it's still cold outside!

The STAFF made a big fuss about covering pipes etc. last night because it was meant to be really, really cold. I was a bit anxious about that and was quite pleased when THEY issued me with an extra blanket. Not that I have ever been cold in my super luxury bed by the radiator. No need to tell THEM that, eh!

I couldn't quite decide how cold it was outside when I woke up in the morning. What with being wrapped up in extra blankets and stuff. I knew it was the weekend, because the STAFF and I enjoy a coffee and a cuddle on the bed before we go out.

Anway, I needed to know just how cold it was, so I checked: ice and snow as far as I could see! I immediately alerted the STAFF to these ghastly conditions and made it very clear that I did not want to go out. Well, I thought I had made it very clear... but, as you can see, I found myself shortly afterwards in the "Best Wood When It Is Warm" - Woods.

I tried some iced stick, but it was not really my kinda thing. 
I was bouncing to keep warm. But that generated a lot of cold air with the ear-flapping.
I even posed for pictures all smily and happy, so that the STAFF would move on. Come on! Move and keep warm...! Normally, you see, I pose and when THEY are ready to take the shot I move. It is hilarious. THEY have hundreds of shots of Ottie's bottie. 
Anyway, maybe I am just in a bed/ bad mood today. I have a dicky tummy, that's what it is... I am sure I will be better tomorrow. 

snow... sofa... shrimps...smile

So, the STAFF dragged me out in the blizzard this morning. You can't see my face in this picture, but just imagine that I do not look happy! Things might be different when my new hurtta winter coat arrives. Ironically it is probably delayed in this weather. 

I got soooo cold. Doing a full roll in the snow when chasing the ringzinger did p-robably not help.

Thankfully I could communicate to the STAFF that I was verrry cold and THEY wrapped me up nice and tight in my favourite cat blanket. It's only right they did. I remember full well who dragged me out into the inclement weather!

Finally thawed-out and not sure whether things could get any better, the STAFF surprised me with the issue of my favourite ever snacks - Shrimps!

These, of course, were a present from Amber and Chez at k9active.

What a wonderful surprise that was! And they even sent a very nicely shrimp-scented card with it, telling me to get well from my ringzinger injury. The STAFF could learn a lot about treating an injured/ recuperating guy from Chez and Amber!

Even though it was all addressed to me, the MEANIE STAFF have been rationing the snacks. I have kept a close nose on THEM though and I don't think THEY snuck any for THEMSELVES. THEY would be in a lot of trouble if THEY did. 

Yummy, yummy, yummy in the Schnuffie's tummy!

Pity you cannot smell these. They are soooooooo good. But all mine. 

I'll doze now. Dreaming of shrimps. You cannot see my face now, but just imagine me smiling!

stress testing the hurtta pro

So, we tested out my new hurtta pro raincoat today (see previous post). It wasn't raining (phew!), but we needed to check how it'd fit in the field, when I am running and chasing and jumping and, erm, weeing and .... you get the picture. And it was colder than a vet's thermometer out there, so having a windproof, yet breathable and athletic coat was not to be sniffed at! Incidentally, if you don't know how cold a vet's thermometer is, count yourself lucky! I could happily do without that particular bit of expertise.
Anyway, the STAFF coated me up, and off we went. What better way to stress test the coat than with a game of chase'n'kill with my ring zinger? Oddly enough, the unsporty member of STAFF is better with the ring zinger than the sporty one. It's really funny! Where was I? Oh, yes. Testing the coat under ring zinger conditions. And the result? See for yourself!


I'd say. bring on the next adventure holiday!

So, I am back home now and just as well! It has started snowing. I am watching the spectacle from my nicely warm corner on the leather sofa. It is very soothing. Good rest! But perhaps I should get the STAFF to get me the nice warm winter coat from k9active.co.uk to complete my wardrobe. I'll work on it!

hey, good-looking!

So, the STAFF went a detour on our way to the best woods this morning. Not popular! But, then I realised that we were picking up my super duper new rain coat from the hurtta pro range (only the best for me, natch!). The first one was too small, because of the STAFFs' incompetence with a measuring tape. Of course, THEY will claim that I held in my tummy. Well, of course I did! I was concerned that this was to do with future food alloaction, and therefore made myself seem as slim as poss.
Anyway, the nice people at k9active sorted it all out and sent a bigger coat. As you can see, it fits perfectly. I take a size 55 to fit all my muscles! And it is so light and soft and the collar makes me look like a supehero-caped-crusader and it is almost enough to make me wish for a little bit of rain. Just so that I can show it off outside.

Until then, I shall enjoy the sunshine on the sofa. I am quite tired after all that running round, chasing the ringzinger and trying on stuff.

ring zinger fun

I have a really rather fantastic new toy! It's called a Ring Zinger (don't ask, I didn't come up with that name) and the STAFF bought it from a superb new shop for all the canine adventurer's needs www.k9active.co.uk. THEY bought some other stuff, too, but I cannot show you yet. My new rain coat is too small. I blame the measuring. Sure, I held in my tummy when the STAFF approached with the measuring tape, but which guy wouldn't?
Anyway, the great thing about my new toy is that even coordination-challenged unsporty bipeds (like, say, the STAFF) can produce a pretty good throw.


Just watch me goooooooooooooooooo!

After the last few dark months, with lots of couch potato shots, here at last is some proof that I am as sprightly as ever...

But now I must sleep. All this chasing is quite tiring...

my new time-share is super!

So, the STAFF moved some of the bedrooms around. Whilst taking great care not to move MY bed. Sometimes THEY are surprisingly thoughtful and considerate! Now we all sleep in the same room. I have my splendid bed with orthopedic mattress, snuggle fleece and cozy blanket by the radiator. And THEY have their flatpack number from some Swedish furniture store. After all, I am more important and therefore should have better things.
This has not stopped me, however, from widening my portfolio and acquiring a timeshare for the big, Swedish bed. During the day it is in prime position for sunshine. Excellent!
And even without sunshine, this is a place where a guy can kick back and relax from the hussle and bussle of the day and rest (without chilling!).

All in all, an excellent investment! And I have the best of both beds - my super supportive comfy one at night, and the big relax pad in the sunshine during the day. Secretly, I also like that it smells of them. I do miss the great big silly lumps during the day (sometimes), and I have their smell around me here. Sure, THEY are probably only next doors in the study or downstairs listening to noise. But I don't miss them that much that I'd want to leave all my snuggly warmth behind just to go look for them....

Oooh, I also have a brand new toy. For chasing. I'll show you pictures soon. It's f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c!

PS: So far, I have not had to come out of retirement. Would you believe it!

enjoying retirement

as you know I have worked very hard looking after two well-meaning, but often useless, members of STAFF. And, frankly, I had enough! All the hard work, the stress of looking after them, making sure they were safe. Checking on all visitors. A never-ending list of tasks and duties. When was a guy ever given the chance to relax?

So, I said to myself: enough is enough. But how could I communicate this idea to the STAFF? (It's not easy getting stuff through to them...). Well, I lucked out when I saw that this nice chap,  who has his own tv show about rehabilitating useless dog staff 'the Dog Whisperer", has also written a book. Quick as a flash I was on amazon.co.uk and ordered the STAFF a copy for xmas. They took it very well, and read it aloud to one another. I was nodding along in the background. The man, Cesar Milan, makes so much sense. He knows all about how to turn useless STAFF into good STAFF. 

And now the STAFF have finally taken on board that they are meant to look after me and not the other way around! Now, I have retired from pack leadership and STAFF management. My BP has dropped, my stress levels are sinking. I am relaxed. I am happy. I am carefree. I am having the time of my life! 

We are all one big, happy, calm family now. Having lots of fun!