News from ‘The Other Side’ written by Dolly’s ghostwriter.

Please don’t be alarmed. Pompom is still with us. I just thought it was high time you heard from ‘the other side’ of the Dawn&Dusk fields.

Let me introduce myself. I’m Dolly, the first ever Dawn&Dusk resident, the Original, No.1, Top Dog, currently residing in the shady glades. You may not have met me but have likely heard me barking at everyone as I’m trying to live the quiet life, relatively undisturbed in my purpose-built enclosure.

Like some of you, I’ve got a couple of teenagers, Timmy & Nellie, who just won’t leave. Thought I’d got rid of them once but they came back and now we share everything, en famille. Note, this does not include my bones.There’s a limit!

It’s pretty much been go,go,go since I got here; settling in after living ‘al fresco’ with my chums, having my 5 puppies, moving to this new enclosure, settling in again….it’s been busy.

Take yesterday for example, boy were we in demand. A new mini kennel suddenly arrived and needed checking out. Big Job. We were barely getting out heads round that when another visitor showed up and gave us loads of tasks to do. Turns out it was a ‘school day’ for Timmy & Nellie, lots of fun things to sniff, not to mention an endless supply of treats. I wasn’t about to be left out and don’t tell anyone but getting a treat was easy-peasy.

My pups did well, under my supervision and multi-tasking with a scrummy bone, I’ll be sure to keep an eye on the treat situation when they do their homework this coming week. If there is a test at the end though, they are on their own.

Then the week before last, we had a new escape route fitted into the enclosure fence, they called it a gate. So now, my pups and I can go for family outings into the big, big field. Whilst I can still show them a thing or two when it comes to running, my Timmy is getting quicker and sometimes I just have to pretend I’m investigating a very important smell I’ve suddenly discovered. Can’t let him beat me just yet.

I’m hearing ‘mental enrichment’, whatever the heck that is, and believe there are plans a foot to keep us busy during the day. Don’t they know I already have many responsibilities? But you know, on reflection, if it keeps those pups out of my fur and distracted, bring it on.

I know I have a bad rep, I’ve got ears. And yes, I did bite a lovely visitor once, well 3 times actually, but I was in a bad place emotionally at the time and she forgave me. I’m far more together now, living in the moment, practicing mindfulness whenever I get the chance, working on my people skills…

So whilst there’s lots of action on ‘the other side’, we have some curb appeal- have you seen the ears on my pups? I may not be small and cute like those pesky Terriers, nor am I a snuggle bunny like Primus, nor have I a heart-tugging back-story like Kim & Mitch, suppose I’m not always up for your company either and I’m not very approachable if I’m truthful BUT..I’m working on my ‘lovability’ as deep down, I am adorable and plan to big-up my profile with my new found access to social media. Who knows where this will lead but in the meantime, I’ll keep my focus firmly on all my responsibilities here on ‘the other side’ (did I mention those already?)

Translated for Pompom by Anke Terbruggen

Pompom has been kind enough to give me a few days extra to write up his diary! I think he felt a bit sorry for me, being up so many times at night for the puppies. such a gentleman, our Pommie. but tonight, he really wanted to let you all know how he’s doing!  Xx Anke (aka the chief)

“Well. Not sure what is happening in that room next to our garden, but I’m hearing the strangest sounds! Little squeaky voices, it seems. I tried to get to them, through the window, but the Chief stopped me. But that’s OK, I will wait for my chance, she won’t always be paying attention, I’m sure! 

For a while, the voices seemed to go a bit quiet, so I was worried. but now they sound strong again. Can’t wait to see who they are.

Meanwhile, we got a much bigger garden! All kinds of nice, new things to smell too. So exciting! New toys too, stuffed with all kinds of goodies, life just keeps getting better! Of course, Tiny tries to get to the toys before me, little bugger, +and once she has hold of them, she won’t let go, ever! I secretly admire her though, she’s bitchin’..!! 

I’ve been feeling a lot better now that it’s not so hot anymore. At night, we sleep inside now, though we can still go out if we want to. Tiny has a thingy around her for the night when it’s cold, but I’m not cold at all, I love it!

The new boys next door are a bit noisy sometimes, I think they’re jealous when my cuddlers are here. Well, too bad for them, of course, they only come for me.

There was a new cuddler too this week, she took me for a nice walk. She acted as if she knew me, and said she was a Sponsor, What is a Sponsor?? Anyway, really liked her, she treated me like I was special. I am too, of course!

Off to bed now, I think I’ll pick the sofa, or maybe my crate, or maybe a basket, or a cushion? Hmmm,..”

Translated for Pompom by Anke Terbruggen

Tiny’s been bugging me; she wants to say something too! I think she’s just jealous because I let Big Old Girl talk! Girls,.. I’ve said it before; can’t live with them, can’t live without them. But hey, I’m cool, I know I’m number one around here, I know you all still love me; I’ve had so many cuddles this week, I feel totally reassured!

So Tiny, go for it, Babe!!

So,. Hi!!! I’m Titi!! I’ve been here for a while now, and I like this place! I can’t see very well, but I know where everything is and I always find a comfy bed somewhere. 

The food is great, plenty of stuff to chew on too. And the people,.. wow, so many people!! I love people! They seem to come especially for us, me and Old Grumpy! There is one, in particular, I really like *, she treats me like I’m special and I love that! Where I came from, there were too many dogs, so I was never special,.

In here, it’s just Grumpy and me, and that’s ok. He is a moody old grouch, but I can handle him. I might be small and no spring chicken, but I can hold my ground if I have to! Outside, there are other dogs. There is one I really don’t like, a Big one,. I tried to take her out, but The One Who’s Always Here stopped me! Why did she stop me!?? I could have had her!! Oh well, at least she doesn’t come into our place, so I guess I can live with it.

Oh, and I have to tell you; there are tigers living here!! I can see them walk past sometimes and one of them even dared come into our barn!!! I didn’t waste a second, went in for the kill and had her for a moment, but she got away,.. Grrrrrrrr! If I were younger, she wouldn’t have stood a chance! 

I like sniffing and digging and love it when we get the big field to ourselves. There are balls and bones everywhere, almost too many to choose from! It’s been very hot though, so we spent most of the day sleeping inside. All in all, I would say it’s a good life here!

* That’s you Linda

Going to bed now, it’s late and dark outside, which bed shall I sleep on tonight? Hmm, the sofa, I guess,..  Goodnight!!

Translated for Pompom by Anke Terbruggen

It’s me again, Pom!

Another week passed by, and it’s getting a bit cooler! We all feel so much better.

There’s something I want to tell you, or explain to you, so you don’t misunderstand me (and Tiny).

You see, sometimes, when there’s something that is really important to me, like my cuddlers’ attention, or my chews, or my sofa, I really don’t want to share that with Tiny. It’s not that I don’t like her, I really do!! She’s good company when it’s just the two of us.

It’s just, I don’t know, I have this temper… I’d almost call it this rage, inside of me, and when something sets me off, I have a hard time controlling it It can be something small, like Tiny getting in between me and a cuddler, or bumping into me, which she does sometimes (can anyone actually SEE around here??)

I do try, really, I show her my teeth (and they’re Big believe me!!) and I growl, but she doesn’t seem to notice. And even then, I try not to fight, I just shout really, really loud at her! The problemI,… she shouts back! She seems to have the same temper!

So there we are, both of us, doing our thing, but then sometimes, a cuddler tries to stop us, or hold one of us back, and then I lose it, can’t control it anymore; I have to fight! And so does she! We don’t really hurt each other, because we are family after all and we have to live together, so we just get it out of our system and then go about our own business.

Please, don’t think I’m mean or a bad dog, I really can’t help it. I’ve had this temper ever since I can remember and I do try to keep it under control. I do love everyone, my cuddlers, the chief, Tiny,..just help me out a bit by not doing anything to set me off, please?

Note by the chief; Pommie is right of course; he can’t help it! Terriers have been created, by us, to fight and kill foxes, rats and other animals that fight back! The fiercest, most aggressive and best fighters were chosen to breed from, to create breeds that would not back down from a fight, with total disregard for their own safety. Though our terriers nowadays are a bit milder, they still have the genes that cause the ‘temper’ as Pom calls it and the more we try to stop them, the worse it gets. That is why we now have only one rule when Pom and Titi have a little ‘shouting contest’: Walk Away! They don’t want to hurt each other, they just have to get it out of their system. And of course; more important; help them by being aware of the triggers and avoiding them. Our volunteers all know about them by now 🙂

Translated by Anke Terbruggen for Pompom (and Kim)

Pretty quiet week at our side of the fence; we’re ok, Tiny Babe and me!

So for once, just this once, I’ll let Big Old Girl tell you about her time here, though she is not a Girl of many words.

Hey,.. it’s me, Kim! Not sure why the Yappie one calls me Big Old Girl. Sure, I’m Big, but Old? Well, maybe in years, I’ve been around for a while.

I don’t say much, usually. And have been getting used to life here.

But here it is.

Not going to go into life Before, it was rough. And then everything changed, and it was even harder. It was almost too much, thought about just giving up. So tired.

But then I woke up, and I was here. Can’t even remember the first days, I was just trying to stay alive. 

And then it got better, I felt stronger, there was food and there was a big soft bed that I slept on until I started to feel less tired.

I got up but didn’t know where to go, so I turned in circles until I started to get to know the place. Where the boundaries are, where the food is, who the people are. It seemed safe, so I could stop turning.

There is grass, it smells nice. There are other smells, that I had never smelt before; animals. It is quiet, nice.

The pain in my head subsided, and my eyes feel better, even though I still don’t see a lot.

There are people. But not as many as Before. I like that. There is one that is always here, that is good, I like it when things are always the same.

Life was getting better all the time, I got stronger, starting to like the space, the smells. I love the grass, I love rolling in it. 

There are other dogs; noisy, yappy little things. Don’t care for them much. 

But then two others came. I do like them. One seemed a bit weak like I was at first. But he is a pleasure to have around; he doesn’t bother me like the Yappy one. He’s sweet, kind, and happy. It’s nice, and makes me happy too. The other one isn’t happy yet. He is scared, and won’t settle down. He needs my help, so I let him come near me. He hides behind me sometimes. That is ok. 

These two boys need me. I’ll take care of them. 

Translated for Pompom by Anke Terbruggen

Noooooooooooo,.. No! No! No! That wasn’t supposed to happen; I specifically said: GIRLS!!! I want GIRLS!

I take a little nap and what do I see when I wake up; a BOY! Right there, in the field next to us, some black skinny hunt dog type Boy, with MY Big Old Girl!

And to make things even worse, she likes him!!! Fancies him!! How could she fancy this bag of bones, and not ME, gorgeous, handsome, smart ME,..

I told him, through the fence, to bugger off, but he just stood there, wagging his skinny tail and being all “oh, but I’m so cute, I’m so sweet, please like me”,..

Ok, to be honest, he’s actually not totally horrible; he seems to be ok with me being the Boss. In fact, it was kind of hard to stay angry with him, so I decided I would let this one slip.

So I’m being good, right?! I don’t kill him, I don’t shout at him, I’m being totally cool, and what happens? What happens?! I’ll tell you what happens: they bring us ANOTHER ONE!! 

At least, I think there’s another one, I can smell him! He’s far away, in Big Old Girl’s field, but I’m sure it’s a boy!

Sigh,…

I give up, I’m getting too old for this stuff. They can do what they bloody well like, fill up the place with boys, what do I care? As long as they stay out of our barn, and my cuddlers and treats keep coming, and everybody realises who’s in charge, it’s ok, too hot to keep fighting anyway.

There’s a cuddler here right now, she’s really sweet, has a nice soft touch and gives Tiny Babe and me lots af attention and keeps us apart a bit (good thing, ’cause Tiny can be a bit jealous). 

Oh well, it seems my life won’t change that much after all, so I’ll just chill and go with the flow,..

I DO hope this is the end of it though, no more boys please!!!

Translated by Anke Terbruggen

Girls,.. can’t live with them, can live without them!! 

They’re so hard to understand sometimes! And so bitchy,. why can’t they be like us boys? If we get into an argument, we just knock each other about for a bit, then makeup and just go ahead with our business, but not them, noooo, they just keep on nagging and plotting and scheming and never leave each alone!

So, Tiny Babe has decided that she doesn’t want Big Old Girl living with us (probably jealous, she wants me to herself, no doubt). She just suddenly turned on her and tried to fight with her! Fortunately, the Chief was there and caught her before she could touch her, but now we can’t go into Big Old Girl’s field anymore! Well, we get the field in the morning and evening, which is actually fine, because it’s too hot during the day anyway, I really love being in the barn when it’s hot, with the big wind-blower and my cool blue vest on. Fortunately, we all have our own space, and maybe after a while, Tiny Babe will make up with Old Girl (not holding my breath though). I wasn’t really getting anywhere with old Girl anyway, so I’m cool with it!

Cuddlers have been good this week, a new one came* (we like him!) and most of our regulars were there. One of them tried to brush me, made it very clear that is NOT OK! However, 2 days later, the Chief came and put me on a table (I don’t like that table!) and not only brushed me, but even cut my nails!! I considered telling her off, but then thought it might not be too bad, as I know her and I know she won’t hurt me. And she brings food, twice a day, and treats, so best to stay on her good side!

The old ticker has been playing up a bit, made me cough every now and then, and the heat isn’t helping. Love the evenings though, sleeping outside, on the terrace, on my big soft bed, under the moon,.. All in all, a pretty good week, lots of tasty treats and chews, plenty of cuddles, and I have to admit; I DO look even more handsome when I’ve had a brush,..

Wonder what next week will bring, I’ve heard rumours about others arriving. Gosh, I hope they’re girls! (Although,…)

* Welcome to Pom’s personal cuddlers team, Bob!

Translated for Pompom by Anke Terbruggen

I know, I’m late,.I’m sure you were waiting for me to tell you about my week, but we’ve had visitors and have been busy keeping them occupied!

The visitors were small people and they were here all week! Every day they came to cuddle me and give me treats, it was great! I love small people, I can jump up and lick their faces and play with them! Tiny Babe and Big Old Girl were really happy to see them too, but of course, they liked me best!!

It was a nice distraction also because I’ve decided to play it cool with Big old Girl and stop charming her,. she’s just not paying attention to me, I really don’t get it!?

Maybe she doesn’t see me or hear me, that must be it! If she saw me, she’ll love me, like everybody else! But I can wait,. she’ll come around, she won’t be able to resist me.

Had a chat with the Mongrels through the fence; they are fine, they said. They really like hanging out with Fluffy’s crew. Strange thing, for a moment I think I saw 3 of them?? Must be seeing triple,.*

We had an intruder a few days ago,. a cat! I HATE cats!! But before I could even get to it, Tiny Babe attacked and fought the enemy! And won too!! Though I’m a bit gutted that it wasn’t me, I’m proud of my little roomie! The cat ran off, doubt she’ll ever try that again!

Let’s see, what else happened?

The heat, not even going to mention that,.. (but sooo glad we have a fan and cooling vests!)

Chicken Nuggets,.. LOVE them!

Cuddlers,.. they’re just the best.

Life is good!!

* Pom wasn’t wrong; Tim & Nellie’s sister Peggoty was here all week, with the small people and their mum!

Translated for Pompom by Anke Terbruggen

She loves me, she loves me not, she loves me, she loves me not,.. Does she love me?? 

She’s stopped growling at me, that means she loves me, doesn’t it?! I’m sure it does!!

Big Old Girl with her long legs and gorgeous grey fur and me, we would make such a great pair!

Not giving up, though I do need a break every now and then, from following her around,. so glad she’s living with us now, because Tiny Babe and me, we don’t dislike each other, but it’s just not the same! Big Old Girl sleeps under our terrace now, she has three beds there (which she isn’t sharing with me *yet*!!). I keep telling her to come into the barn, but she insists on sleeping outside, I guess she’s just used to that life. 

Haven’t seen much of the Mongrels this week, but in the evening, I can see them play with Big White Fluffy and his gang. Hmmm, not sure I agree with that and I do tell them that, but they don’t seem to listen!! What it is with all these dogs, I swear, everybody just seems to just do what they like and nobody listens to me??

Oh well, at least the people are good; everybody knows to scratch my belly when I roll over and they all know what my favourite tickle spots are. I trained them well!

All in all, a very good week, a bit less hot and my Personal Cuddlers have been coming over nearly every day.

Wonder what next week will bring? Life certainly never seems boring here! I’ll let you know,..

Love, Pom