The Blog of the Frog

January is always one of those months that goes on forever. I hate January anyway, my least favourite month of the year. Can’t say I’m too sold on February either but still, at least it’s short!

It’s been an interesting couple of months, I really do think it’s about time something went right in my life though!

I had a lovely Christmas despite everything, it was actually one of the nicest I can ever remember. I had some lovely presents from friends 🙂 We had a quiet Christmas Day as usual, just the three of us, and then my grandparents on Boxing Day.

On 7th January I dared venture to my first “proper” dog show. It’s been an ambition for a number of years but I’ve never been before because I thought it would be a bit tortuous, being so close to something I’ve wanted to do so much for so long but not been able to. However, now that I am considering a show dog I wanted to get some experience, so off we went! I took lots of photos but most of them blurred too badly to use. Here are a couple of my favourites.

I spoke to the owner of this dog later, when she was in the BIS ring (I took this photo much earlier in the day, before he won the group) and he was only out for practice! Not bad 😉

This is Crackers, a Parson Russell Terrier. I got licked half to death by her!

Best in Show, a Leonberger. I was really pleased with how well this one came out. They were posing for the professional photographer btw 😉

Best Puppy in Group – Utility. I love this one. Came out nicely and I got a good angle on it (not easy when you’re so restricted)!

And finally Best Puppy in Group – Toy. This was one of the hardest ones I got all day, the lady would NOT stand still! Persistance paid off in the end though.

It was a long but very interesting day. Although I didn’t pluck up the courage to talk to anyone unless they talked to me first (which was a passing comment from the Leonberger owner, a very short conversation with the Foxhound’s owner and a proper conversation with the Parson lady.) It was a great experience. As soon as I entered the hall I got the most amazing feeling that this was what I wanted to do. Not that that means I’ve written off the idea of an assistance dog and am going for a show dog because I still haven’t made a decision.

After that came Boris, of course. I still feel very upset about it, but then I didn’t get nearly as upset at the time as I usually do and it took a week or so for it to sink in. Very hard, he had lost a some weight over the last few weeks but he was a very large guinea pig so it didn’t seem like anything sinister except the diet working! He was absolutely fine, no signs at all. Put him to bed the previous evening and he was fine. The next morning he hadn’t eaten his food and he was clearly a very poorly piggy. He had the same look about him as Molly so I knew it looked bleak, but he hadn’t had the previous cold symptoms and at just over three he was still young so I wasn’t about to give up on him. I didn’t go to Cannington (what is it with guinea pigs and Wednesdays?!) and tried to syringe feed him. Really I knew he was past the point of saving but I just had to try. I am a bit worried though, I’ve lost two to similar symptoms now with no idea what caused them.

I think that’s probably enough for one post!