It’s been a vile, if warm, dreich day today.  The dogs got soaked on their walk. Pepper insisted on pressing up against the electric heater in my shed while I made sheeple.

And Ted huddled pitifully on the chaise longue. Is there no sadder sight than a wet dog?

Meanwhile, the sheep had taken shelter with the ducks.

They all seemed to be muddling along so I left them to it.

Later on, the weather cleared and the sheep all clambered under the fence to go out into the field to eat.  All except ‘Ster. He just can’t do it and goes around bleating miserably to himself or to anyone who will listen (me).

I am used to this. I know what to do. I called him up.

But first I grabbed a piece of crackly paper and I lured him through the open garden gate.

And then ‘Ster followed me through the garden.

He knows the drill too. ‘Ster is not allowed to tell OH that he is doing this …

…and he is not allowed to eat any of OH’s precious plants.

No, he is not! Them’s are The Rules.

Seriously, ‘Ster what are you thinking? OH will do his nut if he sees this!

Once through the garden, I let ‘Ster out through the little garden gate and he waits for a treat. I kissed him on the top of his head and told him that was all he would get. He trotted off to find his friends.

I told you, we both know the drill.

I had to return a book to a friend, so I took the opportunity to take the dogs for a walk on our local beach first.  They haven’t been to the beach in a while, if ever (Ted). I think I remember shouting and failure on the recall front and vowing never to go again.

In my coat pocket I packed some yummy American bacon dog treats (Pepper and Ted will do anything for these) and a dog lead (just in case Ted went AWOL). We set off.

It wasn’t the usual run-around-madly kind of walk but they enjoyed the sniffs and smells of every local dog that is walked on this beach.

When we started off, the beach was our own but it gradually filled up with another couple (on holiday), dog-walker and walker.

I let the dogs run off but kept their attention, calling them back for the bacon treats.

And it worked!

Yes, other people and dog were very exciting and we stopped to chat, as I knew most of them, but it was good the dogs were listening to me.

There is definitely improvement and I feel inspired to take them to different places now.

One thing, though, I am going to put their reflective coats on.  Could I see them?

No, I could not!

Playing spot the dog is not a good game.

Pepper was intrigued by the sea.

I wonder if I can get her swimming next?

For some of us it was a morning of snoozing in the autumn sunshine.

I am always surprised to see the horses all laid out together with no one guarding against the little known stealthy Shetland tigers.

I did a double take at this photo. Iacs looks identical to Haakon, which is not really surprising since they are cousins.

And Haakon is really a Przewalski’s horse. I always knew this.

While Iacs is a sleepy hippo.

And Kolka is smiling sleepily.

On with the dog walk with me lugging my big camera with me.

It is not an easy lug (that camera ain’t light), but I think the pictures are worth it.

After weighing and packing veg all afternoon, I took my camera and the dogs out to check everyone was where they should be, happy and unproblematical.

Guess what? Ducky Group #3 were outside for the first time.

I have been leaving their door open during the day but they, to a duck, all decided to stay inside despite my efforts.  Mum and her three ducklings – two boys and a girl, I think.

So I was very happy to see they had finally braved the Great Outdoors.

Mummy Duck #3 gave her all to Pepper….

… who duly ignored her.

Mrs Duck went away grumbling having decided retreat was the better part of valour.

We moved onto the big field where the sheep live during the day.  Everyone was having a sit down while chewing cud.

‘Ster

‘Bert

Lambie

Harrel-the-Barrel

Maggie

Edna

Madge

It was a good potter around.  Nice to get outside.

Today Veterinary came (read James Herriot).

She came to see Fivla who has been very lack-lustre for a few weeks.  Not even whiffling when she sees her morning bucket.  What is wrong?

So t’veterinary took loads of blood to test for all things endocrine as well as a “geriatric profile”.  Fivla is 27 years old so this is possibly wise.

She listened to her heart and bowel sounds (apparently excellent). The bloods will be sent away south to the lab and results will come back next week.  If there is anything going on, hopefully it will show up.  It was mentioned she was a tad fat with a neck crest.  If it is teeth related, we have the equine dentist visiting in October.  Fivla seems very able to eat.

Others looked on.

We ignored them.

Talking of fat….. which, of course, we weren’t.

Haakon looks like he swallowed my neighbour.

And Iacs is not far off.

While Kolka looks beautifully full.  She carries her weight well. The others are blobs.

I just need to know I am doing the right thing for Fivla.  Just being a bit meh might not be a reason for some to get the vet out, but I know Fivla well and something is not right and I don’t know what it is.  Maybe she is just being 27 years old and age has slowed down.  Let’s hope it is just that.  I need to know.