Sunny days, Blue days

Blue is a very fortunate dog, who is rewarded in so many ways for his loyalty,companionship and love, which in fairness could never be rewarded enough.

We have been enjoying walks at weekends in the beautiful grounds of University of Reading, Whiteknights campus where Blue loves to walk through the wild meadow, we tend to keep away from the lake, as Blue and nesting birds don't see eye to eye.

Last weekend we set off for our annual excursion to get some flowers and shrubs for the garden, out came the trailer, in the trailer went Blue.

All though we had other idea's Blue seemed to settle in quite quickly.

But with a bit of a fuss he agreed to shake paws with Sue and agree to vacate.

It would have turned a few heads if we would have driven down the road with Blue sat in the trailer, though it is likely he would have soon bailed out at the first sign of a C-A-T or anyone that would dare speak to him. He soon settled in the back of the car, and enjoyed the trip out in luxury.

Gardening and Blue do not always mix well, last year, half of the plants had been "Blue'd" before they had been planted, so this year he was kept separate from the plants and the planting.

Given the glimmer of an opportunity, Blue decided that if the plants were out of bounds, the containers needed his attention, and in a blink of an eye, their fate was sealed.

So the damage was much more limited this year, but Blue does enjoy helping, so even if the planting out passed him by, the watering needed his close supervision.

and whenever we are in the garden, all activity has to end with a game of ball, though his "Jollyball" no longer resembles a ball.

and the flowers in the garden are beginning to flourish, with Blue's assistance

Morning walks are more like morning drags, Blue will happily walk to the local park, but once we begin road walking, the paws dig in, and the pass goes in reverse, after a while he does move forward but all be it behind you. Until he knows that he is homeward bound or returning to the park, where the pace increases significantly.

Daily exercise is important, it ensures he gets good movement on his joints, and in fairness looking at the pictures below you can see where he is happiest.

Yesterday I went to Asda, while there I picked up the No1 CD by Florence + The Machine

When I got home, I noticed how apt the title was;

HOW BIG HOW BLUE HOW BEAUTIFUL

Until the next time here is Blue 

enjoying his holiday 

in

 Scotland this year.

Things always come in 3's

They say things come in threes, especially at this time of year.(Thinking of three wise men)

At about 5.00 am this morning, Blue was barking relentlessly, on inspection, a Milk Float was delivering down our road. 

This is not an unusual or isolated event, we all managed another 20 minutes sleep, then it was time to do the early morning walk, at 5:45 am

With darkness all around we walked up to the main road, a barking session near a hedge, revealed no hidden critters,....

Walking along the main road, Blue became very alert and agitated behind me, as I turned around, a milk float emerged from a side road. Blue was not having this, to which end, barking twisting turning and spinning round in circles the intensity grew as the vehicle approached even closer.....

Barely being able to hold this intense behaviour, I backed Blue up into a drive of a  house, to allow the milkman pass. Then to our dismay the milk float came to a stop, right by where we were stood, well when I say stood, I had planted my feet firmly on the ground holding a land shark going into a deaf roll like action. Mr Milkman said he needed to go into the house which we stood outside, so through much heaving and tugging, we made a path for him to pass.

Having got Blue up the road a little, we waited for the milkman to return to his float and drive up the road, that cost half a pocket of treats. 

When I say drive up the road, he only went about five doors down and stopped again, so we stood passionately waiting, finally, milk delivered the float drove up the road into the distance.

Blue and I then carried on with our walk, up to the end of the road, where we always cross over and return home.

Amazingly what was in the distance, waiting at the traffic lights, yes you guessed, a milk float, ironically not the same one coming back but a different one. So we had to wait for it to pass and fortunately not stop!!

So there we have it 3 different encounters with probably 3 different milk floats, (the first two instances may have been the same one just at different times.

Or was it history repeating itself; Three wise milkmen delivering their gifts.

So in tribute to the Three wise Shepherds 

Blue pays homage

A trip to the seaside

With our holiday not being for a couple of months yet we decided that with the recent decent weather, a trip to the seaside was what we all needed, actually the main reason being, that Blue would not have his swim session this week, due to Aquadoggies having their own break.

So with both of us taking a day off work, our destiny was Milford on Sea, taking along all that is necessary, others take less for a weeks holiday, but man and dog must have their gadgets, so I keep telling Sue.

In less than two hours we were parked up, looking out across the Solent to the famous landmark that is the Isle of Wight, The Needles.

Our walk would take us due West along the cliff top walk, which has shown a lot of signs of erosion, parts where the path is now on the beach below, there are no guard rails or fences, but Blue is on a lead, so we are all pretty safe. 

After about a mile there is an opportunity to climb / scramble down to the beach below, now for the fun to begin, time to get Blue in the sea, and swimming.

Well that was my plan, Blue had a different one, maybe test the water first.

Coaxing was needed, so into the water I went, so that Blue would follow

This was not working, so would the thought of treats help

Blue would overcome most things for a treat, not swimming but at least he is in the sea.

As soon as the treat was gone he returned to shore, time to try again.

As the waves were filling the pockets of my shorts, Blue decided it was not worth the risk so as the wave crashed against the pebbled shoreline, he was off, back to sit safely with Sue further up the beach.

This what being with Blue is all about, fun in the sun, a bit of a splash in the sea, but he knows what he likes and how to have fun his own way. He even found a ships buoy washed up on the beach, a bit too big to pick up, but he sure gave it a go.

Our play on the beach was followed by a walk back up on the cliffs, returning to the car 3 hours and 30 minutes later, we had enjoyed a good trip out. The part cloudy sky meant we were not in full sun, but long enough for Blue to need his "Cool coat" on.

Blue just loves to be with you and have fun, while I was in the sea he was torn, whether to come and see if I was OK, or would it be too much to get back in the water. As i didn't want to stress him i made the decision for him and got out, below are just a couple of more pics of Blue on the day out at Milford on Sea

and finally

Blue at the seaside

Happy Days!

Swingball and other fun Blue-style

From out of the shed the old "swing-ball" was taken, not sure it has seen the light of day in Blues days.

So with a sacrificial ball tied on with string the games commenced. See the clip below;

or follow this link; Blue and the swing-ball

With Sue filming and Blue taking centre stage, there were some very funny moments.

• The tug of wars
• Leaping up for the bubbles
• 5.11 Getting a bit close for comfort
• 5.51 Not heard, but a loud burp from Blue as I go to blow the bubbles.

Amazing with Blue's strength and weight, the flimsy bit of string survived it all. 

Since the clip was filmed I have changed the string  over to sash cord, as off camera later in the day in his keenness to catch the ball, the string wrapped around his upper and lower jaw. (Looked like the "Crocodile hunter" had caught up with him.

Strangely enough, throughout the whole of this playing, Blue did not bark once. Yet he has spent the rest of the entire weekend barking, at anything and everything that moves.

Apologies for the rigger boots, not exactly summer shoe wear, but they were the closest thing to the back door at the time.

As you can see, Blue does always want to be an al-rounder, but has not got the hang of the racket yet.

Summer is here

Well it has been a while coming, but it looks like summer has arrived, enough rain to keep all things in the garden growing and happy, this includes Blue.

Blue adores being out in the garden, just lolling about or playing with his football or bubbles.

His allergies have now all cleared up and are now a memory, an itchy painful memory. We never did find out the root cause, it could have been seasonal or something in his diet, but he sure was suffering for the first four months of this year, just like the last two of the previous year. It is hard to believe how long we all had to endure, his suffering. Wearing his buster collar for those long periods, saved some of the fur removal, but I can tell you we are pleased that that episode of Blue's life which was a painful one to endure, is now behind him.

Those of you in the UK would have recently seen the documentary "Bionic Vet" of "Fitzpatrick Referral's" a very talented veterinary practice located in Surrey. This was good to watch, as it was the founder Noel Fitzpatrick who assessed, diagnosed and carried out the surgical procedure on Blue when he went lame. December 2008 Blue was on the operating table having a "Spinal Laminectomy" a procedure to  remove sufficient bone from the spinal vertebra, as this was causing the disc to bulge and press on his spinal column.It was interesting to watch others go through their own challenges with their pets, but reminding us how far Blue has come from that day on the operating table.

On that note, Blue demonstrated that it is not a full recovery, as he sometimes has lapses, where exercise has been too much, one such incident was when, he decided to take interest in another German Shepherd in the local park. By surprise, he had caught my wife, Sue, as she was changing her grip on his lead. Chasing this other dog, he was in the zone as they say, off at full pelt. But not too long into the chase, Blue stopped and laid down, obviously too much for his weakened back. For a few days he would often lift the weight off his back right leg. Rommel the other dog was just relieved, to have got away. It was a reminder of the socialising Blue missed out on because of his operation. But Blue is built for distance and not speed, that same Blue would walk up to 8 miles in nearly nine hours in the Scottish Highlands back in May this year.

Blue is showing a few signs of ageing, the odd white whisker, the grey under the chin, but inside there is still that beating heart of the German Shepherd puppy, who came into this world six years ago.

I have read and seen many things about the bond that people have with their dogs, we had one with our Shep, who sadly passed away six years ago in May. There is something different about Blue, it is a bond like he is part of you, not just part of the family. We have sometimes spoke of differences and similarities of Blue and Shep, but never compared them, as they are so very different in their own way.

What was nice, I had recently tried drawing a sketch of Blue, in pencil. Though it was a sad looking Blue,  it inspired Sue to commission a drawing from a follower on twitter @helenyatesart
and what she achieved from the emailed pictures was incredibly talented.

Shep and Blue

Shep 

So as Shep was leaving our home and lives, Blue was making his way to us to help fill the massive loss we felt that day in May 2008 when our dear Shep was sadly put to sleep. They both fill our hearts and are a large part of our life, as they will always be.

Finally my drawing of Blue

Think of a caption to suit this!

Darker mornings but more fun time

This weekend we lost an hour as the clocks went forward for British Summer Time.

But then again unlike the rest of us Blue's body clock seems to only take a day to condition himself to those changes, and he soon adapts.

Morning walks now take place in the dark once more, and this will be the case for 3 or 4 weeks to come. Blue has his first walk around quarter to six in the morning, lasting about 25 - 30 minutes depending on distractions to sniff, or passers by to stand and stare at, along with the passing of any unusual sounding or looking vehicles, such as large lorries, noisy cars or the dreaded milk float.

This morning there must have been a fox a couple of doors down, spinning in a circle on the spot and barking, Blue was keen to announce his presence, no need for our neighbours to set their alarms, unless they wish to rise before 5:45am

Shadows, unusual shapes are all given the same attention, Blue is very very alert in the dark, eventually settling down as the walk progresses out onto the street lit main road.

I mentioned fun time, well this is the plus side, along with the lighter evenings, they are now drier and warmer, not exactly short sleeves, but no longer wrapping up against the elements.

One thing that Blue has now focused on is "cats" the merest glimpse or thought of a glimpse sends him scurrying out the back door to reclaim his turf. We can no longer even mention the word "cats" without him reacting, even similar wards sets him off

Blue is so used to the camera now he sometimes doesn't even look at what you are doing.

Blue continues to be great to have around as a companion, with his larger than life character.

One new habit Blue has formed is when you make a cup of coffee, as soon as the spoon tinkles against the cup as it is being stirred, Blue will return from the garden, go into the lounge and await his treat reward.

Who is training who, I wonder?

Alley Cat and Blue

Blue was on his morning walk this morning and what made it different was an opportune encounter with a cat.

Our morning walk before work was going as a normal walk, Blue was happy walking along the main road, then without any warning as we passed a house with an open driveway, Blue nearly pulled my arm out of the socket.

Regaining my composure,  I pulled Blue up close to me, and grabbed his collar and scruff of his neck, to ensure he did not repeat the afore mentioned lunge.

As I released my grip, Blue was somehow free of his leash, the clasp was no longer attached to his collar, feeling no restraint, he then returned to search for whatever it was that had made him pull so violently in the first place.

Then without warning a cat ran from behind the car on the driveway and scarpered through a hedge, and with the scurrying of claws on paving stones, Blue re-appeared to disappear through the afore mentioned hedge, with only a glimpse of his hind legs and tail as he too went through the hedge.

So here I am 05:45am in the morning in the dark, and a lead in my hand but no dog attached, Blue was gone!

Next to the house is an alley way / footpath which leads to a cul-de-sac in our road, as I enter calling out "Blue" whistling, no other sounds could be heard, Blue and the cat had already vacated the alley and moved on to pastures new.

In my mind, I told myself he will come back soon, then my thoughts went to, how I am going to find him if he doesn't, the wife will go loopy, oh dear this is not good, this is not the first time Blue has got off a lead, but the first time he has fled. So I knew there would be no point in running to catch him, a German Shepherd in full stride with prey on his mind, is going to move at a rapid pace. My only hope was that he would either catch up with the cat or give up not too far away and be within ear-shot.

As I reached the end of the alley, a faint familiar sound could be heard, the chinking of his collar and name tag as he trotted along, walking out of the alley, my dear friend and companion Blue was happy to greet me like a long lost friend.

During the greeting and rewarding I re-attached his lead to his collar, we walked back up the alley and carried on with our morning walk.

Many things could have made the situation worse, but no-one or anything was hurt, injured or damaged, for that we are all relieved.

To date Blue has slipped one collar, broken one clasp on a extending lead and now escaped today, his weight and determination have played a big part in all three.

Upon returning home, I inspected the clasp on the lead, the spring gate, had lost its ability to fully close and hold fast, while pulling it was fine, but my grabbing him by the collar meant it was not under tension, so consequently slipped off.

Time for a new lead, and perhaps a more watchful eye on the spring tension clasp of other leads.

Tomorrow when we walk the same route, Blue will always look out for the pesky cat, and try a bit harder to catch it, he has a long memory, where cats are concerned.

Just as a footnote, his hot spot has now cleared up, but still his left ear has fur missing, his last visit to the vets on Friday resulted in much barking and demonstrating of his dislike for the vet, he has such an attitude with vets, we need to work on this.

Life is never dull with Blue

Feeling blue for Blue

The events of the last week leaves Blue with a troubled expression, in his eyes, you can tell he is not his normal self, even playing in the garden is very reserved.

Sunday morning and Blue has been out done his walk and business, in the night he had to have his buster collar put back on as he could be heard "licking" his wound.

Despite clearly being troubled by the oozing of the hotspot, he rarely has to be told not to lick the wound, and if he does, just the mention of his name and he stops.

It will take a while for the antibiotics and bacterial spray to kick in, and he is now having the Yumega oil put on his evening meal, so we are attacking this hotspot from outside and within.

For those that are unfamiliar here are some pictures up close and personal of Blue's hotspot

As you can see they are an unsightly sore, which must be kept as clean as possible, we have successfully removed some of the fur around the infected area, but at the moment it has spread a little further.

What is the cause, and why has Blue had them for a second time?

Searching the Internet, the most likely cause is anything which breaks the skin, such as a nick from a bramble, a tic or flea bite or anything that has broken the skin, which has become infected, due to the thickness and insulating properties of Blue's fur, bacteria has formed, which has also been moistened by the dogs natural tendency to lick their wounds.

Dogs with a naturally dry skin will also be more susceptible.

Thus you have the perfect breading ground for bacteria, an open wound and  moist warm environment to propagate growth.

Prevention is better than cure;

The lessons we have learnt from Blue having these hotspots for a second time;

• Many breeders and knowledgeable dog owners provide their dogs with a supplements such as coconut oil or an omega rich formula, within their food diet.
• Act sooner, with hot spots, the sooner you are fighting any infection the better chance you have of combating it, don't delay a visit to the vets.
• Regular grooming, especially with medium and long haired breeds. As well as a health check the benefit is the continuing strengthening of the bond between you and your dog
• Change routines, share grooming and inspections between family members, extends the bonding, and each of us has our own way in handling / grooming / inspecting our dogs
• Be more patient and pick up on the "postcards" normally a change in behaviour or posture is an early indication that something has altered.

Dare I state the obvious, the Internet has a wealth of free information, select the key word to search and knowledge, experience and free advice is there at your fingertips. But the real experts are the Veterinary profession, it is wise to be knowledgable and understanding, but consult with the professionals.

Blue has missed out on his usual swim last week, and will again not be going this week, once the sore has healed he will back in the pool having fun like before.

Back from the vets

Poor Blue has had a poorly week, culminating in a trip to the vets tonight.

Blue began the week with a ear infection, which caused some scabbing and loss of fur to his right ear, so we decided to miss his swim session this week, and all of a sudden he has also developed a "hot spot" on his right rear flank.

At an empty vets, we were seen by the local Vet, who confirmed he had a hot spot, and talking things through, it is difficult to pinpoint the cause. The problem with his era could be the root or primary cause. 

It is likely that he is a little run down and has sensitive skin condition, which has progressively worsened. I asked if there was something lacking from his diet or because of swimming, it is difficult to pinpoint any one or combination of causes.

The Vet, Sophie, has prescribed a cause of anti-biotics, continuing with the spray brought in the early part of the week, cleansing and drying around the infected area. Returning in two weeks to check progress.

Blue now weighs in at 48.5kg and used every gram of that tonight and his full vocal power to prevent close inspection, but between the Vet, my wife Sue and myself, Blue succumbed to a close visual inspection.

The hot spot is now effectively an open wound, so plenty of TLC is required.

Although we parted with over £150.00 to date, he still got a cuddly Santa for his troubles. 

Before we left, poor Blue had bleed a bit on their floor, but they were very understanding, and were going to clean the floor after we left.

Feeling for the poor thing, who is thankfully laid out resting at my feet as I type this blog.

Below is a small snippet of today's encounter, and his new Santa Buddy

Morning started in a cone

Hot Spot

Spray for his ear

Santa wants to go out and play

Santa gets it, as you can see his left ear and the missing fur

Facial expressions of Blue

Recently took some pictures of Blue and below are a few of his more expressive ones.

and in contrast some profile shots

Blue is keeping well, continuing to fill the house, supervise the garden and patrol everywhere he goes.

We now have had to turn the phone ringer volume down to silent, as Blue howls when the phone rings, no problems for us while we are at work, but not sure what the neighbours think, though they have yet to complain. He is not digging the dark morning walks and hasty evening walks before the sunsets, but he does still enjoy his weekly swim and playtime in the garden.

For more images of Blue checkout the link below to a dedicated set on Flickr

Check out a dedicated Set of pictures of Blue