Wiggle - Day 170

In keeping with Wiggle's current getting-ready-for-Christmas theme, here's the handsome chap himself in his special Christmas collar:














It's not near enough to Christmas yet for Wiggle to wear his new collar, but I thought I would give followers of his blog a preview.

The very talented and lovely Laura Elricc on The Refuge forum made Wiggle's collar. If you'd like a special collar for your own dog, please do have a look on the forum in the Fundraising section.

Wiggle - Day 169

Wiggle and Sir H have been preparing for the Christmas festivities and trying out their antlers:













Wiggle has flashing lights on his antlers while Sir H has bells on his.



Today I found out some very sad news about one of my foster dogs from a couple of years ago. Tess came to stay here during the summer in 2006 after she was given up. She too had a skin condition and was on the same Atopica treatment that Wiggle currently has. Tess responded well to the drugs and came off them about a year ago.

It was an absolute pleasure having Tess here to stay - she loved Poppy and Bumpy (who are also sadly no longer with me) and was the most perfect houseguest I could have wished for. I cried my eyes out the day I took Tess to meet Amanda, our volunteer who was to take Tess to her new home.

Sadly, after a short and sudden illness, Tess passed away 2 months ago, aged 6 years.

Sleep well, lovely girl.

Wiggle - Day 168

We've had a very cold but bright day here today so this afternoon we took a walk up at Maude Heath. The cows were in the fields we normally walk in so we walked the other side, up towards the Maude Heath monument.

Wiggle did some running around:

































Meanwhile, Sir H watched Wiggle:






















Wiggle was happy when he found a stick











Later in our walk, Wiggle was delighted when he found something stinky to roll in however I got my revenge my bathing him when we got home!

Wiggle - Day 166

We're home after a brilliant weekend in the Lake District. The cottage was lovely, very cozy with a wood burning stove. The weather was kind to us with bright sunshine and frosty mornings. Both Wiggle and Sir H have had a great time, with lovely walks and cozy evenings.

We left our cottage at Ennerdale this morning and called in at our friend Marion's again. Snow had fallen in Keswick so instead of the walk she had planned, we went to Thirlmere for a walk along the shore of the lake.

Archie, lead the way, being a veteran of the walk but Wiggle was never far behind. All the dogs had a little paddle in the water, which must have been very cold judging by the ice at the edges!

It was so cold, water running down the fellside had frozen!














Wiggle & Sir H in the water:











George went for a paddle:










Wiggle was happy to find another big stick












Both boys are fast asleep after their busy weekend. We all thoroughly enjoyed the Lakes and will definitely be going back again!

Wiggle - Day 165

Sunday morning was another cold start for us up in the Lakes, but that didn't stop Wiggle enjoying a lovely walk at Wast Water, a very beautiful lake.











Wiggle had fun exploring on the rocky lakeside
























After a couple of hours walking, time for a rest and enjoy the view

Wiggle - Day 164

Saturday morning we woke up to a heavy frost. After breakfast for the boys and coffee for me, we went for a walk in the grounds of the cottage - 30 acres for us to explore! Only a short walk for Sir H though as he's not so keen on going far these days












After leaving Sir H sleeping in the cottage, Wiggle and I went exploring in the local area, stopping at Ennerdale Water.

Wiggle at the Weir:











The view across the lake:











Despite the water being freezing cold, Wiggle still wanted to paddle!











Wiggle found himself a stick














And carried it for the rest of the walk!



























After stopping at the cottage to check on Sir H and warm up, we were back out again, this time on to St Bees. I don't know if Wiggle has been to the beach before, but it's the first time I've taken it and he enjoyed himself. Then again, he's always happy when he's out and about and has a tennis ball!






















We went back to the cottage and as it was still bright and sunny, went for a walk around the farm. The cottage has 30 acres which guests can walk in.











The River Ehen flows through the land so being good at finding water, Wiggle and Sir H headed for the river where Wiggle found himself a nice stick











While Sir H went for a wallow

Wiggle - Day 163

Wiggle and Sir H met up with our friend Marion and her boys, George and Archie as we stopped off at their place in Keswick on our way to our cottage. As we got there nice and early, we took all 4 boys for a walk through the woods and down to Derwent Water.

Archie:












George:











Wiggle goes exploring:











Wiggle & Archie:













After getting settled in the cottage, Wiggle was worn out and slept in front of the fire:










While Sir H pulled some strange faces in his sleep!