Lucky White Paw

There are lots of wonderful things about Jasper, but one of the things that caused me to fall in love with him is his beautiful white paw. It’s so sweet and kissable (I know I’m not the only one that loves the smell of doggie paws).

I consider it his lucky paw as it snuck into my heart the day he arrived as an emergency foster – and as many of you already know he never left 🙂

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Thundershirts are go …

I have heard great things about the Thundershirt so decided to give one a go. Although named Thundershirt, they are aimed at helping dogs with various anxieties in addition to fear of thunder, as you can see on the above link.

I am not wishing for a thunder storm by any means but thought it would be good to get one ahead of fireworks time as one of my dogs hates fireworks. Someone (that’s the polite version) was letting the things off one light and sunny summer evening a little while ago as we were out walking and terrified my dog. He’s still wary on the walk, even weeks later 😦

Aside from the intended reduction in anxiety, they look rather cute too 🙂

You can buy them in the UK – mine came (very quickly!) from Doorstep Paws. I’ll update later on in the year after we’ve endured evenings of loud bangs!

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Caught in the act …

Our oldie, Jasper, wondering if anything is private these days …

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The importance of photography

This week I have been reminded, for a sad, sad reason, of the importance of photography. For me at least.

Cassie, one of our beloved dogs, passed away less than a week ago after she became suddenly and seriously ill. In time I will write much about her, but for now I am gaining comfort in the photographs we have of her. We adopted her at 12 months and she passed away at the age of 12.

My heart is breaking right now, but the photographs I have taken of her hold many happy memories.

Cassie you were a beautiful, loyal, gentle, kind, loving girl and one of our very best friends for 11 years. We will love you always. Sleep tight my love ♥.

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Jasper in July

Jasper has been with us almost seven months now and is such a part of our little family. He loves life, loves food, loves running, loves snuggling on his bed and is just a total sweetheart.

There are probably hundreds, possibly thousands, of older dogs like Jasper in rescues across the UK who need a family of their own. If you are looking to get a dog, please consider rescue. Please consider an older dog. They will bring much joy and very little trouble 🙂

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Hazy days

I haven’t blogged for a couple of weeks due to a very stressful time regarding the health of one of my beautiful dogs. Thankfully she is much improved and, we hope, showing us miracles do happen.

I took my camera out on a walk this evening and thought I would share these two photos of another one of my dogs, which have really helped to cheer me.

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Vote Jasper! Help win a donation for Oldies Club – thank you!

Update: Thank you so much to anyone who voted. Am delighted to let you know that Jasper’s story won that week’s story competition and Oldies Club will receive a donation 🙂

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Click here to vote

It only takes a few seconds, you don’t need to register and you could help Oldies Club save more dogs if the charity wins the voting and is awarded a donation 🙂

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Six months with Jasper

Update: I moved blog some time ago to my new and much improved blog HERE. Please join me for updates on Jasper and much more 🙂

It’s been a wonderful six months since we brought Jasper home on New Year’s Eve as an emergency foster for Oldies Club (and fell in love ;)).

Hard to believe that six months ago he’d been taken to the vets to be put down because his owner was seriously ill and the family were unable to keep him.

We love him so much, he has slotted into our family perfectly and I truly believe that he was meant to come here. Some photos from the last six months 🙂

In bed on New Year’s Eve, his first evening here, after he had managed to relax a little.

During his first proper walk with us, on New Year’s Day:

We were initially advised not to let him off lead as he didn’t respond to his name, but after a few months of bonding and training and walking him with our other dogs who have great recall, we started letting him off lead. He loves to have a run around and is great at coming back when called 🙂 When he’s off lead he looks back often to check we’re still there.

He gets on really well with other dogs:

For a Heinz 57 type dog, he makes a great retriever!

He has found a new lease of life 🙂

and seems very content with his new family 🙂

He works with me to help raise funds and awareness for Oldies Club too, so that we can help other oldies in need. He has his own fundraising page:
http://www.justgiving.com/JasperBear

Thank you, Jasper, for coming into our lives ♥

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Calendar Girl

Am rather pleased that a photograph I took a few years ago has been selected for a Labrador calendar for 2011, which has been raising funds for various dog rescues in the UK 🙂

The photograph was second place in its category and I gather will be included in the calendar with the first place photo.

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A Minnie Photoshoot

Photos from a quick session yesterday. A beautiful and willing model who was well rewarded with fish treats for her help 🙂

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