Our little man is leaving home :o(

The time has come for our little foster boy Gizmo to branch out into a home of his own, he is leaving the nest and we're not looking forward to saying goodbye to him. This is his usual place when his foster Daddy is at home, it has been an absolute pleasure to have him here.

He's worked his way into our hearts and worked his way into the pack not trying once to flex his muscles and try to be top dog. We'll miss his lovely 'smile' and his laughable antics.

His new family are coming to collect him on Saturday, he'll share his new Mum & Dad with a little Shih Tzu girl called Minnie and a cat called George. They're really excited they've been chosen and passed their homecheck and can't wait to meet him.

If we had the room he wouldn't be going anywhere but there are so many dogs coming into all the rescues now leading up to Christmas that I need to keep a space open for the next foster dog. We already have 5 in this area waiting to come in to us. Our little tinker will be taking a massive piece of our hearts with him and I know there will be tears when he leaves and not only in my eyes. The dogs will miss him too they all include him in their play, apart from Mia she's getting grumpy as she gets older and doesn't want her space invaded even by a cute little Peke boy.

Our weather here is rain, rain, and more rain, I've just been out with the dogs and we've all come home like drowned rats!! We are better than some though we still have a dry home and aren't threatened with floods.

Have a good day

hugs Peg xx

We have a new little foster boy with us.

Meet Gizmo the Pekingese our new foster,

this is the photograph I first saw of him. He's gorgeous isn't he. however when I collected him he looked a lot different. It's difficult to believe he's the same dog, his owners have 2 small children so find it hard to find time for him and said he wasn't getting on with their other dog.

Since being here he has shown no aggression towards any of my dogs, he fits in really well and loves attention, he isn't greedy as I was told and isn't food aggressive either.

He was neutered on Tuesday so has felt quite sorry for himself since then. He looks like a little fuzzball because his coat is severely matted, his back end looks like a matted rug. I'm not really sure what has happened to the hair on his ears it seems to have been chopped at.

I thought we were going to have to shave his hair off but last night he lay on my knee quite happily whilst I gradually teased out the matts on one side of his haunchers, he's had enough after that so I'll do it gradually. This is what I removed from his right hip area, it measures 8" high and 12" across.

The Quality street tin is there to show the actual size of

the mound in comparison.

He is a delightful little man who is mixing well and playing with my dogs. We've fallen under his spell but we are looking for a loving home for him, 8 is enough for us to cope with and look after giving us room for a foster.

I don't think he'll be with us to long before he finds a new home, it will be a sad day when he goes though.

I collected this little girl from the pound last Sunday, her name is Flower, seeing dogs in this state makes me despair at the inhumanity of man to animals. She is a sweet little Westie, very pretty and is already coming on in her new foster home. She will need medical treatment for quite sometime yet so will be longer before she goes to a new home.

Most of the rescues are very busy, Christmas time seems not to be a time of good cheer to domestic animals, they seem to become dispensible.

Hugs Peg x

Things are improving at last

My dogs are all now well and Neil is also over his man flu, in all fairness it did turn out he had a severe chest infection and was off work for 2 wks. They sent him for chest xrays to make sure there was nothing nasty there, thankfully apart from the infection all was well. It has left him rather drained so he's finding being at work tiring especially in this term leading up to Christmas. I am hoping he either takes partial retirement or full retirement at the end of term. He's worked full time since 1964 and he works hard so I think he deserves a break.

I'm still waiting for the MRI results it's 5 wks tomorrow since I went so hopefully it won't be long until I hear now. I am still in a lot of pain but I don't like taking the specific meds they've given me all the time, I know they can become addictive and I don't need that to happen.

I have a new 'toy', it's a halogen oven and I love it!


We have tried several things in it and we're really impressed, the roast was cooked in it last week and was cooked in less time and was lovely and tender. Neil has been busy today, he's made a delicious cheese & bacon flan which was absolutely delicious
He also made a very scrumptious blackberry & apple pie for desert tomorrow, mmmm.

I've just realised my waistline could increase if he does take retirement!!

Hugs Peg x

A Busy Week

Well it's been over a week since I last posted and I was determined to keep up but life is just as determined to keep me busy. I recently joined Becky C's blog Let's Stitch I've chosen this project to work on during Friday evenings. It's lovely knowing there are other stitchers throughout the world stitching along on their own projects. This is my progress so far, I love the colours.

It's been hectic here I've had 4 of my dogs poorly with upset tummy's, another 2 with throat infections and hubby with man flu, bet you can't guess who the worse patient is :o)

I won this gorgeous handmade quilt from an ebay seller in the US, it's from the home of an elderly quilter who has sadly passed away and in her life time stitched many quilts, I'm just sorry I can't afford more of them. I love these it's old and has history. I have a few wip quilts and hope to finish at least one of them before long so I can display my own work :o).

Photo curtsey of the seller.

I have enjoyed reading other peoples blogs so much lately and it's been wonderful sharing their adventures and achievements. I have a button on my side bar which is a link to Cindy's beautiful blog, I always enjoy visiting to see what new project she has on the go. Her home is like the blogs name Romantic. It's warm and welcoming and as I would love my own to be if the other half would give me free reign. Not much chance of that though :o) so I get my fix on Cindy's site, I've made time to do it I find it relaxing.

This week has been a week of deliveries, in my kitchen I have a large fridge freezer and in the garage are another 2 small chest freezers. All my freezers are full and there is a lot I want to do before I have any more surgery so I bought a tall larder fridge for the kitchen and a large chest freezer for the garage, we're not lucky enough to have the space inside the house for one. Both were delivered yesterday so having stood 24hrs to settle and having been turned on I can transfer food into the large freezer tomorrow. I won't have a freezer inside but that's not a problem. Also my microwave will fit on top of the new fridge in the space where my other one was so it will free up some counter space.
On our local free cycle someone requested a fridge/freezer for her son and partner who are setting up home together so they will be collecting it on Friday evening. My eldest son is having one of the chest freezers so have to find a home for the other one. They're all in good clean condition and should give their new owners a few yrs service.

Well I'm off to get my blog fix so will say bye for now. Stay safe and enjoy what you're doing.

Hugs Peg

PUMPKIN PATCH PRIMITIVES FABULOUS HAPPY HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY

Wow take a look at these gorgeous fabrics, they are a giveaway on Pumpkin Patch quilt shops site. I love the warm luxury of them, pop on over and visit a while and enter you may be the lucky winner! I'm entering I have some similar which will go really nice together maybe as a lap quilt.

Check out the whole blog whilst you're there it well worth it.

hugs Peg xx

A LOVELY PEACEFUL AFTERNOON

I haven't felt to well today, I'm in a lot of pain with my back and have a lot of stiffness in my joints so have had a rest day. My afternoon has been spent looking around beautiful blogs, food, stitching, quilting and just blogs. I've seen amazing photos of their wares and projects, read about their joys and sorrows. On one I read of a gracious Granny who is 96yrs old and makes a quilt a week. I watched a video of her and she just thrilled my heart. It has inspired me to get more done on my room when I'm well enough and I feel truly blessed by having been in the presence of these wonderful ladies. Take a look here and read about this amazing lady or click on the Granny fan photo and it will take you to the blog.

take care

Peg xx

Back to another hospital today and other things.

I had my appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon today, I was going to ask if the op for my other knee replacement could be delayed until well into the new year but apparently the knee has deteriorated so fast that he doesn't want to delay it much longer. I asked for the time frame if I agreed now, it would be in December, Neil doesn't drive and with this being his busy time at work I just couldn't have the op before Christmas. My surgeon has agreed to see me in December and put me in his diary for January or early February, on the condition I don't leave it any longer. Neil is possibly taking flexi retirement so that would mean he's only working 3 days a week so it would be easier for me then.

We had a new canopy put over the front door last week, unfortunately it rained just after he'd left, we were very pleased with his work but the flashing started to come loose during the next couple of days with heavy rain. He's here at the moment redoing it, so the blind is down in the lounge to stop the dogs barking at him. Mia has the most penetrating squeal bark I've ever heard and is not one you want to endure for long.

We've had the fencing on the back renewed we can't grumble the other lasted over 25yrs. The next job is having the rest of the back garden paved so, I can't do it anymore and Neil doesn't have the time it'll be easier to keep tidy. We have bought a summer house, although it's almost winter, even on days like today it's a bit chilly but I love to be out in the autumn sunshine so I'll be able to stitch down there getting fresh air but also away from the wind. We're waiting delivery on that, Neil has to put the base down yet, he was going to do it on Saturday last but his chutney making took up all his time so it looks like he'll be doing it in the afternoons instead of snoozing :o). Here's his Marrow & Apple and his Red Onion chutney using new kilner and recycled small jars.


He's also got to put a new roof and floor in our existing storage shed poor thing is looking a little worse for wear and letting water in, it's not a big job I don't think.

I can't wait to see it all finished and at last get my conservatory, I've been very patient waiting 28yrs for it don't ya think LOL. I've managed a little more on my Heavens Gate sampler, I am making time for this, if I don't the days slip by so quickly and it's another non productive day stitching wise. Here's my progress so far.

I've just read about my friend Margarets, daughters first venture into stitching. Check it out on Margarets blog I think Mum and daughter can be very proud of a beautiful project made between them. Check out Margarets stitching full stop she has completed the Beatrix Potter sampler recently but has made some amazingly beautiful items well worth a visit. I miss Margaret since she and her hubby Bob emigrated to Spain, also Sheila also emigrated to Spain just after I got to know her. I bought some stitching goodies from her and liked her from the moment I met her. She was in recovery from a hip replacement and was leaving for Spain a few weeks later. Not all my friends emigrate ;o) take a look at Shiela's blog too she makes beautiful needleworks. Imagine my joy when I found out two of my favourite ladies had 'found' each other in Spain and are now firm friends having lovely stitching times together.

My BIL has a villa in Spain which is his home and I know I would be welcome to go and stay, then I could visit with them but sadly I'm planted firmly on the ground, afraid of flying so am missing out on meeting up with them. Totally my fault for being such a wus at flying!

Well reality calls and I have to go and feed my man as he returns from bringing home the bacon LOL

take care and hope to speak again soon

Hugs Peg xx

My trip to the hospital and our little visitor

This tiny little girl is 9yrs old and came to us because her Mum has Alzheimer's and couldn't look after her anymore. She is a really sweet little one but didn't seem to well, she needed a dental her teeth were a mess and badly decaying. Each time she ate pus was running down her throat sending further infection to her trachea. She had her op last Tuesday and came home with only 2 teeth left bless her. Because of her retching I'm not getting much sleep at the moment so am feeling pretty rough. She will be going to her new Mum soon who is really looking forward to meeting her.

She is evidently feeling better because she's telling my lot off each time they play fight :o) She is so fragile looking although mine aren't large dogs, she likes to sleep down the duvet at night. She may be tiny but we'll miss her when she goes. A postscript to this Cleo had to go to the vets this morning, I spent another night without sleep. She is to finish her antibiotics then see how she is on Friday, she won't be leaving us yet.

I went for my MRI today oh boy did I make a fool of myself, I thought the scanner would be one of those like a large polo mint but no it wasn't. I am seriously claustrophobic so when the scanner started moving me into the machine once my arms caught the side I pressed the panic button. The staff were absolutely great, they offered to rebook when I'd got some sedation from my GP but I knew I'd be worse going back. They suggested a lower pillow for my head so my face wasn't so near the top of the 'tube', I said ok. I thought I was going all the way through and had visions of being stuck in there for an hour which I knew I just couldn't do. However once my arms were inside and my lumbar region was in the middle that was enough so they did the scans in spurts of 2-3 mins. I felt 1/2 " small, on the floors above me were people who were dying of cancer and I'm fretting about being inside a tube but I just couldn't help it I suffer from claustrophobia and so I panic. They didn't take my head inside the tube which I will be eternally grateful for and we eventually got the MRI done with. I couldn't thank them enough but I did say if ever I have to go in further then they'll have to put me to sleep. I was still shuddering from it in the early hours of this morning!

I can't control my fear on this so hope I never have to have another one, just waiting for the results now.

take care

Hugs Peg xx

My toe dipping into the world of reflexology

I'm having tremendous problems with my feet at the moment, my heels are numb and I am experiencing numbness from below the ball of my foot up to and including my toes. This makes life very awkward if I'm stepping over something I never know if I've cleared it and often fall flat on my face in either the kitchen or hallway after coming through each door. I went to see a neurologist who wants me to go for a scan, there are two possibilities either the nerves in my feet are dying in which case there's nothing they can do. We know I don't have diabetes. Or it could be related to my spine there may be nerves trapped. If this is the case it's possible surgery will rectify this.

I asked the neurologist & my own dr if they thought reflexology would help get the circulation back. Both said it wouldn't hurt, no offence to anyone but I don't believe in the hocus pocus of such treatments but I thought the deep foot massage would help rather than a pedicure.

I had my first appointment on Monday and have to say it was very relaxing, I couldn't feel some of what she was doing but what I could didn't hurt. I was told to sip plenty of water throughout the day and rest for the afternoon. I would possibly feel a little nauseous or tired, it was the tiredness which hit me. I made myself comfortable, threaded needles ready to stitch on my sampler, I woke up almost 2 hrs later with a half threaded needle in my hand! Neil said she perhaps should come each night then I'd sleep better :o)

The recommended space between each treatment is 7 days minimum so I'm off next Wednesday for my next one. My feet were tender the next day but not painful, they are swollen again but that's par for the course lately.

Changing the subject the nine Shiddies we brought in are doing really well in their foster homes and learning how to be normal dogs. It makes it all worthwhile when they start to trust again. Paddington is feeling better after his two days of not being well, he slept the days away and now seems fine. I don't think it's stroke related like before because he's stable on his feet and isn't vacant in his eyes. The other munchkins are plodding along, I'm toying with the idea of cutting the girls coats down, I haven't been able to keep up with their grooming whilst I was ill so it's going to take some hours to bring them back to what they were. I haven't decided yet though.

The nights are drawing in now and night time descends on us so quickly, the year is going so fast too. I think it's as you get older the days seemed to go on forever when I was young :o) I'm looking forward to the autumnal colours coming into the trees, the hazy mornings. We're having a new fence erected next Thursday so hopefully we can get the garden sorted again into looking something worth looking at instead of the mess it is at the moment. Wonder if Neil will garden when he's semi retired?????

Have a great day looking forward to catching up on your blogs too.

Peg xx

I am ashamed of myself !

Yes I am, for not keeping up with my blog when I promised myself I would.

Things have been so hectic here it's unbelievable. One of the rescue's I helped out with closed down so in January 10 of us formed another rescue which is called The Little Dog Rescue. We take all small dogs be they pedigree or cross breeds, I am regional co-ordinator for the rescue so life is more busy now.

The photo above is of my 8 dogs plus 2 of Dionnes a fellow staff member of the rescue. We were all at a country show at Tatton Park in Cheshire. A great day had by all. I now have 4 Shih Tzu's, Megan, Livvy, Paddington & Nemo plus 4 Lhasa Apso girls, Mia, Nulie, Poppy & Georgia. As you can see Olivia who featured in my last post didn't leave us, when it came to it we couldn't bear the thought of watching her driving away with another family so we adopted her. Little Trickwoo the Pekingese was also adopted by us, sadly she had infections in her eyes which caused her to lose one eye and in a few days it had spread to her other eye. She was so poorly we had to make the decision to let her go, it was an awful day and we still miss her so much much. She was a little bossy britches but we loved her. Paddington our oldest Shiddie had a massive stroke earlier this yr followed by 2 smaller ones, he has recovered but isn't as active as he was.

I have fostered more than a few Lhasa's and Shih Tzu's and been very good and let them go to new homes but it's been hard :o)

Neil is hoping to take flexi retirement at the end of term at Christmas, that would be great, he's getting very tired all the time, he's worked since he left school in 1964 so I think he deserves to take life easy. It was another sad time for us in August, Neil's middle brother Glyn was diagnosed and died within 4 1/2wks with cancer. It was a big shock to us and happened so quickly, both Neil and his elder brother were devastated.

I have recently been ill but it did have it's good side, I have been able to do some more stitching and catch up on some of the blogs I used to love visiting. I've missed reading them and hope to make time for myself to continue doing so.



At the moment I'm stitching Heavens Gate Sampler by Hester's Needle I love the autumnal colours of this sampler and am using the Sandstone tea died linen included in the kit. I have so many pieces not framed I think I'll have to take out another mortgage to cover the cost of framing them all but I need to get them done.

My quilting is at a stop due to not being able to get to my cutting table and machines at the moment. I have stored boxes in my craft room which have now taken over. My plan is to get this sorted before Christmas so I can get back to it.

I need to say goodnight now it's 1am here and I promised dh I would start to go to bed earlier so I don't get so run down. Hopefully it won't be as long until the next posting .

Take care

Peg xx

Time for a home for Olivia

Olivia our little Shih Tzu foster girl has had her story published in Dogs Today magazine which is out now. This is the link to 2 short videos of Olivia at play and the slide show is of her at home with our dogs. She has graduated from being a scared, ill little puppy farm dog into being a confident, sweet dog whose now ready to move on to her new family home.
Olivias slide show

Olivia's playing with toys

Olivia enjoy a run on the field

I can't stress enough how enjoyable it has been to see this little girl evolve into what she is today. She is a very sweet girl, it will hurt when she leaves, we have grown to love her but we will be happy to see her settled in a home of her own.
I will keep you posted on what happens.

hugs x

Peg

A busy but good day.

Our little foster girl Trickywoo, here's her pic taken on Christmas day, had the all clear from the vets today regarding her eye. She had an accident at the beginning of December and punctured her left eye ball. It wasn't very pleasant, she underwent an emergency operation which was successful resulting in them being able to save her eye. She doesn't have a lot of sight in it but it's there.
She was in a lot of pain enduring eye drops and medication, she bore it all like the little trooper she is. Today the vet discharged her, he was very pleased with the outcome and unless there are any future problems she doesn't need to go back to see him.

Our other little foster girl, Livvy, also attended the vets today, he's pleased with her progress but she still needs steroids for her left eye. Otherwise she is fine, he's pleased with her weight gain and her general condition. She is now ready for re homing and I'm certain she'll get a great home. The first pic below is Olivia her first night in rescue, the second is Olivia this evening.


Can you see the difference apart from the eyes, she's quite a poser but wasn't going to stand up for me LOL. She's a delightful girl, her story will be featured in January's issue of Dogs Today magazine which is on sale from the 2nd January. Her diary so far is also featured on the home page of Friends of the Animals It will be sad when she goes but she's such a sweet dog and deserves a loving lifetime home. Her new family will not be disappointed, she is full of fun, mischief and love.






Hugs

A New Year Almost Upon Us

Christmas is now officially over and we're waiting for the emergence of a new year. 2008 has been one of learning for me. I have learnt patience because things happen in their own time not when I wish them to. I have learnt we are not a nation of dog lovers as we are projected throughout the world. I have had rescue dogs for years but this year I've learnt how they come in, the state some of them come in and the process from them coming in to being rehomed.

There has been the two extremes of dogs who's owners couldn't wait to get them out of the door and who needed to know someone was there for them and loved them and that not all humans were monsters who would hurt them. Then there's the other side, owners who through no fault of their own have had to give up much loved companians, who I've sat and held whilst they cried because it hurt so much to give them up, assuring them I'd let them know when he was in his new loving home. Not all rescue dogs are here because owners didn't care.

The year has not been a healthy one for me but I'm here, I'm still alive and for that I thank the Good Lord. I have met so many new people over this past year and some of them have become firm friends. I've laughed and cried at situations I've found myself in wondering what was around the next corner.

Until I started transporting dogs I didn't know it was possible to get lost as much as my sister and I have on such a small island. I'm sure the poor woman in the satelite who guides us on my satnav must be bald by now after pulling all her hair out with frustration of my getting lost. (I do know there isn't really someone sat up there...........there isn't is there?;o)

I love the closeness my sister and I have shared, we've laughed together so much we've cried and we cried together, all in the name of life. I'm sad for the barrier which seems to have grown between my daughter and I. I don't know what the reason is, I've asked several times but have not had an answer. We were so very close for many years but now I see and feel the barriers have come up and she doesn't want to be in my company. She was my daughter, my friend but isn't any longer and for that my heart weeps.

The above sentence has caused an even bigger problem with my daughter, the words written were not meant to offend. I did not mean I didn't consider her to be my daughter anymore, I meant she has distanced herself from us for what reason we don't know and she wont say. She will always be my daughter and as such I will always love her but it is sad when a mother/daughter relationship falls apart. That is what makes my heart weep.

I am happy to have been stitching again, I've finished my Blue sampler and a Remembrance sampler by Janlyn. I have started stitching Butternut Roads Rose sampler, I thought at first the colours were a bit dowdy but since putting the middle row in I can see how they compliment each other. I find it a great joy to see a work come into being on a blank canvas so to speak and wonder at the talent of the person who has designed it. I paint with my needle and love it, I also love to see the works others have stitched, quilted or knit.

Well time is running away with us and I need to rest so will say bye for now and I hope to keep my blog upto date better in 2009.

hugs Peg x

So near Christmas and so not ready!

Christmas as we all know is just a few days away and I am lagging behind worse than any other year yet. I was set to put the decorations in our home this past week but instead have been spending most of it either on a chair or sofa coping with an unpleasant chest infection. The time hasn't been wasted altogether though as I started and have almost finished a Remembrance sampler by Janlyn, I have just posted on a stitch group I belong to and asked if the ladies think it would look better antiqued. It is stitched on Ivory 28ct Evenweave with DMC threads, I'm wondering about antiquing it by soaking in tea or coffee but am undecided so have asked the group their opinion. I'll post a pic when I've put the last stitches in.
DH has also got the dreaded infection thankfully he has the next 2 wks off work so will have time to recover.

We were going to be spending Christmas in our own home anyway, there are not many people who would wish to have us with 7 dogs in tow. I can't leave them on their own so it's better to stay at home with them. Our daughter in law is recovering from another back surgery so they too will be staying at home.

We have another foster girl with us, her name is Trickywoo, she is a gorgeous Pekingese, I have not seen this breed since we lost ours when I was around 16yrs old. She is a really sweet little girl with lots of character, she was rather poorly when she came but is now over the infection. Because of the inconsiderate breeding her nostrils are closed permanently so she has difficulty breathing, also her nose is flat, the breeding down hasn't shortened the palette so this little girl now needs an operation to open her nostrils and shorten her palette. Unfortunately this will be in the region of £700 so the rescue has to try and raise the money. There are several dogs who need ops, people who believe rescues run at a profit should come along and spend some time with one and see what the costs of getting a dog fit enough to go into a new home is. Try gently holding your nostrils together then you will feel what Tricky feels each time she tries to breed. I picked her up from the pound on her last day, she is approximately 8yrs old. Other than that we have no history of her past life. She is a dog who is very easy to fall in love with and has fit in with the others very well. She could be homed either as an only dog or with another. She won't leave here until she's had her op though.

We were hoping for a white Christmas but it looks more likely to be a wet one, I've not known it rain so much in one year. I think I will have to get busy in the next couple of days to put some cheer into our home, the pic above is of our hallway last year. I love the effect of the white tree and baubles against the white of the cladding.

If I don't get the chance to 'pop' on before Christmas may I take this opportunity to wish all my blogging friends a very happy, peaceful and healthy Christmas and New Year. Thank you all for making blogging such a pleasant experience I love reading your blogs and feel blessed to have you as online friends.

hugs Peg x

Fostering

In the past few months many foster dogs have come and gone through my life and home. I have enjoyed every minute of it, I've enjoyed the travelling all over to collect, deliver or just to transport dogs for other rescues. I've enjoyed home checking to make sure a dog will have a good life with a prospective adopter, I've loved meeting the many people involved with rescue in various forms and also meeting those who have had to hand in their dog.
At times the reason is not because the dog is unwanted and they can't wait to get rid of him/her, sometimes it's because of the change in circumstances and many times I've sat holding and comforting someone when they feel their world has turned upside down because they have to give their dog up to a new home.

In other cases I've been in a hurry to leave the home of a hand in simply because the dog is of no consequence and they can't wait to get rid of the same dog who has been loyal and loved them with no love in return. To watch these dogs develop trust again in humans and to see them blossom has made all the work and tears well worth it.

Ex puppy farm girls have come through my home too, these have come in afraid of their own shadow and not used to not being confined in a small place. The big wide world makes them fearful, as does the noise of the washing machine, hoover, television and everyday normal things.

Seeing these same girls, gradually get used to being on a lead, no longer afraid the lead is just another rope to tie them up with but is something which means they're going into a big space and will be able to run around without restriction. The look on their faces when the wind blows their hair all over and especially now when it blows leaves around and they can jump into them, roll in them and not be hurt or go back into confinement it's a joy to see and just melts my heart.

Recently I had a little Lhasa boy, Macky, who had been in 5 homes within 2 months, they all said he was grumpy, growled all the time and was getting ready to bite them. He is a Lhasa, they and Shih Tzu talk to you like that. They let you know what they want, we had him here a week, he found it very hard when the other 7 dogs were in his face so he would snap and sometimes keep going which would develop into a doggy scrap until I stopped it. If the dogs approached him one at a time he was fine, he just didn't like them in his face, he couldn't be punished for this, if 7 people were in my face all at once I'd back off and tell them to go away just the same as he did. He was overweight so he was lazy, he would play with my hands, soft mouthing them, he loved to have his back and tummy scratched gently. To me he was a big cuddly teddy bear who needed cuddling and understanding.

He's now gone to a couple who only have visiting grandchildren, he's settling down and is enjoying his life with them. His character is coming out and he's showing his cheeky side which is great to hear.

Before him I was asked to foster a beautiful little Shiddie girl calle Bella who had come into the pound as a cruelty case, when you meet her you fall in love with her. We knew she had been badly abused and would squeal with fear at the sight of a lead, if you tried to put it on her she would totally freak out and think she was being tied up. Because of her initial fear of women we believe it was possibly a woman who abused her, seeing how fearful this little girl was defies all imagination as to what kind of person could do this to her and what kind of hell she had been through.

When she first came she would sit on the bottom of my stairs trembling, Neil was able to touch her but she wasn't happy me touching her. So I spent many hours sitting alongside her talking to her but not touching her. We put the world to rights many times over, she now knows my full life history :o)but eventually it paid off. She started to lean against me, I had my hands in my lap, she went on to touching them with the side of her head. I gradually one finger at a time stroked her ears eventually moving on to her head and back. I put the lead on my knee so she could see it and after a week she stopped squealing and realised the lead going on meant she was going outside. She became the first in the queue when the leads came out. She loved being outside, I put her on an extention lead so she would run in front, stop, look back at me and come running back jumping and skipping about to be fussed. I never went on a walk with Bella without laughing and smiling, it was sheer joy being out with her to see her enjoying herself. Neil took her with Nemo one morning letting her off lead, she loved running about free, jumping and rolling in the leaves, running back to him before dashing off again.

She started to want the cuddles we offered and spent many an hour curled up on either mine or Neil's knee. She chose his bed to sleep on and would disappear upstairs with him have her nightly cuddle then go to the bottom of the bed and not move until morning. She very quickly stole our hearts and it would have been so easy to keep her but if we did then there wouldn't be room for any others.

A couple enquired about her and came to visit last Saturday, from the moment they walked in I knew she had chosen them, she didn't take to visitors well at all but Jane and Paul were different. It was a joy to see her settle on Janes knee, loving the stroking and making the mewing sound she made when she was happy. Then she went to sit on Pauls knee and lolled across him as if she'd known him forever. I knew then we'd lost our little girl to her new Mum & Dad. Along with a new Mum & Dad she has a new brother a gorgeous Lhasa boy called George who's very handsome and who she gets along with. It broke my heart to see her being driven away and she'll always have a big piece of my heart but I know she is happy and loved and Jane and Paul will look after her and will continue with helping her to face things she is still unsure of. She is settling well, enjoying her walks, she loves her new home and will blossom into the dog she was always meant to be.

I only have one foster at the moment a beautiful Shiddie girl called Olivia who is an ex puppy farm girl. I can't disclose much about her at the moment but will in time tell you all about her, she is one of the sweetest dogs I've ever met.

These dogs have come into my home and life so I can get them ready to go to new homes, to be able to accept strangers and trust people, sometimes it's been very hard work and there have been many tears when I've sat up all night with a dog who's fearful and needing reassurance but it has all been worth every minute. I've loved having them here even if I do have to have a new mop more often than usual and I can get through a pack of kitchen rolls like no ones business, I have loved each and everyone of them and hope I will meet many more before I have to stop.

It isn't all give though, it's also receiving, it's receiving the love and trust these dogs have in you and show you. They give back 100 fold, each one has been special in their own sweet way. One couple of Yorkie boys came in because their Mum couldn't cope with the vet bills anymore, she was heartbroken and called everyday to see how they were. The great ending was that when her friends realised how she was struggling they got together and promised to support her and help her out. I had the great pleasure of taking them back to their Mum who was absolutely over joyed when she had them back. They were a pleasure to look after and I know we would have had no trouble rehoming them but to see how they greeted their Mum and she them it was worth the travelling to see it. This is just one of the thing which makes rescue worth while.

A big hug to all my little foster dogs who've been with me and given me love, laughter and a few tears, I love you all.

Peg x

Another week gone by

Another week has slipped by me, the days seem to go so quickly I no sooner rise from bed than it's evening and I'm tired again.
We are still having problems with our boiler, it started leaking in early August so we have 3 tubs underneath catching the water. The leak is going into the electrics so it blew leaving us with no hot water or central heating. The repair man came out but the ordering of a new boiler has to go through so many stages I could manufactur my own quicker. We had the boiler, tank and 2 new radiators installed in September 2005, our old boiler had lasted us 30+yrs with no problem just a service each yr. This one has done this 5 times now but this is the longest we have gone without the essentials.

We either have to travel a 40 mile round trip to my sisters for a shower or boil water in large pans to have a wash with. I can't carry water up the stairs so I have morning washes in cold water and don't believe all they tell you about cold water being good for the skin because it's made no difference to mine at all!! I'm thinking of going to a car boot sale and seeing if I can buy an old tin bath to put in front of the fire to bath in as in the olden days. I used to do that when I lived with my Grandmother many moons ago.

We have been very patient with the contractors but it's now becoming beyond a joke, the weather is getting very cold. For the past 3 yrs since my dr took me off hormone replacement therapy I have suffered the dreaded 'hot flushes' constantly, now I need those hot flushes to keep me warm they've diminished so I'm perishing cold.
I'm so grateful for the lap quilts I have, whenever I sit I promptly wrap my legs in one and put a lighter one around my shoulders. It's like a signal to the little doglets, as soon as I pick the first quilt up three of them quickly get up and run to come on my knee so I have my own inexpensive hotties. Not so sure DH will agree with the inexpensive bit though LOL.

I spent an hour on the phone on thursday to various agencies trying to get the work done quicker but still need to wait another 6 days then ring to see if they have passed the work. At this rate we will be like a chapter from Dickins at Christmas. The doglets are happy though they can't have baths either. Even poor old Georgi is feeling the cold and pinched one of my quilts....

I will have to remove the icicles from my face before morning or I could become an ice sculpture. Dh has gone into the wilds of Welsh Wales on a climbing trip for the weekend and he's welcome to it.

On a much lighter note I was supposed to be having a little Cavvie girl called Gemma staying with me for 10 days whilst her Mum went on holiday but she's not coming now. Carole's Mum has met her and begged to have her stay with her so I miss out on the kisses and cuddles she loves to give, this is the delightful Gemma ahe's a real sweetheart

I am having a little Shiddie come and stay with me on foster for FOTA I think she/he will be coming on Tuesday, an expuppy farm dog who will need some extra TLC before going to their new home. I splurged out on a new mop as this and an endless supply of kitchen roll is essential LOL. It's been pretty quiet since our last foster little Poppy went, we really miss her.
We did entertain these two little ones though who with ours became a wrecking crew flying around the garden and house playing chase for what seemed like all night. Meet the wrecking crew also known as Thierry & Henri our foster Bichons LOL



Well my bed calls and my fingers are getting stiff so I'll say goodnight for now and hope to post more often than I have been doing so far this year.

Keep safe and take care
hugs Peg x

A long time in coming

My posting that is, I apologise to those who have looked for updates on my blog. Life has not been very kind to me in the past few months, illness has struck once again, in the times I've felt better I've been helping out fostering, homechecking and transporting dogs for 2 rescues. My days have not been long enough and bedtime comes around so quickly even though I'm a late bird not usually going to bed until the early hours of the morning.

During my absence many four legged friends have entered and left my life leaving a lasting impression of love with each one. There have been many tears when a special one has gone on to their new home and also when thinking about what they have suffered at the hands of so called human beings.

Our fur family members have changed since I last posted, Tilly our beautiful Shiddie girl sadly had to be returned to rescue in March, with humans she couldn't have been better but decided she didn't want to share us with our other dogs, making their lives miserable by attacking and actually biting them. They all lost weight and a sadness reigned over them. We had behavourists who couldn't change her way of thinking and the heartbreaking decision had to be made to move her. I am so pleased to say it didn't end in sadness for her, she is now living as an only dog with a lovely retired couple who adore her and she them. Good luck little one.

Our Grumpy little man Zebedee who had been ill since just after Christmas sadly reached the end in April, the day the vets gave him his first injection to calm him was the first time I had a real cuddle with him in my arms without being bitten. His face was so relaxed when he slipped quietly into his permanent sleep, we miss his funny little ways but know he's now running free with no pain or need to grumble or bite.

In May of this year our youngest Shiddie joined us, his name is Nemo, he's almost 3yrs old and he's large both in stature and character. He is the funniest dog I know, can seem a bit thick at times but we love him to bits. He wasn't abused in his former home his Mum just got a bit overwhelmed with a little one and a new baby on the way. He loves everyone he meets and makes sure they know who he is LOL. This is our 'little' man Nemo


Almost a month ago I went to collect a 5yrs old Lhasa girl who was being handed in to rescue, her owners also had not abused or neglected her they had 6 children 4 of them under 5yrs and the youngest being a set of twins at 6mths so the dogs were getting less time.
She was evidently well socialised, kept in great health, her coat was in beautiful condition. I knew on first meeting her I didn't want her to leave us, I brought her home to foster, Neil came in from work saw her and the magic happened yet again. Within 2 days we knew she wasn't leaving, her name was Megan but of course we have a Megan so we decided to call her Mia. She answers to it happily, she's a sweet little girl who greets everyone with pleasure and a smile. She adores Neil and forgets I'm here if he's at home LOL. It's difficult getting a facial photo of Mia, she hates the camera and will turn her head just as the shutter goes. This is the nearest I've got to a front view, she had been spayed the day before needing to have a buster collar on.

My stitching has been on the back burner for a while but I picked up my Blue sampler a few weeks ago and stitch on it as often as I can, it's 3/4 stitched so am not doing to badly. I'll be glad to finish it as I have so many other projects I want to start and am being really strict with myself and not starting them. Here's a pic of the progress on my blue sampler so far.

Well my dogs need feeding and are making sure I know they're all starving so had better leave this and feed them before they all keel over LOL
I'm hoping to start a new blog about the dogs and the ones who've come through here on foster so you can share in the excitement, laughter and tears.
Take care all I hope to catch up on your blogs soon

hugs
Peg xx

Back to normal

The Christmas and new year holidays are now well and truely over. Neil went back to work last Friday, the children and staff will be starting tomorrow so he will be back to normal time. It's been lovely having him at home for a fortnight, for the past 2 weeks, he's saved several days so he can use them over these holidays. He's always tired out leading up to Christmas so it give him time to recharge his batteries, I will be happy though when he retires, we both have several interests so can keep ourselves occupied and not get bored.

I've had the chance to read through a few blogs today and was sad to read of how many lovely ladies there are amongst us who have or are recovering from cancer. My heart and prayers go out to you all, when I was in my early 30's they discovered a small growth in my womb so at 32 I had a full hysterectomy and am relieved to say it was all removed and although I've had a few scares in my body since they have proved not to be cancerous. Please take time during your day to remember these ladies in your prayers, I have a bow for Amy and another for Melissa who is a young teacher at Neils school, she is going through her chemo at this time, she isn't well and like most just gets over one session when it's time for the next. She has the most wicked sense of humour and is loved by her class.

Amy I'm thrilled to say is now considered a survivor, the best words anyone could read.

Changing subject completely it never ceases to amaze me the great volume of talent there is in blogging land. I love reading though blogs and seeing the wonderful creations you're involved with. I love too the tutorials many of which I have put into practice, Friday night being such a time, I found a new to me blog by Rilana click on her name to go to her blog. I knit up the Edith Winter Hat pattern, it was so quick and easy to do, I'll post a pic as soon as I can hopefully tomorrow.

I've also been able to pick up my stitching again, I'm working on a sampler for a friends birthday in February, I started it well before Christmas but of course had to leave it be when my hands flared up. I am so looking forward to seeing her face when it's finished, I know she'll love it because she adores swans, I can talk about it on her as she doesn't have a computer :o).
Our stitch club starts back up next Wednesday so am looking forward to going and catching up with the ladies.

We had to take Paddington to the vets on Monday he had a throat infection which is now responding to the antibiotics I hope the others don't catch it. I ordered a new grooming comb from ebay which came yesterday I'm hoping it'll help keep Megan & Georgias coats from matting so much. Megan & Paddington go to the groomers on the 17th, if I can keep the matting down their coats wont have to be cut so short.

I'm hoping to post pictures tomorrow, it's a little boring just reading isn't it :o)

Take care
hugs Peg x

What a sad world we live in!

2008 slipped in before we knew what was happening, new years was a pleasant one for us Neil and I spent it quietly at home together with the munchkins. Neil went outside with his new camera at midnight to take photos of the fireworks going off around us. They look amazing suspended in time.

I have a strong faith and believe God has everything in His control, I do sometimes wonder why some things happen. Many blame God when things go wrong or tragedies happen but what they forget is that God has not taken away our freewill. This has proved to be the case in the past month here in the UK alone. Many parents are grieving at the loss of their young and teenage children some of whom have been stolen from them due to the increasing need of some to inflict violence on another.

A beautiful baby's life was snatched away tragically last week by a family dog. Please do not think I'm casting blame around I'm not, just reflecting on the sadness already blighting this new year. Archie was a much loved and wanted child who was being cared for by a responsible and capable baby sitter. The dog, a Rottweiller, was in the yard behind a gate/fence, who knows why the dog attacked, he maybe thought Archie was a toy which moved we'll never know.
Many will blame the breed, they've already been branded 'devil' dogs in the newspapers. Rottweillers are not a breed I would want to have although I do know 2 who are well behaved and gentle. My own 5 dogs are small and love people but I would not trust them on their own with children. Zebedee isn't to be trusted with anyone really because of his past so I make sure once he's greeted visitors he stays beside me. The tragedy is more potent because the dog belonged to a relative, my heart and prayers go out to them all for their unimaginable loss.

When I opened the newspaper yesterday there were 2 pages full of the details of several teenagers who had lost their lives in the horrendous craze which seems to be sweeping across Britain. No longer are arguments settled by a fist fight but by leathal weapons, young lives are being taken away senslessly. The early days of this year are becoming nightmare days for the parents of those so tragically killed. Many were stabbed or shot, some were taken away though car accidents killing several young people in the same car. A young girl sadly run into by a family friend whilst riding her quad bike given as a present. This happens frequently now and not just from youngsters joyriding.

As many of you know we thought we had lost our eldest son last year, I know the pain we went through thinking we would lose him and even to this day I have to ring him to reassure myself he is still here with us. How do those other parents cope, their child will never walk through the door again. There will be many funerals this coming week of young people, such a very tragic loss. Who knows what contributions these children would have made to society, now we'll never know.

I'm sorry if this is a sobering post but the happenings are real. May I ask you to join with me and pray for those parents who are grieving. It's important to remember to tell our children every day how much we love them. It doesn't matter how old they are, mine was 40 last yr but he is and always will be my eldest baby.

Please take care

hugs Peg x

May I wish you all a happy & peaceful new year

Hello to you all my special friends, I hope you enjoyed your Christmas break and were able to spend the time with relatives and friends.

It has been a while since I last posted or read any blogs. I do have a good excuse, I unfortunately have had some health problems but also for the past few weeks I have been settling in our 'new girl'. The above pic is of her on her first night here. She's a gorgeous little black/white Shih Tzu called Tilly, Fionna who runs the same rescue we adopted Zebedee from contacted me a short time after we have lost Deeber.

Her owners had handed her in because she had snapped at them when the lady had rolled over on her.......not being rude but I too would snap if someone rolled over onto me! She had a slight eye infection when she arrived and to say I was a complete stranger she was very tolerant of me bathing and putting drops in to say they had descibed her as a 'killer' Shiddie!

When she first came we had a few skirmishes mainly her & Georgia, it was usually kicked off when food was around and Tilly considered she should be top dog. Georgia didn't run and hide or back down like the others and would defend herself resulting in well I suppose the dog equivelant of a catfight.

They do get on better now and are becoming firm friends who cause chaos when playing, it can get a little raucous so I have to call time out occasionally to calm them down. She is a delight to have, should you wish to see some more pics of her just click on Tilly I will be uploading more in the next few days.

I haven't been able to do any stitching at all over the Christmas period, just before I tripped and broke my bifocals and had to wear an old pair which are only sight specs. I'm pleased to say the optician rang today to say they were mended and ready for pick up, I go on Saturday for a new eye test as my sight has deteriorated since the last test I had.

I have enjoyed playing on my laptop which was a Christmas present from Neil, I'm loving it, he couldn't have bought me anything better. Now my sister has her computer it's great because we can keep in touch more, she's getting to grips with it now and beginning to enjoy herself. The next thing is to introduce her to blogging :o) She would love reading all your lovely blogs and writing her own, she has one of the funniest dogs I've ever met, Reo,a Dog De Bordeaux, who always reminds us of Disneys Goofey. She has a wealth of funny stories to keep you entertained.

My craft room is sadly looking totally neglected and untidy, I haven't had the energy to clean up in there and I've just put things inside the door instead of putting them away......I'll slap my wrists with wet floss when I've finished my update! I do feel a lot better now my infection is clearing but it's upset my menieres so bending over is a no no as I fall down! Each evening I say I will start tomorrow but it hasn't happened yet.

I've really missed you guys, I love to visit you catching up on what's been happening in your lives. I hope to catch up on all your news soon,what new projects you've created, how are your families doing.

I did want to make a resolution to keep on top of things this year but am going to take one day at a time and hope to keep my promise to myself.



Take care and may 2008 be especially good to you and your families and may your creative juices flow.
with hugs to you all

Peg xx