Tag Archives: Pepper

Turning Good(ish)

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I was looking back trying to remember how old Pepper is.

According to Google (it does have it’s uses), Pepper arrived in Shetland in 2021 as a just-weaned puppy so, by my maths, she must be 5 years old now.  I know, where has the time gone?

Pepper was never brought here to replace in my heart the gaping hole left by BeAnne Duvet, but she has managed all on her own to wheedle her way in by herself.

I would love to say Pepper’s behaviour has improved, but I would be lying and many a neighbour has announced they’ve only just recently had a visit from her totally unbeknownst to us.  It is a constant battle.

But we have successfully managed to stop the early morning vanishinments as Pepper is now on a long dog lead at night tied to the foot of the bed. I tell her it’s because she is a criminal and she happily wags her tail and agrees!  By stopping her constant egress means we can leave the cat flap open for Monster’s nightly comings and goings happy in the knowledge that Pepper is still with us. She honestly doesn’t mind and has resigned herself to a life of being a prisoner if she has first dibs on the bed. It’s a fair trade.

Meanwhile Monster has developed a terrible habit (we are on Day 3 now so it is classed as a habit).  He lies on my pillow in the early morning and then prods me with his barely sheathed claws while purring exceptionally loudly.  Once banished from the bed, he then retaliates by making loud puking noises instead.

But at least we’ve won the Pepper battle – sort of.

Something Special Today

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I shouted and they all came over, like the elephants in the Jungle Book.  Haakon, Iacs, and then Kolka. Vitamin and Fivla were not going to be left behind and trotted through too.

Mr and Mrs – Kolka and Haakon.  They are a couple now.

Vitamin was very happy shovelling.

Monster was watching.

As was Fivla – at different times of the day, someone was always waiting for me.

I don’t worry about the parked cars/vans .  Everyone knows very well how to behave around them.  Living around the house is nothing new.

When I was in my shed, I opened a packet of shortbread (I know, no Tunnocks – I’d eaten them), and in an instant Iacs was there, whippet-like!  He has the hearing of a bat.

Pepper was very happy to have everyone around.  More folk to chat to during the day.

As was Monster – I actually laughed out loud when I saw this!

There was something very special about today.

Some Piccies of Today

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A few photos (ok, more than a few) from last night and today with explanations of why I took them….

This is the face of someone who has been caught visiting a new neighbour recently – “oh yes, I saw her first thing the other morning” was what we heard.  *** sigh *** The thing is, no one even knows she’s missing!

Monster at breakfast lounging over my iPad, as per usual.  The bluebell is a nice touch.

The annual clean out of the sheep shed.  My poor back screams.

At last, blue skies.

My new business cards.

Waffle, while I was poo-picking the track.

Galloping down the hill – a favourite sport for Shetland ponies.

Tiddles’ being bouffant.

Brushed but still hairy.

Monster eating his supper in his usual spot tonight.

We go to Town

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I had my shopping list ready (and I also took a photo of it in case I lost it, which I usually do).

I had my companion too and off we went to town – aka Lerwick, Shetland’s capital.

First stop was Harbro (agricultural feed merchant).  They have a lovely sign saying “dogs welcome”, which I expect they will be taking down shortly as Pepper insisted on trying to jump over their counter. She was hyper and not listening.

Then to “the Street”.  We went to LHD – I needed to buy some waterproof gloves and we left as quickly as possible as Pepper was pulling like a determined wee train.  We returned to the car, had words, and I put her Halti on – no pull dog head collar.  Pepper’s attitude changed and she realised I was going to win this battle.  Life became better. The halti changed everything.  Instant control.

Then we went into various shops – with me asking permission first.  I never assume.

The Bank (Royal Bank of Scotland) …..

I love my Bank (for obvious reasons). Where else would one of their staff sit on the floor with my dog, so I can get on?  Thank you Royal Bank of Scotland – never change.

Then into Superdrug, and again everyone was lovely.

The cashier said “I love it when dogs come into the shop”, and Pepper duly wagged her tail and was appreciative of attention (apologies – worst photo ever of Pepper).

Pepper was happy.  She also met other dogs – no fights.  This was good for Pepper. She needs to get out more.

I had a quick go round Tesco’s for supplies and then we drove home.  I have a headache.

 

I’ve Done Too Much

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I think I’ve done too much today. My fault, of course. I never learn so now I am resting on my bed with a heat pad hoping tomorrow will be better.

In other news, Pepper’s bloods came back normal (one slightly elevated something, but nothing worthy of note), so that rules out any nasties going on and I am relieved.  I think we will stick to a dietary intolerance diagnosis.  Luckily Pepperlikes her Royal Canin diet and I am trying hard not to let her trawl any other outside food, like bird grain, duck poo, spilled sheep feed, anything she can find really.

I am having to be tough on Pepper, which I find extremely difficult.

I have never been tough with her, which may have been the problem – but that little face……. I always give in but have to think, no, this is hurting her little tummy despite what she says.

Skippy has been diagnosed now – apparently it is the throttle switch and cable so I need to find someone who speaks/reads German and order a new one.

I did my daily put-something-on-Ebay/Etsy listing – I can’t decide which is the better platform so am dividing the jewellery between both of them to see which one has the greater range.  Ebay is winning so far just in views and interest.

I made the chap on the left today too.

Maybe there’s a potential untapped market for Muscovy Duck photography.