FLASH

Some beautiful obedience pictures

2012-01-19T11:37:00.001Z

Shamyla Gascogne took some beautiful pictures of Flash and I doing obedience in training early last year. Doesn't he just look stunning.

Doing well

2012-01-04T11:23:00.001Z

I am looking at Flash now and he is the same dog again he was before he had his back pain. He runs a lot again in the park, loves playing lots, he trots fine again and his facial expressions are much happier again than in a long time. He is also gradually getting better with other dogs again and has been known greeting some nicely over the last few months, something he hasn't done in quite a long time.
He still hops occasionally, but Noel Fitzpatrick did say that will remain due to the damaged disk, but it isn't as pronounced and frequent now as it was and certainly isn't getting any worse.

One or all or some of the remedies I am giving him for his pain is obviously working. It is so good to see Flash well again - finally.

Stuff I am giving him to help:

Vegan glucosamine (seems to help a lot)
Turmeric (only just started)
Devil's Claw (really good as well)
Magnetic Collar (I think this helps too)
Chiropractor every 4 months to keep him straight
He had acupuncture, but not for a while now as it isn't necessary at the moment

I have also given him the CSJ herbs: Steady! to help him mentally as he was getting quite depressed again after Troy dying, Skye arriving and with his back pain. I think this supplement made a huge difference to him! He is certainly much happier again since being on it and I am gradually reducing the dosage now for him.

Little update

2011-10-21T13:47:00.000Z

Flash seems overall pretty happy and well. I have run out of "Get over" herbs and am giving him "Ake" instead, which is pure Devil's Claw. He seems even better on this, so will continue with it.

On Tuesday I noticed that Flash's eye was a bit red and had a sticky discharge. I used herbal eye drops to clean it. However, on Wednesday, the eye much much worse, he kept wiping it with his paws and only opening it half. So I used some drops I got from vet Ian for Jesse and they worked very quickly. The eye looked much better yesterday and is pretty much back to normal today. I will continue for another couple of days, but am happy with the result.

I will book another acupuncture session shortly to make sure that Flash's back remains good.

Much better and chiropractor

2011-09-19T22:59:00.001Z

Since that incident, there haven't been any further incidents with Flash. He is in fact doing much better, and overall seems pretty happy now.

Susan Sargeant had a look at him today as Ian said Flash needed to see a chiropractor. She said that his neck, upper and middle back were tight, but the lower back was good. Flash wasn't worried about the treatment either which is a good sign.

Flash screamed - much better now though

2011-09-02T09:31:00.000Z

Yesterday night at midnight, I suddenly heard Flash screaming and screaming (and then Jesse barking at him). I ran downstairs to see what's happened and Flash was just standing there behind the table, he then went upstairs still screaming. Only after about a minute, he stopped and was rigid and shaking like a leaf. I couldn't calm him down for a while, though he eventually settled and we went to bed.

In the morning, he yelped when he came downstairs and I had to really coax him down. He eventually went for a wee in the garden, but then settled on the floor by the sofa, which he never does! I was really worried, but decided to go to work (we were short staffed - how I hate leaving my dogs in a situation like this) and get feedback from Emily.

At lunch time, he wasn't any better (Emily couldn't get near him)and he yelped when trying to come down the stairs (so he stayed put), but he wasn't any worse either, so I decided to wait for Emily's next feedback. At 4, he was slightly improved (she managed to coax him down and into the garden for a wee) but he then refused going upstairs again and still wasn't happy.

So I went home early from work and took him straight to the vet's. Ian had a good look over from top to bottom and took his temperature. Flash didn't show any sign of pain (but then he never does!!!) and his temperature was normal.
Ian said that the most likely diagnosis is that he put his back out and hurt himself somehow especially with his history. So he put him on Rymadil.

Ian gave him a tablet straight away and by the time we were back home, he was already so much better and looking happier. By 8 pm, he was back to pretty much normal. He isn't allowed to use the stairs (so baby gate is closed) and no exercise again, but I am just glad that he feels better. This experience really, really scared me.

On a better note: both Mark and Ian are absolutely amazed how well Flash's toe is healing. They didn't expect it to work, Ian has done a fabulous job stitching it all back together and perhaps the homeopathic remedies I have been giving Flash have done the rest. He is back to see Ian on Monday for another check up.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FLASH - 7 years old!

2011-08-30T16:19:00.000Z

I can't believe that my scatty boy is already 7 years old! Happy Birthday, my beautiful boy!

Flash had another check on his toe at Mark's this morning and it is looking very good. So Mark was happy to leave the bandage off now and we'll see how it goes. Back for another check up on Thursday.

Flash had an accident - paw injury

2011-08-25T21:29:00.000Z

This morning, Dylan and Flash chased after a fox in the country park. When Flash came back, he had a bleeding paw. It didn't look too bad, we walked home, I washed it off and cleaned and disinfected it. As Flash had a nail bed infection before that wouldn't clear, I thought it best to pop him into Mark's to get some antibiotics.

Mark said that he needed a stitch in there as the wound was quite deep and that he wanted to do an x-ray to check whether there was any damage to the bone.

Well, when I called, I was informed that the wound was much more serious than first expected. Flash somehow managed to cut right in, through ligaments and the nerve. It is so bad that he might lose the toe if it doesn't heal properly.

Poor old Flash! I came home from work early to pick him up from the vets and Flash has been sleeping since then. He did however eat his dinner just now and looks more comfortable. He is due back at the vet's on Saturday to change the dressing.

Flash playing nicely

2011-08-17T21:35:00.000Z

Today, I watched Flash and Skye play nicely together for the first time. Flash didn't dive bomb and mostly lay down playing with Skye and even when standing, he was very nice and gentle with her.

Also, Skye was holding a toy today whilst laying on the sofa. Flash took the very end of it and tugged it gently. After a while Skye let go and Flash walked off with it. It was all so cute and gentle, that I let him get away with it as Skye doesn't seem to mind much either. LOL

I think things are finally falling into place here, especially with Flash. He seems so much happier again, I think his pain is now under control with the CSJ herbs and he is mentally feeling a lot better too! Now where are those herbs for me. :-)

A bit of TTouch with Jacqui and then relaxing

2011-08-13T00:39:00.000Z

Flash is improving!

2011-08-05T11:03:00.000Z

I gave Flash some CSJ Herbs (Get Over! and Calm Down!) to help with his pain and to lift his spirits a bit. And it has really been helping him. When Andrea came to do his acupuncture and massage on Sunday, she commented how much better and happier he looked.

So for now, I shall keep him on the herbs and pain killers aren't necessary. Instead of Calm Down!, I am giving him Steady! as this is more balancing rather than calming down.

We have also met a few dogs (on lead) which Flash first growled at, but then said hello calmly. A couple I had to walk him away from. I think it's just a matter of giving him lots of good experiences with other dogs, so he can learn to say hello nicely again.

For now, Flash is doing much better and I am feeling happier because of it too.

101 things to do with a box

2011-07-26T10:44:00.002Z

Flash having some training fun last night

Flash is still not happy

2011-07-25T10:35:00.002Z

Flash has had two sessions of Bowen therapy and acupuncture and one of chiropractic. Although they definitely make him feel better, it appears that they only release the muscle tension but don't actually address the underlying pain. Releasing the muscle tension is of course important (I know that from myself), but it's not enough for him as he is still uncomfortable, has shortened his stride again (so is more tense again) and just isn't as happy as he should be.

So I am booking him in for another trip to the vet to a) discuss painkilling/anti-inflammatory medication (e.g Tramadol) and b) to re-run his thyroid test as he was borderline last time.

If he has to go on pain medication permanently, then so be it. I want him to be comfortable and enjoy life, not be tense all the time because he is hurting.

More acupuncture and Bowen

2011-07-05T22:37:00.002Z

Andrea was here again for Bowen therapy and acupuncture. Flash looked a little worried through the whole thing today... I am not sure why. Hopefully it will help though to relax him a little more.

Flash at the vet's with major nose bleed

2011-07-03T10:03:00.003Z

I took Flash for a walk in the Country Park yesterday when he suddenly had a major sneezing fit. I called him to me and he arrived with a muzzle full of blood, his legs bloodied and sneezing more blood. I turned round to take him to the vet's, but then he stopped sneezing and seemed fine so I finished the walk. But at home he had a couple more fits so I called the emergency clinic who told me to watch him overnight and take him in in the morning if it doesn't stop.

This morning, all seemed fine and I was relieved, but then he had another two sneezing fits. My house looks like an axe murderer had a go.

Flash is at my vet's right now where they are knocking him out to see what is going on.

***

Flash is home! He had indeed a grass seed up his nose - and a very big seed too, which took Mark apparently a very long time to find. But Flash though a bit wobbly seems very happy, licked my face when he woke up at the vet's and looked at Mark a lot as if to say thank you. :-) I'm so glad that he is fine and I hope this never happens again.

He has recovered very quickly indeed, has had a play with a toy and with Skye and seems very happy indeed. However, Emily is coming over to keep an eye on him when I am at the airport to pick up Marzia just in case.

Some pictures of this afternoon when he came home and later with Marzia. Flash is definitely feeling a lot better. He's been bleeding a little more, but nothing drastic and he is not sneezing anymore. I am so glad this episode is over. Whilst I went to pick up Marzia from City Airport, Emily kept an eye on him to make sure he was ok.

Dylan's birthday party

2011-06-27T12:21:00.000Z

On Saturday, 25th June, Dylan and I celebrated our birthday! Here are some pictures:

The birthday boy

First off-lead run

2011-06-15T12:09:00.003Z

Last night was the first time that Flash was allowed off lead again! And did he enjoy it! He did a few laps of honour just to celebrate it. LOL

His trot is much softer and smoother and the stride longer. He only hopped once, eventhough Noel said the hopping would stay. So perhaps I can use that as a gauge after all to see how he is doing re pain.

And here's a couple of pictures I took in the last few days of Flash in the garden

Acupuncture and Bowen

2011-06-12T01:23:00.001Z

Tonight (well, last night really), Andrea, my acupunture vet, came in to do acupuncture and Bowen therapy on Flash. Flash wasn't too keen on it to start off with, but soon relaxed into it and when Andrea had finished, he settled on the sofa rather than retreat upstairs - which I was really pleased about. In fact, he hasn't moved from the sofa since then and actually slept rather than just settled with eyes open like he has done for the last few weeks.

I think it is going to help him lots. Andrea said that he was extremely tense all over his body especially his neck and tummy, which won't help him with the pain. Hopefully it will also help him destress a bit.

He has been on lead for nearly a month now and will be able to go off lead again next week. He will be over the moon and it will help lots with his mental state too! He gets so depressed when he can't run...

I also took him and Skye to Pets at Home today and then for a nice walk in a new park for a while. They both enjoyed it and it made a change for them.

Here's also some pictures I took last week.

Finally an answer

2011-05-17T21:56:00.000Z

We went to Fitzpatricks Referral today where Noel Fitzpatrick had a good look at him and I'm happy to say that all went well with Flash. He had an MRI as expected. We have good news and bad news. The good news is I finally know now what the problem is and it is not a serious problem (yet), the bad news is it's not treatable (and surgery is not necessary) but only manageable!

Flash simply has back pain like many people have; one of his disks is dry and it bulges when he moves in certain ways so causes him pain as it pushes on his nerves. He also has constant slightly throbing pain, which those of us (like me and... like his vet Noel) with back pains only know too well! He will be on medication for a while (a month) to settle the nerve pain, he will be onlead only for a month (he'll hate that... sorry, Flash) and he won't be able to do full agility anymore only light stuff and NO A-FRAME!!!!! He will also get acupuncture as recommended by Noel too. He will then be on medication only as and when. Hopefully this will make him more comfy and less grumpy. The condition will deteriorate but very slowly and over many years. So it's not brilliant news, but it's much better news than I expected! So I am actually really happy with this and feel a lot better about it. No surgery, no serious unsurmountable problem...

Oh, and Flash has normal thyroid function too, so that's great as well (though still haven't got general test back, but don't expect any problems with that).

So now I can finally go about sorting Flash out with meds first, then acupuncture and probably also chiro every so often to keep his muscles soft and more comfortable.

Update

2011-05-11T14:07:00.000Z

Flash had his blood taken last Thursday, but something happened with the general blood test and we had to go in again this morning - not a problem as Flash is good with giving blood (unlike Jesse). Mark said that the T4 is a little on the low side, TSH is fine, we are now waiting for the rest of the thyroid results as well. So hopefully by tomorrow we have everything.

The appointment with Noel Fitzpatrick had to be moved again (due to my work) and is now next Tuesday, 17th May.

Bloods and thyroid test booked

2011-05-04T10:19:00.002Z

I have booked Flash in for full bloods and a comprehensive thyroid test tomorrow at Mark's! And the appointment with Noel Fitzpatrick is then next week on Thursday.

Another incident

2011-05-03T11:54:00.000Z

Flash went for a rottie this morning, again totally unprovoked! Flash was off lead (which was my fault, I should have kept him on lead until I was fully around the corner like I normally do), walked up to the dog and went for him. As always, Flash was of course muzzled so no damage done, but this is not good. I can't wait to get him checked at Fitzpatrick's and if that shows nothing significant, then I will get Mark to do full blood works and a comprehensive thyroid test... In fact, I will probably get that done either way. Something is wrong with Flash and I need to find out what it is!

Fitzpatrick Referral, lump and aggression

2011-05-01T10:27:00.000Z

I got the lump results on Thursday and it is a lipoma! I am so glad that it's nothing nasty.

I have also booked an appointment at Fitzpatrick's for Friday to check Flash out. I am going to ask them to do a fairly comprehensive check as Flash's aggression is getting worse. He went for two dogs this week that he knew well and that he had no reason to attack at all. So I know that something is wrong!

T-shirt

2011-04-23T10:06:00.004Z

I've put a t-shirt on Flash to stop him from scratching the wound as it seems to be a little itchy now. I also took the plaster off today and the wound looks very clean and tidy.

Lump removed and x-rays done

2011-04-21T18:33:00.000Z

Today was the day when Flash's lump was removed and he had his x-rays done.

Ian thinks that it was a fatty lump, but it was under the muscle so in a bit of strange place. He sent it off for analysis.

The X-rays showed yet again nothing. Ian was kind enough to show and explain them to me. As there is definitely a problem, he will send them to Noel Fitzpatrick to see whether he can see anything more and I guess to decide what to do next.

Flash came through it all well, he is sleeping it all off now, but seems pretty bright and ok.

Flash hopping and lump

2011-04-15T14:28:00.000Z

Today, I took Flash to see Mark since he is still hopping on his right hind at times and I have also discovered a lump on his chest. Mark checked the lump and thinks it is a fatty lump, however, isn't 100% sure as it is a little bit too much attached. So he wants to remove it.

He also can't feel anything worrying about Flash's legs, so wants to take x-rays again and see whether anything has changed since last July's x-rays, then we'll go from there.

I am trying not to worry to much, but it's hard... lumps are always worrying and the leg issue could also be a major issue.

Flash and snow

2010-12-19T21:07:00.001Z

Since Friday we have snow again and Flash is loving it.

Show report

2010-11-17T13:43:00.002Z

And here is Flash's glowing show report! The only reason he got distracted at the end of the round was because a collie started yelping and yapping right by the entrance of the ring.

I am so proud of my boy! What a star he is.

3rd. VERA MARNEY and MY FLASH OF LIGHTNING
LURCHER Dog

I really enjoyed Flash’s work, and Vera handles extremely well and works him at a smart pace. This was definitely an if-only round, because if he hadn’t lost that little bit of attention on the last stretch of heel free, things might have been very different. He’s more than capable of winning this class, so I wish you all the best for next year.

YAY - Finally placed: Flash came 3rd in Beginners!

2010-11-14T23:27:00.000Z

I can't believe it, but we have finally achieved our goal of being placed in an obedience show. We went to Northwest Kent Limit show today. It was a group of over 30 dogs. Flash worked very well, he got distracted a couple of times (windows and a dog yelping), but did a lovely round! And we came 3rd! In fact, the two top ones had a run off, so we actually had the second best result! How chuffed am I and I am so proud of Flash! He's amazing. There are not many salukis with an obedience rosette.

My Graduation Week-end

2010-11-07T15:45:00.000Z

Yesterday, I had my BSc (Canine Behaviour and Training) Graduation at Beverly Minster. Karen, David and I drove up there in two cars as we took all our dogs with us! I thought it was going to be quite stressful, but in actual fact, the boys were all so good and well behaved, it was no problem at all!

Here's a picture of all the boys ready to go in the Travelodge room.

Agility on Sunday

2010-10-26T14:02:00.001Z

On Sunday, 23rd October, I took Flash to agility again and he didn't have the slightest problems with the jumps. That made me really happy as it means no further investigations are necessary at the moment.

Not happy with jumps today

2010-10-17T23:06:00.002Z

Flash and I went agility training today and Flash wasn't keen on doing the jumps. He refused several! I'll see how next Sunday goes, but it looks like he might need further investigation into his hindlegs/back/hips... I did feel over the last couple of weeks that he was hopping more again! I am sure there is something going on there.

Chiswick House Gardens Dog Show Demo

2010-09-28T10:56:00.002Z

Flash, Jesse and I were very excited to be part of the Capable Canines display team at Chiswick House Gardens Dog Show on Sunday.

Flash did his agility so nicely, I am so pleased! 100% concentration each and every time, he never ran off, he enjoyed himself. And he did extremely well in the knock outs too.

Jesse did a rally-o demo which he naturally did very well being a competitive obedience dog. It was actually very enjoyable for me too.

Then Jesse and I did our heelwork to music routine to "Like a Prayer" by Madonna. We had been practicing in the park and at home, but I was very nervous never having done anything like it before. But surprisingly it went very well, the crowd seemed to like it and the feedback was good!
It would be nice to set up a heelwork to music group at WTDT... we'll see.

Here's some pictures of Flash taken by Matt Bishop.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2010-08-30T17:40:00.001Z

I can't believe that Flash is already 6 years old today! And he's finally grown up a little! LOL I love this dog to bits, he is so very special.

KCGC Bronze Award

2010-08-03T22:20:00.003Z

Today, Flash and I took the KCGC Bronze Award and we passed it with flying colours! What a good boy Flash is - eventhough he did the slowest recall ever! LOL

Flash x-rays

2010-07-19T13:59:00.001Z

Flash had x-rays on Friday, 16th July, as he is still hopping. The x-rays showed nothing as expected. When Ian checked his back, hips and legs on Friday, Flash was extremely flexible, didn't seem worried about anything. Although I still think that there is probably something there, I will just monitor things for now. He doesn't hop quite so bad anymore, perhaps some more chiro might do the trick.

Flash and I went to agility yesterday, Flash did ok apart from running off twice... but I didn't have any treats with me, so I knew that would happen. He is so naughty.

Titre and hopping

2010-06-18T08:27:00.003Z

Flash had the lepto vaccine and a titre test on 9th June. The titre test was the fourth one and I am pleased that yet again, he showed as fully covered!

I have noticed over the last few weeks that Flash has been hopping more on walks when changing speeds and now even when just trotting or walking. He also seems to walk more than run or trot. Mark checked his hind right and his back and couldn't feel anything wrong, so he asked me to see chiropractor so he will be tagging along on Tuesday too with Dylan to see Susan.

Titre

2010-06-18T08:27:00.000Z

Flash had the lepto vaccine and a titre test on 9th June. The titre test was the fourth one and I am pleased that yet again, he showed as fully covered!

Bite

2010-06-04T09:34:00.003Z

Flash got bitten by another dog on Sunday. He went to approach the staffie bitch in a friendly manner. Once he was next to her, she went for Flash. She only caught his thigh and caused a wound of the size of a penny. I didn't take him to the vets and it is healing nicely.
I did call out that the staffie had just bitten my dog, but no owner appeared.

Luckily Flash doesn't seem worse for wear and met another two staffie crosses afterwards and was nice to them.

I have tried to keep a plaster on the wound, but it keeps coming off. So I leave it open now and Flash isnt't bothering it too much.

Snow, snow and more snow

2010-01-16T21:10:00.001Z

Yes, we were having a proper winter for about 2 weeks! It was magic in the Country Park. Here some pictures towards the end of this period (not as much snow anymore) on 10th January.

Hole in the leg

2009-12-15T13:09:00.004Z

Last night, I suddenly saw that Flash had actually been injured by the fox yesterday. He has a gap in the skin of the size a little smaller than a 5-penny coin! I was in two minds of whether to take Flash to the vet for stitches, but have decided against it hoping it will heal on its own. I am watching it very closely though just in case an infection sets in.

Fox in the park

2009-12-14T10:34:00.002Z

This morning, Dylan and Flash disappeared into the distance on the playing field. As it was of course dark, I couldn't see what they were after, but after a while I could hear fox noises. I went up to where they were and sure enough, there was a terrified fox being "attacked" by Dylan and Flash. Of course, Dylan and Flash are muzzled, so couldn't physically hurt the fox, but the fox was exhausted by the time I got to them. I pulled the boys away from the fox and I hope he is ok. He looked quite young...

Oh, and here's a picture of Flash not hunting, on 22nd November.

Stitches out

2009-11-14T19:28:00.000Z

I took Flash's stitches out on Tuesday morning as all has healed well. The scar actually looks better than before and he seems fine now. Let's hope it stays this way.

Healing well

2009-11-02T09:03:00.002Z

Flash has about four stitches this time round, but the wound is only about half the length of the original one which is good. I change the bandage once a day after the walk (as it gets wet) and it is looking good.

I can't believe this... scar split!

2009-10-28T15:56:00.003Z

This morning I came home from Troy's walk, when Flash - as usual - jumped a few steps up the stairs to turn round and howl at me. Only this time he didn't howl but screamed and screamed! When I looked he had blook dripping from his foot. He'd somehow managed to split the wound from the dewclaw removal!

So off we went to see Mark first thing in the morning... who also wondered how it happened particularly as it looked fine before and Flash had been doing agility and daily walks in the grass and woods. I appologised to Mark to drop in so unexpectedly, and that I just don't seem to be able to keep away! Ha ha...

Cornel is picking Flash up this afternoon (luckily it is Wednesday when he is on the early shift). So another two weeks of being really careful now! What a disaster. Poor Flash.

All fine now

2009-10-22T09:11:00.002Z

Everything is healed fine now, no more redness, no more licking, it's looking good! The hair is growing back too.

Bandages off

2009-10-15T09:28:00.003Z

Yesterday, I took the bandages off. It is looking good. There is one side though that Flash keeps licking, so this morning I put a bandage on that one to stop him doing that. The other side looks perfect. Hopefully within a couple of days, the bandage can stay off for good.

Mark just smiled yesterday when I told him that I took the stitches out on Sunday... you're not supposed to take them out yourself, but it wasn't a problem, so I did it! LOL

Here's some pictures taken on 8th October with his pink bandages on. LOL

Stitches out

2009-10-12T13:09:00.002Z

Yesterday, I took the stitches out. One side looks perfect, the other side (where the infected claw was) is still weeping a bit. If it's still like that, I will take him to the vet on Wednesday when Jesse is due anyway for another shot of antibiotics.

Flash wasn't too pleased that he didn't have a walk over the last couple of days because I wanted to keep the wound dry and no stretching from running etc. I'll see what it looks like tonight and might then take them out tomorrow morning. (I haven't walked the others either as I didn't want to upset Flash even more watching them going out and he can't).

Flash doing well

2009-10-05T10:49:00.003Z

On Friday, we went back to see vet Ian who checked the wounds and was very happy with the healing progress.

I kept Flash (and the others) in since Thursday so the wound could heal well. Flash doesn't worry the bandages at all so doesn't seem in pain or even discomfort. So this morning, they were good for a walk. Everyone loved it, Flash did a lot of running and was fine afterwards.

I will be taking the bandages off tonight to check and rebandage. I hope all is well. Flash keeps taking the antibiotics and the homeopathic remedies!

From this Thursday, I will also take Flash to obedience again as it is his turn soon to do a couple of shows over the winter.

No more dewclaws

2009-09-30T23:09:00.002Z

Flash had surgery today and is now without his dewclaws. All went well and so far he is leaving them alone too. He also had his teeth cleaned and now has lovely white biters again!

Flash needs op

2009-09-23T11:36:00.002Z

Yesterday, Flash went to see Mark yet again! Things haven't really changed since the last visit and it is not getting any better. So we have decided to take the dew claw off to sort the problem out. At the same time, they will take the other one off and will give Flash a dental too.

I am not looking forward to the op, but it's got to be done. I have taken next Wednesday off so I am there for him all day when he comes home!

Poos finally ok again

2009-08-26T09:36:00.002Z

On Monday, I picked up the new antibiotics for Flash! He still had blood/mucous in his poo eventhough he had been off antibiotics for 4 days. However, yesterday was the first day that his poo was fine again... no blood, no mucuous and good consistency! I am glad, I was getting so worried!

We are booked in to see Mark again next Tuesday.

Flash to be on new antibiotics

2009-08-21T09:19:00.001Z

I called Mark again yesterday as Flash's poo is still laced with some blood (though less mucus). So Mark has decided to take him of the antirobe antibiotis and put him on some different ones. I will pick them up tomorrow.

Blood and mucus

2009-08-17T10:24:00.002Z

I called Mark today as Flash has had tiny amounts of blood and mucus in his poos for the last few days. Mark says that it is a side effect of the antibiotics (which I suspected). I will give Flash some probiotics over the next couple of days (got to pick some up today from Boots or Holland & Barrat) and if it doesn't improve, Flash will have to go onto different antibiotics.

Follow up with Flash

2009-08-12T10:25:00.002Z

Mark thinks (and I agree) that the swelling of the bone has gone down slightly. So Flash will remain on the antibiotics and we will see Mark again in two weeks time.

Nail bed infection

2009-08-05T08:55:00.002Z

Flash and I went to see Mark today. And Flash has a nail bed infection caused by the damaged dew claw a few weeks ago. He is now on antibiotics, though Mark said that it will take a good while to heal up. We need to go back next Wednesday for a check up.

I asked Mark whether there was any link to his vegan diet that would make him more prone to infections and whether there was anything I could supplement him with. Mark said that this is not the case, particularly as Flash is sound and healthy otherwise.

Dewclaw

2009-08-04T09:29:00.002Z

A few days ago, Flash suddenly yelped when he played with Jesse and then limped for a minute or two, then was fine again.

The same happened again a couple of days ago. I got a bit worried then, because it happening twice seems a bit more than just a simple accident. I checked the leg over, but couldn't see or feel anything.

This morning, he was playing with a toy and yet again yelped. This time, I immediately thought I'll take him to the vet to get him checked out properly. I then looked at his leg again... and noticed this time that the tissue around the dewclaw was very swollen and tender.

I think that this is the dewclaw that Flash ripped a few weeks ago, I wonder whether an abscess developped because of that. I will call the vet today for an appointment so it can be checked out properly.

Happy 4th Gotcha Day

2009-06-30T11:05:00.000Z

I can't believe that it is already 4 years since we adopted Flash! He has made such a journey from a worried doglet to the confident chap he is these days! He has made a lot of my hair go grey, but I wouldn't want to be without him!

Yet again, thanks Kaye, for letting us adopt this beautiful, beautiful boy!

They really hurt my back

2009-06-22T13:36:00.003Z

On Saturday morning, I went out for a walk before classes. As usual I had Dylan, Flash and Jesse with me. All was fine until we were on our way home, when an ex-client came up the stairs with her dalmation. All my dogs went balistic. I calmed them down immediately and made them all sit, which they did nicely! I then had a chat with the lady (who ironically said that my training was extremely helpful for her).

Just as we finished and I turned round, another guy came up the stairs with a GSD and a ball... and mine went balistic AGAIN! I pulled them back, twice... then went home! (Not in a very good mood).

Throughout the day, my back got worse and worse, until by the evening, every move hurt. Things improved a little on Sunday, but my lower back/bum are still very painful, so I didn't go to agility yesterday!

I can't believe this has happened. Last week really wasn't much fun with this lot!

I have now started taking them out at 5.15 in the morning, mainly to avoid that little dog. The park was nice and empty. And it also gave me the opportunity to walk Troy as well before going to work as he hasn't been out since Friday... (Cornel is hardly walking him at all now, maybe once a week... and he hasn't walked him at all since Thursday, 11th June...).

New dog in park and new bad habit

2009-06-18T13:38:00.001Z

Being summer and it being light in the early mornings, there are sometimes new dogs in the park that we haven't seen before. One of them is a small terrier, that from a distance looks like a little fox... and I think that's what the dogs think too!

Anyway, yesterday, I was walking across the field in the country park when suddenly this little dog appeared on the field not far from us walking towards us. Dylan and Flash took off to say hello to him, but he got frightened and started to run... with Dylan and Flash in hot pursuit. In his fear, the other dog squealed... He wasn't hurt as my boys are of course muzzled all the time when off lead, but it was still scary for him.

Shortly after that, we came across Monzi, which is a friend's dobermann. He is very timid and frightened of my dogs, and I therefore normally put mine on lead as soon as I spot him. This time however Flash was quicker than I was (Dylan I did manage to grab) and Flash was his usual bully with him. Again, he couldn't hurt Monzi as he is muzzled, but still... It wasn't nice! And I felt like a really bad dog owner (and certainly a useless dog trainer) after yesterday's walk.

So this morning, when I went out, I was super careful, looked around me all the time, called the dogs back before going around corners just to make sure that nothing like yesterday could happen. When we were on the straight path from the field towards the pond, everything was clear and I let Dylan and Flash go. I then had to pick up a poo that Dylan did... and when I looked up, I saw the little dog from yesterday again, and so did Dylan and Flash. They took off at top speed (something they never do with other dogs, only foxes or rabbits etc.), realised shortly before they got to the dog that it was a dog and not a fox, but by that time, the little dog had started to run again - and of course that kept Dylan and Flash going.

Yet again, I appologised to the owner who was of course not amused at all (though didn't say anything other than "It's all right"...).

I then continued on my walk, called Dylan and Flash back on the path that joined the main path again and led them out on lead! Luckily so... as there was that little dog again. Jesse went after him to say hello, but of course the little dog was running again not knowing what Jesse was going to do (and Jesse genuinely only wanted to say hello, he doesn't chase dogs). But Dylan and Flash didn't bat an eyelid and the little dog went past ok. At the same time, the doby Monzi was also approaching and luckily, Dylan and Flash still on lead and Jesse with me!

So that second part of the walk was ok. But I now will have to be so much more careful in the mornings knowing that this little dog is about and will have to get Dylan and Flash back on lead a lot more often than before! I will of course also start working on the recall a bit more again! It isn't acceptable for them to take off after a dog like that! But... roll on, winter... when there is no-one else in the park other than a handful of people/dogs that I know!

Flash much better

2009-05-11T14:31:00.000Z

Yesterday was the first day that Flash was virtually back to normal. He was eating normally, running quite a bit on walks (though still had slow periods as well) and fine indoors. I am so glad that he is getting back to normal now. He gave me such a scare.

2009-05-08T01:10:00.000Z

Flash is feeling so much better. He is not completely himself yet, but he was eating his dinner and looking much brighter in general. I didn't go training tonight so I could keep an eye on him. I am so glad that he is getting better.

Flash not well

2009-05-07T10:19:00.004Z

Last night when I went to bed, all was well! This morning I go downstairs to take the dogs out for a walk and Flash really didn't want to get up from the bed. He did in the end, but was very lethargic on the whole walk. He also felt quite hot to me.
He also didn't want any breakfast.

I took him to the vet straight away to check him out. Ian thinks that a scratch/bite he got from a cat yesterday morning (he slipped the lead and ran after a cat just outside our house, but when they parted after about 5 or 10 seconds, both seemed find with no injuries, though I did find a very small scabbed wound this morning on his head) may have caused the fever. Flash's temperature was 39.9, so pretty high.

He got an antibiotic and antiinflamatory injection and Synolux to take home, I already have got metacam at home. He should feel much better within 24 hours... I really hope so! It really scared me to see him like this!

Holiday in Wales - 25th April - 2nd May

2009-05-06T16:23:00.003Z

Yet again, we went on holiday with all four boys to Swallows Dance in Pembrokeshire! We had a fabulous time and really enjoyed ourselves.

I have set up a separate blog for the pictures... Here is the link:

http://walesholiday9.blogspot.com

I will update gradually as I have over 200 pictures and another well over 300 from Sandra that took fab pictures at Freshwater West

Titre test

2009-04-15T10:53:00.002Z

The titre test we did last week came back fine, Flash has for the third year running enough immunity. So just the lepto vaccination this year as always.

Some new pictures

2009-04-06T00:11:00.003Z

I got a new camera on Friday, so had to test it of course!

Flash started agility

2009-03-02T14:15:00.001Z

Yesterday, I took Flash with me to Dylan's agility class to see how he got on. Flash was fab. He hadn't forgotten anything. After doing the course slowly on lead to get him used to all the obstacles again, we joined in fully and Flash did extremely well! I am so pleased. So from now on, he can join Dylan and me on Sundays and have some fun. (He only took off twice during the whole session, so that wasn't too bad... LOL).

Snow, snow, snow...

2009-02-02T18:22:00.003Z

Lots and lots of snow today... and did the boys have fun in the park!

An obedience workshop with Kay Raven

2009-01-13T15:02:00.004Z

Flash and I went to an obedience workshop with Kay Raven on Sunday afternoon. We absolutely loved it and it was great! Flash did me very proud and did everything very well (it was me that needed sorting out... LOL).

Good boy, much Flash is.

It's so nice to see all the dogs happy and keen with all this clicker training... It is an absolute pleasure now to go training again since the obedience group has been training with Kay!

Flash came training with me

2009-01-06T01:36:00.002Z

I took Flash with me tonight to my training class so he could demonstrate some exercises like the retrieve, distance control and recall... He did so well bless him. He concentrated beautifully and did me proud. It is good to see that he concentrated so well amongst all these dogs he didn't know and with a bit of extra work on the retrieve he will be just perfect in the Culverstone Limit Show at the end of this month!

Flash has come such a long way last year and I am very proud of my beautiful boy.

Flash is working beautifully...

2008-12-05T14:46:00.001Z

When I train with Flash at the hall as well as outdoors, he is concentrating so well and working absolutely beautifully! It is such a joy to see him enjoy himself! I hope so much that we are going to get placed at the Culverstone Limit Show in January - Flash has worked so hard, he deserves a rosette too!

Limit Obedience Show, NorthWest Kent

2008-11-16T23:33:00.000Z

Flash and I went to his first obedience show this season in Culverstone. It started off great as Flash was just so relaxed; not a single grumble or anything when we walked into the hall!

We did a Beginners round and Flash worked beautifully... until the retrieve, which he only did after lots of commands... So we lost 6 points on that. It was such a shame because if he had done it nicely, we would have been placed high up. He only lost 1 point in heelwork on lead, 2 points off lead and 1/4 on recall! The judge commented on his beautiful heelwork.

It would have been lovely to earn Flash's first rosette, but it wasn't to be! But I was just over the moon how relaxed and chilled he was throughout! Amazing!

New reading from Marie

2008-10-13T09:17:00.003Z

I have asked Marie to do a reading again to see what Flash's state of mind is. I am glad that it confirmed my impression that I had that he was much better, much more settled and pretty happy.

Okay so beginning with Flash.... first image is one of him lazily stretching out.. muscles rippling. I feel a half smile from him... i get words almost spoken in a drawl...'Heyyyyyyy. yes, big big changes'. An even keel.
Metabolism - much more settled, much more able to metabolise his food... to put it to good use.. instead of it reacting with him. In the past the word 'reactive' would have summed Flash up in lots of ways I get an image of a roast dinner type meal without the meat and then a laugh. ... and then I'm shown a food with a royal purple type wrapper. I'm shown skin that looks sore and inflamed - irritating - followed by an image of skin of glowing health and shinng fur. 'Just look at me now' A man is almost in awe of what your dedication has achieved. He gets plenty of exercise... needs it... then the idea that this is a bit of an obsession for someone... has to happen. He has worn a muzzle at some point.... this has been taught by an older dog, an older dog has taught him to use his mouth.... stemming from rivalry/rough play gone wrong. Words...'... I'm cool with life now tho. Image of him running round happily playing with a small brown dog.
Something about him occasionally getting a little 'twitchy' at the back.
Next I hear a click and Flash reaches out with his nose. You and he have a telepathic type bond. There was surprise in the past re an activity relating to this... I hear 'He's good at this'...
Something annoying about a click (this could be another dog... that short sharp sound that a clicker makes irritates somone... it's too abrupt).
Each time I have thought to start Flash's reading I have had a feeling of something stretching too far (maybe something in the future).
I get the word 'sausages' repeated.. a joke I think... not sure why. His ears prick a little .... lifting out of place... a comment re curls. You lifting up his ear flaps to see. He races round and round - big circles - a picture of health. An individual.
Image of Flash sitting up but resting his head on something soft. Patiently waiting. Looking longingly up.
Play with cloth... an item made out of material that gets hidden... put under things and then scented out.... he is watching this happen seeing rather than scenting.... then laughter again and a long slow tail wag ending with a quick shake.
He gives paw. Lifts his paw towards me but becomes a little unsteady There is a young man connected with Flash... a very earnest person..
A message for you Vera.... 'Your love has set me free'.... and the start of a song in the background to sum up your beginnings with Flash....'You raise me up'

Here's the comments I sent to Marie (within text in Italics):

Okay so beginning with Flash.... first image is one of him lazily stretching out.. muscles rippling. He does that on the sofa, using the whole sofa for a good stretch and roach. I feel a half smile from him... i get words almost spoken in a drawl...'Heyyyyyyy. yes, big big changes'. An even keel.
Metabolism - much more settled, much more able to metabolise his food... to put it to good use.. instead of it reacting with him. He rarely gets allergic reactions now, only if he gets hold of large quantities of animal products...
In the past the word 'reactive' would have summed Flash up in lots of ways I get an image of a roast dinner type meal without the meat and then a laugh. Yes, our dogs get Sunday dinner from time to time... Flash of course without meat LOL ... and then I'm shown a food with a royal purple type wrapper.
I'm shown skin that looks sore and inflamed - irritating - followed by an image of skin of glowing health and shinng fur. 'Just look at me now' Flash's coat is extremely healthy and shiny now. No dandruff, no itching.
A man is almost in awe of what your dedication has achieved. Not sure whether this is referring to hubby, though I doubt it... No idea who that is really, though recently someone was totally in awe of him and he commented that he was in excellent condition, this was a stranger though...
He gets plenty of exercise... needs it... then the idea that this is a bit of an obsession for someone... has to happen. Yes, Flash needs exercise otherwise he goes mental. It's his obsession (being a saluki) and mine of course too to make sure that he remains physically and mentally healthy.
He has worn a muzzle at some point.... Yes, he is muzzled on walks when off lead because he goes over the top with nipping and scruffing dogs when trying to play with them if they run. this has been taught by an older dog, an older dog has taught him to use his mouth.... stemming from rivalry/rough play gone wrong. It was Dylan who plays very rough and nips when playing, Flash didn't use to do that when we first had him. He learnt it quickly... and unfortunately took it to a whole new level... argh...
Words...'... I'm cool with life now tho. I am glad that he is overall happy, he seems to be pretty relaxed and settled these days. Image of him running round happily playing with a small brown dog. That's got to be Jesse...
Something about him occasionally getting a little 'twitchy' at the back. He does get tight around his shoulders and has recently seen our chiropractor for it. Has been fine since.
Next I hear a click and Flash reaches out with his nose. Yes, Flash loves clicker training and does an excellent "touch".
You and he have a telepathic type bond. There was surprise in the past re an activity relating to this... I hear 'He's good at this'... Could be the agility, in particular the weave where he totally surprised me how fast he got very quickly...
Something annoying about a click (this could be another dog... that short sharp sound that a clicker makes irritates somone... it's too abrupt). Could be in training class where one or two dogs aren't too keen as very noise sensitive...

Each time I have thought to start Flash's reading I have had a feeling of something stretching too far (maybe something in the future). Not sure what that means... I hope I am not expecting too much of him and over stretching him in that sense?
I get the word 'sausages' repeated.. a joke I think... not sure why. I call our dogs "big sausage" or "little sausage"... LOL I'm glad he thinks it's funny too...
His ears prick a little .... lifting out of place... a comment re curls. You lifting up his ear flaps to see. His ears and tails are the only thing that needs brushing occasionally, particularly the ears as his fine long hair there mats occasionally.
He races round and round - big circles - a picture of health. An individual. That's Flash all over.
Image of Flash sitting up but resting his head on something soft. Patiently waiting. Looking longingly up. That's how he asks for a cuddle and attention, resting his head in our lap or arms.
Play with cloth... an item made out of material that gets hidden... put under things and then scented out.... he is watching this happen seeing rather than scenting.... then laughter again and a long slow tail wag ending with a quick shake. We do scents for obedience training with cloths... He does it rather well himself as well as watching Jesse do it too.
He gives paw. One of the HTM exercises we have recently learnt. Lifts his paw towards me but becomes a little unsteady There is a young man connected with Flash... a very earnest person.. No idea who this is...
A message for you Vera.... 'Your love has set me free'.... and the start of a song in the background to sum up your beginnings with Flash....'You raise me up' THANK YOU! Flash is a very special boy!

Flash and Jesse attacked on way home

2008-10-01T14:20:00.001Z

Last night, Patricia did not come to training, so it was just Jesse, Flash and me. Because of that, I decided to walk home along Portland Road and not through the green.

As we were walking along Portland Road, suddenly a staffie appeared out of a driveway and went straight for Jesse. I tried to get the dog off, but couldn't gain control because I had to hold on to the two leads to prevent Flash and Jesse from running out into the busy road. I tried everything to get Jesse away from the dog and Flash tried to get away too. Flash eventually slipped the harness and ran out into the road, but because Jesse was still being attacked and trying to get away too, I couldn't go after him and just called him. By then, the dog went after him and chased him around in the road... Cars had to break and stop to avoid an accident.

I eventually managed to pick up Jesse when I couldn't get hold of the other dog. Flash tried to come back to me a couple of times, but every time the dog chased him back into the road. I was terrified that Flash might get hit or would bolt... luckily he didn't and kept coming back onto the pavement.

After what seemed an eternity of chaos and me trying to get control of the situation without success, a door opened and some people came out and called the dog. By then Flash was back on the drive way, the dog came after him again and Flash finally turned around and growled at him, with that the dog went straight indoors.

They told me that their fence had a gap that was to be mended the next day... I told them that their dog went for mine and that they both ended up on the road with cars having to stop because of it. She appologised and asked whether my dogs were allright, which they were - at least physically. Perhaps Jesse's long coat saved him, I don't know.

I was shaking and crying on the way home, it was terrifying! I am still really tense inside because of it becaue of what could have happend. Flash could so easily have got hurt on that road or worse, killed; and I am so glad that he was confident enough to stay near me and not bolt! He was however worried on the way home too and walked with his tail tucked under.

This morning, they both seemed fine on their walk with other dogs, but time will tell. It really isn't what I needed with Jesse, that already has a problem with some dogs when he is on lead!

Flash scared me to death today... he screamed...

2008-09-26T00:48:00.003Z

I was getting ready for our monthly meeting tonight and was tidying up in the kitchen just before 7 pm. All of a sudden, I heard Flash screaming like mad. I thought Troy was shaking him or something... But when I got into the sitting room, Flash was on the sofa, still screaming for another few seconds. None of the dogs were near him.
He eventually came off the sofa and I called him to me. He came, very rigid and scared!

I think he must have hurt his neck whilst fooling around on the sofa... his neck/shoulder felt very tense right after the incident!

It really scared me so much that I cried. I was in shock. Luckily Flash is perfectly all right and he recovered fully from whatever it was within a few minutes... God, I never want to experience anything like this ever again!

Muzzled

2008-06-30T12:16:00.000Z

I have decided to muzzle Dylan and Flash for a while again... They are normally muzzled when I take them out at peak walking times or to places where I don't know the dogs. In the mornings when I know everyone and the dogs know everyone, I didn't muzzle.

However, on Friday, Dylan bullied a lab. He never liked him much since he was hassled by a lab a while ago that wouldn't take "no" for an answer until Dylan had to get quite nasty to get rid of him. Since then he has been a bit full-on with some labs, though never injured any (and I always made sure I'd call him back before he ran up to them). However, on Friday, said lab suddenly appeared from behind without me noticing it (with owners, so no-one's fault). Dylan charged over and - unlike all the other times - the lab ran off and Dylan chased and nipped him, which made the lab yelp. The owner then told me that he'd been attacked two weeks ago and is a bit more worried now! Fair enough... so Dylan is muzzled now until we gain a bit more control again and things have settled.

The same Friday morning, another lab appeared literally out of nowhere with no owner in sight... I did hear a faint voice of a woman calling presumably this lab... from about 200 yards away or so. Flash wasn't happy with him (the lab had a challenging body posture which Flash doesn't like) and nipped him too... again, no injuries, but he kept at it as the lab - yet again - wouldn't leave us alone (even after being nipped). It took minutes until we finally managed to get rid of him!
What worried me though was that Flash's teeth kept chattering for quite a while even after the event and I didn't like that. I think it is because he got hold of meat/meat juices during the previous few days which my husband leaves out and doesn't bother to put away. Flash is allergic to animal protein and one of the symptoms is behaviour problems including lowering of the aggression threashold, less self-control and less bite inhibition! So apart from telling hubby off and get him to tidy up after himself, in particular meat food, I have also decided to muzzle Flash for a bit until things are under control again.

Top Dog... the TV show was finally broadcasted

2008-04-22T10:32:00.004Z

On Friday, 18th April, the show with Flash and me was finally aired. Unfortunately we did not have sky in the cottage and couldn't find anyone that had. But last night, Sandra in the training classes, brought me the DVD which she had recorded.

Cornel and I watched it last night and it was most strange to see myself and even worse hearing myself talking... Although Flash didn't always do what he was supposed to do, it was lovely watching him. And they did show a lot of footage of him running, bless him! It's what he does best and he looks stunning.

But I am very proud of him; six months earlier, he wouldn't have been able to cope with this scenario! My boy did well and I will always cherrish the beautiful record I have of him now!

All the people I talked to that saw it loved it, eventhough Flash came last with not that many points (but he had some... ha ha). It was after all entertaining to watch!

Our holiday in Wales 12th - 19th April

2008-04-21T14:42:00.005Z

We drove to West Wales on Saturday, 19th April. It was a smooth ride, the dogs were fine and we arrived at around 3.30 pm.

First of all a few pictures of the cottage Swallow's Dance, where we stayed

The front of the cottage

The back of the cottage

The huge garden which we all loved

The living area downstairs

The sitting area downstairs looking out into the garden

Saturday, 12th April - ARRIVAL

On the day of arrival, we just settled in and relaxed. The dogs had a good inspection of the house and garden and then started to play and run around in the lovely garden.

Dylan, Flash and Jesse playing

Yay, I can run here... Dylan going mad!

Troy patrolling the perimeter

I like it here, mummy!

Troy's favourite spot just outside the back door from where he could see all of the garden and observe the house too

What? - say Flash and Jesse

Wow, that's worth a shake...

Sunday, 13th April - WISEMAN'S BRIDGE BEACH

All of them together observing things first thing on our second day

Dylan having a walk around

King of the Castle... sorry, Cottage...

Monday, 14th April - NEWBALD BEACH

Tuesday, 15th April - FRESHWATER WEST BEACH

Wednesday, 16th April - PEMBROKE CASTLE and FRESHWATER WEST BEACH

Thursday, 17th April - A DAY OFF TO RELAX

Friday, 18th April - TENBY

Saturday, 19th April - TIME TO GO HOME

Titre Test

2008-03-28T09:24:00.003Z

It was time again to do the yearly titre test on Flash. I took both Dylan and Flash to the vet. Dylan had the second blood test and Flash had blood taken for the titre. They were both very good at the vet's, though Flash was worried as usual, but coped fine.
Paul didn't have the lepto vaccine there (or rather the one they had was out of date), so Flash will go back next week to get that. I hope he doesn't need the full set of vaccinations as he is doing so well on his vegan diet and I'd hate to upset the immune system and cause problems with vaccinations.

1st Place in Culverston Match

2008-03-16T22:39:00.003Z

Today, Flash, Jesse and I went to an obedience match in Culverston, which takes place every year.

Last year, Flash won 1st in his group (Primary: circle of heel, novice recall, sit and down stay). And he did the same again this year... WOW. Well done, Flash.

Heelwork was quite dodgy to start off with (though no tight lead), but once I got my hand in the right place, it was perfect! So that was all my fault.
Recall was fine until he didn't do a present... just like last year... I got him to sit somehow and then to do a finish... That's where we lost our points.
The sit and down stay were perfect, eventhough I had to do them with Jesse and Flash together next to each other. And even when the dog next to Jesse got up, they stayed put.

I am so proud of Flash. He did very well.

Jesse came third and I was more than happy with his performance as it was the very first time he was in the obedience ring.

TTouch

2008-03-15T21:35:00.003Z

I asked Jacqui to come round yesterday to do some TTouch on Dylan and Flash in the hope she could help shed some light on what is going on with them. She found Dylan to have a problem in his back end... which isn't surprising really and Flash was also a bit tense at the back end and around the head. Some more TTouch and probably a trip to Sue, our chiropractor, will hopefully help sort things out in this respect.

Competing for attention

And all TTouched out

Flash is back to normal

2008-03-04T13:25:00.001Z

Flash's behaviour has returned back to normal, though I have taken some specially nice treats out with me and did some additional recall training. But the last few walks have been fine... (though he is still looking down the path where the food was - I keep him on lead until we are well clear of that area).

A bit better this morning, but still naughty

2008-02-28T11:48:00.003Z

The walk this morning was better, but Flash was still decidedly reluctant to come back. First time, he didn't even take any treats... VERY strange! He also had times when I called him, he looked at me... then turned round and ran the other way - just like he used to do before he was on the vegan diet. At the end of the walk, it took about 10 minutes until he returned to me! This time, I just stood still and waited for him rather than walk away from him. I guess it is the food that he ate yesterday in the park...

Flash took off

2008-02-27T17:00:00.002Z

This morning, Flash really gave me a run for my money... and I wasn't well pleased.

Flash was totally off his head this morning... He took off right at the end of the walk to the spot by the tram track where some idiot leaves food for the foxes (why do people have this compulsion of having to feed wildlife...grrrr). He hasn't done it for weeks, so I wasn't alert enough to stop him in time.

Anyway, he took off, I called him and went after him... and although he left the food alone in the end, it took me another HALF HOUR to get the little **** back on the lead... I have no idea whether it was the food that caused an allergic reaction so quickly or whether he was worried about being told off (which - though I was very angry - I wouldn't have done... but he would have still sensed my anger for sure).

So he danced around me, ran away from me, came back (I always walked into the opposite direction of him, unless I lost sight of him)... After half an hour, he walked back to me, let me put the lead on and home we went!

Well, late to work as I ended up missing my train... but hey... at least we had a looooooooong walk... though the second half was definitely not a relaxing one!

We'll see how it goes tomorrow.

College

2008-02-20T13:21:00.002Z

From 11th to 14th February (leaving on 10th) we went to college with Dylan, Flash and Jesse with us. They loved the Travelodge hotel and seemed much happier and settled than in Arras Farmhouse B&B... Not sure why.

There were loads of wild bunnies around the service station at night and I am sure that Flash and Dylan thought they were in heaven... LOL. Of course, they weren't allowed to chase and stayed on lead.

Miscellanious and 18th April Top Dog TV Show

2008-01-21T13:41:00.002Z

I took Flash to training for the first time after the Christmas break. It was ok, but I wasn't really enjoying myself and I wasn't sure Flash did either. So I have decided to give him a break from the Thursday classes and only take him with me on Tuesdays, when he loves it (probably because I am more relaxed too). I think this way he will benefit a lot more!

On 16th March, we will have a match with SEDTS, we'll see how he does then.

Oh, and we got the transmission date for the Top Dog TV Show: 18th April. It is exactely when we are on holiday, so I am hoping that there will be Sky TV there so we can watch it.

X-mas Party

2007-12-14T12:10:00.000Z

Last night, it was the SEDTS Christmas Party. I brought both Flash and Jesse along. Unlike in other years, each members had to think of a game. I was first up with my Ball Pool game (dogs needed to retrieve as many numbered tennis balls as possible), which everyone seemed to enjoy. There was also a recall through two rows of sausages, musical chairs (without the chairs), find a treat under plastic cups, "apple and spoon" game and a dressing up game.

Flash and Jesse did really well and I was well proud. Flash won the dressing up game and finding the treat - the latter took just 7 seconds for Flash to find the piece of apple. Jesse came third with about 12 seconds. Jesse won the apple and spoon game!

We had a great time and really enjoyed ourselves. Flash and Jesse were shattered when we got home and went to sleep after their dinner.

Obedience Show Culverstone

2007-11-19T01:31:00.000Z

Yesterday (Sunday) Flash and I went to a limit indoor show in Culverstone.

I was really looking forward to it as I thought that he might do really well (he did last time in that hall).

First of all, it took me ages to get there because of the stupid satnav system that didn't work properly. But I got there in the end.

Flash didn't work particularly well. Even the recall which is normally 100% spot on went wrong. Both times, in Pre-Beginners and Beginners, he came back lovely and I was pleased, but went past me at the last second... No idea why... very strange.

But I was quite pleased that he did a fairly good Retrieve, eventhough he did drop the dumbell. It was the first time he retrieved nicely... and it was actually the first time I worked him in Beginners.

So although I am a little disappointed because I know he could have done so much better, there are many aspects that I was happy about.

Excellent Training Session

2007-11-07T00:42:00.000Z

I took Flash and Jesse training today (normally it would be Dylan's night, but he was out of action due to the chiro treatment yesterday). Flash was amazing. He was so enthusiastic, loved the heelwork, did lovely retrieve and recall... We even did beautiful send-aways and slow recalls... I can't wait to do the competition on Sunday, 18th November, in Culverston!

Wow - first voluntary cuddle

2007-11-05T14:07:00.000Z

I sat on the sofa today after I got back from the chiropractor and Flash came and sat next to me and cuddling into me. Now for Dylan and Jesse, this would be perfectly normal, but Flash has never done this before. I am so happy and pleased, it is yet another mile stone he has passed! Love you so much, my baby.

Another excellent training night

2007-09-27T23:11:00.000Z

Flash did really well again tonight. His heelwork was pretty good and enthusiastic, his retrieve was good too once I got myself into gear... I also did a send away for the first time there. I have of course practiced this before for the Top Dog party trick, which was a disaster during the filming. But tonight, he did it beautifully... I was really proud of him. Good little chap he was.

Perfect Retrieve

2007-09-21T08:46:00.000Z

Went to training class with Flash last night as always on Thursdays... He worked very nicely, though was not quite as attentive on heelwork as normally (was a bit wide at times).

The recall was really nice, no problems.

When we did the retrieve, he totally blew me away... it was absolutely perfect - first time ever! I was speechless! What progress! I am so happy about it!

At the end of the session, Vanda (trainer) said that Flash was coming along nicely... that's good to hear.

1-2-1 Walks and new pictures

2007-09-10T10:44:00.000Z

Flash has not had any further problems when jumping up, I still have no idea what it was...

I have taken him on a couple of individual walks on Sundays and this seems to have improved his general behaviour and in particular recall on walks with the other walks. I will try to do this every so often to keep things improving.

I have taken all three for individual walks yesterday and they were a total joy to walk, apart from Dylan briefly chasing a young boxer cross. I am quite proud of my crew.

Today, I had all three with me and here are some pictures

Flash in pain

2007-09-07T13:47:00.001Z

Last night when I came home from work, Flash jumped up on me as usual to give me a kiss. But this time, he screamed, got back on the floor and screamed for another few seconds. I thought I had tred on his feet or something (though I couldn't remember even touching any part of him). He jumped up again and the same thing happened again. I then went to check him over from top to bottom, stretching and folding the legs, squeazing his tummy... nothing. He didn't react to anything. He didn't limp or show any sign of pain either other than being quiet.

I then brought his front legs up to check it out further and he screamed again when I was about half way up. I just could not work out what it was.

I decided not to take him to training class last night because of that and see how he was today. Last night when I got home after training, he was still a bit quiet and didn't jump up on Cornel either when he came home from work.

This morning however, he is as right as rain. He hasn't jumped up yet, but he has been playing with Jesse and Dylan and seemed absolutely fine. The test comes tonight when I get home from work...

Fun with Ajax

2007-09-02T23:10:00.000Z

One of my clients joined us with their saluki Ajax for a walk last night. Dylan and Flash had a great time. The ran loads together, got into the water together (Flash and Ajax that is, not Dylan...) and really enjoyed themselves. Ajax and Flash became really good buddies and did everything together.

Unfortunately Dylan hurt his toe towards the end of the walk and had to be carried out of the park, though luckily it wasn't anything too serious (though we still had to do a trip to the emergency vet).

Today, I took Flash out on his own as Dylan will be resting for a couple of days until the wound is healed. Flash was quiet calm and very obedient (not sure whether he was still tired from yesterday or whether it was because Dylan wasn't there), it was great! He was very good with the couple of dogs we met too. It was a lovely relaxing walk.

Some new pictures

2007-08-28T23:32:00.001Z

On Sunday, 26th August, Jesse was 8 months old... so I took some new pictures of the crew!

And some rather funny shots...

Top Dog to be on TV in March 2008

2007-08-22T15:09:00.001Z

It looks like the program will be launched at Crufts next year, so it will be on TV around March. Well, that gives me some grace watching and hearing all about the embarassment that this beautiful hound caused me on Sunday! LOL

The day has arrived and gone!

2007-08-21T13:45:00.000Z

Well, finally the day arrived. Flash and I went up to Walsall on Saturday afternoon and stayed in the hotel overnight. The night before, we got our t-shirt and trousers and a bandana for Flash.

On Sunday, we got up at 6.15 am to be ready at 7 am. Then we went to the filming set which was a good half hours drive from the hotel. I took Jackie with Tiptoe with me as they needed a lift.

Then at around 8.30 am, it all started... It was pouring, it was very windy and it was cold... Not the weather we had hoped for at all! And Flash had a lot of fun right from the start...

Half of the rounds went really well (mainly the obedience based ones) and the other half were a disaster... LOL

We started off with agility. I set Flash up nicely, he sat and looked at me beautifully (for quite a while as they needed quite a bit of footage), then we started. He did the first jump... then took off at top speed doing laps of honour. Everyone loved it, but I stood there like a lemon and eventually started calling him, but if he doesn't want to come, he won't. After a couple of minutes or so, he finally decided it was time to come back. So he did. We continued our course, and he did really well... he did however jump off the dog walk when he suddenly realised how high it was. I decided not to go back on with him and just accept the lost points for it. He did all the jumps really well including wall and bone jump, no problems with the soft tunnel, the tyre, the see-saw (!!!)... he went into the bent tunnel, peaked out at the end, then decided it was drier in there than out here, so went back, peaked out the other end and came back again to the right end... LOL. Again, the audience obviously loved it. He also did the weave beautifully!
He really enjoyed the course! If it hadn't been for the laps of honour and the jumping off the dog-walk, he would have done so well in it.

The second round (ball under flowerpots... which we didn't really have much time to practice as it was changed on us a few days before the show) went totally wrong as Flash wasn't interested in finding the ball at all, but wanted to play with a little staffie cross next to him...

The third round was the bullseye, which went very well (to everyone's surprise... LOL) and he landed in the blue area (it was red, white and blue). Most dogs ended up in blue. So he was fine on that (there was only one dog in the whole competition that landed on the bullseye).

The fourth round was the temptation. They changed that game for us too, so now they had to do a down stay for 30 seconds with a huge tray of meat (vegan meat in Flash's case) in front of them (the tray virtually touching their front paws). Then we had to call them past the tray of food. Flash did brilliantly - not even a side glance at the food when he got up and ran past it! It was fab.

The fifth round - by which time it was 8 pm and Flash was cold, tired and wet - was the party trick and was a total disaster. Flash didn't do anything really, as if he had never done it before... How embarassing!
I dreaded the judge's comments... The first judge did say it was not entertaining as he obviously didn't do anything and that it was disappointing. Fair enough I thought... But the other two judges (a vet whose name I can't remember and Carolyne Mendith) were fab. They said that it didn't matter whether he did the party trick or not, they just loved watching him do whatever he did! They recognised the fact that salukis do things their own way and get distracted very easily. They mentioned that when he works, he works beautifully. They were both totally in love with him... and actually told me the same again after filming! Really lovely! They also said they loved watching him run, it was just the most beautiful thing to see. I was of course asked what I made of the judges comments. I replied that I appreciated their feedback and realised that it was disappointing, but that what Carolyne said totally summarised Flash and his character, and that I really appreciated the fact that they recognise the fact that salukis are not like other dogs!

It really was nice to hear from professionals that I am not just making excuses for Flash and his performance, but that they know the breed and fully understand what was going on.

Despite the fact that overall we didn't do well (the party trick was most of the points!), everyone absolutely loved Flash... the audience, Shauna Lowry (presenter), the film crew, the judges...! It was a great day despite the non-stop rain, strong winds and cold!

Well, I did warn Shauna at the audition that Flash was the less reliable and consistent one of the two lurchers... and she said on Sunday that Flash was chosen to take part because he is a rogue!

It was a great day out; of course I am disappointed mainly that the party trick didn't work! But looking at the party tricks of the others, I didn't see many that actually had a home country theme... Thinking about it now, I wish I had stuck to obedience with Flash and padded that out a bit with some fun bits, rather than teach a trick, which I personally didn't really enjoy that much (though Flash had fun learning the new exercises!).

So if ever anything like this comes up again, I will make sure that any performances are in line with what my dogs are already used to, which currently is obedience. As it happens, Flash did very well in the obedience based exercises, so an interesting obedience round (e.g. with heelwork backwards, recall through legs etc.) would have worked and I think would have gone down well! But hindsight is wonderful, as always! What's done is done, and the important thing to me is that the judges understood and didn't give me and Flash a hard time at all!

Ultimately, Flash and I had a great time training, though it was hard and intensive. But we learnt a lot and if you don't take part, you'll never know! That's my moto!

I have no idea when the program will be aired. I thought it was towards the end of the year, someone said however, it will be March next year! I can't wait to see the shots of Flash running (Jack said he had some fab footage of Flash running towards the camera)! That alone will have been worth the whole effort!

Love you so much, Flashy boy!

Monday and Tuesday training

2007-08-15T15:19:00.001Z

I once again took Flash with me to classes, to practise, particularly the party trick and the temptation exercise.

The exercises he did quite well other than taking a while to find his ball out of the other toys. But he did quite well at the end.

The party trick was a disaster. Flash didn't go to the tree properly, didn't want to bark and didn't want to ring the bell...

Tuesday was fab though. He did full height jumps without problems, even around a corner. The weave was very good and the long jump was fab too. The party trick went very well too.

So in other words, if Flash works like he did on Monday, it will be a disaster, if he works like on Tuesday, he will be fab... Just like a typical lurcher! LOL

Last Agility Training session before show

2007-08-11T23:33:00.001Z

Flash and I took our last trip to see Linda before Top Dog. It went ok... It was yet again very hot and Flash preferred the shade to jumping about. However, he made good progress from the previous session and he did full height jumps without problems.

We'll see how it'll go next Sunday... it might just be rather entertaining... LOL

Oh, and yesterday we got notice that various games had changed. It will take some more pratice of the new games, but I think it will be fine as they are similar and Flash should be able to generalise fairly well.

Monday and Tuesday night training sessions

2007-08-07T15:51:00.000Z

I took Flash with me last night for my classes. We had agility sessions so I thought I could add a few minutes with Flash... and so we did. Flash did very well and I also managed to get him to do quite a few full hight jumps! What a fab boy he is!

He was also not too bad when I was teaching and was only noisy really when people and dogs were running around. Other than that, he just settled and watched things.

Tuesday night went rather well too. We practiced the full height jumps, which went very well. We also practiced the long jump.

We started on the bell ringing (which he picked up very quickly) and practiced the other bits and pieces. I am a little worried about the party trick as I still have to give a lot more cues than I would like to, but hey... we have got another almost two weeks to practice...