Beech Hill House
Dogs Welcome
Bed & Breakfast
Lake District
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Stuart Stott Photographer
tel: 015395 52394
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Our Greyhounds & Lurchers
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Our Present 'Foster' Dogs looking for a new home
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Our re-homed
foster dogs
(Includes pictures and information since they went to their
new homes) |
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7 Greyhounds homed in 2008 |
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21 Greyhounds homed in 2007 |
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18 Greyhounds homed in 2006 |
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17 Greyhounds homed in 2005 |
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3 Greyhounds homed in 2004 |
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Bobby
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Date Arrived: 29th July 1997
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My arrival and a brief history |
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On holiday in Ireland
(June 2002) |
Bobby's racing name: Barley Cop
Date of Birth: 20th June 1995
Place of birth: Holme, England
Right ear tattoo: QZU4
Sire: Druids Lodge
Dam: Shunters Delight
Click here to see Bobby's details on the Greyhound Data web site
Click here to see Bobby on the 'Family Tree' page
Bobby was 1 year 11 months old when he was put in the same kennel as Penny in Animal Rescue at Cark in Cumbria. He was was there about a week and was rather thin and his coat dull. After George died we went to see him and Penny but we couldn't make up our mind which one to have so we brought them both home.
We understand Bobby was owned by someone who wanted to live with his girlfriend but she said he couldn't if he brought his dog so Bobby was left with his father or grandfather, who found looking after a young and playful dog too much so gave him to 'Rescue'.
We
think Bobby as a pup may have been teased because he hates clutter on the floor, hoovers and hairdryers. |
Click HERE to see Bobby as a puppy with his mother, brothers and sisters |
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Bobby's Diary |
Bobby's a star - so where do we begin, what do we include and what do we leave out - there is so much to say.
When we first got him he was very mischievous in that he would empty rubbish bins - his favourite was empty yogurt pots from our son's bedroom bin. He learn 't to open the bedroom door and would go in looking for goodies - he once found a huge Toblerone bar of chocolate Matthew had bought in ' duty free' on his way back from holiday - He devoured the lot and half the wrapper as well. It took Matthew a long time to forgive him as Toblerone was his favourite.
Whenever we went out and left him and Penny on their own he would get up to mischief - emptying bins, taking toilet rolls back to his bed and pulling them to shreds and once even chewing one of my best high heeled shoes. He would look so innocent when we came back, so the ritual for going out was 'have we locked the windows, moved the rubbish bins and toilet rolls and locked the doors'. We solved the problem by bringing 'tit bits' back with us - We showed them the 'tit bits' then walked around looking for mischief. If we found some we showed them the 'tit bits' then showed them the mischief then the 'tit bits' and saying 'no' then taking the 'tit bits away'. If we found no mischief we praised them and gave them the 'tit bits' - the mischief very quickly stopped but we had to be sure to bring 'tit bits' back with us - and now its tradition.
A very scary moment occurred in January 1998 when he had been with us about 4 months. We took him and Penny for a walk along the shoreline near Grange-over-Sands. It was a very cold and windy day when he saw something in the distance and off he ran. Running flat out across the treacherous Morecambe Bay Sands towards Morecambe and no matter how much we called he just kept on running. The wind was blowing against us but we kept calling and waving our arms in the air. He became a dot in the distance and we saw a flock of birds fly in the air as he approached them. We fixed our eyes on the dot not daring to loose it and frantically wondering how we were going to get him back when the dot slowly started getting larger and we realised he was coming back to us. How he knew his way back to us we will never know - it was a very scary moment and one we didn't want repeating for we never felt it in us to take them back there again.
We often took Penny and Bobby to the salt marshes at Flookburgh where they enjoyed running along the beach. Bobby loved the open space and used the salt pools as hurdles. He jumped them one after another at flat out speed, sometimes so fast he scared me and I had to cover my eyes incase he miscalculated the jumps and collided with a bank or jump short. He did once, then just jumped out of the water, shook himself and carried on. Some of the salt pools were 30 ft across so It was fascinating to watch but also quite frightening.
One January day he was running along the beach when he suddenly disappeared. One of the tidal channels was full and hidden to view as most of the beach was had a thin layer of water over it following the tide going out. He came to the surface in a panic and Penny, who was walking beside us suddenly left my side and ran into the water after him. She swam out into the water around the back of him until she was level with him and stayed there till he calmed down. They then both swam back to the firm sand together. Bobby got out and Penny followed him. It was obvious Bobby had never been in deep water before, Penny knew it and went to help him - what an angel.
When Penny died on the 16th February 2004 Bobby became very subdued and started going 'down hill' rapidly. This may have been because they had never been apart in the six and a half years we had them - they were like two peas in a pod. We were so worried for him we took him to Selby Greyhound Rescue the day after with the intention that Bobby should chose his new companion. Bobby walked around the rescue centre meeting the bitches and we watched how he reacted to them, them to him and them to us. He chose Indi and they got on well from the start even playing in the exercise compound together. We went to get something from the back of the car and Indi jumped in and was not for getting out again. We brought Indi home with us on the Tuesday but it wasn't until the Thursday that he first wagged his tail again. It took a couple of weeks before he started sleeping on his back again and he still looked very sad at times for many weeks. He really missed Penny.
Bobby is a very clever and wise dog and understands a number of words including 'pub', 'walk', 'home', 'vet' (then point to the problem), 'Millie' (he knows he's going to Ireland to see her), 'rabbits' and 'budge-up', which he does on the settee if he's lying in the middle and has to move to one end to allow one of the others to get on. Stuart says he can even count because if we hand titbit out he seems to know if he hasn't had the same quantity as the others
As a puppy and even growing up with Penny, Bobby never played with balls or toys because Penny wouldn't play. We tried our hardest but he never did. However, when Indi arrived she loved playing so we bought her a ball on an elastic rope and Bobby soon learn 't what fun it was chasing it - It had taken him 8 years but the joy and pleasure watching him playing with it was immense.
In November 2004 we all attended the Dumfriesshire Greyhound Rescue Fun Show Day and Christmas Fayre. We took a single duvet into the hall for the dogs to sit on because the hall had wooden floors and we knew none of them would lay down without it. We had Indi and Red with us and Flash was standing next to the duvet. It was a busy day because we were re-homing Red with a couple who had come specially to see him. Bobby was a star because he lay on the duvet the entire time. There must have been more than 60 or 70 Greyhounds there that day milling around but he lay on the duvet with his lead on but it wasn't fastened to anything. A number of people commented on his superb behaviour. We entered him for the 'best senior dog' but it was the last event of the day, by which time he was extremely bored, looked fed up, wouldn't wag his tail and and his face looked grumpy at being made to walk around the hall with the other dogs. His boredom obviously showed through so he never won the prize - if it had been the dog 'most like Victor Meldrew' then he would have definitely won! Bobby loves his trips to Ireland and all we need to do is show him the suitcase and say 'Millie' and he knows exactly where he's going. His eyes sparkle as we approach the beach and he still loves running along it chasing Indi and playing with their 'ball on the rope'. During their runs Indi generally leads the way because she's a show off but Bobby, even at 9 1/2 years old keeps pace with her and is still very agile.
May 2005
We spent 2 weeks in Ireland again this month and Bobby had his photograph taken at various locations, which he loves because he poses as soon as he sees Stuart with the camera. He had a bit of a turn as we were driving down to the beach one afternoon. It's not a fit but he looses his balance and gets very frightened - its the fourth one he's had in his life and the vet thinks its an inner ear problem. He doesn't like his right ear being touched and if someone strokes it too heavily he will yelp. We don't know what brings these attacks on and almost forgot he had them because the last one must have been three years ago or more. When he has one we hold him securely in our arms to steady him and talk soothingly too him to calm him down until he steadies himself and it stops. Once finished he's up and away again as if nothing has happened. At the end of the month we took him to the vet because he had a lump/swelling on his lower lip, which looked quite nasty. He's eating well and fine in himself so the vet thinks its where he's bitten or caught it on his daily chew so put him on antibiotics for a fortnight. However, to be on the safe side he wants to see him
again when his medication has finished and if its not healed as he hopes it will is going to take a cell sample for testing to make sure there is nothing malignant there.
9th June 2005
Today was Flash's big day in front of the camera for the 'Long Legged Beauties' Rescued Greyhound Calendar 2006 and in the afternoon before the evening photo shoot at Lakeland Ltd. in Windermere we did some shots on the 'Bluebird' House Boat belonging to Windermere Lake Holiday at Ferry Nab in Bowness-on Windermere. Although Bobby hates walking on anything unsteady under his feet he did very well considering. He hates walking on boats and quickly settled down to laying on the settee, which we covered with a throw for him and his 'green' appearance soon disappeared. A boat is definitely not the best place to get a good picture of Bobby! Stuart took a number of photographs of all the dogs on the boat and later amongst the water features outside Lakeland Ltd. at Windermere - Bobby 'put up with' the boat and jetty but loved the shots around the water features at Lakeland Ltd.
11th June 2005
Bobby has been on the antibiotics nearly two weeks. Stuart thinks the swelling has gone down a little but I'm not convinced so we shall be booking him into the vet this coming week when his tablets are finished so the whole matter can be reviewed.
14th June 2005
When we took Bobby back to the vet he gave us another week's supply of the same tablets and asked that we give him all these then leave it a week and bring him back so he can see how things are by then. Although the lump has gone down a little the vet is still convinced its where he has either been bitten or stung.
20th June 2005
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOBBY - 10 TODAY
Bobby was 10 years old today and needless to say we made a big fuss of him - it doesn't seem like almost 8 years since we re-homed him and Penny, God bless her. Today was Moss's big day in front of the camera for the 'Long Legged Beauties' Rescued Greyhound Calendar 2006 and we all took the day out to Bassenthwaite Lakeside Lodges, Bassenthwaite near Keswick in Cumbria for the photo shoot with model Paige Leigh. It was a glorious day and lots of photographs were taken by the side of the lake, jetty and around the gardens of the Lodges. Bobby as usual had some really good pictures taken with the model but sometimes found the sun too strong for his eyes so just closed them and went to sleep if the opportunity arose. He enjoyed wandering round from one photo location to the next with the exception of being asked to walk down the floating jetty with Moss, which was a definite no, no. He was having none of that and quickly wanted firm land under his feet again.
26th June 2005
The tablets are now finished and we can happily say the lump on Bobby's lip has almost gone but we will still leave it a week and watch to make sure nothing comes back - fingers crossed!
8th July 2005
It was an early start this morning because a very special photograph was being taken for the 2006 calendar with model Sophia Smith. Indi was to be the dog for the photograph and she did 'her bit' wonderfully. However, when we saw the photograph we realised she was too dark to have the impact we wanted so Bobby did it instead - he strutted out like a 2 year old and was absolutely perfect - when you see the picture you will know what I mean.
12th July 2005
Today we went with model Natalie Raper to Nunland Country Holidays at Lockfoot near Dumfries to do the calendar photo shoot with star of the day Kelly. It was the hottest day of the year so the planned locations on the park were changed so pictures could be taken in the shade and out of direct sun. Bobby enjoyed the day lazing around on the grass under the trees with all his friends and, as always had his picture taken with the model.
16th July 2005
We were all at the Greyhound Awareness stand at Witherstock this afternoon. As the event was being held in the car park and area surrounding the Derby Arms at Witherslack we never had far to go. We pitched our stand on the back road and parked the car so the dogs could sit in the back and out of the sun. We also threw a duvet on the ground for the dogs to lay on. Four bands were playing during the afternoon and evening and as usual Bobby was very laid back and let it all happen around him. He spent almost the entire time we were there on the duvet either asleep or watching what was going on. Everyone was amazed at how well behaved he was because he had no lead on and never once did he move. He really did us proud and he's such a star!
15th November 2005
Bobby is getting a bit grumpy in his old age when it comes to new dogs coming into the house. He used to just lift his lip and give an occasional growl as they walked past his bed but now he tends to snarl and even jump up and snap if they 'pace' too close to where he is sleeping. This became noticeable when Charlie arrived and with each one since. He must wonder what's going on with all these new dogs coming and going. He must make friends and loose them, which is upsetting for him and as he's getting older I suppose he just wants peace and quiet. Having said that, once he's laid the law down to the new dogs he is firm friends with them and happily plays with them and allows them to wander past his bed.
20th November 2005
Today was the annual Dumfriesshire Greyhound Rescue Fun Greyhound Show and Christmas Fayre at the Loreburn Hall in Dumfries and we all drove up to attend where we put up a stall selling the 'Long Legged Beauties' 2006 calendars. Becky Speed (July) and Britney-Lee (October) joined us to meet the press and sign calendars and Indi and Bobby enjoyed saying hello to our seven foster dogs with their new owners who attended on the day. Kelly, Blue, Squire, Kanga, Flash, Tiger, Dixie and Daisy were there and seeing them all together with Bobby, Indi and Thunder brought a lump to my throat and really made our day. We took a large duvet as we know Bobby feels uneasy walking on wooden floors and once the duvet was laid out Bobby stayed on it for most of the time we were there.
10th December 2005
Bobby had his first experience of being in the car on the back of a recovery vehicle today. He looked a little unsure as our car was being raised on the back of the vehicle but as we climbed into the wagon we saw him settling down in the back of the car for the journey home. We were on our way to the SADD (Save a Dumfries Dog) walk around Dumfries where we were going to re-home Danny and collect Tina and Prince. We only got as far as Southwaite Service Station when we all had to get a lift back home on the recovery vehicle care of the RAC - the cambelt tension arm had become loose and started making a loud noise as we were leaving the filling station. A member of DGR drove from Dumfries to the service station and collected Danny so he could go to his new home and Bobby, Indi and Thunder came home in our car on the back of the recovery vehicle.
2nd March 2006
Today we arrived in Ireland for a few days away. Bobby knew exactly where he was going and as soon as he jumped out the car ran straight to the front door of Doyle's Cottage, which was the last cottage we stayed in ten months ago - who says dogs have short memories!
14th March 2006
Arrived home late last night after our few days away. Bobby slotted into his 'Irish routine' like a duck to water apart from wanting to go into Doyle's Cottage for the first couple of days. His ears perked up when we drove down the road into Duncannon for he knew he was going for a run along the beach, although these days there tends to me more sniffing around than the continuous mad dashes of his younger days. We arrived home to find snow and the house very cold so Bobby took to his bed. He didn't seem very happy and when we touched his ears they didn't feel overly warm so we decided to cover him up and place a heater close by until the house had warmed back up again. He never moved under his blanket and soon felt nice and warm under it but we decided to keep the heater near him all night in case the blanket came off him.
15th March 2006
Don't think Bobby is overly keen on the snow as he just goes into the garden to do what is necessary then comes straight back into the warm again. Having said that he enjoyed his walk along the back road yesterday afternoon, snow or no snow, and dawdled all the way there and back checking out all the new sniffs since he was last there.
20th June 2006
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOBBY - 11 TODAY
21st June 2006
Round about the 11th June Bobby damaged one of his claws on his front right foot. It seemed to split up the middle similar to what he's done once before. We think he did it down the back road where many years ago long cuts were made in the tarmac when they closed the road and the way the cuts are shaped they go to a point at each end so when he's walking if a claw goes down a cut close to the end the claw goes in but gets stuck as he's lifting his foot up again as the cut goes to a point. It's the only thing we can think of. Anyway, we bathed it in a diluted solution of Hibiscrub. On the 13th June I became ill and was in bed for two days followed by six days in hospital. Stuart continued bathing his foot but the weather was very hot and he became concerned because it wasn't getting any better, Bobby was struggling to walk and he was looking extremely unhappy. Stuart couldn't make up his mind if being unhappy was because I was away or if he was more ill than he thought so he phoned the vet for advice. Because Bobby is eleven years old they didn't really want to put him under an anasthetic to remove the claw and recommended he continue bathing his foot as before and to bring him in if it got worse. When I arrived home yesterday I was concerned with the way it looked because his foot was swollen, looked inflamed and had broken out and weeping so this morning we took him to the vet. The vet said part of the claw had come off exposing the cuticle and that was why he was struggling to walk. She trimmed his claw back so it didn't put pressure on the cuticle making it easier for him to walk and asked us to continue bathing it in Hibiscrub, to give him Metacam for the next five days and she put him on a strong antibiotic for a week because she was concerned about the infection spreading into his bones. She then asked us to take him back in a week.
28th June 2006
We took Bobby back to the vet this afternoon and they were pleased with the way his foot was healing but not satisfied it was fully under control so put him on another course of antibiotics.
29th June 2006
This morning Bobby's foot started weeping again so the vet was right in giving him another course of antibiotics.
5th July 2006
Bobby has just finished his second course of antibiotics and until a couple of days ago the area where it had broken the skin on his foot was still weeping. However, it seems to have stopped now so we hope its making a full recovery. He certainly looks a lot happier and running around again as usual.
4th August 2006
Bobby returned to the vet again this afternoon but this time for his annual check-up and booster inoculation. A thorough examination found him fit and doing well for his age.
13th September 2006
Took a trip to Duncannon Beach this afternoon. As we drive down the road towards Duncannon Bobby knows exactly where he's going and gets quite excited as we drive the car onto the beach. Out he jumps and he's in his element running around the beach with Indi and her ball. However, Bobby is very wise because he allows Indi to tire herself out before he joins in playing with her ball!
16th September 2006
Arrived home this evening having spent a few days in Ireland so Stuart could take more stock photographs and we were hoping to do a calendar photo shoot but the model never turned up. Bobby took the drive and ferry down to the cottage in his stride for he knew exactly where he was going, settled in the cottage, loved his walks around the area and acted like a puppy on the beach as he ran around playing with his ball.
23rd September 2006
Received a phone call from Stuart this evening asking me to get in the car and come and get Bobby as he'd had a 'turn' whilst walking around the nature reserve. Stuart has been walking the dogs for the past two weeks because I fell over whilst in Ireland and pulled a muscle in my groin, which has been so painful I've hardly put a step outside the house. Apparently, he was fine walking up the road but part way round the reserve he suddenly walked round in a circle three times then fell over. He stood up within seconds but was very wobbly and obviously frightened so Stuart sat with him to calm him and phoned me. It was the first time I'd driven the car and found it quite difficult and by the time I got there he looked his normal self and was wondering why his walk was cut short. I brought Bobby home and he jumped on the settee for the evening whilst Stuart continued walking with the others. Bobby has had about three 'turns' in his life, all very similar but he's not had one for some time so I think a visit to the vet for another check up will be in order.
27th September 2006
Bobby took a trip to the vet this afternoon for a thorough examination. The vet confirmed his heart was strong and he was fit and well with the exception of his back left leg, which she said was slightly weaker than the other. This may have caused him to stumble the other day causing him to loose his balance and become frightened by what had happened. She didn't think it was one of the 'turns' he'd had in the past as he recoverd too quickly. Let's hope it's a 'one off' but we will keep and eye on him.
24th November 2006
We met Remy this morning at the Fleece Inn in Kendal because Border Television were meeting us there to make a recording about Remy's owner's 'Doggy Dating' evening on Sunday. They did the television feature and showed it on the Border 'Lookaround' programme this evening. Bobby, Indi, Romeo and Mandy all featured with Remy along with another dog called Odo. Bobby being so laid back was chosen by the television presenter to play the largest part and we were very proud of him when we saw it on the television this evening.
26th November 2006
This evening we attended the 'Doggy Dating' evening at the Fleece Inn in Kendal where Stuart put up a back drop for anyone wanting their photograph taken with their pet. Bobby being Bobby decided he should test out the set so he had his pictures taken with the others.
6th December 2006
This evening we attended Cartmel Village Hall where Bobby was taking part in the 'Stayathon' sponsorship in aid of the North West Air Ambulance. It was the task of all the dogs taking part to sit or lay on the floor for ten minutes without getting up and with minimal commands from the person supervising them. Stuart did it with Bobby and he laid the blanket on the wooden floor. Bobby went down immediately and was laying there a full three minutes before the others were ready. It then commenced and Bobby just lay there looking at us, he moved one foot once to get more comfortable on the floor and after the ten minutes was up and he was praised he just stayed where he was. In fact he had no intention of moving and was settled for the night. However, the next dog training class was about to begin so we had to get him to stand so the class could take place. People thought him wonderful but then we knew he would do it because that's Bobby!
5th February 2007
We've had some quite cold weather over the past month and for the first time in his life Bobby's been telling us he's feeling cold. He does it by looking very down in the dumps sad and when we ask if he's okay he shivers his body. If he's in his bed and we cover him with a blanket the look on his face changes to contentment immediately. If he's walking around the house we put him a house coat on and in a few minutes he looks much happier.
5th March 2007
Bobby has become quite vocal in the past few days and quite persistent. If I'm in my office and don't notice the time he stands in the doorway and barks at me. I look at the clock and realise it's time for their walk or it's tea time but I think I will just finish what I'm doing. However, in the past he would go back to his bed for a while but not anymore because he stays there and barks at me as if to say 'come on'. The longer he stands there the louder and more persistent the bark. He obviously believes it's his job to hurry me along when the need arises!
7th April 2007
We attended the Greyhound Awareness Day in Carlisle City Centre this morning and once the duvet was laid on the ground Bobby came off the lead and lay down to rest - he knows it will be a busy day so rest at these events is what he does best. When we go to events like this we often let him off the lead as the other dogs tend to pull him about and he gets knotted up with the leads and, because he's almost 12 years old he's much happier off his lead so he can find somewhere soft and out of the way to lay down and go to sleep. I don't know why but photographers and children when they see him head straight for him - must be his laid back attitude. This morning the local newspaper reporter spotted Bobby being cuddled by two young children and chose him for his picture for the article he was running about the event.
9th April 2007
The reporter on Saturday did a full page feature about the event, which raised £820 for the charity. Apparently there was an excellent photograph of Bobby with the two children and we are hoping to get a copy shortly so we can see it for ourselves.
17th April 2007
WOW, what a surprise we received last night - A lady phoned whose daughter spotted Bobby's page on our site whilst searching the internet and realised he was their Robbie. They bred him until he was sold to the lad and his father who later gave him to rescue. The lady talked about his mother, brothers and sisters and said she thought she had some photographs of him as a puppy, which she would try to find for us and bring them over especially as she would love to see him again after all this time. Although the Greyhound database says he was born in England he was actually born at Holme, which is only about half an hours drive from here. The phone call really made our day and we find it amazing that his puppy hood was spent so close to where he now lives. Wow, it's just so unbelievable, I still can't believe it to be so, so watch this space as we may receive some pictures of Bobby (or Robbie) as a puppy with his mother, brothers and sisters.
22nd April 2007
This afternoon we attended an event at a local kennels and cattery where we set up a stall in aid of Dumfriesshire Greyhound Rescue. The weather wasn't very nice considering how glorious it's been over the past few days which was a shame but a number of our foster dogs and their owners braved the weather and gave their support. It was lovely to see them all and the afternoon felt rather like a family reunion. They all made quite a presence at the event and in all twelve greyhounds attended but Bobby being Bobby did his own thing. Once having said hello to everyone he simply lay on theduvet by the side of the table with his coat on to keep him warm and dozed off.
27th April 2007
Bobby hurt himself in the car last week when all the other Greyhounds jumped in after him and there was a bit of a tussle as they barged in behind him. At first we thought it was just a little cut under his eye that seemed to heal fairly quickly but upon looking again we realised the white of his eye was red, his eye was running a bit and it was aggravating him so we regularly bathed it with Optrex and put Brolene in it. This took the soreness away and after a few days all seemed well again. However, with Bobby being the age he is we decided that in future we are going to let him get in the car last so the foster dogs don't charge in on top of him again.
24th May 2007
This morning we met the lady who owned Shunters Delight who bred Bobby prior to being sold for racing. Bobby was born at Holme in Cumbria and was originally called Robbie so at some stage prior to coming to us his name has possibly been misheard and changed. Bobby was sold to a man who lived with his father in the Lancaster area who raced him on the Blackpool and West Houghton tracks and possibly at Gretna. It's believed Bobby may be the sole survivor. Click here to see pictures of Bobby as a puppy along with a picture of his mother.
20th June 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOBBY - 12 TODAY
8th August 2007
This afternoon Bobby went to the vet for his annual check up and inoculations. He weighed 70 lbs (31.8k). The vet gave him a thorough examination and confirmed him fit and well. His heart was strong, his teeth were good, he still has good muscle tone and the vet said for a dog of his age he was doing extremely well.
11th August 2007
Bobby came to Dalston Show with us today and as soon as he saw the Dumfriesshire and Cumbria Greyhound Rescue caravan and stall he knew the score. It wasn't a brilliant day because of the showers so Bobby took himself inside one of the tents by the caravan and lay on his blanket for the duration only coming out to relieve himself and to say hello to people on his return to his bed. He was very good as again he wore no lead all the while he was there. He grumbled at a couple of other Greyhounds who didn't know him and who came too close to his bed but they soon jumped back and, as people commented 'at Bobby's age he's entitled to get grumpy now and again'. Part way through the afternoon we noticed him getting a bit cold (he's learnt to tell us when he's cold by staring at us and shivering) so we put his coat on then covered him with ours to warm him up again - he looked like a bug in a rug! The only part you could see was his head popping out and the children walking past the tent commented and came over to say hello to him.
17th August 2007
We travelled to London for the weekend this morning on business and to see our son Matthew. Bobby is quite used to staying in different places, accepts changes in routine and helps settle foster Greyhounds when they feel unsure, usually by giving them a grumble then letting them lay next to him. Bobby gave Matthew a lovely welcome and never forgets him even though sometimes months go by without him seeing him. Bobby coped well with the long journey but we've noticed lately he won't drink water from the tub in the car if it gets warm and can look quite hot and weary because he won't drink on the way and waits till we get where we are going for a long cold drink. This can be a bit of a nuisance at times and distressing for us to see him like it but he refuses point blank to drink from the bowl in the car so it's something we will need to bear in mind on future long journeys.
14th November 2007
A couple of days ago Bobby cut his front right foot which although it took a while to stop bleeding we thought was just a cut so we kept an eye on it. He had been running round the nature reserve like a two year old! We never heard a yelp nor saw him limp but when we arrived home he left blood all along our tiled floor. Although we've been bathing it ever since he began showing signs he was in pain and started to limp so this morning we took him to the vet.
The vet wanted to keep him in and operate, which mean't an anaesthetic but the vet said his heart was strong and she could foresee no problems. He weighed in at 70lbs (31.8k). He'd cut the web between his toes which needed stitching. She didn't think it was caused by running as it would have made him yelp and because the cut was so clean she believed it could have been caused by glass. This means either there was glass in the nature reserve or he'd done it whilst walking near the bottle bank situated by the side of the road along our walk. Although I don't like them walking there sometimes it's difficult when he and Indi are off the lead. When the vet examined him under aneasthetic she found he'd not only split his web but cut up the side of his pad so when we arrived to pick him up he came hobbling out all bandaged up. He's had a number of very small stitches inserted and the bandage was to help keep them all in place with it being on his foot. He's to have the bandage on for three days then back to the vet to have it changed. Whilst there the vet also checked his teeth and gave some of them a bit of a clean. She said most were okay so not many needed cleaning which was lovely to hear as he's never had them cleaned by the vet before so for his age he's done really well. He's on a course of antibiotics and Metacam till he feels a bit better. Back home Bobby was a bit wobbly when walking so after a visit to the garden we settled him on the settee with a blanket to sleep it off. However, when he heard the others having their dinner he was in the kitchen waiting for his so we gave him a bit of bread and scrambled egg with weak tea, which he enjoyed. The rest of the evening he slept on the settee and by the time we were going to bed his eyes looked much brighter and his face less tense. He wasn't keen on having the plastic bag over his bandage - but then Bobby's not keen on things like that and his foot was probably a bit sore but he needed it on to go in the garden. He managed the stairs under our supervision and quickly settled to his bed for the night.
15th November 2007
This morning Bobby looked much brighter and the bandage on his foot didn't seem to bother him too much other than when the bag was put on to protect it when he went outside. We never gave Bobby his walks today so his only exercise was to wander round the garden so as to give his foot a chance to heal, which he understood as we told him to stay whilst getting the others ready for their walk. It's been quite difficult today trying to ensure Sandy and Max don't accidentally knock him over as they are dashing past him and he's been a bit grumpy with them when they go over and try sniffing his foot to see what the matter is. Both are told in no uncertain terms to clear off!
19th November 2007
Bobby has been coping quite well with the bandage on his foot but isn't too keen on having the bag put on when he goes outside. This morning he went to the vet who changed his bandage for a fresh one. She cleaned the area and was pleased the way it was healing but because they had to use so many fine stitches to repair the webbing between his toes, which she didn't want to break open until they disolved she put another bandage on and we are to take him back again in a few days time.
26th November 2007
Bobby had become a bit less patient the past couple of days with the bag on his foot because he tries to avoid us putting it on and once on he will shake his foot until it comes off. This morning he went back to the vet again and had his bandage removed. The vet was very pleased with the way it was healing so Bobby left the vets with no replacement bandage.
1st December 2007
Bobby's become quite 'forward' in his old age and if he thinks he's not getting his little treat at the end of our evening meal when he thinks he should he will bark and tell us to hurry up. Bobby never used to bark at all till Indi arrived then he started barking with her whilst they were playing together. Having found his voice after all these years he now barks when it's time for his walk, his dinner or he wants to go in the garden. The past few months he's been feeling a bit vulnerable walking along the landing past Indi's bed going to his own and will come to us and bark so we will walk with him past her bed to his bed. We think this is because when we get a black foster dog Bobby sometimes thinks Indi coming to her bed is the new foster dog so will grumble at her and she is doing the same to him. We've thought about moving their beds but they are creatures of habit and want their own where they've always been especially at night so it's something we realise is a task that is now appropriate as he ages. It may also be that as he's got older he's lost or is loosing the 'pack leader' position, which Indi may be taking up and she is laying the 'ground rules.
When Bobby's out and about off his lead he looks like a youngster running along but around the house he's beginning to hold back more often these days because some of the foster dogs when they greet people almost knock him over. Bobby now tends to come and say hello to guests once the others have calmed down and things are more sedate.
7th December 2007
Yesterday we noticed Bobby limping and licking the area where his foot had been stitched. He was licking it quite a lot and when we examined it we found the area quite red and there was a lump, which we didn't like the look of so this morning we took him back to the vet. The vet said it was a cyst that had formed as a result of his foot sweating under the bandage, which had to be put on a certain way so as to hold his toes together to stop the stitches breaking open. He was put on a three week course of antibiotics and we are to bathe it with Hibiscrub once a day for a few days until it settles.
9th December 2007
Bobby's foot isn't looking quite so sore today and he's not licking it the same so the antibiotics and Hibiscrub must be beginning to work, however, we must give him all the antibiotic tablets even once the cyst has gone otherwise the vet says there is a strong chance of it coming back. For this type of cyst a ten day course isn't enough but a three week course will get rid of it completely.
17th December 2007
It's been a bit cold of late so we've started putting a housecoat on Bobby during the day as well as at night until this cold spell is over as he's feeling the cold more now than he used to.
18th December 2007
Bobby certainly knows what he wants and how to get the message across. Tonight he stood in front of Stuart and barked at him, looked at his housecoat then barked again - he was asking to have it put on. Once on he then walked to the living room door, walked back to Stuart, barked at him again, then walked back to the living room door again - he was asking to have the light put on. Once on, and with his housecoat, he walked into the living room, climbed on the settee and went to sleep.
25th December 2007
Father Christmas arrived last night and left Bobby a soft squeaky toy and a huge dinosaur bone. He took up his normal position on the settee and let Indi unwrap them because, as usual, he couldn't see what all the fuss was about. When he realised it was a squeaky toy and a bone he just looked at us then settled back on the settee to watch the others. Bobby's not really into squeaky toys but later in the day had a go at his bone. To be honest he was looking forward to a bit of Christmas dinner and was there by the table waiting patiently for us to finish ours before looking at us expenctantly for his.
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Chewing his bone In the garden
September 1997
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Settling in -
September 1997
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Discovering the garden
September 1997
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Relaxing in the sunshine
March 1998
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Walking round the Nature Reserve
March 1998
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Running on Whitbarrow Scar
June 1998
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On holiday in Ireland
June 2002
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Running on Duncannon Beach
Co. Wexford, Ireland
February 2002
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Watching the world go by
March 2002
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On our bed in the sunshine
19th October 2002
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Playing ball
25th April 2004
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Long Legged Beauties
Collection
'Just Greyhounds'
2007 Calendar
This picture of Jack, Indi and Bobby was taken on the 31st August 2004 and is one of the supporting shots in the calendar.
View Calendar
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Taking a rest
25th April 2004
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Click image for a larger view
With Britney-Lee at Biggar Park,
Biggar in South Lanarkshire
29th April 2005
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'Long Legged Beauties'
Calendar 2006 shot with model
Hannah Lewis on the 'Bluebird'
Windermere Lake Holidays houseboat
at Ferry Nab, Bowness-on-Windermere
on the 9th June 2005 |
'Long Legged Beauties'
Calendar 2006 shot with model
Paige Leigh in the grounds of
Bassenthwaite Lakeside Lodges,
Bassenthwaite near Keswick in
Cumbria on the 20th June 2005
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'Long Legged Beauties'
Rescued Greyhounds Calendar
October 2006
Britney-Lee Banks with Bobby at
Biggar Park, Biggar in South Lanarkshire
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'Long Legged Beauties'
Rescued Greyhounds Calendar
May 2006
Lauren O'Shea with Bobby and Blue at
Woodstock Gardens, Inistioge in Ireland
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Long Legged Beauties
Collection
'Just Greyhounds'
2007 Calendar
This picture of Bobby was taken
on the 10th March 2006 whilst
in Ireland and is the February
supporting shot in the calendar.
View Calendar
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Enjoying the sunshine
on the 11th June 2006
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Long Legged Beauties
Collection
'Just Greyhounds'
2008 Calendar
This picture of Bobby was taken
on the top of Kennedy Arboretum Viewing Point on the 7th September 2006 and is
our main September calendar shot
View Calendar
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A roll in the grass on the top of
Kennedy Arboretum Viewing Point
7th September 2006
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and up to have a look around!
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Playing ball on Duncannon Beach
in Ireland on the 13th September 2006
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Long Legged Beauties
Collection
'Just Greyhounds'
2007 Calendar
This picture of Bobby was taken
on Duncannon Beach in Ireland on the 13th September 2006 and is on the inside cover of the calendar.
View Calendar
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Click image for a larger view
Completing his 'Sayathon' sponsorship
in aid of the North West Air Ambulance
at Cartmel Village Hall on
Wednesday 6th December 2006
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Walking in the nature reserve
3rd May 2007
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Long Legged Beauties
Collection
'Greyhounds & Lifestyle'
2008 Calendar
This picture of Bobby was taken
with Yrez on the 12th July 2007
and is our main November calendar shot
'Greyhounds and Lifestyle' Calendar
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11th February 2008
This morning we travelled to Ireland by ferry for a few days and Bobby as usual took everything in his stride because he's done it so many times before. He knows what the suitcases mean and the word 'holiday', which is a term we use when we go away for a few days whether it be work or pleasure as he knows what is in store. Because he is so laid back he is a comfort to the foster dogs doing the trip for the first time because when we park the car on the ferry to leave it he simply lays down in the back and the others follow. The weather was nice in Dublin and he enjoyed his walk along the beach when we parked in our usual |
Bobby with his little friend Chloe
2nd September 2007 |
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place to let them all go to the toilet, get a breath of fresh air and a walk along the front. Back in the car and as we approached New Ross he was up on his feet watching out the front. As soon as we turned down the road to Whitechurch and said 'Bobby, holidays' his ears went up and the look of expectation was lovely to see.
As usual he went to the gate heading for the cottage we last stayed in - how does he remember the right one everytime? Once he realises which one we are heading for this time he doesn't bother about the others anymore. These cottages and grounds are like a second home to Bobby and he loves coming here.
12th February 2008
Had a lazy morning this morning to give everyone a chance to get over yesterday's long journey and this afternoon we all went to the beach. As we drove along the road overlooking the coast Bobby's eyes lit up because he knew exactly where he was going. On the beach he sniffed here and there - just to make sure all was okay since last time and waited his turn whilst Indi charged after the ball. After she'd had enough we threw it for Bobby as we've done in the past but this time not quite as hard because he's been showing his age a bit this winter so we didn't throw the ball as far as usual because we didn't want him overdoing things and we were right in doing this. Although he ran forward like a two year old after the ball, grabbing it and throwing it in the air to chase again, when he put his weight on his back legs to twist in a turn after the ball or to push himself off again they didn't seem to have the same strength as last September and he was a bit wobbly. I think in future we will let him potter or run on the beach as he wishes rather than throw him a ball even though in the past it's been lovely to watch.
23rd February 2008
Bobby enjoyed his stay in
Ireland again loving his walks along Duncannon beach, along the top of the Kennedy View Point where he runs along the paths with Indi between the heather and running around the fields by the cottage. We had really good weather with sunshine most days so even trips in the car he enjoyed and in the evenings if we went out for a meal he and Indi stayed in the cottage with the television on.
When it was time to leave we walked round to the farm house to say goodbye and Bobby came with us as usual, however, on this occassion he was looking to stay. He knew we were leaving as he saw everything being packed and loaded in the car but Bobby was going visiting, which he loves and as we all walked back to the car he stayed in the kitchen. We called him and came to us but as we rounded the corner of the cottages to get in the car he ran back to the farm house and into the kitchen. This was a first - he wanted to stay! We had to go back to the house, put him on the lead and walk him back to the car. We had a chuckle but Bobby looked quite fed up, perhaps it was the prospect of the long journey home!
17th March 2008
Next month we are going to Portugal for a few days and it will be the first time we have been away without taking the Greyhounds with us, which is quite a wrench to my system and I'm not happy about leaving Bobby at his age. I know he's fit and well but that doesn't make it any easier. A friend has offered to look after Bobby and Indi for us whilst we are away so this afternoon we started the ball rolling to get them used to being away from us by leaving them both with our friends for an hour or so. As there wasn't sufficient time to go home and come back we took the foster dogs for a walk then because it was very cold we had a coffee before going back to pick them up. Bobby had found the thick padded bed in the lounge which he made his own and never moved all the time we were away.
25th March 2008
We took Bobby and Indi to our friends again today where we dropped them off so they could stay half a day. They both remembered the house and happily went inside, which was lovely to see. Inside Bobby lay on the bed that has been made for them in the living room
and apparently that was where he stayed for the duration of his stay and upon my return he simply looked up at me then went back to sleep till it was time to leave.
2nd April 2008
Yesterday lunch time I took Bobby and Indi to our friend's house for a 'stop-over' and called in this afternoon to collect them. Both had been very good but Bobby was looking a bit subdued and we wondered if he'd missed us. Once home, had his dinner and walk it was up on the settee for the evening and he appeared a bit better but I'm going to watch him as I think he's not as happy as he should be.
10th April 2008
Bobby's had a dried pig's ear each day for as long as we can remember and loved them but about a week ago he only ate half and left the rest. The following day he didn't want one, which we thought strange. He looked well and was eating his food okay so to begin with we thought nothing of it but as the week progressed we wondered if something was amiss. The problem with Bobby is that he is so laid back and will put up with a lot before he complains. We looked in his mouth because we wondered if he had a gum infection or perhaps a bad tooth but we couldn't see anything so this afternoon we took him to the vet. He weighed in at nearly 71lbs (32.10k) and the vet gave him a thorough examination. His heart was fine and for his age his muscle definition was very good. The vet said there was no gum infection and from what she could see his teeth were okay but she struggled to get him to open his mouth very wide to check the back and whilst doing this she found his glands in his neck swollen indicating an infection at the back of his mouth or down his throat. She said to give him some Metacam this evening and a course of antibiotics with a request to bring him back next week if he doesn't improve.
16th April 2008
As Bobby was going to stay with friends this afternoon for a few days whilst we are in Portugal we took him back to the vet for another check-up, which I think was more for our peace of mind more than anything else. The vet checked his ears, teeth and glands again and apart from his glands being up slightly the vet said he was okay and, the amount they were up were nothing to worry about. He's had a couple of pig's ears lately but doesn't show the enthusiasm as he's done in the past so we offer him one and if he doesn't want it we give him a slightly softer treat instead.
Because Bobby and Indi know what it means when the suitcases come out we didn't start our packing for Portugal until after we dropped them of at our friend's house along with all their food and gear this afternoon. Bobby as in the past went straight to the bed our friend made for them in the corner of her living room where he lay down and went to sleep. When we left them Bobby never even lifted his head when we said 'stay there, back soon' so either he was sulking or he knew it was another stay away from home. It was quite something leaving them and I was glad no packing had been done earlier because it meant we were busy right up to leaving to catch the plane.
17th April 2008
We phoned from Portugal this evening to see how they were and was told both were okay.
18th April 2008
Received a text from our friend saying they were feeding them gammon for their dinner!
25th April 2008
Although we'd received some texts from our friends saying both Bobby and Indi were fine the first two or three days away I missed them dreadfully and although the rest of the time I tried to put them out of my mind I found it very difficult so when we were on the plane coming home we both commented that we were really looking forward to seeing them so when we arrived home we literally dropped our bags inside the door and went to pick them up.
When we arrived both Bobby and Indi were on the bed with our friend who was taking a rest and watching a bit of TV. Having said hello to Indi we went to say hello to Bobby, who hadn't moved from where he was laying on the bed and I don't think he even wagged his tail. I thought he looked a bit sad and his nose was dry so I felt for his glands because I thought his neck looked a bit tight in his collar. My first thought was to get him to the vet straight away but on the way home I decided to leave it a couple of days and watch him. Our friends said both had been as good as gold and a pleasure to have but they thought they'd missed us and, because she doesn't have a garden, they thought they missed wandering in and out as they do here. They thought it took them a little while to realise their frequent walks up the road was to have a piddle and, at one stage they took them into the garden next door to see if they would do it there but they wouldn't.
Having collected Bobby and Indi and all their belongings we drove over to collect Sandy. Now the family was complete we went home and fed them. I gave Bobby some Metacalm in case his neck was sore and because his nose was dry, then we went for a bite to eat so they got a trip to the pub. When we got home we lit the fire in the living room and sat and watched television the rest of the evening so they all knew things were back to normal. Bobby climbed on the settee and flaked out. It wasn't long before we realised the look on his face had changed, he looked settled and we think that although he enjoyed his stay away he was glad to be back home.
16th May 2008
Bobby gave us a bit of a scare this afternoon. I'd taken them all for a walk as normal in the Nature Reserve and was waiting for Bobby and Indi as they tend to wander so we all meet up at the gate before walking back together along the road. Bobby came running down the path as he's done hundreds of times before and slipped because the ground was so dry. As he stood up he gave a yelp and held his front left foot up. He was only a few yards away so it didn't take long to reach him and I saw his little toe at a funny angle.
The biggest problem I had was stopping Sandy and Scooby dashing over to him and knocking him over trying to see what was the matter.
I had a quick panic and my mind was racing because as my trousers had no pockets I'd not brought my mobile with me - and that's the last time I will ever do that!
There was a mobile home parked in the lay by, do I leave just him here or do I tie them all up here and run down the road. I had a dilema because Bobby was determined he wasn't being left and as I tried to go for help he insisted on hobbling after me until we'd gone the few yards to the road. As I got there I saw the mobile home driving off and my heart sunk then I saw the men working on the flat part of the roof of the pub and was about to wave and shout to them when a landrover turned into the road and came towards me. I flagged him down and as he didn't have a mobile he offered to turn around to get Stuart. Stuart came in our car and he put Bobby in and took him home. I walked home with the other three so they didn't accidentally stand on him in the car.
The vet asked if we could bring him straight in so we carried him to the car as he wouldn't walk and took him to the surgery. In the surgery the vet gave him a painkilling injection whilst she examined him. He was very good. As it had started swelling up the vet wanted to x-ray it so we laid him on the table and the vet did the x-ray. We then waited for the results in the waiting room where Bobby lay on the only mat in the room. The vet showed me the x-ray and we could clearly see where he'd broken his toe in three places. As we were the only ones in the waiting room, rather than getting him back into the surgery the vet and I sat on the floor and bandaged his foot up to give the broken toe a bit of support. We'd almost finished when some more people came in and were amazed to see us all on the floor but as the vet said "If the dog can't get to the vet the vet comes to the dog". All bandaged up I had to carry him back to the car as he refused to move off the mat. The vet said to keep the bandage on a week, not to let him walk unless he wanted to and to give him Metacam for the next few days as he will be in a lot of pain. In all it will take about four weeks to heal properly.
When we got Bobby home we gave him some dinner then unfortunately all the Greyhounds were put in the car as we had to go the Dumfriesshire and Cumbria Greyhound Rescue AGM at Longtown. Bobby coped well in the car with the others - they seemed to know something was wrong and kept away from him. When we arrived home and it was time for bed he wouldn't sleep downstairs so we had to carry him upstairs to where he normally sleeps.
17th May 2008
Bobby wanted on our bed this morning around 5am for a cuddle and stayed there till his breakfast was ready. He wouldn't walk downstairs this morning, which is understandable so we had to carry him. He wasn't too keen on this as he likes his feet on firm ground and he wriggled a bit. Consequently, we've decided to play the next few days carefully to reduce the number of times we have to get him downstairs. He's okay going up on his own but not down, thankfully, he won't go down without us and stands at the top and barks until we go to him. Bobby's foot must be quite painful and his face looks strained as he's hobbling along. Thankfully he's eating well but showing no inclination to do anything other than rest nor come with us for a walk. When we go out we touch his bandage and say "Indi walk, Bobby stay, back soon" and he looks at us knowing exactly what we mean. He had his Metacam with his dinner, a wee in the garden then on the settee for the rest of the evening.
18th May 2008
Bobby's foot is still very sore. He's just not interested in walking more than he has to and he lay in the sunshine in the garden today for some time, which he enjoyed.
19th May 2008
Bobby, although he won't walk down the stairs, doesn't want to stay downstairs all the time he doesn't like being carried down them either. He really tries to resist so today we started walking him down with us in front supporting his neck to give him a bit more confidence whilst guiding him down. Thankfully, he tells us when he wants to go down and waits for us to guide him down. Although he's still hobbling this wanting to go down the stairs on his own might be an indication he's feeling a bit better.
20th May 2008
Bobby seems much happier now he's able to walk down the stairs on his own with our aid.
21st May 2008
We've tried to make sure Bobby's spent most of his time resting and he's become quite used to not joining us for walks He still seems in a bit of pain and it's quite sad seeing him hobbling around. However, this evening was the first time he looked at us when we took the others for a walk as if asking if he could come as well but we said no so he stayed on the settee with the television on whilst we were out.
22nd May 2008
Bobby's been feeling a bit sorry for himself since he broke his toe. He's not wanted to go out other than in the garden for a wee but today he must have been feeling a bit better because he came to the door with the others when we were getting ready for our walk as he wanted to join us. He was a bit miffed when we said he had to stay behind but the walk is far too long for him so he's best pottering around the garden for a while longer yet. Because he looked so sad we took him to the pub this evening with the friends who looked after him whilst we were away. When they arrived he gave them a lovely welcome and when we told him he was going to the pub his eyes lit up, he did a little dance waiting for his collar being put on, was the first by the door waiting to be let out, first down the drive and first into the back of the car – all of which is a first for Bobby as he usually dawdles and is often last! Anyway, he enjoyed his trip out, lay on the carpet in the pub and enjoyed all the fuss people made of him because of his bandage..
23rd May 2008
Bobby's been walking a bit better today and this afternoon we removed his bandage. His toe area still looks a bit swollen but we think he feels more himself without it on as he's been going up and down the stairs on his own since then without asking for our help. However, we've to watch him for a while because it will be another three or four weeks until it heals properly. The vet said he may find it more painful for a few days now his toe isn't being supported by the bandage so we've to continue giving him Metacam each evening for another three or four days or so. By the end of the day Bobby's foot was looking more swollen than when we first took the bandage off as the vet said it may do so we are trying to get him to rest it as much as we can.
24th May 2008
Although Bobby's foot is still a bit swollen and we've been trying to get him to rest it as much as we can he's been getting quite upset at not having a walk so on the way back from shopping this afternoon we picked a location where he could have a short walk on grass. It was only a few yards as we didn't want him to over do it but he felt he'd been for a walk and we think he enjoyed it.
25th May 2008
Although Bobby's foot still seems a bit swollen he's moving about much better and going up and down the stairs on his own. This morning Bobby wouldn't eat his breakfast, was very unsettled and his stomach was rumbling. He wasn't interested when we went for a walk at lunch time and no matter what we did we couldn't get him to settle until the middle of the afternoon. By tea time he was up waiting for his food with the others so whatever was the problem it seems it may have sorted itself. After tea we took the others out for a walk and left him behind but when we arrived back we found he'd wet behind the front door - Bobby had done a protest at being left behind with no walk so tomorrow we will probably drive him up to the nature reserve to have a potter around so he thinks he's had a walk.
5th June 2008
Bobby's had a rumbling stomach two or three times since he broke his toe and his regular exercise routine was turned upside down and on these days he's been off his food most of the day. Today we started mixing some natural yoghurt into his food in an attempt to settle his stomach. At first we just put the yoghurt on top his food but he wasn't interested in it so now we mix it in and he eats it okay. Hopefully, when he's back doing his normal walks all will settle down again.
7th June 2008
Today we did a stall at Caton Gala arriving at 10.30am and leaving around 5pm. Bobby did his usual thing by laying on the duvet in the shade under the gazebo all day only getting up to go over to the hedge to relieve himself then resume his position on the duvet again. He astounded everyone who didn't know him because he wasn't on the lead but then we know our Bobby and he knows the score at these events so he just does his own thing and crashes out for the day.
More soon ........
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BOBBY, HIS MUM AND BROTHERS AND SISTERS
24th May 2007
This morning we met the lady who owned Shunters Delight who bred Bobby prior to being sold for racing. Bobby was born at Holme and was originally called Robbie so at some stage prior to coming to us his name has possibly been misheard and changed. Bobby was sold to a man who lived with his father in the Lancaster area who raced him on the Blackpool and West Houghton tracks and possibly at Gretna. It's believed Bobby may be the sole survivor. |
Bobby with his brothers and sisters in 1995 at just a few weeks old
Bobby (Robbie) is the light brindle at the front on the right with his tail in the air.
(recognised by the distinctive black marking on his side)
Zac .................... (dog)..... Fawn |
Robbie (Bobby) .. (dog) ..... Light Brindle |
Max .................. (dog) ..... Fawn |
Rocky ................. (dog) ..... Light Brindle |
Harry ................ (dog) ..... White and Brindle |
George ................ (dog) ..... White and Fawn |
Murphy ........... (dog) ..... White and Brindle |
Ellie ................... (bitch) .... White and Brindle |
Ollie (Oliver) .... (dog) ..... Dark Brindle who died in approximately 2006 |
Bella ................... (bitch) .... White and Brindle |
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We think Robbie (Bobby) is the brindle on the left looking down as he is the darker of the two.
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Shunters Delight (Bobby's mother) whose pet name was Angie, shortly before she died just 2 months before her 14th birthday. She had two sets of pups the first of 8 pups (2 bitches - Kyra and Jodie) (6 dogs - Clint, Aran, Freddie, Billy, Mick and John). The second set was Bobby and his brothers and sisters.
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