What's his name? Chess, like the board game Chess.

We had to say goodbye to our lovely Chess earlier this year.

It was a privilege to have had such a lovely, fun, calming, good natured dog in our lives. 

When we first adopted him, he was a rescue from greyhound racing, we had to teach him everything about living in a house. He had never even been up stairs before. He soon settled into family life though and was always a pleasure to take for walk. 

He amused us with his collecting. When he was left on his own, he would collect household objects - including mandarins and items of clothing - and sit with them in his bed. There was the one time though which gave us a bit of a scare....

We came into the lounge one afternoon and had a small panic, there was a little bit of 'dissaray' in the lounge, and a chewed up bit of fur on the rug. Oh my goodness we thought, he's killed a cat! But no - our daughter had been gifted a possum tail (a strange gift I know, but this was in NZ where possums are to be discouraged). Chess had found this and obviously thought it was an excellent game to toss this around the lounge and chew and pounce on it. Soon after, we purchased him 'Mr Cuddles' a rope toy which looked like a monkey. He was obviously now relaxed enough to allow himself to play. He loved Mr Cuddles. 

Chess also loved pizza night and the leftover crusts, he loved a glass of wine (if one was left unattended that is), loved bananas, bacon, especially chicken and his family. He struggled on the ice (it seemed he had too many legs), his farts could clear a room and taking him for a walk in the rain was similar to taking a sulky teenager anywhere - until you turned to go home that is.

He wasn't much use as a guard dog, he loved people and was always excited to see anyone at the door - some one else to lean on. EXCEPT...if you were travelling by hot air balloon. Chess didn't bark much, so it was of great surprise one afternoon, when Chess was barking frantically at the window. On closer inspection, there was a hot air balloon, flying really low over the street. This was obviously very disconcerting to Chess. We took him outside to watch the balloon landing safely on the neighbouring cricket pitch. This didn't reassure him much but at least the 'perceived' danger had passed.

To watch him run was amazing

RIP Thrilling Chess

14/1/2005 - 9/1/2015

2013 in pictures

We have had snow, more snow and a little bit more snow, morris dancers, illuminating times, men dressed as women, women dressed as monkeys and said goodbye to my Father. 

A Christmas tail

It's a tradition to don your new Christmas gear and go for a walk pre dinner…isn't it?

To my delight I was lucky enough to receive a monkey onesie. It's even got a tail! The dogs needed a walk, I needed to show off my new outfit - off to the riverside we go. Normally a secluded spot, a very pleasant place for the dogs to run in the adjacent field. We head off…we meet some dogs (and their owner  - known to us) all good so far. Owner familiar with the concept of wearing Christmas gifts - however they are not sporting any wildly unusual outfits themselves. Disappointing.

Then…what seems to be half of Sheffield arrive to partake in a pleasant walk in the country side. I felt like a right narna in my monkey suit! Everyone else it seems, received sensible walking shoes or wooly hats. Oh well, the little dogs santa outfit caused some distraction at least.

Back home for Christmas related traditions, including eating too much, Guess what - no waist on the onesie makes it the perfect stuffing your face outfit - no belt loosening needed for me. On reflection…I'm never taking it off.

Happy Christmas all. 

Peace Love Happiness and Onesies 

Christmas is coming, the dog is getting….as much sleep in as possible!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

It all started a little early for us as we need to raise funds for a Guide trip for offspring in 2015…we have been making felt Christmas decorations for what seems like EVER, as well as bath bombs, stockings and brooches. We did two Christmas Fayres and, although we won't make the next episode of the Apprentice, we did quite well. If you would like to purchase any of said items, or would like your car washing, dog walked or cat fed, please get in touch. (it's like 'bob a job' but much more expensive)

Now it's on to the serious business of what's on the telly, when can we tap and unwrap and how much lemonade are we going to need to keep us in snowballs for the entirety of the Christmas season.

Oh yes - and a bit of shopping.

I don't get Christmassy until I've jostled with loads of people and queued for hours to purchase essential Christmas items. Online shopping doesn't have the same sense of build up of anticipation and excitement. 

Fortunately a trip to Chesterfield provided jostling, a scary looking reindeer ride (I was too tall apparently) and meringue snowmen that looked like they had been in fight. Quality stuff.

The little dog is taking up every opportunity to sleep and dream of sleigh bells and Santa Paws. (sorry).

I'm sure it will be worth the wait, all the paper a dog could wish for to shred and distribute, squeaky toys to de-squeak and nice food sniffs. Doggy bliss.