DECEMBER 2011

Sorry for the lack of updates recently, just been very busy as usual the time just flies!!  I can't believe it's nearly Christmas again already.

We've had a good summer with our water rescue training & carting training keeping us busy most weekends.  Water rescue has finished now until April/May next year when the weather is again good enough for us to go in the lake (hopefully!!) 
During the summer we've been to a few different shows demonstrating the dogs carting abilities.  The highlight though was for the group to be invited to Martin Clunes' Buckham Fair in Beaminster.  The group all met early at 7am after for most of us a 2+ hours drive so we could all go into the fair together.  We were asked to take the dogs into the main arena in their carts for Martin Clunes to award the prizes for the many dog events.  Wellington, being the biggest boy there was given the task of pulling the big cart filled with rosettes/cups for the winners, which thankfully he went without any hitches.  All the Leo's there done us proud & behaved so well & worked tirelessly giving kids cart rides throughout the day.

I wish all my customers (human & canine) a very merry Christmas & look forward to seeing you all again in the new year xx

June 2011

Sorry for the lack of updates recently, no excuse other than being very busy!!

Work is very busy as usual, with the normal rush for people to get their dogs groomed/clipped ready for the (hopefully) warm summer weather.  I'm doing my best to fit in as many as possible while still giving the dogs the individual care and attention that they all deserve.  I do apologise for any of you who have tried to ring and been disapointed in not being able to get an appointment as soon as you would like.  It is well worth booking your summer grooming at least three months in advance to be sure of getting an appointment when you would like. 

A word of advice for everyone, especially those who have dogs with fluffy feet & ears to keep checking your dogs after walks for grass seeds which can catch within the fur and make their way under the skin or inside ears.  These can cause all sorts of problems as the barbs on the seeds allow them to travel just one way - inwards, leaving a path of infection as they go.  To help avoid this happening, as well as checking/brushing your dogs after a walk, removing excess fur from between the toes & checking for knots behind ears or in armpits can help to stop grass seeds from catching within the coat.  If you come back from a walk, to find your dog shaking his head/ears madly.  Please make an appointment with you vet as soon as possible, do not try to remove grass seeds in ears by yourself, as this could cause a lot of damage/pain.

Over the last couple of months, Elsa & Wellington have been busy practising for their carting tests.  These took place on 21st May.  I'm pleased to say that Elsa passed her level 1, but was unable to have a go doing level 2 after having surgery to remove a benign lump from her shoulder.  Wellington passed both his level 1 & 2.  The day was very warm, but they both behaved very well and done me proud.  The day after the carting tests, we went to a Leonberger funday which was great fun.  Elsa came 2nd in the fluffiest knickers class & Wellington was 3rd in handsomest dog.  We are back doing our water rescue training, which has been fun, but very cold! 

April '08
My first news is not great, unfortunately 'Kai' my G.S.D. has not been too well.  He has had an ear problem for the past six months which had been being treated with some success.  But got up one morning to find him bleeding from the ear, panicking as you do I rushed him to the vets where he was found to have a tumour in there.  He was then refferred to a specialist in Whichester to have a total ear canal ablation operation.  The tumour was found to be deep in his middle ear cavity so couldn't be removed completely and biopsy results showed a malignant carcinoma.   He was then referred to Bridgewater to a vet oncologist for possible Chemo who decided to again refer Kai to Essex for radiotherapy.  We are now on week 3 of 4 radiotherapy sessions and seem to be doing well.  Kai has been an absolute star throughout, always behaving well when he is being treated by the vets.  He will be having another C.T scan in a couple of months to see how things are doing - fingers crossed all will be well.

Elsa has had her first season so has been unable to join in with her first water rescue training with Wiltshire Wet Leos which she will love.  It's hard to believe she is now a grown up girl bless her she still acts so puppyish.

Grooming is very, very busy as the weather begins to warm up everyone thinks about having their dogs groomed for summer.  I am now booked until the end of July.  so a warning to everyone to please book early to avoid dissapointment this time of year!!

June 08'
Kai has now finished his radiotherapy treatment for his ear tumour which he coped with very well considering.  He will be having a C.T. scan the end of July which will hopefully be good news.  He is though looking very old now and his legs are rather wobbly but he does his best to keep up with Elsa and still enjoys life at his own pace.

Elsa has been doing very well with her water rescue training and thoroughly enjoys it.  She will have her first 'A' test later in the year which she should pass O.K.  To see what fun we have had check out the Wilshire Wet Leo's website on http://www.leonius.net/wwwl%20-%20home%20pagehtm 
She will be going in to be spayed the beginning of July, poor girl, but it's for the best.  I am looking into finding Elsa (and of course Kai) another Leo friend in the near future, this time a male which is very exciting.

Grooming is now booked up until October so very, very busy, I just wish I could physically do all the dogs who try to book, but I would be working 24/7!!  I also don't like to overbook so that dogs do get the individual attention that they deserve.  December is also beginning to get well booked so anyone who wants their dogs to have a pre-Christmas 'spruce-up' needs to book within the next month to avoid dissapointment.  Scary thought mentioning Christmas in June!!

August 08'

Well there has been great news about kai - he had his 'finish of radiotherapy' C.T. scan and he has been given the all clear.  At least I now know that he didn't go through all the treatment and surgery for nothing  the most fantastic news I could have.  

Elsa has been continuing her water rescue training and is doing very well, we still have a long way to go, her retrieving needs work, but just having fun.  She will have her A test probably next month which she should hopefully pass depending on how she feels on the day.  If she doesn't - there is always next year!!  Elsa has now been spayed which she recovered from in record time (she thought she was fine the next day). 
Myself and the dogs had a day on the beach which both Kai and Elsa absolutely loved despite rather rubbish weather.

Work is still manic, booked untill middle of November,  with only a few spaces left in December, so busy as ever.   

October o8'

Well another busy month gone by.  

Kai has had a few hiccups with his health again, but, touch wood, we seem to have things under control again thank goodness.  He has become extremely wobbly on his back legs but still enjoys short strolls through the woods daily.

Elsa passed her 'A' water rescue test on the 4th October , the weather was awful, very cold and windy but she done me proud - what a good girl.  To see photos from our test day please visit the website (address above, under Aprils' news) to see just how crazy we all are!!  We have just one more session before we break up until next April 09', it will seem very strange not going after the last six months - but we won't be being idle, Elsa and I will start carting lessons once a month where Elsa will hopefully learn to pull a cart.  I'm sure she will enjoy this activity especially the socialising with other leos.  I will post some pictures of this when we get started.

I am hoping that a new Leo will be joining us very shortly - so exciting -will update as soon as I know with lots of pictures & of course his name.

Work is as ever chaotic, I'm now booked for the rest of the year, but keep having to slot in extras so busier than ever.  If you need a grooming appointment I am taking names for cancellations if they come up.

February 09'

Sorry there hasn't been any updates for a long time, but I've had rather an awful couple of months.
 
On the 29th November on our walk Kai collapsed.  He managed to walk slowly back to the van where I rushed him straight to the vets.  I stayed with him while they ran tests. Unfortunately these found that he had a tumour on his heart which had suddenly ruptured, so he was bleeding heavily, it was the hardest decision ever but I had to let him go peacefully.  It has taken this long to be able to write this down.  I still cannot believe he has gone and think of him constantly.   He was my best, most loyal friend and I will never ever forget him. I am just grateful that he enjoyed life to the end and that the end although a great shock was not prolonged.  I will always love you Kai.


Elsa had a rather hard time after loosing Kai, but with the help of Wellington (our new Leo) who was really too young to be affected much, she is now back to her usual bouncy self.

Wellington is growing well and at nearly six months weighs in at 36kg.  He is at the tall lanky stage.  He's developing a lovely deep red coat and large head. 

Both the dogs are loving the snow we're getting at the moment and new photo's of them enjoying it have been added.  We have now started going to a Leonberger only agility training group, Elsa absolutely loves this and has great fun being in the same group as her brother McGregor.  They are both so bouncy, enthusiastic dogs.  Wellington is in the puppy class but is so laid back, he's hard to get motivated to do much at the moment.  He's decided he likes the tunnel, but lays down in it rather than running through, bless him!!!  To see what we're getting up to take a look at the website ;- www.leoagility.co.uk

Grooming is continueing to be very busy. 

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I thank my regular customers for their much appreciated support since loosing Kai, it has been so hard not having him with me - you've all been so kind, at least as owners of much adored dogs you understand just how difficult it has been. 

April 09'

Not much too update this time, as usual work is very busy what with dogs in need of spring haircuts.  Dogs tend to come in extra hairy this time of year after needing the warmth of their winter coats so need extra time for grooming. 

Elsa & Wellington are doing well, Elsa is still enjoying her agility & we've had our first 'Wet Leo's' water training of the season.  After a six month break, Elsa was super excited and although all handlers were very cold the dog's were very enthusiastic. 
Wellington had his first ever water training session and done very well, he'd been practising his swimming at any oppotunity ready for this.  He managed to pull me back to shore which on a first session is really pleasing.  He was a little scared of the boat to start with but with lots of encouragement he soon got used to it.  Compared to Elsa, Wellington is a not so brave with new activities, but I am sure that once he knows what to expect he will love it. 
 
Wellington is growing fast as you can see from the picture, he's looking quite grown up now.  He's suddenly grown tall and is now slightly taller than Elsa.  His weight is now 49kg at nearly eight months.   

JULY 09'

Sorry no updates been very, very busy both work and at home. 

Elsa & Wellington are both doing well at their water training, Wellington should hopefully pass his 'A' test this year & possibly 'B' as well.  Elsa has some work to go but all being well should get through her 'B' test.  It really doesn't matter though whether they pass tests or not - I just love being able to work with my dogs in an activity that they love so much.  Agility has been postponed for the summer because it was just too hot for heavy coated dogs and they were struggling, we re-start this at the end of October.  I am also hoping to start them both carting from September which is quite exciting. 

Wellington is now a big boy weighing in at 61kg at eleven months.  I am a little bit worried about possible back leg problems as he seems weaker than he should despite the amount of swimming that he does.  X-rays will be taken when he has slowed down growing if he doesn't improve - keeping everything crossed that he doesn't have anything wrong. 

Work is as busy as usual - fully booked up until October with a long list of people waiting.  Most regulars now book up for several months or even the full year ahead

The dogs, my parents and I had a great day trip out to the beach at Mudeford where we practised our water rescue in the sea.  This was Wellington's first experience of waves & after an initial wariness he had a great time splashing around.  They even had a boat trip!!

AUGUST 09

Well another month almost over - where has this year gone?

I can't believe it been nearly nine month since loosing Kai - I still think of him constantly, but now to remember the good times we had together rather than feeling so sad.

Wellington has had his first birthday, getting a grown up boy now weighing in at 63kg and still growing!!  Unfortunately he has also been castrated, poor lad.   He also had hips x-rayed at the same time and unfortunately they have confirmed that he does have hip dysplasia.  Luckily it doesn't bother him too much at the moment.  I have found somewhere nearby with a underwater treadmill which helps to build up muscles, so he's booked in for his first session beginning of September, hopefully this and glucosamine supplements will be enough to keep him comfortable.

Busy as usual at work, only a few appointments are now available for this year. 

              October 09
Been a very busy couple of months what with doggie activities and work.  Water training has now finished for the season.  Unfortunately we didn'g get to do our tests this year due to problems with getting a judge, but had fun anyway and there's always next year.  Agility will be starting back at the beginning of November, Wellington will still only be doing puppy agility especially now we know he has hip problems, but Elsa will be able to progress hopefully.  Wellington has been going to hydrotherapy where he has been on a water treadmill which he's really enjoying, this should help him to build up good muscle to support his hips.  Both the dogs came along to Malvern Autumn show in there animal zone where representatives of different breeds were there for people to see and find out about, both dogs came home absolutely shattered from all the attention, mind you - so was I!!

Work is now fully booked until  January so very busy still. 

 

December 09'

I can't believe that my boy Kai has been gone a year now, I don't know where the time has gone, still seems like yesterday.  I miss him so much still, but at least Elsa & Wellington keep me busy and don't let me dwell on things for long.    

Been a busy last couple of months as usual.  The pre-Christmas  rush is well and truly here now. A rather stressful time of the year for me and looking forward to having some time off between christmas and the new year.
 
Elsa & Wellington have been to a couple of sessions of agility and are doing well.  Elsa hasn't forgotton anything and is as enthusiastic as ever, loving it!!  Wellington was a bit shocked that he could no longer get through the tunnel easily now he's grown, he needs to learn a new crawling technique to get through!!  I think his back leg problems do make going through harder for him, but he does try.  He's more enthusiastic about the agility than he was which is good.

We have been to our first carting session and Elsa, I'm pleased to say was happily pulling a cart by the end of the day - I was very proud of her.  Wellington was o.k pulling a little plastic sledge, but panicked when shafts were put on him, so I am working on building his confidence slowly.  I now have a cart and shafts so can practice at home - if the rain ever stops!!!  The dogs seem to be continuesly wet and muddy - not the best advert for a groomer, but they don't care.  I will be glad to get some nice, cold crisp weather to clear up all the mud. 

I hope you all have a great Christmas and new year and thank all my customers for your continued support over the last year.  Give all your dogs a Christmas hug from me!!
 

January 2010

What a start to a new year!! 

Snow has brought everything to a standstill.  From 21st December's heavy snowfall until now (13th January) I have been able to do one 'normal' day of work,  with a couple of days of dry clips only. 

Problems due to frozen water pipes and the farm being almost inaccessable without a 4-wheel drive had completely stopped business.  To say I have been stressed is an understatement!!, vet bills, problems with the van and general living expenses becoming very hard to fund.  Luckily the forescast is looking more positive and hoping life will soon be back to normal.

The ones who have been enjoying all this snow are the dogs - most dogs seem to become mad puppies again rolling and running around.  Elsa & Wellington certainly have, to the point where they don't want to be indoors, as if they are worried it will all disappear if they come in.  It is so lovely to see them having such a great time. 

If it wasn't for the disruption the snow causes I wouldn't care how long it lasted, everywhere looks so beautiful.  The dogs red coats against the white snow look so bright and have taken the opportunity for lots of photo's to be taken, which can be found in the new snow pictures gallery page.

February

New carting pictures added to the gallery.

March 2010

 

Where is this year going?  Can't believe it's March already!!! 

Another busy month gone by, Elsa & Wellington have been busy carting and agility. 
Wellington has decided to be brave and is actually pulling the cart now - yipee!!  Elsa loves it but needs to slow down a bit, but that is Elsa, she loves fast!! 
Agility is probabaly Elsa's favourite because she can run and it involves her ball as a reward when she completes an exercise, I have a job keeping up with her!!

The dogs have had new photo's done, Elsa decided to be scared of the camera so her individual picture didn't come out, but the one of the two together (above) is lovely as is the individual one of Wellington which can be seen on his page under my dogs, then 'Wellington'.  They will be entered in the Pets At Home photo competition so wish us luck!!

Work is incredibly busy with Crufts coming up this next week (that time again already?).  I will be going up there on the Thursday which is working dog day to support the Leonbergers (and do some shopping!!).

I am now fully booked until June, but seem to have had a spell of people forgetting their appointments recently.  Having to try to rearrange things is very difficult when already booked, although I do always try. 
I'm afraid that if appointments are missed as I always have people waiting for cancellations, I won't ring to remind you, but go to my list of people waiting - (sorry!). 

Looking forward to Easter and a week off - hoping that the weather warms up a bit this month for the start of Wet Leos water rescue season starting or the lake is going to be freeeezzzzing when we start back in April.  

May 2010

Well another very busy couple of months gone by, work is madness - fully booked until early September which is great and activities with the dogs at weekends.

Elsa has done me proud by winning in the novice agility competiton at a giant agility day in Suffolk.  It was the hottest weekend of the year so far as well, so very pleased with her.  We had our first taste of staying in a b&b as the agility was in Beccles, Suffolk so a long 5 hour drive away.  Both dogs behaved very well and were made very welcome there.  They did though keep poking me all night as they have never before seen me in a bed as they are not allowed upstairs at home.  I think they wondered what I was doing!!

Both dogs are working hard at Wet Leo's we have tests next month, aahhhh!!  All being well Wellington should pass his 'A'test. Elsa will be trying for a 'B' test - but not sure we are quite ready yet, we shall see.

Wellington has surprised me by deciding that the cart isn't going to eat him after all and becomming very steady.  We will be doing a few demonstrations with the Southern Leonberger Carting group through the summer which will be good.

Both dogs have also had a taster go at flyball, both enjoyed it & hopefully will get the chance to do more over the coming months. 

August 2010

Well what a busy couple of months!! 
Weekends have been filled with dog activities - water rescue training, carting displays & practice, Leo fun days & lots of good walks. 

Work is busy as usual.  With the recent hot weather everyone is wanting their dogs clipped, stripped or just groomed out to help keep them cool.  Unfortunately a lot of people have left it far too late to try to book in & have been disappointed.  Sadly I can only do so many in a day as it's also very hot work for me too. 
I also feel that dogs are not really wanting to be messed around when feeling hot and bothered so more time is needed on each dog to give lots of breaks to allow them to rest. 
To help keep your dog cool, especially if you have been unable to get your dog booked in to see a groomer, I would advise that you do your best to keep your dog brushed and combed. This helps to remove any loose dead coat which may be making your dog overheat. 

There are now only a few appointments left this year - mainly in November.  December is getting very booked, so if you like your dog to have a pre-Christmas groom, you would need to book very soon.  Very scary mentioning Christmas in August!!

Both Elsa & Wellington have had a go at water rescue tests last month.  I am pleased to say that Wellington has now passed his 'A' level test, but unfortunately Elsa didn't quite pass her 'B' level.  We were almost there, but as expected the controlled swim let us down.  This is more my doing than hers as I am not a very strong swimmer which she picks up on and then worries.  We are spending a lot our training time working on this and we are improving.  Hopefully we will have another chance in September to re-take this.  Wellington will also have his chance to try for this test too, so I have double the work to try for them both.

I have added new pictures in carting, seaside & customers dogs galleries.

Take care and enjoy your summer holidays.

October 2010

I can't believe how fast this year is flying by!! 

Grooming is very,very busy with NO appointments left now this year!!    This is abviously a great position to be in, but if anyone needs to alter their appointment, this becomes very difficult and at times impossible to be able to do this.

Our water training has now finished until April/May next year as the water was just too cold (for us humans, the dogs didn't care!).  We will then start up again with our agility in a few weeks which Elsa loves so much.  At least we stay warm & dry doing this!!!!  We are still doing our carting, both dogs are doing very well & hoping that there may be the opportunity to take some carting tests this year.  
I am enjoying having a couple of free weekends, where I can catch up on the mundane things like bookwork (which is absolutely hate).

   

JANUARY 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  Well another year flown by!!

It was lovely having 11 days off over christmas after an extra busy couple of weeks, trying to get everyone's dogs bathed and groomed before the big day. 

We again had some snow the week before Christmas which did make for a very slippery time for those who braved bringing their dogs to the farm.  My two as usual loved the snow and as far as they were concerned, the colder, the better!!  They were the friskiest I've ever seen them one morning when the mercury was saying -8 brrr.... Mad dogs!!

This year I'm looking forward to lots of fun activities again with Elsa & Wellington, agility, carting & water training which I will report on out progress throughout the year.

Unfortunately I'm sorry to say that as from Jan this year I'm having to put my prices up. 
After 7 years without any increases, it has become very necessary to enable me to continue with the grooming & make some sort of living from it.  On average most prices will be about £5 more. 

Plans for this year include some DIY on the salon to freshen everything up.  Unfortunately nothing much has been done to the place in 7 years and it's looking very scruffy.  This will be a gradual thing throughout the year rather than having to close for a time.  Hopefully by this time next year it will all be looking presentable again.  I would never aim to have the place looking clinical as this is not an environment that dogs feel happy in and totally impractical with the work, but I aim to have it looking much better for us all.