Our Present to Our Dad

We arranged for this picture to be drawn of us for our Dad. What do you think?
Jeff Brown, the artist has done a remarkable job and absolutely captured us - not only our looks but also our characters

October Already

Well, I can't believe that I have already been in my forever home for 3 months. I have to say that these have been the happiest days of my life so far.

A Terrfying Big Barn Place

I thought that my Mum & Dad loved me.

This evening we went off in the car, me and my brothers with Mum & Dad and arrived at this place we had never been to before. It was dark and cold and verrrry scary - though my brother protected me.

We had to go into this big barn place and I couldn't even get through the door. Mum had to really coax me and then it was a stop and dash entrance!! And my goodness, when we got in, there were three of the biggest dogs (I thought they were ponies to start with). Anyway, Toby introduced us and it turned out that they were Great Danes and it was their Mum Jill that we had gone to meet.

She runs an agility and obedience club and for bizarre reason everyone seemed to think that my attendance was a good idea - to try and find my confidence, whatever that is!!

Anyway, Jasper and me had a good time. Mum kept clicking this plastic thing that terrified me every time - but the bonus was that I got some tasty meat or cheese when she did. I soon realised that when she made this terrible sound, I got food. Perhaps it wasn't such a bad sound after all.

We stayed for what seemed an eternity and then came home. I was absolutely exhausted and slept the whole way home and for the rest of the evening.

Told Mum that it was OK and the other dogs were great unlike their humans, but I had tried that once and wouldn't bother again thanks!!

A Major First for Me Today

Mum took us to another part of Watermead Park today where there were hundreds of birds apparently called swans, geese, ducks, herons etc. I was a really good boy and didn't bother them - I didn't tell Mum that they actually quite frightened me.
Anyway, to my first.
Whilst out exploring all these new exciting smells, I cocked my leg. I have been watching my brothers do this, but I have never done this. Previously no room to cock my leg, but now, I am a grown up boy and cocked my leg with my bros!!

Getting Excited

Me, Toby, Jasper and the Humans are meeting up with lots of other Cockers and their Humans at Watermead Park. We know one another from Cockers on Line and this was how I first met my Mum & Dad (and brothers of course).
Also, my previous Foster Mum Sharon, Michael, Lewis and Jordan will also be there with the lovely Remy and her new sister Jade who I have not met yet.
Roll on Sunday afternoon

She's Home - and I am Objecting Strongly to Her Going Away Again

Well, Dad had just gone shopping and me and my bros were relaxing, chatting over the days events when suddenly the door opened and in walked Mum.
She had been away for 2 days with work and was shattered but nearly as pleased to see us and we were her.
I have had a little nibble of her ear whilst telling her that she musn't leave me again..... - well not until I am feeling a bit more confident

She's Gone Again!!

Well Mum was here this morning but I must say that I was a bit suspicious as when she left she had a bag with her.
Dad came home earlier on but Mum has not arrived
I have now had my tea and my walk but still no sign. She has been on the phone and apparently she is on a place called Solihull. I don't know if she has had a plane ride like before, or whether she needed her passport but Dad has given me an extra cuddle and said that she will be back tomorrow.
Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh

Relaxing Day and More Birthdays.

Just chilling and relaxing. Helped Mum to clean out the Tort's Home which I love doing but something gives me the impression that Mum does not agree - I simply do not understand where she is coming from on that one.

Also, one Of Mum's friend's birthdays today.

Judy is another year older and looking at this picture she looks as though she is great fun.

Happy Birthday Judy

Fabulous Day Today

New discoveries every day and today it is "Pig's Ears"

Mum & dad went out and did some shopping and bought us some prezzies back including these and they were absolutely gorgeous. I even stood up to Jasper when he had eaten his and tried to take mine off me. We all thoroughly enjoyed them.

Mum also keeping reminding us that we are going on a COL walk next Sunday and this means that I will meet up with my old Foster Carer Sharon and her family - I simply can't wait and hope that they can see a big difference in me - and all good I hope.

It is also my Uncle Martyn's birthday today. I have not met him yet, but Mum says that he is her big brother and very nice. I look forward to meeting him someday.

Happy Birthday Uncle Martyn

Remembering 9/11

God Bless to all those who died and to those who lost loved ones and are still suffering today.

We must not forget

Me & Mum Against the World

Or that's my story at least.

I just couldn't resist this very tempting bit of carpet in the hall. You know the bit I mean - where the bottom stair meets the hall carpet. There was a very tempting corner bit which, with just a little teasing and nibbling, lifted beautifully.

After a bit of chewing and some shredding Mum popped it back down but basically it's k******d.

Mum is thrilled to bits though obviously playing the distressed home owner in front of Dad. Basically it means that she is going to get her hard flooring for the hall sooner rather than later.

We are now just planning where to "work on " next.

Getting Better

Well I am getting in to the swing of the work days.

Mum & Dad have explained that they have to go to work but they only leave us for a maximum of 3 and half hours. My Brothers and me have a great time. We sit around, relaxing, playing, discussing the world's problems and chewing "the cud" or should that be - the carpet.....

Yes, I am still rather fond of the odd nibble but I am getting better. The trouble is, these tempting morsels keep slipping into my mouth and honestly, what can a youngster do then..... but have a nibble.

Oh Dear I'm in Trouble!!

Well, Mum & Dad went to work today and my and my brothers thought that the carpet on the stairs needed a little attention. I didn't know that I wasn't suppose to touch it and Toby & Jasper certainly didn't stop me.

In fact, if anything, they encouraged me. Ever get the feeling that I've been set up.

She's Home!!!!!

What a relief.

Dad disappeared earlier this evening and came back with Mum. She had a couple of bags with he. She was pleased to see us all but not half as pleased we were all to see her.
Apparently she had been on an aeroplane (beyond my knowledge) to Scotland - which says we would all love and stayed in a place called Stonehaven that sounds absolutely wonderful.
She was there with Ken and they were working on the WLSInfo Charity's new website. They were visiting Bob, Liz & Ewan at WebIntergration the website developers and hosters and apparently had a great time and got quite a lot of work done.

Sounds like they ate well also. Stonehaven was beautiful and I would certainly fancy a run around that harbour and dip my paws in the sea.

Still No Sign of Her

She has still now come back. I am really missing her....

However, the one bonus is that I am spending some quality "boys" time together with my brothers and our Dad. This is really cool, but I am missing my Mum...

In case anyone has seen her, this is what she looks like

Where's My Mum Gone??

In a real panic. Lost my Mum and can't find her anywhere.
She went out with Dad but he came back and she didn't. Toby & Jasper keep saying something about work and flying but I haven't got a clue what they are talking about.

All I know is that Mum is no where to be found.......

My Monthly Anniversary

Today I have been with my Mum & Dad and my new family in my forever home for 4 weeks today.
This has been the bestest 4 weeks of my life and I am just soooo happy that I can't tell you. I still jump out of my skin at the slightest thing but I get food twice a day, lots of walks, brilliant company with my new family and lots and lots of love.
I love my new home & family.

Post Hairdressers - Looking Rather Smart Me Thinks!!

Well, I survived the hairdresser. Vicky, the Human hairdresser was very nice. She was very patient with me and gave me plenty of reassurance and I even let her use these electric clipper things on me.
What do you think?

Off to the Hairdressers

Not quite sure what is happening this afternoon, but Mum says that we are going to the "hairdressers". All I know is that we are going out in the car (which I love) and Mum says we are meeting someone called Vicky who is very nice.
I will have to let you know. I actually don't think I need a haircut - what do you think?

Pssssst! Don't Tell My Vet

I have had just a brilliant time the last couple of days.
When we have gone out for our walk, Mum has let me off the lead for a short run. I have loved this and was literally jumping over Toby. I am going to get Dad to take his camera with us at the weekend and then I will post some pics of us.
Still have to pinch myself that I am now in my forever home. Nearly 3 weeks now!

My Mate Bayley

I think that I am really going to like Bayley. He is good fun and lets me share his Curly Kale with him. I wasn't so sure of the oranges, but enjoyed the bit of carrot I had. He has a bit of an identity crisis as he believes that he is a dog and acts like one of us. Not that we mind.
Here is a great picture of my mate....... He is very handsome.

Super Laid Back & Cool Dobbit

Repeat Performance & Visit to the Vet Man

Mum went out to collect a parcel this morning and again I just couldn't resist. It is amazing how much paper you can rip up in just 20 minutes!!!! I really don't understand why Mum was so upset with me. I am only trying to show her how artistic I am.
This afternoon we went back to the vets to have my stitches out of my leg. The vet Human said that I was doing very well and was pleased with my progress. He also said that I was a very good boy for not touching my stitches. My head grew a bit with pride then.
My leg feels better now the stitches are out. Much more free but I still have to take it easy - still short walks on a lead. I can't wait until I am free to run and run and run.

Dad's New Toy

Just wondering if anyone can tell what new toy my Dad has bought recently.
Mind you, I do think that it makes me, Toby & Jasper look rather handsome.
What do you think?

Think I Have Blown It.........!!!!

Well Mum & Dad went out this morning, just for a couple of hours and they left me and my brothers downstairs but I was not in my cage. We had great fun whilst they were out. Well I say we, but to be honest it was me.
Toby kept telling me not to, but I just couldn't resist.
You see, in the lounge there is this lovely table with lots of interesting shelves and containers on it. On the shelves are all sorts of things including lots of books and magazines.
Well, I don't think that I need to say much more than..............well, the number of magazines is not greatly reduced!!!!!
I thought that the pattern the bits of paper made on the carpet was very pretty, but Mum & Dad were NOT impressed. Perhaps I shouldn't try that one again.

One Week Post Op

Well, I have survived my first week after my operation. It is very frustrating as I want to go, go, go but my leg and my Humans are saying "no, no, no". I have managed to escape the downstairs a couple of times and checked out upstairs - still there!!
I had a really nice brush this morning along with Toby & Jasper. What a lot of hair came out of us. I decided that I fancied a taste of this which Mum wasn't very pleased about.
Last night we boys had an exciting evening. Our Humans went out for the evening to see some film called The Dark Knight which they thoroughly enjoyed. They left us downstairs but me out of my cage. We partied and I managed to chew two rush coasters which Mum & Dad were not too chuffed about when they came home.
Not off to the vets until nest Monday to have my stitches removed - they are still irritating me but I am trying to resist the desire to chew them out. My courage is gaining and I am enjoying the various treats that my Humans give me and my brothers and am still trying to get use to the no threat or anger being directed at me. I still get very frightened if I get cornered irrelevant of who this is and as soon as anyone is carrying anything, I think that I am going to get hit. Hopefully this will carry on improving

Will update when I have more news.

Great DayToday

It has been a lovely sunny day and Mum, Dad and Adrian have been around all day. My leg is feeling much more comfortable thought the first stitch is irritating me and I keep getting myself told off for massaging it (aka chewing it)
Mum has taken a photo of me and my leg. I think that the scar is rather fetching and can only help towards pulling the girls in the future. Don't think much to the haircut though!!






We have also been looking at the pool. I have not been too close to it but Toby & Jasper have been enjoying the paddling. Here we are all playing together with our Mum




PS I have at last found my voice. Up until now, no one had heard me do anything other than a little cry. Well I have now remembered how to bark - though I only do it at appropriate moments - well in my eyes anyway!!

Slow Recovery

Well, I am now 2 days post op. Things feel as though they are going well. Still frightened of my own shadow but the leg is doing OK. Hoping most places but I am trying to put it down, albeit very gingerly. Now being aloud outside on my own and certainly not upstairs or on any furniture. This is a real bind as I was just getting myself installed but I am trying to understand that this is short term pain for a long term gain.
Uncle Adrian has reappeared again today. Apparently Mum & Dad are out tomorrow so he is pet sitting. I will have to see what mischief I can get up to when he is dozing and looking the other way!

The BIG Operation Day

Not too impressed this morning. No food was put down for any of us. What have I done to them? However, Mum Human says it is for my sake as I am off to the vets for a sleep and an op. Not sure what on earth she is on about but I think that I trust her. So off we went in the car. Mum had to lift me out of the car at the other end and we went off to the vets.
Once inside, we went upstairs in the lift with this lovely veterinary nurse and she gave me a little injection which made me feel all relaxed. Mum popped me inside a nice comfortable cage, next to a lovely looking female Springer who comforted me and Mum went and I drifted off to sleep.............

Some hours later I woke up feeling very sorry for myself. My leg was not sore but uncomfortable and I felt a bit bewildered. the nice nurse human was talking gently to me and said my Mum had phoned and as coming to collect me later.

Around tea time Mum & Dad collected me and made a real fuss of me. They walked me back to the car with me on three legs. I think that I am very clever to manage so quickly on three legs. There was lots of discussion about me doing no walking, jumping, climbing etc and I didn't like the sound of that.

Once home though Mum fed me and I woofed that back. Dad went and fetched this "thing" which I vaguely recognised as a cage - but it was larger than I had seen before. What do you think? Though that is Toby trying it out for size!!

Anyway, they made me a nice comfy bed in it and I slept most of the evening and through the night.....zzzzzzzzz

Off to the Vets

Mum took me to the vets this morning. He was a really nice chap. Very kind and reassuring and gave me a good check over. Said my heart, lungs, eyes etc all A OK. The pretty nurse also weighed me. 11.5kg and that is after over 3 weeks of good feeding!!
He also checked my back legs out. Said that after Mum's description and after examining me, he is confident that I have bilateral luxating patellas
This needs repairing to prevent further problems in the future (especially as I am such a young thing) so I am booked in for tomorrow morning - gulp!!
Please cross all your paws, legs and anything else for me

My First Full Day

After a very restful night with me only frightening myself with my snoring twice during the night, we got up early and went for a walk, had a good breakfast and pootled round the new Kingdom.
It was Uncle Adrian's birthday today so we are going out for lunch for a BBQ and a gossip. An opportunity for me to meet some new people.

Happy Birthday Uncle Adrian

Later on we all went out in the car. Now I love the car, but am not keen on jumping in or out. However, after Mum had lifted me in and we went to this super park, Toby & Jasper encouraged me out telling me what fun we would have if I got out and went round the park with them. I believed them and they were absolutely correct.
Mum & Day had bought me a long training lead and I wore that and it meant that I could run off with my brothers but still remain safe, especially whilst I am so skittish and also learning my new name.
In the afternoon we went to a friend's house Henry. He is a handsome Springer Spaniel and welcomed me into his home. Overall I coped very well but at one stage the neighbour's Cocker Spaniel Charlie and his Humans cornered me behind my Mum and I felt very frightened and had to give a bit of a warning which they listened to and everything was OK. Henry's Mum Mandy was lovely and said I had a beautiful face - what immaculate taste she has!!
I was absolutely exhausted when I got home - a lot of nervous energy expended I think.
Had a great day and I think that these Humans and my animal friends are going to be good to me and I am going to enjoy living here.

My New Home

Well the first few hours have gone well. I think that I have made a hit with my new brothers as they both gave me a Cocker kiss within a few minutes of me arriving home. I particularly feel that Toby may be a real mate for me - I think he loves the way that I sidle up to him and push my body alongside his.
I have an ENORMOUS garden to run round with lots of fascinating smells. I have also met my Uncle Adrian who is another of these Humans and I think he said that he was my Mummy Human's brother. I haven't met so many new people in one go in all my life. The only person that I haven't seen yet is my Human Daddy. Apparently he is in a place called Silverstone, supposedly with a lot of other people, watching cars go round and round and round and round....................!! He eventually materialised at home at 11pm.
Nearly died of shock around tea time. Just had my second meal of the day and had gone outside to perform (as all good doggies do). I was sniffing round a lovely shrub called a Mock Orange (having to educate my Humans about these things)when out popped this mink coloured "thing". Well too be honest, I am not sure who was more shocked. After a second or two, this "thing" bounced away so I followed him up to the house. It was once we got into the glass thing, now I know known as a conservatory, that Mummy Human introduced me to Bayley, my Sooty Fawn Dwarf Lop brother. Well after we had said hello properly, I thought he was great and we are becoming good friends.


And eventually to bed. After a long and very exciting day I am now in my Forever Home and am just soooooooooooooooo happy.

My Journey to My Forever Home

Well I was up early and getting ready for my new home. Brushed my hair and checked I was clean and tidy and packed my bag. Sharon and the boys were anxiously waiting for Pip to arrive, but I was chatting with Remy and thanking her for supporting me and starting my recovery from my awful start in life.
This Human known as Pip arrived about 10am and after completing the paperwork to make them officially my family, I left Remy's home & family for the last time. I had a bag with some food and a frisby in it plus a whistle which presently I am absolutely terrified of! Plus my paperwork and off we went.
I actually managed to walk to my Human's car but had to be lifted in to the cage. I actually quite like a car so enjoyed the journey once we had got going.
When we got to Syston, I escorted my Human Pip into a big building which had lots of lovely doggy smells in it. Lots of people made a fuss of me and I chose a very smart red collar with prints of paws and bones on it. I also chose a smart name tag in red and shaped like a bone. At lease I wont lose my Humans now!
And then we drove home.

What Fab News

Sharon has been on the phone and internet all evening and some of the discussions have been with Kevin, Foster Coordinator and some with Pip. The ultimate outcome is that I'm going to my Forever Home tomorrow morning. Pip & Nigel are going to sort out the x-rays for me and then if I need something doing to my legs they will organise this.
Yeh, yeh, yeh!!!!!

Been to the Vets

My Human Foster Mum Sharon took me to the vets this evening to get my funny back legs checked out. The vet was very nice and I was an extremely good boy - though I was very frightened. People really don't realise how frightening I find the world. Talk about being frightened of your own shadow.

Me, I'm frightened of mine AND everyone else's plus anything else that moves, makes a noise, looks at me in the wrong way or even stays still. I cope with lots of reassurance from my Humans and just taking things very steadily.

Anyway, the vet says that they think my left leg has a problem with the knee cap. This is either an old untreated injury or a congenital thing. Basically my knee cap is slipping out of place. They need to make me sleep and then they are going to take some x-rays of me.

Very interestingly, when we get home my Human Foster Mum gets a phone call and naughty me listens in. It seems as though it is that Pip Human from Sunday. She seems to be asking about me and how I have got on at the Vets. When she is finished on the phone, Sharon explains to me that Pip & Nigel are hoping to adopt me and will take me to my forever home as soon as I have had my x-rays and people know what is wrong with me

I for one have absolutely EVERYTHING crossed

Great Excitement - Lots & Lots of Cockers

Sunday 20th July
Well great excitement. My Human and Remy got me sorted out early today and we all piled into that tin box thing - I think Human Dad calls it a car. Anyway we all piled in and drove for quite a while. I actually like the car. One of the few things that I am not terrified of.
Anyway, we pulled into this beautiful looking park area. We got out and walked from the car park with my mate Remy leading the way. We walked over this little mound and WOW..... cocker spaniels by the load. They were all very friendly and it turned out that the Humans talk to one another on something called the Tinternet - though Remy tells me it is the Internet. My Human Mum sits for ages at this funny thing in the lounge and "talks" to people all about Cocker Spaniels on a particular site called Cockers on Line
We met up with 8 other Spaniels of all ages and their Humans, both big ones and little ones and everyone was very pleased to see me - I felt like a bit of a star!! It turned out that apparently when Sylvia and Bill rescued me from the puppy farm they posted me on their site Many Tears Animal Rescue so I was a bit of a star.
There were two dogs in particular that, along with their Humans, Nigel & Pip seem to pay particular attention to me. Their names were Toby & Jasper and I really liked them. We walked for a long time and the only frustrating thing was that Human Mum kept me on a lead as I don't really know my way and also have this problem with my back legs.
Anyway, after a couple of hours, we were back to the car park and we then made our way home. What a great day and I hope that we can meet up with some of them again. I wonder if Jasper, Toby & their humans will remember me?

Toby, Jasper, Remy & Molly

My Two Weeks in Northamptonshire

12th - 26th July 2008
Well what a fab time I am having. Remy is absolutely great. She was rescued in January and she keeps reassuring me and telling me that I will be OK. I really have a very soft spot for her and she is also a GREAT pillow


At the moment I am just terrified of everything. The humans have some terrifying things - the laundry basket is very threatening and keeps trying to leap on my back, the mop and broom definitely keep trying to catch me and as for those dreadful metal things (I think they are called dog food bowls) - well I give them a wide, wide berth.
The human "Mum" is very kind. She is feeding me regularly and I certainly appreciate that. They are all very loving towards me and take me on lots of outings. This in turn is very difficult for me but I am being brave and gritting my teeth - mainly because they all keep telling me how much better for me it will be.
Here I am on one of my outings - looking rather gorgeous if I do say so myself


To be continued...............

South Wales to Northamptonshire

12th July 2008
Well, what a day. Some humans called Sharon and Michael and their boys came over to Wales to pick me up to take them into their home. They had a rather lovely dog, a black & tan Cocker Spaniel Remy who welcomed me into her home. It was a long journey home but I like the car so enjoyed it.

Once I had had a good nights sleep, my foster human Sharon decided to give me a bath. Well, though it was a shock to the system it was lovely. It was such a relief to get rid of the smells and dirt of "that place"!! However, I think that these humans were a little shocked about how I looked, especially when wet.

What do you think?

After an Intital Bath & Groom


Think the Dieting Has Gone Too Far!!

Escape to Freedom

6th July 2008
Well, I have made my break for freedom. I have arrived at Many Tears Animal Rescue centre in South Wales today having spent my life so far in a puppy farm where I was a stud boy.
Perhaps I should take a step back and introduce myself.
I did not have a name for the first two years of my life and existed at this farm, meeting some lovely girls but not really enjoying life. My life was very limited, in uncomfortable circumstances and with no real excercise or love.
I then left the farm and moved to Many Tears. Here I was named "Nobby" and lavished with attention, love and food. Boy was I hungry.They whizzed me off to their vet and I had a check over and a brief sleep and when I woke up, there were two things missing from between my legs!! But I didn't mind. People spoke to me, loved me and took photos of me
What do you think? This is my best side and I am trying to look very cute but actually I am absolutely terrified.
Can you see my legs quivering?




All this was really rather traumatic.
Anyway, as it turned out, I wasn't to be at the Centre for long as Sharon, a Foster Parent, came forward and offered me a foster home with her family and her beautiful black & tan spaniel Remi.
So on Saturday 12th July 2008 I left South Wales and moved to Northamptonshire. More excitement for me to try and cope with.

To be continued..................