floral faces...

However, there is nothing quite like a beautiful bouquet to lift one's spirits... 

On Saturday we had a surprise party for Miss "J"s birthday.

Everything was beautifully prepared for the occasion.

Although she had many guests, the canines were also part of the welcoming committee... 

 They waited patiently for everybody to arrive and settle in...before introducing themselves...

All the guests were well in time for the unsuspecting victim.

 Balloons and streamers too.

...and then the birthday girl arrived to everyone's delight...

 In true South African style, we had a 'braai' while the dogs scouted around for 'nibbles'

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Miss "J"!!!

We wish you many more happy years. What a joy it is to have you in our lives.

We are so proud of you!

---xXx---

On a different note, our little Lexi is also growing up fast... 

 Isn't she gorgeous!?

She and Toby remain inseparable - cuddling up to me at any opportunity. The mornings, particularly, have some special bonding moments.

(Whose bed is it anyway?)

I know this is a random post...but it helps me to simply keep writing.

(I know you don't mind)

A cold front is expected to wave its chilly wand over our country this weekend.  

Keep warm everybody!

...And have a happy week.

Sending lotsaluv to all our friends around the world,

A barkday...celebrated TOBY STYLE!

Hey there, dear friends.

I hang my head in shame...I forgot Toby's 3rd barkday on the 24th July!

Oh, the guilt!

So , on Saturday the 'sweet hooligan' received a pampering bath for his "belated" barkday. Indeed his compatriots also got the full makeover. Lexi, Tammy and Toby were brushed up to their shiny glory. It's a real mission and takes me the better part of a morning - after which I had to have my own shower.  But they look gorgeous afterwards and are allowed all sorts of concessions.

Since I'd 'forgotten' Toby's barkday, my guilt extended to organising a special walk in the park on Sunday.  We took them to 'Delta park' with its beautiful vast, open spaces for the dogs to run freely. The idea included giving Toby a particular opportunity to romp with his special buddy 'Hoby', and Lexi. (Unfortunately, Tammy was left at home because her arthritis can't stand the long, vigorous walks any more.  We make up for it in other ways)

Well, all I can say is that ..."The best of times were had by 'a few'"!

Turns out Toby decided that a mudpack would seal the whole deal about the 'guilt thing', thus leveling the playing fields with my forgetfullness. Yep, dog-logic!

In a matter of minutes he found the most glorious slush-puddle and turned himself into "TOPDECK".  Had it not been for my adrenalin, I am sure he'd have done a full 360 degree roll in the muck.

Although I was unimpressed, everyone else seemed to be doing an extended belly-shake of mirth.

"Oh man, this is SO funny!" seemed to be the consensus.

 It took me a few hours before I finally saw some humour of it all.

Thanks to the clever thinking of my friends - Darryl and Liz, we do have a few photos to share of this great

TOBY PARTY... (Check Lexi's confused expression in the photo  below)

 Talk about pulling my hair out! ...

Back at home, Toby had yet ANOTHER bath.  So did Lexi because 'Where Toby goes, so does Lexi'.  Luckily she is better behaved than the sweet Hooligan, so only managed to get her dainty paws plastered.

 Lexi lies in the sunshine, watching the spectacle (below), while Toby?

He appears unimpressed that I've removed his own attempts at making himself smell utterly 'desirable'.

Look at the all photos and tell me...

Do you think Toby is bothered that he hugely inconvenienced me?

Brat!

What is it about a clean dog that rubs away all the misdemeanors?

Wishing you a wonderful, happy week.

Lotsaluv

"When Maxmom's away, Lexi will...

... get up to all sorts of mischief!

Hello there everyone!

It's been more than two weeks since my last blogpost.  I'm sorry I've been so slack, but the truth is that I've been a bit under-the-weather with a horrible, persistent cough.  It has given new meaning to the phrase: "Coughing your eyeballs out".  Phew, the coughing fits have been exhausting and fatiguing!  Just when I think that the virus is contained, another spasm descends on me and leaves me gasping for breath.  Hopefully I'll be back to normal soon.

The effect of my 'sickies' has been that my pooches have been in "lock-down mode".  They've mostly spent the days indoors with me, sleeping away the time and staring at me with wide, concerning eyes. I've had to cancel two of Toby's agility classes during this time.  With no voice and a tight chest it's been futile even contemplating the evening classes. Sorry Toby! 
Toby eyes say it all - he's missing his classes.  Hopefully we can get back soon.

As they say, "When the cat's away, the mice will play."  At least this is Lexis take on the situation.  She's thoroughly enjoyed her unsupervised time in the garden. (or rather, what's left of the garden!) 

My short visit outside this morning revealed an array of strange objects - socks, drain-filters, uprooted plants and patches of missing lawn. If I look at her landscaping activities, there is absolutely no sign of any negative side-effects following her spaying operation two weeks ago.  Lexi is alive, well and full of the joys of life.  She's is always up for a game with Toby.

 Her training hasn't been affected by my condition because it's on a Saturday MORNING when my chest is reasonable.  She is currently participating in the preparation for her CGC (bronze) certificate.  But, judging from her work in my garden, I'd say there's a lot of catching up to do.

At night, Lexi makes herself comfortable to sleep off all her energetic activities.  She has usurped the couches in our home and I've not had the energy to disagree with her. Besides, she's a cuddle-bunny of note and has allowed me to give her endless ear-rubs and soak in her special warmth. 

 When she's not on my lap, she's in the garden, or in the swimming pool.  Lexi doesn't believe that winter is any excuse for not swimming.

On a different note, if you've not yet seen this video of Toby and her (at 12 weeks), please do so.  For some reason, this video has gone viral with over 16000 hits!

Ageing 'Aunt Tam' just goes with the flow...  She's really getting on now and sometimes struggles to get up in the morning.  

She's on regular dosages of Rimadyl too, but still enjoys life - particularly if she's taken on a walk.  Walks allow Tammy the special opportunity to tick of the various items on her "bucket list": - chasing birds, eating bird-poop, saying 'howzit' to other dogs and to be very vocal in the process.  By the time she gets home, she's exhausted, but very satisfied. There's still a lot of life in her. She's 13 years old now...a graceful old lady.

The dry, chilly days of winter are still with us although I notice that the Namaqualand daisies are starting to show their happy faces.  Soon, our world will be a wash of orange on the pavements signalling the change of  temperatures and the hope of Spring.

Just some other, random news: 

We visited the amazing 'Bodyworlds' exhibition last weekend....

 What an incredible event! Dr. Gunther von Hagens' exhibition offers an unprecedented and unique look beneath our own human skin.  It's been on display worldwide for 15 years and has been visited by more than 35 million people in over 70 cities. The exhibition in Johannesburg was very tastefully put together and is extremely respectful of the various donor Plastinates.  It certainly gives one a new perspective on our amazing human bodies. I'll never look at my own body the same way again.  If you've not had the opportunity to see one of these exhibitions , I would highly recommend it.  It is mesmerising!

Yesterday, was the 95th birthday celebrations of our country's iconic Nelson Mandela.  The country was abuzz of goodwill as people donated 67 minutes of their time to reach out and do good for others. My own contribution has been delayed until I'm feeling better, but I have something special in mind.  :) Happy birthday, Madiba!  May you get better soon!

Perhaps I should go and wash Toby's paws as my act of charity in the meantime. 

 What do you think?

That's all for now.  I hope that you are all well and happy. 

 Have a wonderful weekend, dear friends.  

Sending lotsaluv

R60 in 60 seconds...

R60 in 60 seconds... a new record!

Lexi, you're amazing!