All the usual December things done. Country walks, windows and wreaths admired, mince pies eaten, holes dug, beaches galloped along at sunset. On Boxing Day we went to look at the hunt, which always likes to trot three times around the town before cantering off across country not hunting foxes, at least that's the theory.
We felt a bit like serfs going to look at the rich posh people having fun. I was impressed with the lady riding side saddle though. She'd obviously taken trouble over her appearance and sidesaddle is a tricky thing.
I bought a dog bag just before Christmas. The theory is that you zip your wet, muddy dog into it and some time later he emerges, dry and completely clean. I am a great fan of a little magic. I know you'll want to see it in action.
You will note how I've flapped his ear up, all the better to air it out nicely. We rather spoilt it all for him today I fear. His magnificent fringe has pretty much covered up his eyes although I've tried to trim it several times with the special Facial Hair Dog Trimming Scissors. He always sees me coming, but it was getting ridiculous (no clear line of sight!) so today the biggest boy and I slid in while he was dozing a got in one half snip before he clocked us.
Zipped into his bag he wasn't in the best position to escape. I put the tiny little pile of hair next to him in the hopes of getting in for another go (I had missed most of the bit actually blocking his sight). He laid there, staring in disbelief at it. You could almost hear him thinking, What in the name of dog has the bally woman done to me??? There is a piece of me over there on the carpet and it isn't attached to me any more. Oh, his face. He just laid there staring at it for at least two minutes until I gave up hope of any more trimming and took it away.
Since then he has been trying very hard not to fall asleep. We get up, he gets up. The biggest boy says he's saying, Look out, they're coming, they're going to cut me, they're going to cut me. He may never trust us again. And we haven't even given him back his sight. I fear it may be a job for professionals.
I hope all have had a good start to the New Year. I'm wishing everyone much happiness, peace, love and contentment for 2018. CJ xx
HE is so adorable even if he can't see. I love to see him running like a crazy boy and getting all dirty, dogs and little boys are much the same aren't they? Wishing you and your lovely family, including Bertie of course a very Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling! I could forgive him anything......... regards and wishes for a happy new year. Robyn
ReplyDeleteThat second to last photo of all 4 of Bertie's feet in the air was captivating! I agree, he might need professional grooming then he'll dislike them not you. :-) Our little Cairn terrier needs to go to the groomer very very badly. That's on the top of my To Do list. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, CJ. The doggy drying bag sounds amazing and the thought of him staring in disbelief at the little pile of fur is both hilarious and heart breaking. Definitely time to call in the professionals, I think. Happy New Year to you, your family, and the adorable Bertie. xx
ReplyDeleteA doggy drying bag?! How have a never heard of this? Ziggy, being short haired, is fairly quick to bath/wipe down but lordy it's muddy out there at the moment. He was even muddy after a trip to the beach yesterday!
ReplyDeleteIt all looks and sounds lovely though, and perfectly festive, even if I do have Metallica's Enter Sandman going round my head now.
Happy new year CJ. Xx
Lovely post, which had me smiling as usual. Good pictures, I especially like the second last one of Bertie where he seems to be low-level flying!
ReplyDeleteThanks, and to you too. xx
Does the bag work? I can’t imagine pop or ted agreeing to stay still inside it. Love that photo of Bertie with all four paws off the ground. Love all the photos. Such a beautiful place to live. Xx
ReplyDeleteWell, yes and no. It does dry him off quite a bit and we can't see the mud afterwards, but then he is brown, so it may still be there... We zip him in after a long country walk when he's exhausted. He'll put up with it for around an hour, then he insists on his dignity being returned. CJ xx
DeleteLove the beach pictures CJ - what a great expanse for getting energy out - dogs and kids! My daughter has started riding lessons, so I showed her your horse pictures and commented on the side saddle. It looks like such a precarious position - I can't imagine jumping like that! Happy New Year to you!
ReplyDeleteJack would love a bag like this, he loves to get inside things. He once got into a rabbit hole, which was not so good. Bertie will forgive you, I am sure he will. He loves you, really, scissors and all. Wishing you a happy new year! x
ReplyDeleteCute CJ. I swear so much of running/guiding a household is convincing everyone around you one's method's are for everyone's best interest, even the dog. hehe. Wishing you a happy new year to you and yours :)
ReplyDeleteBertie looks as if he has having so much fun. I had heard about dogs bags so I was interested in seeing what you and Bertie thought of them! I loved the wreaths on that cottage wall! Sarah x
ReplyDeleteHector always looks at me with disbelief when I brush him and get handfuls of hair... and then he tries to ear it! Wishing you and the family a very happy new year xx
ReplyDeleteDogs always seem to find their trimmed fur/hair/wool to be fascinating.
ReplyDeleteThis post has really made me chuckle...what do our dogs think of us sometimes?! Can't imagine they'd make a Newfie sized bag...could be fun though! Beautiful photos. x
ReplyDeleteA dog bag sounds like a good idea, but how do you get him in it?
ReplyDeleteYou do need more than one person... CJ xx
Deleteand I thought convincing toddlers to have their hair cut was hard! love that dog bag.
ReplyDeleteDear CJ, I have just discovered your blog. Your photos are stunning, you live in a beautiful part of England. I laughed when I read your description of Bertie when you tried to cut his fringe. Dogs have very long memories! Looking forward to your next post. Hugs Rose x
ReplyDeleteMuddy or not, it's great to get outside - probably essential with boys and a dog in the house! Great to see photos of the hunt riding out - a little trip down memory lane for me as that was the family Boxing Day outing when I was young and living in Dorset, although the whole fox culling thing went over my head at that age. Wishing you all the best for 2018, CJ - including time to write! xx
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, CJ. Fab pics, as always. Love that one of Bertie 'flying'. The bag sounds intriguing although I can't imagine getting our dog into one. She's short-haired and brown so generally a rub down with a towel is good enough. I did have a shock recently, though, when I took her bed (which is in a dark corner) outside and saw the state of it! I'd definitely leave the hairdressing to the professionals :-) Sam x
ReplyDeleteHappy new year CJ. Love the photo of Berie in his bag. Very cute :)
ReplyDeleteSome great captures CJ - Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous shots!!!
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