Translated for Pom by Anke Terbruggen

Noooo, the heat is back!! When will it end? It was so nice when it was a bit cooler,.

Chief says it will change soon, but what is soon? What does that mean? I only know now, and it’s too hot for me now!

Oh well.

Fortunately, there is some distraction. I have seen two very strange newbies in the big field. I think they’re babies, though not tiny ones. But they move funny! What’s that about?? Isn’t anybody normal here? 

I swear, this place is becoming a nut-house! There’s the scaredy cat with his green eye, the food obsessed black barky one, the silly collie that tries to herd puppies, the bitchy one with her weirdo kids that turn in circles and now this! Good thing I’m completely normal and sane,..and Tiny is ok too, though she’s feisty.

Chief says we shouldn’t mind; everybody is welcome here, and the humans love us all!

That’s good to know.

There’s also talk about a Big Change coming.

Hmmm, wonder what that is? I don’t care for change; I like things the way they are.

I guess it will be ok, whatever it is, as long as the cuddlers and the Chief are there and we all stay together.

I’ll keep you posted and let you know more about it as soon as I find out!

Translated for Pom by Anke Terbruggen

Yayyyyy!! It’s nice and chilly and wet outside!! 

We can go outside and have a stroll and sniff and it won’t be hot and horrible! 

For weeks, we have been hanging out in our barn, Tiny and me, with the big blowy thing to keep us cool. We’ve even had to wear those wet and cold things that are not very nice to put on, but wonderfully cool once you get used to it..

Still, we had lots of cuddlers around and we did go on short walks in the morning.  The rest of the day we spent napping or chewing or looking for treats in bags filled with all kinds of stuff. The heat made us tired, we’re no spring chickens after all.

But today is a great day! I don’t mind the rain, I’m just glad to be outside again!

This is me with one of my best friends, who comes often to walk us and she also does lots of other things for us; like making us beds to sleep on.

Chief says she also makes sure we always have plenty of really yummie food, by getting people together to do fun things? Not sure how that works, but I think it was like when Chief and I went to the place with all the people.*  How that gets me chews and bones and food, I have no idea, isn’t it always just there? In the large bin on the table, I think. Hmmm, don’t really get it.

Anyway, all good here, everybody survived the heat and we’re all very happy with the nice cool weather!

* Pom means our Quiz night, one of the amazing events that Gillian and the rest of our team organise as fundraisers.

Translated for Pom by Anke Terbruggen

Hello my friends and cuddlers!

Not sure how many of you there are, actually. I know there are several cuddlers and walkers; I go for a walk nearly every day! All the others too, I can see them pass through my field, but they put me behind a gate when that happens,.. such a shame, I would looooove to show those big boys from the other side how I feel about them being in my territory! Maybe someday I’ll get the chance, maybe someone will forget to close the gate?

Our outside has changed a lot by the way,. it was a bit of a jungle, which was nice because there was a lot of shade and fun paths to follow, and many different smells. But now it’s all open and there’s so much space again! Bit warmer, but we’re so lucky, it hasn’t been super-hot! We can have a stroll outside, Tiny and me, sniff everywhere, go to the outside doghouse or walk in the shade of the trees. Treats always seem to pop up in new spots, so worth doing some exploring.

Apart from that, life has been pretty quiet. Our barn is very comfy, not too warm and not too cold. I spend most of the time on my own sofa, snoozing.

Maybe I’ll have more to tell next time, though I’m happy life is simple, and good,…

Translated for Pom by Anke Terbruggen

I’ve been told off,.. it’s been months they say, months, since I last let you all know how I’m doing!

Months. What does that mean? We don’t really understand time, us dogs,. but it must be long if people started worrying about me (sorry about that!)

I guess I’ve been a bit lazy, hanging out on the terrace and enjoying the coolness of our barn.

Let’s see, what’s new,..

Oh yes! I almost forgot, because it was ages ago; I went on a huge adventure,.

Chief took me with her in the car and we went to a place, so big, never seen anything so big! And people, people everywhere! Didn’t know so many people exist,.

It was a bit overwhelming, but then I recognised some of them, they were my cuddlers! That made me feel lots better, because cuddlers mean good things. 

Chief was there all the time too, so I decided to just chill and trust that all was well. 

Secretly, I was glad when we went back home though; I like to be in a familiar place, where I know all the smells and sounds and where my bed is and when the food comes and all of that. I was tired for about two days after that trip. 

Back home, everything is the way it should be, nice and comfortable and safe. I get my food on time (when I’m hungry), I get walked and cuddled and have lots of nice places to have a nap. Oh, and the chews and bones, I love those! And all the games, looking for treats in bags and in the basket full of balls, after every meal! I eat in my crate and then when I’m let out, I run to the basket, find the treats, then move on to the others; in the corners of the sofa and on all the beds! So much fun! And always the same, so I know what’s coming,. When I was younger, it was ok if things changed a bit every now and then, but I don’t like that anymore now.

All the others seem to be well also; the boys next door are chilled, the bitchy one I can’t see, with the mongrels, she sounds ok. Big white Fluffy seems to have a new member in his pack. She was a bit noisy at first, but getting better.

My cuddlers have been great, coming almost every day and taking me for walks. We don’t walk far, but I get to sniff everywhere and decide where I want to go.

Oh, and Chief did it again,. with her noisy machine and scissors and nail clippers. I can’t even be bothered to protest anymore. Might as well let her, no use fighting. I do seem to feel a bit lighter afterwards, and I can see a bit better without the hair in front of my eyes.

All in all, can’t complain, things are good! I’ll try to be better, let you know how I am, but can’t make any promises, as it’s getting hotter again,.

Translated for Pom by Anke Terbruggen

Phew, I’m exhausted!

Been really busy protecting our field against the monster that was trying to take over; going up and down and leaving its tracks everywhere!

It makes a horrible noise and smells really bad. Chief was on one side of it, trying to push it away, and I made sure to stop it from the other side, but it just kept on moving, Grrrrr,.. 

I don’t like that kind of noise, it’s not natural!

I know, there are a lot of things I don’t like; anybody touching my food, cats and chickens, and boy dogs, and noisy monsters and most of all; being brushed,.. but that’s just who I am and Chief says I’m allowed to be who I am. I am a Dog, I have my instincts and I do not have to suppress them, she says. 

It’s hard enough being a dog in the people world; we have to fit into your lives, be clean in a house, accept that we can’t wander, can’t chew on things, roll in yummy stuff, dig holes, hunt, chase or fight, have pups to look after or anything else that makes us Dogs. We have to obey commands, walk on a lead, accompany you to noisy, busy places or stay home alone, none of which comes naturally to us. We adapt because most of you look after us; keep us safe, feed us, and make us feel like we belong,.but please don’t forget it is hard, sometimes, for us! Please allow us our instincts, our voice, and our need to run free, in nature. we are all different, but we all need space to be ourselves, so please, can you also adapt to us and love us the way we are?

But, back to me. I’m happy being where I am, though I’ld like to see more of Chief. I know there are a lot of us though, so she can’t be with me all the time.

I’m really glad I’ve got my cuddlers too, but they can only come in the mornings, because we have a ‘grumpy neighbour’, Chief says. What’s a grumpy neighbour? Can’t be good if it means my cuddlers can’t see me? I know the boys next door bark a bit when they arrive, but that’s not all the time, so why is he grumpy? Another thing that’s hard to understand, I guess,.

Translated for Pom by Anke Terbruggen

I’ve been tricked, cheated!! 

Bloody Chief and her accomplice. First, they make me think all is well; you know, take me for a nice walk, give me lots of sausage, cuddles, but then,

THEN!!, before I knew it, I had the stupid thing around my mouth and I get picked up and put on the table! I know what that table means, it means No Good!!

I don’t have to tell you what happened next, I’m sure you know,.. they took away my fluffy-ness!! 

Though, to be honest, it wasn’t as bad as the last time. Sure, I hate being brushed and whatever else they did with all their tools, but I have to admit; I feel a bit lighter and cooler. I was really angry with them for a bit, showing them all my impressive big teeth, but actually, I don’t think I would have hurt them, well, not a lot anyway.

Good thing I don’t hold a grudge either, so we’re ok again, Chief and me! We played a little afterwards, I love it when I get to be wild and jump and bite her hands!! Then I got a big stuffed bone, so I was over the whole thing pretty quickly.

Oh, and did you hear??? There are babies again! Saw them through the window! Not sure what they’re supposed to be, they look like little mice! I just love babies. hope I’ll get to sniff them sometime.

And you know what, I turned today into a fun day anyway, hahaha, I managed to sneak out while one of my cuddlers (my favourite actually) went through the gate! Woooooowwwww, that was so much fun, chickens!! Chickens everywhere, I didn’t even know where to start! Tried to chase all of them at once, but they were too fast for me. and so was Chief, don’t know how she got there so quickly? I was happy to see her anyway, so just went with her back inside. Got a huge cuddle and a chew for that, so it was the right choice, I guess! 

Really tired now, so much excitement in one day! I think I’ll sleep well tonight,..

translated for Pom by Anke Terbruggen

So, you must all be wondering how my visit to the vet went? Well, actually, it was great fun!!

I got to ride in the car, with the Chief, which meant loads of cuddles. I love cuddles, they’re the best thing on earth, even better than food!

Then at the vet’s there was more attention and cuddles and the doctor was really kind and gave me treats. I felt really relaxed and apparently, my ticker isn’t much worse, just need a few more pills. I love pills when they come wrapped in some yummy meat.

One of the Mongrels also came, and she didn’t like it at all, poor thing! I tried to show her it really isn’t anything to worry about but it didn’t help.

Not sure what’s wrong with her, I’ve always said they’re a bit weird; the cross-eyed boy and the girl with her crazy, tilted head.

None of us mind, because we’re used to them. I like the Mongrels, and always have! Their bitchy mum, now that’s another story, but she’s on the far end, fortunately.

Anyway, it was a good day, though a bit tiring. Always so nice to come back home, where everything is so familiar now. Chief said it’s nearly a year since I arrived. No idea what a year is, I just know I love my home,..

Look! That’s me, scruffy me! See how gorgeous I look when I’m scruffy? 

And I’m so nice and warm that I can sleep outside on the terrace again, loving that!  Don’t like the rain though, but the door is always open so I can pick my spot; crate, sofa, basket, cushion or my bed outside on the terrace. I mostly sleep in my crate; it’s the best spot because it’s nice and quiet and it makes me feel really sheltered and safe. Tiny is always in hers too, she loves the warmth from the red light, I think. 

I’ve been feeling a bit tired lately, and I’ve been coughing. I’ve heard the word Vet a few times. I don’t think that’s very good news, but I do like some extra attention, so maybe it won’t be too bad if they bring me there. Last time there were lots of treats and I got to sit in a car and got lots of cuddles. 

Anyway, I’ll let you know how that goes.

Food has been particularly good lately, nice and soft and smelly, just the way I like it! Real food, not the dry rubbish that barely smells. Someone did try to mix in some veggies though, Hah!! Seriously? Did they think I wouldn’t notice? Left every last bit in my bowl, they can give them to the chickens for all I care! When we’ve finished our bowls, Tiny and me, we always run out and start looking for all the little pieces of sausage that are hidden everywhere. Bones too sometimes, or eggs! 

Meanwhile, the Newbie, you know, the one that has his bits, is still here! And he doesn’t appear to be leaving any time soon, he made himself right at home he has! Oh well, as long as he stays on his side of the fence, I don’t really care. The other boys seem ok with him and it’s their home after all.

Right, I think I’ll go back to my bed now, it’s raining a bit, so a great excuse for a little nap.

Oh, and by the way, does anybody know what a ‘trim’ means? Chief has mentioned that a few times, she’d like to give me a little ‘trim’? 

Not sure I like the sound of it,..

Translated for Pom by Anke Terbruggen

Hello, does ANYBODY listen to me? Certainly not Chief or any of the other bipeds,.

First of all, remember I said NO brushing??? Well, of course, she went ahead and did it anyway, grrrrr

I looked like a bloody fluffy teddy bear afterwards, utterly ridiculous,.

Fortunately, it didn’t last long and I look like a real dog again; messy!! I like messy, I want messy, I do not want fluffy!

But then something happened that was even worse; we had an Intruder! a boy, a boy Intruder!! *

I barked and barked at him to let everybody know and to chase him off.  I even asked Big White Fluffy on the other side to help me, but he just wagged his fluffy tail and tried to make friends with the Intruder,. useless!

For days and days I tried to warn everybody, but did they listen?? Noooooooo,…

Not only is the Intruder a Boy, but he also has his bits!! At least Scaredy Cat and the Chubby Black one don’t have those; they don’t even smell like boys anymore. 

At first the Intruder didn’t move around much, and seemed really weak, skin and bones he was. But he’s just about doubled in size now and getting cheeky!

He does seem to understand that my side of the fence is my property though, and apparently, he’s not going anywhere any time soon, so I’m giving up; I’ve done my job, I’ve let everybody know and if nobody does anything about it, then it’s out of my paws.

I’m getting too old for this.

And anyway, it doesn’t really interfere with my nice, quiet life here. I have my bed, my garden, my chews, my cuddlers, my walks, and the sun is out again, so I can lounge on the terrace. 

All in all, life is good,..

*Note Colin the Colin arrived after what seems a period of roaming. it is thought his previous owner passed away and Colin (not his original name) was either forgotten or dumped. He originally came from Gaillac, whether he travelled on his own this 40km journey or was dumped nearer we do not know. |We do know he had spent time with a lady but the relationship didn’t work out, he would often run off, come back, run off. He hung around and was fed at a farm on the outskirts of Varen but this was not a solution for him to live by. Anke collected him from the farm to come into emergency foster care at Dawn & Dusk.

Until his health is assessed (he was very underweight, which is now resolved and had an infection) he will stay. His off to the V E T ‘ S on Thursday for that little S N I P and a control technique. I’m sure Pom will report the findings in his next diary entry.

All in all, life is good,..

Written and translated for Pom by Anke Terbruggen

Ok,.. so Chief and my cuddlers are not the only ones who care for me? I have friends that are not here but want to know how I’m doing?

That is so hard to understand. Where are you then? Can’t see you, can’t hear you, can’t smell you, so you must be very far away.

I’ll look out for you on my next walk, maybe we’ll meet then?

Anyway, I’m well!! I like the weather, I can be outside as much as I like, though I also really need my sleep time. 

It’s been a little bit quiet on the cuddle front, Chief told me some of my cuddlers are away because they want to be with their family. I can understand that; we dogs also live in a family and we like to be together (though I only want girls in my family, and friendlier ones than Tiny please,.)

All the others are well too; the noisy black one, scaredy cat, Big White Fluffy’s crew on the other side, Oh, and you know who I’ve been seeing again? The Mongrels! 

They are on the other side sometimes, and play in the big field with the boys! Well, the boys aren’t playing really, they are mainly being bullied by those two cheeky devils,. I like them though, they are spunky pups! Tiny hates them, I think, she keeps trying to fight with them through the fence. 

Food’s been top-notch lately, I even ate something that smelled like the inside of dead prey*, made me feel like I had been out hunting or something! Lots of chews too, and real bones and lots of smelly treats. The best moment of the day is feeding time and then looking for treats all over the field. Chief hides stuff, but we know all her secret stashes and always find the treats.

The only thing that worries me is that Chief is talking about me being scruffy and dirty and that she wants to give me a brush! No, no, no, I don’t agree!! I like being scruffy, I have always been scruffy and I want to stay scruffy. She’s not touching me with that brush, I won’t have it! I love Chief, but I swear, I’ll show her all my teeth if she comes anywhere near me with that thing. Maybe my friends can help? Look at me, do you think I’m too scruffy, do I really need to be brushed??

Well, that’s it for now, I think I’ll go back to my cosy den and have a little nap. So nice and warm in there,..

Hope Chief will come over for a cuddle before night-time**

* Thank you Ali for cutting up liver and tripe, not the nicest job  🙂

**She will, of course