Call Yourself a Gundog???!!!

Another fun, well wet actually, Sunday, visiting friends with Millie, the 9 month old retriever puppy. They live near a National Trust Forest so we planned sometime ago to take the dogs for a nice long walk followed by a leisurely Sunday roast, but we didn’t reckon on the weather being quite so dreadful. Anyway, not ones for fair weather dog walking, off we plodded, well wrapped up to the elements. The problem was how to keep two very excited dogs clean. Answer – IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!

We stayed under tree cover as much as possible but they were both filthy and we had a breath holding moment when they were romping through the trees and we spotted a herd of deer, which spooked and ran out into the open. How would our pups react????? Remarkably well, surprisingly. Both came back to call – I think Tess was a little nervous actually, probably recalling her bad experience with a horse who kicked out at her once, which was no bad thing. I thought Welsh Springer Spaniels, by nature, would be very interested in anything related to hunting. But no, she behaved impeccably.

They then had a little swim in the lake, which cleaned them off temporarily, but boy was she cold. She’s so tiny compared to an almost fully grown retriever that she looked like a little drown rat and sat shivering while we enjoyed our mugs of hot chocolate. Once we set off again she soon warmed up and ended up even muddier. But what fun – maybe she really is a gun dog after all!!!!!

A good hose off when we got home, followed by a big warm cuddle and some yummy roast chicken and she was as right as rain, although I must say we had a very subdued Monday. I don’t think a life as a working gun dog would be quite the life for our little Welsh Springer Spaniel some how!!!!!!!!!!!

Full speed

Hope you like the picture of Tess in full stride. Like all Welsh Springer's she is very focused on what she is doing and where she wants to get to.

Impressions

"Does this remind you of anyone"

As you can see this little Welsh Springer Spaniel loves to run and this picture caught her in mid flow, unfortunately she does remind me of a certain cartoon character, look at the ears. Have you worked it out yet?

I just like the picture!

And has our favourite Welsh Springer Spaniel grown out of the habit of chewing sticks? Of course not they just get bigger!!!

Another Adventure

Frisbee - my favourite game !!!







Well what a day on Sunday.

Our trainer had mentioned that Tess’s breeder would be judging at a local dog show so we thought it might be nice to take our little Welsh Springer Spaniel along to meet her. After all it is over 2 years since she’d seen any of the litter.

We’ve never seen so many different breeds of dogs in one place and Tess was rather overwhelmed. If you were thinking of getting a dog and were stuck on the breed you would love a dog show would be a great place to start.

After meeting a few other Welsh Springer Spaniels we met up with Christine, Tess’s first ‘’mummy’’, and were interested to hear what she thought of our little girl – ‘’lovely shape and good conformity but she would put a little more ‘meat on her’’. She is small for her breed but beautifully formed – well we think so!!!! We also learned that her real mum Briny had given birth to a litter of 4 bitches and 3 dogs the previous evening. Tempting but we think one Welshie in the family is enough for now! After admiring the diverse choice of breeds we set off for a walk along the river, but with such a lot of rain lately the meadow down to the water was saturated, so much to her disgust Tess stayed on her lead. We did see a couple of exuberant Labradors having a ball running in and out of the water but we didn’t relish transporting a very soggy, muddy little pup home so opted for a drink outside a country pub – well it was beautiful sunny day, just like spring – and she did manage a run and play off the lead in a near by park.

One sleepy (dry) little girl curled up on the way home and a nice peaceful afternoon was had by all.

Two Years!!!

Its hard to believe that this weekend was the second anniversary of when we brought Tess, our Welsh Springer Spaniel, home to live with us and how she has grown as you can see from the two photo's above. From a cute little puppy to a beautiful adult dog.

We have done the obedience classes and been to agility classes, both of which she loves and helps to keep her active. She has been on holiday with us and been to stay with friends.

It has been a hectic 2 years with rarely a dull moment - well we did choose a Welsh Springer Spaniel. Do we regret our decision two years ago? Of course not. Tess is part of our family and will always be - even if I don't agree with some of her gardening decisions!!!

Found a fairly new blog about the life of a Welsh Springer Spaniel called Coco Bean Chanel who is an adopted Welshie, I think in the US. Do have a look, some cute pictures, http://cocobeanchanel.blogspot.com/

Christmas 2007

Fence - what fence?







I’ve just been looking back at the early days of Tess’s blog – to remind myself what life with a Welsh Springer Spaniel pup was like – and read about the 2006 Christmas Party our obedience class teachers put on every year.

How could I not have told you all about this years party I wondered????

It was the same format as usual – lots of very excited dogs of all ages and every breed, wanting to say hello and play with each other. The highlight of the evening was, of course, the agility event.

And guess what???? Our little Welsh Springer Spaniel only came FIRST!!!!!!!!

Last year she was a very respectable 3rd but this Christmas she was CHAMP!

How proud were we????? Not sure if Tess realised what a star she was but was very happy with her prize of a big box of biscuits and we couldn’t have been happier!

Roll on next year!

Athletic Welshie

"I want it now!"

As you can see Tess is not a very patient Welsh Springer Spaniel. She loves to play with her frisbee constantly running after it and bringing it back to be thrown again but she does need to learn to wait for it to be thrown sometimes!!!!

A Wet Christmas Eve

It's in there somewhere!








I am sure it will come as no surprise to anyone that Tess our Welsh Springer Spaniel got herself into trouble over the Christmas break.

We went to friends over Christmas and they have a pond behind the house but being the perfect hosts our friends had put up a fence to stop Tess going into the water. For most of Chrismas Eve she was happy to run around the garden and explore and whilst she showed some interest in the pond she seemed to realise there was a fence and no chance of going into the water.

However, being a typical Welsh Springer she was not going to be beaten. We were having our Christmas Eve meal and decided she might need to go in the garden between courses at which point she noticed a duck the otherside of the fence found a gap and leapt through - straight into the pond and gave herself quite a shock.

One very wet and very muddy Welshie then had to be hosed down outside and was then given a quick bath to get rid of the mud. Obviously after that it was on the lead each time we went into the garden!

Happy New Year.

Another new friend

I'm the oldest - I want it!








This is Tess getting to grips with a young Golden Retriever called Milly. Good friends of ours unfortunately lost their previous Golden Retriever and despite our best efforts to convince them they should get a Welsh Springer Spaniel they got Milly instead and she is adorable.

In true Welsh Springer style Tess was happy to play for ages and they had a great time together.

Birthday Girl

"The birthday twins"

You haven’t heard from us for a while as it’s been a busy summer, but on Monday it was a big day for Tess – she celebrated her 2nd birthday.

Gosh has that time flown by. And when I think what hard work the puppy months were and now she’s a big girl, all grown up. Well almost!!
She’s still a lively little thing with lots of character, but is so much more mature and manageable, and life for me is more fun and far less stressful now.
Believe me it does get easier with time (and patience!).

We spent the day with her brother, Wilby and his owners, which was lovely. We had a cold but sunny walk and lots of play with her new Frisbee, which replaced the old, chewed one. Then back home for a yummy treat and more play. They still get excited when they’re together, but do have moments of rest, unlike in the early days. And boy, did they both sleep well that night. Come to think of it, she was quite calm the following day as well – perfect!

It will be interesting to see how she develops over the coming years. It has made me reflect on how much joy a dog brings into your life, plus a little stress, frustration and commitment, but I guess its worth it. She brings us so much pleasure and we couldn’t love her more.

Our darling little Tess.

Mischief Making Brother

Of course I haven't been digging.............

Great picture of Wilby the Welsh Springer Spaniel doing what all good Welshie's love to do - help with the gardening!!

Watch this space for more stories about Tess's summer!

WILBY TO STAY

What an exciting life Tess leads.

Only just back from her holidays in Norfolk and her brother, Wilby, comes to visit. Wilbys owners, who have become our good friends, were on their way to Norfolk house hunting and dropped him off en route.

We will never know if dogs sense they are siblings but our two instantly recognise each other and do not pause for breath all day. They went completely mad this time when they met and play never stopped. Wilby, being the male and bigger of the two is definitely the dominant animal but Tess holds her own. Like children they both want the same toy at the same time, want each others food and equal amounts of petting so looking after them on my own was exhausting (but fun!). As Welsh Springer Spaniels they both have the same characteristics which is interesting to watch. By the time the adults sat down to eat in the evening they were contented but exhausted pups.

In the main they were boisterous but well behaved, although Tess’s puppy toy lost an ear and snowman lost his squeak. A small price to pay to keep them entertained.

On Sunday we had a long walk then took them to our local pub for lunch. This is the first time Tess has sat inside a pub while we ate and she coped admirably. This probably had a little to do with both dogs being pooped!

Come Monday Tess was hunting for her brother so she must have had a great time but I certainly think one dog, especially a Welsh Springer Spaniel, is quite enough!

A fun but challenging weekend!!!!!

Norfolk Holiday Day 4

"tiring work these holidays!"






TESS - Mum and Dad are a bit cross. It’s raining! Goody, I can curl up on the chair and carry on with my sleep.

No way! We can wrap up and go for a nice walk on the quay and see who we meet. Then back for coffee and papers before heading to Wells next the Sea. We’re not going to let a little rain spoil our holiday. Terribly British but we sit on the Quay in our car and eat the most delicious fish and chips, bet you did’nt know that the Welsh Springer Spaniel likes chips!

Then we have a drive along the coast to Burnham Market, (the Hoste Arms is worth a stop and very doggy friendly) and onto Brancaster. A bit damp, but nice to see the sights. Lazy afternoon again at the cottage, finishing my book ‘Marley and Me’ and eating comforting chocolate.

We have a final walk on Blakeney Quay and out on the marshes. We’ve fallen in love with this area. The weather is now a bit bleak but interesting to see the changing scenery with the tide coming in. What a fascinating place. Lovely last evening with a feast of cheeses, wine and one very contented little pup.

A very successful first holiday with our cherished little girl.

Can’t wait to do it all again!

Norfolk Holiday - Day 3

Thank goodness the weathermen always get it wrong. Another sunny day. We’re right on the quay so have a nice leisurely walk on the marshes and bravely let Tess off her lead. This place must be doggy heaven. Meet friends, who moved to Norfolk a couple of years ago, for lunch in a local pub (another crab salad!) then head to Holkham Bay. Surely the most stunning beach in Norfolk. This was one Welsh Springer Spaniel in her element meeting new people who adored her and running in and out of the surf chasing an old tennis ball she had found. Then headed up through the pine woods. So far so good until Tess decided to explore the undergrowth and found the worst smelliest, muddiest stream in Norfolk. POOH! So back to the beach to clean off, before heading to our friends new home for a takeaway, and a kind donation of Pedigree Chum and a poppodom for Tess. So many new experiences!

**********************************************************************************

I’m having the best time. Today met some nice new people who make a huge fuss of me (naturally!) then we went to another beach. Heaven! This time it was a sandy one which was nice to run on. The man kept throwing a tennis ball into the sea, which was great fun. Mum even took off her shoes and got very wet! Things got even better when I managed to find the best mud ever – it really smelt lovely. What is their problem? Why do they shout so loudly? And why did I get dragged all the way back to the sea and thrown in? Humans are so strange…………………………….

Back home my new friends give me some yummy food and keep asking when I can come and stay again – must keep this cute look up a bit longer even though I am a very tired Welsh Springer Spaniel……………………………

Norfolk Holiday Day 2

"anyone for a swim?"








Can’t believe we’re lucky enough to wake up to sun so off to buy supplies from the superb local deli for tonight’s supper and then to Salthouse, a pebble beach not far away. Tess adores the beach and was quickly in the sea chasing a stone and running in and out of the surf. One wet pup and lots of great photos! Lunch at the famous Cookies Crab Shop and back to the cottage to sit in the garden. Sadly just got settled with a good book and glass of wine and the predicted rain started. Thankfully it doesn’t last long and we head out for a short walk which turned into a long one when out came the sun again. Perhaps a little too long as Tess pushed her luck, and dived into a muddy estuary and promptly went back on her lead. She is not to be trusted! Typical Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Nice lazy evening with more red wine – can you see a pattern emerging? And one very sleepy little pup.

This is definitely the “Norfolk life”.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Whoopy! Another walk! This time on the beach. My favourite. Did get a bit of a shock though when Dad threw in a stone and it went a bit deep. Still I guess I have to learn to swim sometime. There’s nothing to it! And once up on the grass again there are lots of holes to poke my head down – why do they keep yelling at me?! Back to our new home for a play in the garden where I keep getting told off for finding sticks and cables and all sorts hidden behind the shed, then off for another walk. What’s with all this exercise?? Oh well – can’t complain. Especially when it involves mud! Oh no here comes the lead again. Why do they always spoil my fun?!

Our First Holiday With Tess - DAY1

"I saw it a minute ago!"

We’d been looking forward to this holiday for so long – A week in Norfolk with our Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Thank goodness we have an estate car as it was loaded to the brim – travelling with a dog is worse than packing for a child. How could such a little thing need so much stuff? Various leads, bowls, food, toys, throws and towels – something for every eventuality.

We had a good drive reaching Norwich in about an hour and headed straight for Felbrigg, a National Trust property and the woodland walk. Tess travels like a dream but managed to find the dirtiest, muddiest puddle available as soon as she was out of the car. Despite this we had a lovely walk, followed by a super lunch (my first crab salad of many this week), then took the coast road to Blakeney and the cottage we were staying in.

Tess took on the role of security consultant checking out every room and every corner of the lovely enclosed garden. Fascinating. We strolled out on Blakeney marshes and had a quick pint in the local where someone even recognised Tess as a Welsh Springer Spaniel. Fame at last or is that infamous! We had a lazy evening with cheeses, classical music and copious glasses of red wine. Well we were on holiday!!! And a holiday with a dog is a little different to the usual round of restaurants and sightseeing, but nice just the same. Tess fought between exhaustion and inquisitiveness – she hates to miss anything – but finally fell asleep, as did we.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tess sees things slightly differently!

“Well I don’t know where they’re taking me now but the car is packed and I’m harnessed on the back seat yet again.

After my busy week with Nesta (my Welsh Springer Spaniel friend) I’m happy to curl up for a long sleep but there’s lots of stopping and starting and I really can’t miss anything. I think I recognise this journey but who are these men in bright jackets lingering around the roundabout – they’re not doing much? Better give them a bark just to say hello. We finally stop at a lovely place and go for a nice long walk. Boy what a lot of mud! Not so keen being tethered to a table leg while Mum and Dad have a yummy feed but my Boneo’s not bad and there’s lots of interesting people to watch.

Then we’re off again, this time to a new house with a great garden to explore. I’d better make sure its safe for the humans. Now we’re going for another walk, this time with lots of water and birds flying everywhere. Yippee! I don’t usually get so many walks in one day but I’m not complaining. Gosh this is going to be fun. Now they’re drinking again and I’m tied to another table leg.

Well its been fun but boy am I sleepy – can’t wait to curl up in my bed and dream about tomorrow.

Never a dull moment with a Welsh Springer Spaniel

"Butter would'nt melt!"






They say things come in threes and this weekend it has already happened.

One - It's lunch time and I leave my plate with some food left on the coffee table. Tess is asleep so I think it is safe for a few minutes before clearing up. Wrong! This Welsh Springer Spaniel can smell food at 50 paces and is up in a shot and downs the piece of pate in one go, not even a savour or chew. We did pay the price later, if you know what I mean and she sent the rest of the afternoon feeling sorry for herself.

Two - We are late to bed Friday night and put Tess out into the garden as usual only to see a black cat disappearing over the fence. Luckily she did not see the cat but caught the scent and went ballistic tearing around the garden sniffing out every available spot. I don't think I have ever seen her scent quite so frantically before!

Three - A lazy Saturday morning reading the papers and then let Tess out into the garden for her morning constitutional. Suddenly she appears from the bottom of the garden with something in her mouth, what it is it? A baby bird! She dropped it initially but as it tried to fly away she grabbed it again and triumphantly ran around the garden with her prize trying to eat it. It was a bit of a circus trying to catch her and remove it although we succeeded eventually. Perhaps our Welsh Springer Spaniel is trying to tell us she wants to be a real gun dog!!!

Tess's Holiday

"Long Walks With Friends"

It was with mixed feelings we dropped Tess off at her holiday home on Sunday night. She was going to stay with our friends and their Welsh Springer Spaniel, Nesta, while we were away for a few days. On the one hand we were looking forward to having a 'grown up' time away, on the other hand we knew how much we were going to miss our baby girl.

We had a lovely long walk together and pampered her all day before driving over to leave her the night before we left. Being such a clingy dog we thought it would be heart wrenching getting away. Not a bit of it!! In her usual Welsh Springer Spaniel fashion she had to investigate every nook and cranny of her new surroundings. The garden was of special interest with lots of new smells and strange new creatures she had never seen before......... tortoises. How we all laughed as she sniffed and chased the terrified animals around. We expected we would have to creep away but she was far too busy elsewhere to bother about us - cheek!

It appears the whole week was filled with playing endlessly with Nesta, very little sleep, lovely long walks, chasing birds and diving in the river. Oh, and terrorising the poor helpless tortoises. It was such a relief she was so well looked after and just as spoilt as she is at home, while learning something from the more mature Nesta. So much so she can't wait for her next 'holiday'.

It seems we missed her more than she did us. How fickle are dogs??!!