Sandy’s Sagas 1 May 2016

Sandy’s Sagas

Hi Hope Springs Honey’s,

It’s Sandy here – and the Dog Mother has let me know that it is the usual practice for the dogs in residence to let the Hope Springs Community know what we’re up to – so I’ve been invited to introduce myself and share my farm stay with you all.

I’ve been here for two weeks now – and I’ve got to say that it’s quite different to where I was living before – which was somewhere near the sea-side. I know this because I could smell the sea air.

Now I’m in the countryside and its opened up a whole lot of new experiences for me.

There are some things I really rather like – and some others I’m not so taken with.

We have a couple of yoghurt drops each morning – and I’m very fond of those and will acquiesce to a sit which is what they cost. I quite like going down the back and having a little wander about – the chickens look quite interesting and I’d actually like to get much closer to them and really check them out – but there is some concern that I might like them a little too much. I get a bit of a run up sometimes – but then I come to my senses and slow down again, particularly when the extra exertion makes me cough. One of the things I am rather enamoured of is duck poo, I tend to use it as a coat conditioner – and I really don’t think you can have too much of it. As well as providing some additional colour and texture to my coat – it does have the most delicious aroma – that wafts around me for hours – though apparently that is quite subjective – the Dog Mother does not share my joy at this heady fragrance.

Dinners good – home made meat and veggies, with a side of Science Diet biscuits – and a good sized meaty beef neck bone each week. Apparently I’m supposed to eat that outside – but the rug seemed like a much better place to sit and gnaw one’s bone – to my mind.

The first night – the Dog Mother let me share the bed with her – because I’d only been there a very little while – and felt somewhat discombobulated at the idea of sleeping in a brand new place. I now sleep in my own bed in her room and I have a plump new pillow, a matching blanket and a teddy for company. I’m the last one to settle down though – I don’t go to bed until everyone is in bed.

Of an evening, I’ll generally curl up on the couch with Mel who’s a similar age to me, and sometimes Maisie.

I’ve been going out for a walk on alternate days and have visited a few different places along the way. There’s Hender Road, a leafy, shady country lane – where I see new born calves and lambs, cows will walk along with us on their side of the fence and horses stick their heads over to say Hello. I found this walk very interesting and spent a great deal of time sniffing fox scents. I heard the Dog Mother telling the Dog Father that it probably stirred up some genetic Border Terrier instincts – as Border Terriers were originally bred to run with the hounds on a fox hunt – and had long legs to keep up with the larger hounds – but compact bodies so that they could fit down fox holes to flush the foxes out.

I also heard her tell the Dog Father that a Wombat burrow would be more suitable to accommodate my current girth – and I thought that rather uncomplimentary – and in fact – downright rude – she might like to look in a mirror – and remember she’s not as svelte as she once might have been, either.

We’ve also walked along a linear track, traversed Winery Road in both directions and had a lovely nature walk at the Laratinga Wetlands. I’m really not yet convinced of the value of this walking palaver. I like the idea of a walk but the actuality of it…….lets just say the novelty wanes quickly. I find it a little uncomfortable to tell you the truth, gravel underfoot when you’re carrying a few extra pounds and are not used to walking regularly is rather “Ouch-y”.

Also, I’m not sure of the purpose of walking for half an hour in one direction – just to turn around and walk back again. Does that sound sensible to you?

The other thing I’ve decided – I really do not like – is cough medicine. I’ve had to take quite a firm stand on this – as the Dog Mother has the mistaken belief that she should shoot it down my throat twice a day. Wretched stuff – I’ve had to clamp my teeth and mouth together very tightly to try and prevent this indignity!

A funny thing happened the other evening. This man – I’ve later learned – is called the Dog Father has returned from A-trip – wherever that is. Well, the other dogs seemed to know who who he was and were beside themselves with excitement at his return.

Maisie (the brazen little hussy) literally threw herself into his arms. I acted with a little more decorum – as a lady of seniority, breeding and maturity – should. I watched him from under my eyelashes when he thought I wasn’t paying attention. He does seem rather charming, I must say and has gone out of his way to chat to me and find out what I like.

Today, I remained at home with the Little Snow as a very long walk was partaken of. On his return though, the Dog Father took me on a special jaunt down the back and up the next paddock to look for a miscreant puppy belonging to the neighbour – who had absconded. The Dog Father recognised that some situations called for a senior, dignified and calming presence – and that the young puppy lad might come to me. I’m glad that he has the foresight to recognise the value of senior dogs. We didn’t find the young Whipper Snapper but I was able to newly anoint myself with my favourite Eau De Duck Doo.

Well now then, it’s time for a Nanna Nap on the deck in the sun – and then it’s bone time again – so Toodles for now, My Dears.