DogBlog

A year on . . .

2012-01-15T13:54:00.000Z

Today is a cold day, and I dug up a pair of old woolen mittens. When I put them on I noticed a hole in them. A little bite mark. It reminded me of how Tess loved to pinch my mittens to play with.
The memory of my beautiful Tess is as vivid as ever, in my mind's eye I see her everywhere, and I miss her so much. Life has continued, but it has been difficult. We have taken it one day at the time, hoping that time would eventually numb the pain. Our consolation is that Tess had a good and happy life, she enjoyed it to the full, and she gave us so much joy. The days with Tess were happy days.

Goodbye Dear Tess

2011-01-15T16:56:00.001Z

Tess, 12.2.1998 - 15.1.2011

2011-01-13T04:19:00.000Z

Yesterday we took Tess to the vet's, who told us that there is nothing more that can be done. Keep her on the steroids, antibiotics and painkillers, and bring her back next Wednesday, although she did not expect her to last until then.
Tess is comfortable, constantly hungry (steroids do that), but needs to go outside to relieve herself every two to three hours. We now take turns, and stay with her all day and all night.

Christmas Eve

2010-12-25T13:30:00.001Z

Are any of these for me? I think I can smell a dog treat.

He is serving up the creamy dessert. I'll have some of that too, please.

2010-12-23T16:09:00.000Z

Christmas Countdown

2010-12-23T16:07:00.000Z

I am told that in Iceland there are thirteen naughty Christmas trolls, called Jólasveinar. They used to be bad, but have turned nice, started dressing like Santa, and nowadays they put gifts in shoes which Icelandic kids put in their window every evening for the last 13 days before Christmas. In our half-Icelandic household the dog gets a treat wrapped in fancy paper every night after dinner. I enjoy that tradition, and know where to look.

It's been snowing

2010-12-04T15:48:00.000Z

I have always been a cold weather dog, so I like this. The human members of my family don't agree, they keep wishing it would go away.

Pills

2010-11-26T07:07:00.000Z

We saw the vet again yesterday. I trembled like a leaf while we were in the waiting room, and to make it even worse this big collie came. I have never liked collies. The vet checked me over and gave me new pills. Pills mean bigger dinners (to hide them in) or even pieces of cheese to disguise them. Not too bad.

New pictures

2010-11-20T15:11:00.000Z

This is me this afternoon, telling them to take me out for a walk and I always get what I ask for.

Happy and relaxed, until it is time for my next dinner.

I am beautiful.

Tearing up empty cereal boxes is one of my favourite occupations. I always get a box of some sort after my dinner, with a treat inside. Mom thinks that working on a cardboard box is good for cleaning my teeth and gums.

Autumn. This would have been a good photo for a Halloween card. Scary.

Feeling better

2010-11-15T07:33:00.000Z

They thought my end was near last Thursday when I suddenly became very ill. I was very hot and restless and would not even eat, and that means I am not myself at all. I was carried out to the car and rushed to see the vet, who poked a thermometer up my behind and gave me a couple of jabs. A few hours later I was able to eat a bit of chicken and yesterday I felt as if nothing had happened. They are shattered, however, and I get every treat I ask for.

After dinner

2010-10-11T08:19:00.000+01:00

When I have had my evening meal (never after breakfast or lunch) I get a sudden burst of energy. When I was young I would run madly about the house and garden, challenging them to a ball game or a tug-of-war, or I would fiercely attack a toy and rip it to shreds. Nowadays I still feel the urge to have a little game when I am full and happy.

Are you talking to me?

2010-10-04T22:03:00.000+01:00

Here I am, feeling good, enjoying the autumn. Cooler days have always suited me best.

Me in the sea!

2010-09-14T15:58:00.000+01:00

I am as good as new, and today we went for a little walk by the Clyde.

Ahhhhh

2010-09-14T15:53:00.000+01:00

The vet told them to rub the scar on my belly with baby oil to help it heal nicely. That is soooo nice.

The Check-up

2010-09-11T10:25:00.000+01:00

The problem is never knowing where you will end up when you are taken along for a car ride. Often it is a nice place, like the riverside, a park or even an interesting car park with lots of smells. Yesterday I found myself at the vet´s again. She poked me and checked me all over, weighed me and told them what I know, that I am well healed and fine, but also that I am now too fat. Then she gave me a biscuit, which I refused to accept until we were on the pavement outside.

Recovery

2010-08-27T21:59:00.000+01:00

This afternoon we went for a little trip and I enjoyed the fresh air. They thought I deserved a treat after the morning's ordeal at the vets. They put me on my side and held me down - and removed the stitches from my belly. Now I do not need the big lampshade collar any more. I can lick myself again!

The Big Collar

2010-08-20T08:02:00.000+01:00

Look what they are making me wear. I do not like this big collar at all. They say I bit off half of the drain the vet left in my wound - well, there was this bit hanging out of me, I did give it a good tug when they were not looking.

Feeling a bit poorly

2010-08-18T04:13:00.000+01:00

4 am, morning after my op. What is "mom" doing up just sitting there, watching me? Handy, because if I moan, there is a cuddle and even a biscuit, cause my appetite is back. Well, it never went away, because the first thing they did when I woke up at the doggie "hospital" yesterday was to eat a meal they offered me. A dog is not allowed to go home until it has eaten something. Then I had a good dinner at home, and a snack later. How about a little early breakfast, now?

Back home

2010-08-17T16:56:00.000+01:00

A very drowsy Tess is back home, with a big scar on her belly. The vet said the operation went well.

2010-08-16T23:58:00.000+01:00

Thank you all for your good wishes. We are really worried, but this op is the only alternative. It is risky, considering Tess' age.
This evening and tomorrow morning Tess must not be fed. That is an ordeal, because food is so very important to her.

Went to see the vet - again

2010-08-16T11:35:00.000+01:00

Fortunately I do not know it, but my tumour is to be removed tomorrow. I know my friends will be thinking of me.

Today

2010-08-08T17:39:00.000+01:00

An old, wise dog seeks the shade on a sunny day. When I was younger I just sat in the sun and suffered.

A siesta on the sofa. That plaster is a nuisance. I take them off so fast that they go through a pack a day.

Why am I wearing a "bra"?

2010-08-04T15:37:00.000+01:00

That nasty tumour I have is acting up again. It is pills for breakfast and dinner for me these days, and they keep trying to dress my abscess with plasters - which I have become quite an expert at tearing off immediately. This is the latest: A specially designed "bra" that "mom" has knitted for me. It will be fun to tear that up.

I found a bit of shade

2010-07-24T19:29:00.000+01:00

When the sun is a bit hot on my black coat I look for shade. On top of the flowers? Well, it IS cool here.

OOps!

2010-07-12T08:07:00.000+01:00

Why have they tied a scarf around my belly? Well, I have this growth in one of my mammaries, and it has become infected again. There have pink pills in my dinner lately, not that I notice, I swallow everything they put in by bowl, and there has been a lot of fuss about keeping my underside clean. All part of being an old dog, I suppose.

Good Morning!

2010-06-23T08:07:00.001+01:00

This is me just coming back from my early morning sniff around. Now I would like to have a good drink of cold water and a treat, please.

Too hot for a black dog

2010-06-20T14:18:00.000+01:00

There have been too many hot and sunny days. Fortunately we know of a little stream nearby where a dog can cool down. We have been going there a lot.

Waiting for the postman

2010-05-24T17:14:00.001+01:00

I like to sit in front of our house, right at the curb, and watch all the comings and goings in the street. Especially in the mornings, when I can be the first to see the postman approacing, and get to bark and growl a bit before they come running to rescue him.

Too hot

2010-05-20T08:32:00.000+01:00

It is not even summer yet, but I find it too warm these days. I am a cold weather dog.

Old Dog Walking

2010-05-15T14:00:00.000+01:00

Just to tell you that I am still around. Walking is not as easy as it used to be, but I do like my regular outings, even if it is only for a sniff. My main passion in life has not diminished with age. Food. I always know when and where there might be a treat to be had, and I start whining for my meals half an hour before they are due.

First swim of the year

2010-04-11T08:30:00.000+01:00

Suddenly it is warm again, and we all went for a little woodland walk, where it is cool and there is a stream for a dog to have a swim.

I got my fancy new collar wet. So what!

I like this place. I think mr Fox may live around here.

Old dog chases cat

2010-03-29T13:50:00.001+01:00

Early this morning, as we came out of the back door, I saw the neighbours' cat lurking under a hedge, and up to no good as usual. I chased it away, but that was all I could manage. My walk had to be cut short, and I have spent the rest of the morning resting.

My days

2010-03-14T12:42:00.000Z

Sunday afternoon. Did I hear someone say something about "going" ??? That is a word I understand well. I also know the difference between "car" (nice, we are going somewhere) and "cat" (grrrrrrr), and "is Tess hungry?" is the best of all, because that means it is dinner time.

After my dinner I always feel playful.

The fine art of moaning

2010-03-09T15:52:00.001Z

I find that moaning can be an effective way to get extra treats, and I have got it down to a fine art. My dinner is alway served first, before they sit down to theirs. I gobble mine up and then I crawl under the table and start my moaning. This irritates them no end - so much that the occasional piece of meat, fish or potato gets handed to me, to quiet me down. It is a great method.

My funny ways

2010-02-25T08:52:00.001Z

We are getting ready to go out, but I manged to grab mom's woollen hat and will not let go of it. Just teasing her.

This is how I relax best in the evening. Upside down on the old sofa.

2010-02-19T08:47:00.000Z

I also got this lovely soft blanket for my birthday.

Celebrations!

2010-02-13T15:56:00.000Z

Birthday cake!!!!!

I got a posh collar and lead.

Diamond studded, of course.

Same place, same dog, ten years apart. Left, Feb. 12 2000: Right. Feb 12 2010.

2010-02-12T17:00:00.004Z

Birthday Portrait

2010-02-12T12:45:00.000Z

This is my official birthday portrait. After our outing there will be some more, as "mom" has two cameras now.

Tomorrow

2010-02-11T15:40:00.000Z

Tomorrow is the 12th of February. My Birthday! I will be 12 years old. I think they have something planned. I think we may go to the beach, and I think there may be roast chicken for dinner.

Ah, the Sun

2010-02-11T15:38:00.001Z

It is freezing cold so a dog needs to be well wrapped up to enjoy the sun.

I cannot jump onto the sofa so easily any more. Will someone help me here, please!

The watering can

2010-02-03T16:44:00.000Z

Why do I prefer drinking from the watering can to my own waterbowl? Because I think the water tastes better outside.

Booster

2010-01-28T15:26:00.000Z

I have just been to see the vet for my annual booster and health check. I also had my toenails clipped and my ears cleaned. I am in a pretty good shape now, for my age.

Smelly? Me?

2010-01-18T15:55:00.000Z

I smell GOOD. I smell of dog. Why ruin it by washing me with perfumed shampoo.

A good shake.

A frozen stick

2010-01-09T11:20:00.000Z

This is an interesting project. Pulling a frozen stick out of the ground. I got it, but unfortunately it was bramble. Ouch.

It is cold

2010-01-04T17:28:00.000Z

Day after day now, it is freezing cold. I go out all wrapped up in my nice, warm coat.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T15:48:00.000Z

Looking forward to the new year.

Shopping

2009-12-29T16:31:00.000Z

There should always be lots of food in the house for the dog, so we visited my favourite shop today.

This Year's Christmas Toy

2009-12-27T08:31:00.001Z

It did not take me long to tear this one up. Good fun.

Christmas Fun

2009-12-25T10:56:00.001Z

I pinched the Santa hat.

A present for me!

We are having a very white Christmas this year.

2009-12-23T12:54:00.002Z

Christmas again?

2009-12-17T23:20:00.000Z

I am a dog who loves Christmas presents. It made me very happy to see this "tree" had re-appeared in the living room, and I went straight to it, wagging my tail exitedly, because I knew there would be something for me under it. I was not disappointed, there was a treat, wrapped in paper for me to tear. I will look for one every day.

Yummy treat.

Yes, that is my tongue. This sometimes happens when I am a sleep and dreaming of a nice dinner.

I'm so Pretty ...

2009-12-14T22:40:00.001Z

Going grey? Not me!

Stop using that flash in my face!

I'll bite you!

Dog toys are not what they used to be. When I was young I would have been able to shred that in minutes.

Me, on my sofa. It has been a good day.

Who barked at Santa?

2009-12-04T11:20:00.000Z

Well, it was me. What was he doing in our street, anyway, wish all those "elves" running around collecting money from us and our neighbours?

Sunday Outing

2009-11-08T15:35:00.000Z

We went for a drive and a walk, where we used to go often when I was younger. My walk was a little shorter now, and I did not jump into the stream or pinch any balls from other dogs there, but it was great fun anyway.

This is me wagging my tail and barking with joy.

A tired dog on her way home for a rest.

Greetings!

2009-11-06T16:27:00.000Z

Hello to all my friends out there. I am just back from a walk and now I am waiting for my dinner. I know that a big helping of chicken legs has been boiled today, especially for me, and is waiting to be de-boned. I do enjoy my food.

Happy Days

2009-10-17T10:38:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, in the sun My wound has now healed and I feel great. I have them well trained now, so I get anything I ask for. I am their miracle dog.

This morning

2009-10-14T08:47:00.002+01:00

I am just back from my little morning walk. While I was not feeling good, I was reluctant to walk, and had to be tempted with treats. I have now learned to use this in my favour. I stop and refuse to move until the bag appears. I need one to leave the house, another to go out the gate, and one to start walking. I get one for doing my business, and one more for turning back to go home. Sometimes I stop and refuse to move, preferably in the middle of crossing the street. Then I must have one at the gate and another to cross the threshold to go back inside. If they had not started using tiny weight control dog food morsels, I would be a very fat dog now.

Last year

2009-10-14T08:39:00.000+01:00

This picture was in mom's old camera, and was taken almost exactly a year ago. I miss swimming.

What is that lovely smell?

2009-10-06T16:35:00.001+01:00

Breathe deep, enjoy the delicious aroma in the air. Where are we? Just down from the bakery? That explains it.

Pyjama Dog

2009-10-02T15:51:00.003+01:00

When we grow old things will start to go wrong, and I seem to have developed a bit of a tumour in one of my mammaries. Unfortunately this has now burst through the skin, and the vet told them I was not to lick it. They have tried everything. First, an old t-shirt. I got that off very fast. Then mom bought a blue size 10 tank top, and sewed straps on it to tie around my neck.

This is me, just after they put me into it. Five minutes later I was free. I just rolled on my back and wiggled like a worm. I wonder what they will try next!

The Vet

2009-09-30T08:08:00.002+01:00

I have been to see the vet a lot lately, which I do not like at all. Mom and dad look worried, and I get a little pills wrapped in cheese twice a day. I love cheese more than anything. Fortunately worry is something we dogs never do.

McDog

2009-09-20T16:13:00.003+01:00

Super day. We were doing errands, first the RSPB shop to buy food for the birds (mini walk for me included), then the DIY shop - (another mini walk for me behind the car park) - and then guess what! McDonalds. We all had burgers and chips and ate them in the car. Me too!!! I love it!

Grr grrr wooof wooof!!!!!!!

2009-09-14T06:57:00.002+01:00

Barking at shadows? Me? No, I saw something move in the garden. Six am? So what. GRRRRRRRRR WOOOOOOF WOOOOOF!!!!!

Here I am, Again

2009-09-13T13:34:00.002+01:00

We have had a few strange weeks. First I got sick, and for three days I needed to go outside every three minutes or so. They took me to see the vet, and I got jabs and pills, and everybody was very worried about me for a while. When I got better it was "mom´s" turn. She started spending a lot of time lying down, and then she disappeared. I missed her a lot, and kept "dad" on his toes, some mornings even demanding my morning walk and breakfast at 6am. She has now reappeared, smelling of disinfectant. She is getting stronger now, "dad" still takes me for all my walks, but hopefully things will be back to normal soon.

In My Dreams

2009-08-18T14:44:00.003+01:00

My running days are over. Just walking is hard for me now. But when I sleep I can run. I chase cats and squirrels and I fetch sticks and balls. I bark and I yelp and I play puppy games. Mom and dad smile when they watch their old dog asleep, barking in a low voice with her legs kicking and twitching and her tail wagging. They know there is a good dream going on.

Tess Two-Dinners

2009-08-12T08:46:00.003+01:00

Yesterday mom gave me my dinner, and then went upstairs for a rest. Dad did not know she had fed me, so he also gave me a dinner. I enjoyed that very much, but now they call me "Tess Two-Dinners."

Still going strong

2009-08-02T22:01:00.002+01:00

A year ago today I was in the animal hospital, having an operation. I do not remember it, but mom and dad do. They never dared hope that I would still be around today. But here I am, out for a stroll this afternoon.

Treats

2009-08-01T08:13:00.003+01:00

When I was a pup and being toilet trained, treats were given to me when I performed. Later mom stopped taking treats in her pocket on walks, because she said I forgot all about walking and only thought about the treats. Now, with me getting old and reluctant to go for walks, she has started taking treats with her again. And I remember my puppyhood. Every time I "go to the toilet" I run up to her for my reward.

Hi everyone!

2009-07-26T16:25:00.003+01:00

This is me, in the garden. The sun feels good, and if it gets too hot, I find a place in the shade. I also like rainy days, because then I get rubbed with my towel when we get in from our walk. I just LOVE being rubbed.

The DIY store carpark

2009-07-20T08:25:00.010+01:00

There are interesting smells everywhere. I can smell a rat.

Better get myself back to our car.

This is it. This is our car.

Let me in!

I get lifted into the car these days. My jumping days are over.

Friday July 17, 2009

2009-07-17T07:51:00.001+01:00

I wake up early, and moan until mom gives up and gets dressed. I want my breakfast and my little walk. So what is it is only 5am. This photo was taken 15 min ago. Mom used her mobile phone camera, and transferred the photo to her wireless laptop via bluetooth. She may be getting a little old and worn out, but she still loves her gadgets.

July 16, 2009

2009-07-16T14:24:00.003+01:00

This is me today. Sitting in the sun and waiting for my next meal. Food is extremely important to me.

Message from Tess

2009-07-15T08:11:00.001+01:00

Hello everyone. I am still around. Not getting any younger, but enjoying life. I still get my three (mini) walks every day, and really like accompanying mom and dad when they go somewhere in the car, even if it is only to the shops. There are interesting smells everywhere. The summer is a nice, warm one, which is good for my sore joints, and I spend a lot of time in the garden. When it is very hot I move into the shade under a shrub. There will be new pictures soon.

Why are my teeth so big???

2009-05-04T14:37:00.005+01:00

Scary?

It is me - upside down!

Like this. Not scary at all. Mom just turned the photo around for fun.

In the Wood

2009-05-02T16:35:00.002+01:00

Today was a warm day and I felt very hot sitting in our garden. In the afternoon we went for a little walk in the wood, where it is nice and cool.

In the Car

2009-04-21T22:54:00.004+01:00

I understand a lot of the noises they make. I know that "cat" means there is chasing and barking to be done (although I am not allowed to do that any more) and "car" means that we are going somewhere, and that makes me very happy so I wag my tail wildly. I just love going for an outing in the car. I have the back seat to myself and I always get let out for a sniff or a little walk, even if it is only in the supermarket car park. The world is full of exciting smells. I do not jump in and out of the car any more. I get lifted because my joints are not what they used to be.

2009-04-20T09:35:00.003+01:00

Good morning!

Sunday

2009-04-20T09:23:00.007+01:00

Swimming in a river of gold.

We went to the woods and the river yesterday, but we did not walk there like we used to. We went in the car. I thing they are getting old.

That Collie

2009-04-11T09:14:00.003+01:00

I have no respect for collies. You see them on dog shows, doing all sorts of stupid tricks, even dancing. They doggedly herd sheep, following their masters´ every order. No mind of their own.
When I was a lot younger I had a problem with a certain collie dog that passed our garden every day. With the fence between us we would bark, growl and snarl at each other. Once we met face to face on the path, and as the collie was accompanied by two of its packmates, there was a bit of a fight, and I got accused of having bitten the collie's ear - which I have never admitted to. See: http://tessblogs.blogspot.com/2006/09/collies.html

I have not seen that dog for years now, but this morning, walking peacefully on my lead on the pavement, guess whom we met! Just as frisky and menacing as ever. We both had to be restrained.

This morning

2009-03-23T08:40:00.002Z

Look what someone left on the grassy area next to my path. I decided to retrieve it, but "mom" bribed me with a promise of a biscuit to leave it. I will try again tomorrow, and get another biscuit.

Photo taken this morning with mobile phone.

Waiting for Food

2009-03-18T22:40:00.003Z

Whenever there is action in the kitchen - a meal preparation of some sort - this is where I wait. I can see what is going on, have a good view of my bowl, and be ready as soon as something gets put in it. Sometimes I get stuck, and chairs have to be moved to help me out.

Housework

2009-03-14T10:00:00.002Z

I do not like it at all when they decide to clean our house. There is nowhere for a dog to sit while it is all going on - all the rugs get lifted, and there are strong, unnatural smells of detergents and furniture polish. And the noise from the vacuum cleaner is irritating. This time they even washed all my blankets and my bedding. This is not how a house should smell. It should smell of dog. Of me.

Outside

2009-02-22T13:01:00.002Z

I saw the sun was out today and wanted to sit outside, but it was not nice and warm, it was cold. I only stayed a little while.

Birthday Cake

2009-02-12T21:49:00.001Z

Faster that it took the camera to focus and the flash to go off went Tess' piece of birthday cake.

Happy Birthday Tess!

2009-02-12T16:30:00.002Z

It is my birthday! I am eleven years old. I have had a fine day, there was a bit of cheese sprinked on my breakfast, and I know for a fact that a large chicken has been bought for the whole family for dinner. Unfortunately the weather today is not good enough for a birthday outing, but it can wait a few days.

The Pet Shop

2009-02-11T15:57:00.005Z

Long before we get there I know. I sit up straight, and look out of the car window and I start making little noises. We are going to that place where all the dog food comes from. Great!!!

Dogs are allowed in the shop, and I love to browse. Sometimes I find little nuggets on the floor. I eat everything. Some of it may be meant for cats - or even hamsters, but I don't mind. It is free.

These bones are big. They must be for very big dogs.

Pigs ears, beef jerky, tripe. That sure smells delicious. Let's get some!

The Sun is Back

2009-02-07T22:20:00.002Z

Dear Sun. I love having you shine on me. I am so glad you are back in our favourite room of the house. Please come back often. Every day. We all need your warmth.

More?

2009-02-03T09:52:00.001Z

I know I have just been fed, but may I have some more, please?

Big Waves

2009-02-01T13:54:00.004Z

I am looking for a stick.

Small stick is better than no stick.

Monday

2009-01-26T16:47:00.002Z

We went down to the Clyde, where a lot of dogs go to play on on the beach. I found a ball, but lost it again.

Beach trip

2009-01-18T08:13:00.005Z

We went to the beach yesterday but it was cold and windy so we did not stay long.

There was a footbridge and some steps that I did not like at all.

I'm scared. I want to be carried up those steps.

I had a lot of fun digging a hole.

Feeling Good

2009-01-13T14:45:00.003Z

They took me to see the vet today, who confirmed what I already knew: I am fine. She said she was delighted to see me so well. We have not been there for a while, not since I was discharged after my big operation. I just hope that being so well does not mean that they will now give me fewer treats.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T15:43:00.012Z

The first day of 2009 is freezing cold, but I made them take me for a walk, anyway.
Why are they shouting? Why can't I go for a little swim?

It must be my new coat. They don't want me to get it wet. But I want a swim.

It feels a lot heavier now.

Better get out.

Best wishes for 2009 from Tess and family!

Boxing Day Walk

2008-12-26T16:33:00.003Z

We all felt the need for a bit of fresh air today, so we went and climbed a mountain. No, not really, but it was fun.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T16:05:00.004Z

Just look at that. Presents!

This one is for me.

Tearing the paper is the best fun. And finding biscuits inside.

Look, I got another Christmas cat!

Latest fashion

2008-12-17T23:11:00.002Z

They bought me a coat, and I love it because it keeps me warm and dry. I do look smart, don't I?

Just checking

2008-12-17T23:07:00.002Z

I seem to remember that when this is put up, there are presents to be found under it. Not yet? I'll keep looking.

Bad Dog

2008-12-16T16:48:00.002Z

When I want to be bad, I do naughty things, like pinching the dishtowel. Look, I got it! Chase me!

The Christmas Cat

2008-12-15T07:45:00.003Z

Here I am, a freshly knitted cat. I look good, don't I? But I have a grim fate. Like my predecessors, the annual knitted Christmas cats, I am destined to be Tess' present, and will most likely end up shredded and torn apart before the holiday is over. Which is why I do not look very happy.