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 🙂

Question 1. How much money can we raise for Dawn and Dusk by holding a quiz night?

The answer was 1109€. An amazing amount from an amazing number of wonderfully generous people who came to Caylus last Friday. It was a fantastic evening, everyone enjoyed it, and huge thanks to Karl and Gill Lindsey who ran the quiz. Sorting out the pizzas were a bit of a challenge, but lessons learned! There was such a lovely friendly atmosphere, with people catching up with friends they’d not seen for a while, but the best thing was being able to tell people about Dawn and Dusk, and their generous donations to support our dogs.

Thank you so much to everyone who came and supported us. We will do it again!

Many good things come in small packages* and this includes Doggie Language by Lili Chin.

This cute little hardback volume will look smart on any shelf or coffee table and makes for irresistible reading too.

Described on the cover as ‘a dog lover’s guide to understanding your best friend’ it is filled with superb illustrations, showing clearly how your dog may express him or herself and what the visual signs may mean within a given context.

Think of it as an essential cross-species language translator; section by section you can check what your dog’s eyes, ears, mouth, tail and posture are signalling and learn how to tell the difference between a happy and relaxed or stressed and anxious dog.

It’s a book for all ages and you will never tire of looking at Lili Chin’s wonderful artwork. The ultimate benefit is that by understanding your dog’s language the better you will be able to provide them with an even more relaxed and comfortable living environment.

*With the exception of my Juniper who at 30kg and growing, is very much of the good thing in a large package variety!

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!

“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.