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!

“Dog cuddling again?” enquired the goat guardian.

“Yup.” I replied, just as excited as last time.

“Well, you know the way.” it replied and continued chomping some grass.

I passed the Sheep Supervisors, and the Donkey Directors, and finally made my way to the cuddle lounge where Anke and two little excited dogs were waiting.

“They’ve been expecting you.” Anke told me, as Pompom danced around her feet, waiting for me to open the gate at the top of the stairs.

“I’m so looking forward to spending time with them. And how’s Kim doing?” I asked.

It’s no secret that my heart has always been drawn to Kim. There’s something behind that gaze of hers which makes me think there’s a ton of wisdom, resilience, and untapped potential hiding, even if only on an emotional level.

Anke had taken me into Kim’s enclosure yesterday to introduce me to her and to explain how to behave with her (Kim that is, not Anke. Anke is fine). Because Kim’s skull is damaged on one side, her visibility on that side is restricted so she can get jumpy if something happens and she doesn’t see it coming. I’m to be gentle, always try to approach her from her ‘good eye’ side, no stroking as she hasn’t got used to that yet, and just to let her approach me.

Anke left me with my two miniature companions and I settled onto one of the couches and started to relax.

There’s something about sitting in this room with the gentle breeze and the distant sounds of animals outside, that I find so soothing.

If you’ve read my recent article up in the news section, you’ll know that I am a Reiki practitioner. Animals are incredible to experience Reiki with, their extra-sensitive nature often feeling it on a much deeper level than us humans. I decide to offer it to both Pompom and Titi who are relaxing in the cuddle lounge with me. I remain where I am as my approach with Reiki for animals is to ‘be in a Reiki state’ and allow the animal to approach me, rather then try and chase after the animal with my hands in the air.

Almost as soon as I start, Pompom sits bolt upright and looks directly at me. I tell him calmly that he’s welcome to it, but there’s no pressure to accept it. He lies back down.

Titi at this point, jumps up on to the sofa with me. I ask her if she fancies joining me and she settles down next to me so I place my hands gently on her back. Almost instantly, I feel the heat in my hands. I take this as a positive sign, relax and close my eyes. After a few minutes, she flops over and shows me her tummy. I adjust my hands accordingly, and we spend around 15 minutes blissing out. That would have been a sight for Anke had she come in then – dog cuddler and two dogs fast asleep in the lounge!

After a time, Titi sits up suddenly, and gives herself a good shake. Pompom too sits up and heads outside. That’s my signal that we’re done, so I use this opportunity to visit Kim. Remembering what Anke told me, I enter the enclosure and find Kim sheltering under a tree in some shade. She sits up as she sees me and I crouch down, say hello gently, and look at the ground so I don’t appear confrontational. She trots over and sniffs me, then heads off to her ORIGINAL enclosure up the slope. Clearly, I’m meant to follow, so off I go.

Inside this enclosure, which was her original home when she arrived, I find load of toys scattered around. I ask her which one is her favourite and she looks at me with a tilted head and quizzical expression. I make a note to work on my animal communication…

I crouch down in the shady corner and roll a ball up the slope a few metres to her. I don’t want to do anything too energetic, it’s way too hot to be running around today. Suddenly the ball is back with me – did I miss something? I roll it back up and am overjoyed to see Kim nudge it with her nose back down to me. This is all we can manage for a few minutes before we both plonk ourselves down here in the shade and enjoy being out of the sun. I talk to her, tell her about the other dogs, ask her questions, tell her about my cats, tell her I’ll be back regularly to visit her, and much more.

We walk back to the spot in the shade where she was when I entered and I see her plate of food piled high. I have no idea what possesses me, but I sit myself down, grab a piece of the sausage and place it in my flat, outstretched hand which I put in front of her. She sniffs and then ever so gently, takes the sausage and eats it. I do the same again, and again, so gently, she takes the sausage and eats it. I repeat this until all the chunks of sausage are gone, I’m over the moon she has eaten but I look at the plate and decide not to continue with the peas and carrots or I’ll be here all night. She seems happy and returns to her shady spot. I say my goodbyes, tell her I’ll see her again, and head back to the cuddle lounge.

I spend the remainder of my time, chatting to PomPom and Titi, and relaxing on the sofa. I also have a crazy burst of creativity when I spot some chalk and the blackboard in the lounge – sorry, Anke!

Before I leave, I sweep the steps and check if there is any rubbish I can take with me on my way out. I think Anke and Ali have enough to do already…

I manage to catch Anke before I go and I thank her and promise to be back. I am also over the moon to discover that there is a possibility that I might be able to cuddle sheep (if you remember my previous post) so I shall report back on that at some point.

I’m always sad when I leave, not because the dogs aren’t happy, but because I can’t stay longer, do more, contribute more. But that’s why there’s a team of volunteers. The volunteers fill in the gaps, to help with the little bits that make lives for these precious souls enjoyable, comfortable, safe, healthy and clean, for the rest of their days.

Until next time…

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

Team member Sarah Shephard, our UK representative has kindly agreed to write a book review each month (dog related). This helps not only you, the reader in finding a useful book but also Sarah in her quest to learn everything ‘dog’ and with that the need to buy lots of dog books. For Sarah’s first review (and one I have not got!) she has chosen to help guardians at the beginning of their dog’s life, the puppy, who can resist a bundle of cuddly cuteness (obviously us humans seeing as our relationship goes back a few thousand years (18,000 Payne et al 2018) but the evidence is even longer.

We hope you enjoy Sarah’s review and find it useful.

Life Skills for Puppies by Helen Zulch and Daniel Mills

We hadn’t had a puppy in the house for 10 years when we committed to giving a home to 12-week-old French rescue Juniper (who is now a sleek, silken, big, clever, and beautiful, one-year-old, with enormous paws, a ridiculously long tail and a huge, loving heart….).

Despite having had dogs all our lives my husband and I felt our knowledge of puppyhood and training was rusty; so much is changing about what the world knows about how dogs communicate, how they learn and how they respond to circumstances on an emotional level, and I wanted to bring myself up to speed on the best possible ways to give Juniper a secure and loving home where she could blossom with confidence.

A knowledgeable and well-read friend (I am ever grateful to you Cessi) recommended several books to prepare us for Juniper’s arrival and Life Skills For Puppies by Helen Zulch and Daniel Mills fast became a favourite.

Don’t be deceived by the fact that it’s a thin volume because it is packed with golden nuggets of advice, based on positive reinforcement. It is divided into ten sections, each covering a key skill to help your puppy to ‘practice appropriate behaviour choices within day-to-day situations’. The chapters include: ‘I have confidence’, ‘I like to be touched’, ‘I can be calm’ etc.

Written in a clear, compelling and uncomplicated style, Life Skills For Puppies is illustrated with helpful photographs so that you can properly visualise the skills you are enabling your puppy to learn. There are tips and worksheets for each section too, to help you track progress.

So keen and hooked was I that I read the book twice before Juniper had even arrived in our lives! And then I asked my husband to read it too. It gave us both the confidence we needed to give Juniper positive and consistent learning experiences from the very first day.

It was also the start of my knowledge-gathering obsession with all things dog behaviour and training! Giving Juniper a home has enriched my life in so many ways (and I do hope she might say the same about us if she could speak!) and Life Skills For Puppies set us on a great path from the outset.

If you are about to give a home to a puppy or want to give a great gift to a friend who has a new puppy, this book is essential reading in my view. It will help to steer you and your puppy towards a happy, harmonious and lifelong relationship from day one.

Do you believe in Serendipity? By chance now volunteer Colleen came to visit Dawn & Dusk. I am not sure if it is the residents who need her or Colleen meeting the residents that have made her decision to reinstate practising animal reiki (Colleen presently practices human reiki ). But we are rather excited that she has so that she can physically, (eg when a dog has pain) and emotionally, (eg a dog suffering trauma) help a dog if they wish, when needed.

Plus Colleen is willing to help dogs outside of Dawn & Dusk. I asked her to give a simple explanation of what Reiki is, what is involved and how it can help not only our dogs but us too. You may want to get a drink and take a seat while you read. For more details or to book an appointment, please contact Colleen via her website www.authenticpathways.net or colleen@authenticpathways.net

Colleen writes –

Everything is energy, energy is all around us.

Before you roll your eyes and dismiss this statement as some new-age nonsense, remember that everything is made up of atoms. And those atoms don’t just sit there quietly being atoms, they jiggle around, and because they move, they give off a vibration and vibration creates energy, so…

… everything is energy.

Figure 1 Universal Life Energy E

Every inhabited continent has some sort of cultural relationship with a ‘universal life force energy’. According to these traditions, this energy sustains all life and is referred to in various ways – in the western world it’s good old ‘life force’; Qi/chi in China, Prana in India, Mana in Polynesia, Nyama in West Africa, Ki in Japan, and many more.

Everything has this life force, and because of that and the previously mentioned jiggling atoms, everything vibrates at its own frequency, and therefore is able to affect other things that vibrate as frequency around them.  Sometimes this frequency can be used to fix things, like broken bones ¹, and sometimes it is used to destroy things, like cancer cells using radiotherapy.²  A form of vibrational exercise has even been proven to improve dementia symptoms.³ Herein lies the link between frequency (vibration) and health.

A generally healthy human body vibrates at approximately 7.5Hz. If it’s SUPER happy, it vibrates higher, and if it’s ill, it vibrates lower. Basically, you give off a ‘low vibe’ when you’re feeling poorly.

So… people have energy frequencies, and these frequencies are susceptible to being changed by a variety of things which all help towards ensuring one’s life force (or energy) is free flowing.  Many ‘therapies’ deal with unblocking the flow of this universal life force inside the body. The belief is that when it cannot flow freely, it manifests itself in various physical, emotional and mental symptoms. When it does flow freely, the body has the ability to heal itself.

You may have heard of Reiki (pronounced ray-kee), you may have seen it in massage studios, yoga retreats or perhaps in spa facilities. Or even offered as a treatment, wait for it, in a hospital! (St George’s Hospital, SW London, for example).

Reiki as defined by the Oxford English dictionary is: “A healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient’s body and restore physical and emotional well-being”.

“A healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient’s body and restore physical and emotional well-being”.

Reiki was first ‘discovered’ by Mikao Usui, a Japanese man, way back in March 1922. He apparently received this gift of healing after spending time fasting for 21 days on a sacred mountain north of Kyoto. He claims that at midnight on the 21^st day, a powerful light suddenly entered his mind through the top of his head and knocked him out. When he woke, he felt refreshed, alive, and had a new level of awareness. Shortly afterwards, he discovered he could heal by placing his hands over an affected area.

Now, if you’re thinking, “Okaaaay, THAT’S a little weird.”, you’re not alone. I remember the first time I heard it on my training, I thought, “Wait…what the …? How exactly does THAT work?”

It sounded weird. It sounded woowoo. But do you know what? Lots of things in life sound woowoo, and by the time I’d finished my training and had experienced sensations by both giving AND receiving Reiki, I was less worried about how ‘woowoo’ it sounded, and thought more about, “Who can I help with my woowoo hands?”.

The UK Reiki Federation quotes:

“When giving Reiki, practitioners have been shown to emit electro-magnetic or bio-magnetic energy from their hands. The frequencies of the energy emitted vary from one moment to the next; but many appear to correspond to those that medical researchers have identified as being the optimum frequencies for stimulating the healing process in tissues, bones, and other body parts so far investigated.”¹  (UK Reiki Federation)

Reiki is not a religion, there is no dogma and you don’t have to hold certain beliefs in order to give, or receive, Reiki. It is always done with the best intention of the person or animal involved, and always done with permission. Always!

What happens during a Reiki session?

In a ‘person Reiki’ session, the person is either seated on a chair, or lies down on a therapy bed, and the practitioner places their hands on (or just above) the body in the area of the main energy centres or chakras. The chakras are referred to a lot in Eastern traditions, but in western traditions, they correspond to various glands in our body.

The practitioner starts at the head and works their way down to the feet. It’s relaxing treatment, so there’s not much talking. Sessions last roughly an hour.

When working with animals, you can’t just go ahead and start placing your hands all over their body. Animals are extremely sensitive to touch, and also to energy and anyone will tell you that you have to build trust before you touch an animal.

I follow a principle coined by Kathleen Prasad of Reiki Source, called ‘Let animals lead’.¹ So rather than ‘give’ Reiki to an animal, like you would give it to a person, you ‘offer’ it to the animal, and allow the animal to decide if they’d like to ‘join’ you. This is vitally important if you want to build trust with the animal.

When working with an animal, if it’s a bird, dog, cat, or horse, I always meditate beforehand so that I’m not thinking of washing the dishes when I get home; how much laundry I have; or how angry I am at something someone said earlier. I want the animal to sense calmness, serenity, love, and trustworthiness, not be thinking “Oh my goodness, what on earth is going on with this woman! There’s no way I’m letting her touch me!”

Once I’ve meditated, I would start the Reiki session near the animal by simply ‘being’ in a Reiki state. The animal will feel the Reiki and will decide if they want to partake, or not. If they growl, or show agitation, then they’re not happy or ready to join in, and the session would stop immediately. However, after a few minutes, I’d try gently again to establish whether the growling was “Hey, quit that right now!!” or rather “Hey, what’s going on?”

However, if they’re calm, they’ll settle down and do what they need to do which might not be what you expect. I have had animals sleep and sigh their way through an entire session, I have had others who got up and walked around every few minutes, and others who didn’t move from their bed from the moment I arrived to the moment I left. It’s vitally important to allow the animal to lead the session. For this reason, sometimes a session lasts 10 minutes, sometimes an hour!

It’s also very important to note, that I never approach an animal with an “I’m going to fix you.” mentality. Not only is that arrogant, it’s not allowing the animal to lead, and it’s a terrible approach to an animal, having an attitude that they’re broken. The mental approach is, “I’m here to offer Reiki, if you’d like to join me, you’re welcome. YOU are in charge.”

One very special little dog, Elliot, has a very tender spot on his tummy/ribs area, and despite not liking anyone to touch him there, always offers that same area to me for treatment.

When he’s had enough, he licks my hand, gives himself a good shake, and then trots off and that is my signal that he’s done.

Please note, this particular dog is happy with the ‘hands-on approach’; I do have doggy clients that I don’t touch, but simply sit nearby.

Reiki is not meant to be a substitute for medical or veterinary treatment, but as a complementary therapy. A Reiki Practitioner is not trained to diagnose or prescribe, and a client should speak to their doctor, or vet, directly if they have any concerns about their health, or their animal’s health.

Remember Reiki itself doesn’t heal; it simply creates an environment that promotes the body’s natural ability to heal itself. For that reason, I don’t call myself a Reiki healer, as I don’t heal. I call myself a Reiki Practitioner.

And besides, “Reiki Sharer so that people and animals can heal themselves” is awfully long for a business card…

Here are some of the benefits of Reiki for both people and animals:

• Helps the body release stress and tension which, in turn, improves sleep
• Provides pain relief
• Creates deep relaxation; reduces anxiety
• Boosts natural immune system
• Helps with post-surgery recovery process
• Reduces some of the side-effects of medicines
• Eases mood swings, fear, frustration and anger
• Provides relief during emotional distress, e.g., before, during, or after bereavement

For animals, some additional benefits include:

• Stress relief
• ‘Settling in’ for new homes
• Helping rescue dogs feel ‘safe’
• Transition (preparing both you and your animal for the time comes when they’re ready to leave this life

Well, I’ve kept you long enough. My cats are already starting to wonder why my thoughts are filled with dogs so much recently, and if you’re a cat owner, you know you’ve got to keep your feline-kids sweet, or there’ll be trouble.

I hope I’ve explained Reiki in an easy-to-understand way. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5243970/#:~:text=In%20summary%2C%2050%20Hz%20is,bone%20injury%20repair%20in%20vivo.

2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3845545/

3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165986/

4https://www.reikifed.co.uk/reiki-info/your-reiki-journey/

5https://animalreikisource.com/animal-reiki-information/the-approach/

Translated for Pompom by Anke Terbruggen

Hot, hot, hot!! What a week we’ve all had,… feels like the air is burning and even the ground is hot!

Inside, in front of the big blowing thing, it’s not too bad, but I also want to see what the Chief is doing and when she’s coming back, so have to stand guard in my own spot outside. It’s not in the sun, and there’s a nice cool mat and the Chief cools everything down sometimes, with water. I hate water, so I wait inside until she’s done, but I have to admit, it feels better afterwards! And a few days ago, we got these really cool jackets; wow, that feels so good!

This week, it was Tiny Babe that wasn’t well. They left with her and when they brought her back, she was in a right state,.smelling of blood and other stuff (reminded me of that place with the doctors!), a weird thing attached to her, and really, really sleepy! I left her alone because she didn’t seem to react to my attention and wanted to be left alone. She’s better now, happy to have my little roomie back! 

The Mongrels and I have been sleeping outside on the terrace, which was really nice!! It’s so cool out there at night! We all sleep together on a huge bed, kind of nice,..and in the morning (don’t tell anyone) we play and run around the picnic table, though I will deny that if anybody asks! Can’t lose my Cool!!!  

And… I got to meet Big Old Girl!! Finally!! Bit disappointing though, as she didn’t seem to be interested in me!! How can anyone NOT be interested in me? I’m soooo charming and gorgeous!! Oh well, you just wait, I haven’t given up yet, I’ll make her like me!

Haven’t seen the other big girl walk past today, and the Mongrels have been out for quite a while, wonder what’s happening? I think I can hear them, on the other side of the house, maybe they moved? Don’t really feel like sleeping on my own tonight, hope Tiny Babe will come and sleep on the terrace if the Mongrels don’t come back,..

(note; Dolly and the pups did indeed move, to their own private little area. And yes, Titi will be sleeping on the terrace with Pom, of course!)

Tempratures are rising. We know how we feel when we get hot and sticky, we try to make ourselves more comfortable by wearing summer clothes, drinking more fluids, changing our eating habits and hiding in the shade (or is it just me?) but how can we help our dogs in when it gets so hot? Having to go into town just after lunch in this heat I witnessed my pet hate, seeing dogs being walked on hot pavements, panting. Those poor dogs, something you would not see free-ranging dogs do, for they would be resting in the shade, sleeping or watching the world go by. Please rethink when taking them out, can you change your habits of not taking them everywhere with you? Can you make a vet appointment for first thing in the morning? or would they prefer being left at home resting?

Here are a few tips to make our canine friends feel more comfortable.

1. Stop the walk. We have conditioned ourselves that we must walk our dogs twice a day, no one really knows where this evolved from but we can break the cycle especially when it gets too hot. Dogs do not have to be walked all the time, especially in high temperatures that heighten the risk of heat stroke. Rather than walking give them some mental stimulation? (see below) Using their cognitive brain can tire them out as much as a walk. If you do need to take them out consider going early or late evening once the sun has gone down, perhaps there is a cooler place such as woods or a river to paddle in and take a slow short sniffy walk instead of a long hike. Don’t forget how hot surfaces get – we have soles on our shoes, dogs’ paws can get burnt.

Some dogs can suffer more in the heat than others; including puppies who can’t regulate their temperature, older dogs, breeds with thick fur and brachycephalic breeds (dogs that have shortened snouts eg pugs, bulldogs, boxers…)

2. Give your dog some mental enrichment. Using their cognitive brain can be as tiring as going for a walk. Rather than giving kibble in their bowl where it is gone in seconds sniffing out food is rewarding and can be built up in difficulty. Three ways to get you started without paying out for toys or equipment are:

Towel Lay a towel on the floor, place a few pieces of kibble or treats on one corner and cover with the towel for your dog to sniff out. Once they get the idea you can make it harder by laying the pieces on the mat and folding it in a variety of ways or sprinkle the kibble over the towel, with your hand twist the towel up so the kibble is hidden for your dog to hunt out.

Toilet rolls Close one end by overlapping one side over the other, place a few pieces of kibble or a treat in the roll closing the other end. Repeat filling up a small cardboard box for your dog to hunt out the kibble. Supervise your dog if they have a tendency to chew cardboard as this is not the intention of the activity. Try hiding them around the home for your dog to find. You may need to encourage them and build up the difficulty.

Recycling material Before recycling collect clean plastic bottles, yoghurt pots, paper, toilet roll inners, and pieces of material and place them in a large box with kibble sprinkled in (can add kibble to the scrunched up paper bag/roll inners and material) for your dog to snuffle out the food. You may need to start with a couple of items and build it up if your dog is worried about noise or putting their head in a box. You will soon get creative finding items to add. Remember no sharp items that they could hurt themselves on and items like polystyrene.

3. Provide a cool space for them to lie in. Most of us are lucky in our French homes have tiled floors and shutters to shut out the heat. A cooling mat/cooling bandana or vest come in a variety of styles, sizes and prices offering may be appreciated or a cheaper version that can be just as effective as a wet towel for your dog to lie on. Cool mats do need to be removed for a period of time to re-set themselves into the cooling gel form.

Introduce a fan this may be unnerving for some dogs so gradual exposure on a low setting out of direct exposure to start with and ensure they have access to fresh water at all times.

4. Give a cold treat Freeze treats in homemade stock (no salt) for an ice pop treat either in a container, Kong-type food dispenser or licki mat. Frozen treats could include pieces of ham, chicken, wet dog food, yoghurt, cream cheese, dog-friendly peanut butter, banana and vegetables……..

5. Think about whether your dog would be cooler with less fur? This can be controversial there is evidence to say that depending on the dog’s coat they may be better left uncut. Some dogs have two coats, a longer top coat and a short coat, the thinking is they act as cooling (and warming in winter) protection. you can read a comprehensive post (it is a long post).https://theeducatedgroomer.com/shaving-double-coated-breeds/

For many dogs, a short clip is welcomed. However, it may be your dog needs gentle desensitisation to clippers, standing on a table and often being restrained. Many groomers are beginning to understand the negative impact of forcing a dog to comply. Ask your groomer before taking your dog how they work with dogs that may be sensitive to being touched and groomed. Don’t forget regular brushing will help reduce the build-up of hair.

Translated for Pompom by Anke Terbruggen

The weirdest thing just happened; a very sudden wind gust just picked up our parasol and blew it into a very high tree!! Now we have no shade on our terrace! I’m sure it will be ok, though, the Chief and her friends will get a new one; they get us everything we need really.

So, another week has passed by and Oh My God (though us dogs don’t believe in that kind of thing) has it been hot!! None of us has felt much like doing anything during the day. I have this pretty cool spot in the shade, that I picked out and the Chief put down a nice, cool blue mat for me, so I’m pretty much ok.
Little Dude and Little Girl don’t seem to mind too much, they still play loads, probably their age, and besides, they’re a bit silly I think. I have taught them to behave of course and they’re cool now, beginning to like them even!

Tiny Babe, the new girl, is still a bit bitchy with them, but I make sure to stay on her good side, so we can hang out a bit. Big Old Girl, the one that doesn’t live with us, she’s doing so much better!! And I think she fancies me!! Just wait ’till she gets out, I’ll have all the ladies fighting over me, you’ll see!!
Been feeling a bit better, despite the heat, but still don’t feel like fighting Big White Fluffy anymore, don’t know why, just can’t be bothered really. Kind of nice, not having to get all worked up about that kind of thing.Probably better for the old ticker too.

But them, what happened to me two days ago,.. how embarrassing,.. The Chief picked me up (she did cuddle me) and put me on a table. Oh oh, nothing good ever happens on a table!! Then, before I could even protest; she put this thing around my mouth and, and, and,..started BRUSHING me! I HATE being brushed, told everybody over and over again, bugger off with that brush!! I tried to scare her by pretending to bite, but she wouldn’t stop and just told me she’ll be careful. and you know what, it wasn’t so bad really. After a while, I thought I might as well enjoy the attention and lie down for a belly scratch. She did another thing, with a noisy machine of some kind, and before I knew it, pieces of my fur were flying around (the ventilator was on). I didn’t hate that, made me feel a bit cooler actually! Shame she had to go and ruin it by picking up my feet and cutting my nails, how dare she!! Anway, she took the thing off my mouth and we had a cuddle, that was nice, cuddles are just the best,..Been feeling a bit lighter ever since and can feel the breeze on my skin.

All in all, not a bad week really. Hoping Big Old Girl will join us soon, will let you know how that goes!
Love, Pom

Colleen, with her expressive wording, has written her account of her time spent with Anke, Elsa and me on Thursday morning and on meeting our canine residents. Colleen is also a natural Reiki energy healer. I am going to leave her to explain in a later post what Reiki is and how she can help animals (and humans) restore their physical and emotional well-being. We are excited to hear she has volunteered to help Titi, Pompom, Kim and hopefully Dolly when the time is fitting to settle at Dawn & Dusk.

Please do fill in the volunteers form or contact us if you wish to come and be involved with the meeting and sitting (with a bit of stroking and attention-giving) dog team.

I walked up the slope through the shady woodland, my tummy full of excitement. It’s dog-cuddling day.

All of a sudden I stop, in the field on my left, is a goat staring at me.

“Who are you and what do you want?

“Uhm…” I hesitate, hoping I’m in the right place, “I’m here to cuddle dogs.”

“Oh, okay. Keep walking.”

I know better than to argue with a goat, so I keep walking. I smile as I see there are two others watching me curiously.

“I’m here to cuddle dogs.” I say to them, smiling.

A bit further on, and a group of sheep approach the fence. I try not to think about cuddling sheep as one curiously asks, “Who are you, and what do you want?”

“I’m here to cuddle dogs.” I answer.

“Oh, okay. Keep walking.” Was there a hint of sadness I spotted there? Can one cuddle sheep, I ask myself? Focus Colleen, focus…

I glance up and on my right, I recognise the wooden summer house that I’ve seen on the website that provided shelter for some sweet black pups, and now for a dog called Kim. I AM in the right place, whew!

I see buildings, my excitement grows. Just when I think it can’t get any better, I spot a few donkeys, eight in total I’m later told. My word, how on earth am I going to drag myself away from this animal heaven, there’s cuddling opportunities everywhere (well, in my head anyway…)

“Up here, Colleen!” I hear, as Elsa beckons me up through a barn door and upstairs to the cuddle room. I’m introduced to Titi, a white Jack Russel with typical terrier energy and character; and Pompom, a longer-haired terrier who was subdued today getting over having his, ahem, bits adjusted. Needs must, boy…

I notice the two comfy sofas, the dog beds everywhere, and the gorgeous gentle breeze blowing through. I’m already thinking I could sit here for a day – I wonder if I could hide in one of those dog crates. I spot one in the corner which I might try later…

I meet Anke and Ali and then listen to the three ladies talking about nutrition, dog behaviour, the residents and more. I’m struck by the determination to provide the right individual care for each dog. These canine souls are in good hands, but I think they know that, animals have that ‘sense’, don’t they?

We head outside to meet ‘the pups’, Nel and Timmy. I fall in love with their ears immediately and comment that they look like dingos, hoping it doesn’t offend them. Friendly, playful, and gentle, these dogs seem to draw out affection, and I find myself down on my knees stroking their soft bodies and making cooing noises.

We then head over to the enclosure where Kim is. She’s making excellent progress having given everyone a fright with her deteriorating condition, soon after her arrival. But let me tell you, despite her age and seemingly tough background, there’s a sparkle in those eyes (well, one eye, but age is a thing, right?) and every now and again, she does this puppy-like thing with her legs, like she wants to play. Watching this would surely melt the iciest of hearts. I’m so pleased to ‘meet’ her, even if only from the other side of the fence.

I catch a glimpse of other dogs in another field, Anke’s own dogs apparently. If one thinks that Anke’s heart has a limit, you’d be mistaken. Let’s just say it’s just as well there a lot of land around here.

I spend a few hours, which fly by FAR too quickly, chatting and stroking dogs. My heart is so full, and I continue working on my plan to hide in the dog crate so that I can stay longer, hoping Elsa doesn’t notice.

As I leave, we catch a glimpse of Dolly, the only dog to be kept apart from the others due to her current insecurities. I say hello, because that’s only polite, right?

I want so badly to stay. I want to curl up near the fence and read a book to Kim, I want to run around and play with the pups, I want to tell Pompom that size isn’t everything and cuddle him until he knows that we all love him no matter what; I want to love Titi and tell her that she’s got nothing to prove here, everyone is loved equally.

And I want so desperately to convince Dolly that she’s safe.

But today was my first day, and all this will happen in its own time with incredible, experienced people working their magic. Today was just a ‘allow yourself to be sniffed’ day because that’s important to dogs, and it was important to me.

See you all very soon,

Colleen

Colleen