Blue in black and white

2015 A look forward back and in the present.

2015

Blue is dealing with the new year, as all others in the past, Continuing with swimming every week, 

disliking C-A-T-S, we have to spell it out, though any other similar words also send him into a guarding frenzy, checking all available vantage points for the feline enemy.

Squizzles (Squirrels) are a constant menace whether they be ventring onto the bird table in the back garden or merely in transit along the fence.

One thing we are grateful for is that there appears to be no return of the fur loss suffered this time last year, a trying time indeed.

With the wet days and nights, indoor activity is hard to sustain, but a popular game is chasing a ball into the kitchen from the hallway.

Blue does take his chores seriously, he has taken it upon himself to become the pre-wash cycle of the dish washer. Most times he is shut out of the kitchen, but a momentary lapse, and he takes the opportunity to perform his duty.

All things being equal, Blue continues to keep us on our toes, 

and not allowing us to become inactive couch potatoes.

On a serious note; Greetings and tolerance of those around him both human and canine have to be worked on, 

forget the C-A-T-Ss or squizzles that is a step too far.

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

6 Years ago to the day.

The world renowned Noel Fitzpatrick met Blue and changed his life and destiny.

11th December 2008 Blue got up in the morning as a bouncy 7 month old pup, full of his usual energy and vibrance, Blue being his normal self.

The day was quite unremarkable going into the early evening, when for no reason, Blue was unable to stand up, he did not seem in any apparent pain, but was becoming distressed.

Without delay he was a mile down the road, being carried by my wife and me into the vets (Abbey Vets), for an emergency appointment. Here he was seen by the vet Adrian Caunter, who carried out a close examination following our description of the events leading up to Blue's sudden change.

Adrian was a young eager vet, who had come to look on Blue as a favoured visitor; It was Adrian's handling of the situation that set the path of Blue's destiny. He told us of this practice in Surrey "Fitzpatrick Referrals"who had the ideal set up for what he feared was a spinal issue.

A call was made by Adrian, and after checking we had the means of travelling to Godalming in Surrey, he booked us an appointment. Though Blue was now clearly in discomfort, he explained that we needed to keep Blue still and calm and make the journey for an eight o'clock appointment.

Of the journey we recall very little, driving with half a mind on the road half on Blue, how we found such a remote place i do not recall.

Our car at the time was a Landrover Freelander, and by chance in the back was a plastic storage tray, we used this as a carrier, as we walked into the reception.

They were expecting us, we were on time, and guided into the consulting room. 

In walked Noel, who was busy assessing Blue, as we described the reason for being there.

Then without any indication the bomb was dropped, Noel explained that Blue was in a lot of discomfort and pain, there was a spinal issue, which needed surgery, but it was essential that it was carried out.

Blue was carried away by Noels team to begin further detailed assessment, x-rays and pain relief.

We stayed in the waiting room for news, it was confirmed, Blue had excessive bone growth on his vertibrae, causing the spinal cord to be compressed. 

Noel explained that he would carry out a "Spinal Laminectomy" to Blue's spine.

The operation was carried out and Blue was to remain in residence for three days and nights. 

There was no doubt ever in our minds that Blue had been very very lucky, he was seen by the right people who made the right decisions who brought their training, knowledge and dedication together to ensure he had the best outcome we could ever have wished for.

That is really the start of a long road to recovery, where good use of his crate, managed and monitored exercises, hydrotherapy were all part of his rehabilitation.

One year on, after the operation, we felt confident enough to travel to the Highlands of Scotland

Blue with trusty crate

Blue had missed out on his first Christmas, his second was to be in Scotland on holiday, and the old Blue returned, demonstrating that a traumatic year was now fading into the past. Does the picture below show signs of a dog that had undergone major spinal surgery 12 months previously.

It is pleasing to see Noel's work being shown on National TV, and we can only endorse everything he and his team do, as you see them on the TV, that is how they truly are, wonderfully dedicated people, from the reception ladies, to all the support team.

Thanks must also go to my wife, Sue; She has been so instrumental to Blue's recovery.

So just one final thing of caution; If you are walking your dog off lead in open spaces and you see another dog on a lead, he may be another Blue, recovering from a major injury that needs to be kept calm and stable.

Blue will never "play" with other dogs, he missed out on that side of socialising along with his limitations of twisting and turning, causing loss of stability to his back limbs.

Aside from that he leads a healthy active life, often amazing others that see him on some of England's highest mountains, as he was in the Lake District this summer.

Blencathra summited and a well earned rest

High above Cat Bells in the Lake District.

You can follow Blue's outlook and opinions on life on his dedicated Twitter page

@BluetheGSD

Etched in glass, and summary of mountains walked in England

Blue etched in glass

The picture above only captures a small amount of the intricate detail and splendour of this masterpiece. Detail is key, but his fur looks so soft it could be real, we asked for the lead to be omitted, from the impression, and below is the photo they based the glass etching on. 

If you have enough money to spare, check out their web site, you will be amazed by the detail.

http://www.glasspetportraits.co.uk/index.html

Blue has been keeping well since his last blog, continuing in his own happy way, no new news to report. I thought though how good it would be to share some summary information about the mountains he has ascended in the Lake District over the years. It is worth remembering, we are not mountaineers and only holiday there once a year for a fortnight.

Mountain	Height (m)	Comments
Barf	468	Nice detour after summiting Lords Seat from Whinlatter Forest
Barrow	455	Summited in strong winds
Blencathra	868	Summited in strong winds
Broom Fell	511	Large Cairn behind fence on summit.
Carlside	746	Following Forest track, leave forest turn left, long steep exposed path
Castle Crag	290	Mini mountain but varied access terrain.
Cat Bells	290	Best summited from Derwent Water
The Old Man of Coniston	576	Via Goats Water
Dodd	502	Set above Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwent Water
Fleetwith Pike	648	Summited from Honister Slate mine, but lost in low cloud very quickly
Green Gable	801	Summited from Honister Slate mine, only accessed by going under a fence !
Grisedale Pike	791	Bit craggy getting near to the top, amazing views.
Haystacks	597	Summited from Gatesgarth Farm via Warnscale Beck and Dubs Quarry.
Helm Crag	396	Shared access with many sheep descending as we ascended
Helvellyn	950	Long long trudge up and down, 3rd highest mountain in England
Kidsty Pike	950	Was aiming for High Street, but driven back by wind and rain, bit of a scramble in places
Latrigg	367	Easy climb and great views over Keswick and Derwent Water.
Lord's Seat	552	Great walk via Whinlatter visitor centre
Maiden Moor	575	Steep narrow access in places from Cat Bells
Raven Crag	461	Real unusual walk, and great views along Thirlmere
Skiddaw	931	Large flat summit, often busy, hard part is the beginning. 6th highest mountain in England
Skiddaw Little Man	865	Nice diversion on the way to Skiddaw
Walla Crag	376	Great view point over Derwent Water after ascent from Springs Farm Road

Lake District holiday 2014

Below is a short video capturing some moments of my latest adventure in the Lake District

Only one bad thing happened !

We share a message from Blue to the unknown thief

To the person who came into our holiday home while we were out, and took every last penny of cash we had!

We are truly sorry that Blue did not get a chance to welcome you.One day, he would love to greet you and show his gratitude.

We can not say too much, as it is the hands of the Cumbrian Constabulary.

Not our finest hour.

Today was the day for Blue's booster, which means a trip to our local vets.

This didn't go well, to say the least. The main thing that suffered was pride and dignity, first off, is what happened, then I will say why we think it happened, finally what we are going to do, to put right any wrongs.

Arrived home from work, collected Blue and my wife Sue, and set off on the short journey into the London Road vets in Reading town centre.

Parking in the car park, Blue was taken out of the back of the car, and his muzzle was fitted. As we crossed the car park he was pulling like a train, as if eager to enter, but reality is something I will explain in due course. We entered the waiting area, where we always check Blues weight.

51 kilos (112 pounds) the biggest he has ever weighed in at, far too much for a six year old German Shepherd, let alone one that has undergone spinal surgery as a pup.

So as we waited Blue was unsettled, nudging and barging into both Sue and I, as we waited our turn in the empty waiting room.

The door opened and we were summoned in by the vet, Sue first and then Blue literally dragging me through the door. With the vet keeping her distance, talking was difficult, Blue was very vocal and boisterous, this is not unusual for him, but there was a determination and menace in his actions. The vet began explaining that she would like to listen to his heart, but was concerned about his temperament and stress levels. Generally by now he settles down sufficiently to be manipulated into a corner or against a wall to allow the vet to do the deed as they say, but not today, Blue was having none of it.

At this point i took him out of the consultation room into the waiting room, where sat a gentleman and his elderly dog, it was then i knew Blue needed to be taken outside to calm him down.

As we strolled around the car park he did calm down, Sue looked out to see how he was, so I beckoned her out, to say this is not a good idea.

She came out, and told me that the vet was ok, but she had just been told by the fellow with the other dog, "it's bad owners, not bad dog's; it should have been nipped in the bud when he was a youngster" This had made my mind up, an anxious dog and now an angry owner, would not be suitably minded to return into the vets. I said to Sue, Blue would not be going back in, not today.

Blue was put into the car, and Sue had returned after informing the vet we would re-schedule Blue's booster appointment.

Sue also had told the man with his dog who had made the comment about bad owners, "He did not know Blue or us and should keep his opinion to himself".

That is what happened, why is more difficult to explain, when you don't know, but here goes.

Blue has had some hard times at vets over the years, and this seemed one visit that was ill fated before it began. We have always had to cajole, and man handle Blue upon each and every visit when he has needed treatment or assessments. Sue has over a period of time done the familiarisation, where Blue is almost treated like a celebrity visiting, popping in to say hello. Those work out fine.

Blue is a very strong willed German Shepherd, who loves to be top dog. Most of the time it has been dealt with, but just lately it has been creeping back in under the radar. Only little things, but when you look for reasons, you can find a fit somewhere.

The road to peace and tranquility;

Like a marathon, it will be one step at a time, looking to achieve three specific goals, which will lead to a more sociable Blue

• Loose some of the weight, cutting out the already sparse treats
• Avoid opportunities for Blue to assert dominance, namely by distraction
• Improve his doggie and human social skills

Three steps easy to write, three steps needed to enable Blue to live a longer and happier life.

I know Sue is not a bad owner, I feel that I too am not a bad owner, but neither of us are ostriches, burying our heads in the sand.

Blue is a terrific dog, who has had a difficult start in life, and through no fault of his own missed out the key socialising skills that a pup goes through because of his spinal surgery at six months of age.

Today "team us" have taken that first step forward, Blue enjoyed playing ball in the park, on his long training lead, a good run, puffing a bit, but enjoying every minute.

Finally to the man in the vets, don't judge what you don't know, instead offer some supporting or constructive advice.

Timing, like training your dog is key.

Blue resting after a hectic day.