The most INSANE Bohemian Rhapsody Flashmob you will ever see!!

Putting this here so I can find it easily - I must have watched it a dozen times. 

The House In Gyrn Goch

It was so sad to see this house so dilapidated yesterday, it looked sad when I last saw it, but not like this. Why has it been left to get to this? It has grounds and a barn and is in a nice location. I just don't get it, why has it not been up for sale? I don't often do the circuit in Gyrn Goch as it means going back through the village, I usually like to go back the way I came and as it's on the outskirts of the village, then I don't pass it, but it was my plan to do it yesterday just to go and see it. Honestly in my mind I imagined it beautifully done up .. how sad!

On the track, I made the mistake of letting Ross off the lead straight away and as he thundered off at 100 miles an hour Beti went too. There was no choice but to drop the lead ... and off she went! I didn't need them on the lead again till I got through the top gate, but with sheep shit on the track there, I chose the safer option! 

Having done the full circuit with Beti and Ross I changed my mind with Orin and Siska, by then the wind was really picking up and it was starting to rain, so I went to the old car (can you see the roof in their photo?) and then turned back down through the forest again. They had a great time in a more sheltered location. 

At this time of year, this place is amazingly beautiful,  I don't go there as often as I used to, thankfully in one way, this was always one of the stops on the way back from the vets with Loki, and Asha and Tali before him. So really I need to make more effort to go, it's only a 20 mins drive, and well worth it!

I found the photo of the house, wow 2018. But no broken windows and a door then. Wow the potential there, such character, I could live there, I'd love it, I'd just have to make it Jamie safe! LOL 

Oh, I almost forgot, with me wandering off in all directions now I tell Steve where I plan to go. I had to laugh yesterday when he said, "well that's the kind of place you should only go with Linda for company, you could fall and no one will find you for 6 weeks!" Well, I'm sure if I wasn't here to cook his evening meal he'd notice? And does he expect me to sit in all Winter till I have company to go exploring? I think not Mr S! 

Gyrn Goch

Walking Tales

Look at the photo carefully, there's always one and as Sammi said it wasn't her! Mind you, it meant he had to stay still for the photo. I really enjoyed walking these two together, but we did upset the local dogs, even with whippets flying at the fence, they were very well-behaved.

I'd parked by Capel Y Bryn in Carmel, it's still for sale, when I came home I looked it up on Dafydd Hardy's Website, as I do - £365,000. It's beautifully done up inside and a decent size garden. Fancy a look??  

https://www.dafyddhardy.co.uk/properties/20985368/sales#/

The walk with Beti and Meerah really wasn't much fun, well the beginning of it anyway. If I'm going to try it again, and I'd like to, I need to make some changes. To be honest, it was mainly Beti and her exuberance that was the main problem. She has no respect for the lead and as she was in a new place, well to her anyway, she was really hyped. So note to self, with these two, don't go on a walk that goes downhill first, go places that Beti has been to before and if I can, walk her first and not let her get worked up in the van whilst the other two are out. The reason I walked the other two first was because of her late breakfast. 

I got myself in such a state with the leads several times on both walks. I absolutely hate them, without doubt it's hard going with more than one dog, and they got knotted and got me knotted numerous times.  But as stressed as I get with the leads, it really is worth it to walk in these beautiful places. 

Tomorrow I hope to go to Gyrn Goch, again I'll do 2 x 2 there, it's one of my favourite places in Autumn. With the weather set to change after lunch I'll have to take Beti's breakfast off her if she doesn't eat early ... anyway I'm already looking forward to the walk! 

2 x 2 It Was Then

Borth Y Gest

 After turning up and taking my mum to the Doctors 24 hrs too early, Steve and I had some time to kill. LOL. I was a bit pissed about it, but she's not the first, or the last to do it is she! 

Anyway, chips near the beach in Borth Y Gest it was, and it was lovely. As we were driving out of the village I saw a very interesting looking footpath for me to explore with Orin and Siska, one day soon then!

Orin and Meerah

Orin has always objected to being left in the middle room, well unless he's in his crate, then he's calm and relaxed. If I left him loose in there, he would jump the baby gate and find himself wedged between the gate and the door. I always thought it was such a shame that during their time in there that he had to be shut in a crate. 

The other evening I'd been cooking and he and Siska were assisting (😉), I then came through into the living room for a short while and left them in the middle room with access to the kitchen as well .. hmm no tantrum. Over the last couple of days, I've left him loose with Siska in there for an hour in the afternoon and in the evening, no tantrum. Siska is still sleeping in her crate, her choice, but he's sleeping behind the door. I'm really happy with that, it means less time in crates for everyone, though I can't leave Meerah loose in there as she's still up to no good when left to her own devices! 

As I sat on the bed this morning with my cuppa, Steve was still snoring, though how he sleeps through Zeus' vocals when I'm preparing breakfasts and getting everyone else out is beyond me! Anyway I looked back at the three photos I'd taken the day before and thought how much Meerah had enjoyed walking with Beti and how good they were ... well hell, a lightbulb moment. Not every time, but often I could walk the two together, take Sammi, Zeus, Meerah and Beti in the van and do 2 x 2 with them too. Hell why not? Meerah is still very intimidated by Zeus, and that is concerning. Honestly, he only wants to play, but he's far too overpowering for her. I thought by now that he would have settled, or that she would have developed the strength of character to tell him, but it hasn't happened, he can be far too OTT in her company. I don't want to stop walking her with him, I need to try and make sure he still has a "friend"  for the future, but seeing how happy she was with Beti, well it has to be done, and I don't know why I didn't think of it earlier! 

Gerlan Cottage

I promised Steve I would do the Donkey field circuit twice and come home to help shift logs. He also promised not to do them without me. 

Breakfast is a nightmare with Beti, I gave it to her at 7.15am this morning, did my chorus, sat on the bed with my cuppa looking at Facebook and when I went back through at 8.45am, she hadn't touched it. I'd already told Steve that I was taking it off her today if she hadn't eaten ... and as usual as I approached her crate, she started to eat. Sorry too late Beti, I took it off her so we could go out walking. 

As soon as I started walking the rain started to pour, oh well, plod on. Beti and Ross having a lovely time running up and down the track as I struggled uphill. After doing a circuit of the "comin" we set off back down behind the quarry wall, you can see it from top to bottom so again "run and fun" for these two. About three quarters of the way down there is a gateway to fields where there are cows and sheep. Beti's bum disappeared around the corner. I called her, she came back, I praised her, and off she went, again her bum disappeared around the corner ... I suddenly felt uncomfortable and called her back again. She came thundering up the track, I gave her lots of praise, but then popped her on the lead. As I got to the opening, I was horrified to find the gates bent and buckled with plenty of room for a GSD to go through, well Ross did, but instantly came back. Wow, disaster avoided and well done Beti. As I continued walking I figured out that the free roaming cattle must have damaged the gateway. There was cow shit all over the track and the path was churned into slipper mud making it quite uncomfortable to walk. But yeah, well done Beti and Ross.

Because I'd walked Beti and Ross first I was able to feed Beti when I got back - yep she was hungry!

As so many of the path start from the donkey field, I decided not to go back that way, but to go down towards Gerlan with Orin and Siska. Yeah, I'd not been to the cottage in ages and I really enjoyed the walk down. I saw the lamas and went further to see the alpaca, Oh god they are adorable, but I've forgotten their names. Everywhere was so pretty, so colourful ... so I'm kind of glad I didn't end up doing the same walk twice.

An Extra Walk With Beti And Meerah

Well, it was pissing it down again this morning, but I took everyone around the fields. When I came in Steve told me he wanted to go to the aquatic shop in Penygroes. One of the white Mollies had died within less than 24 hrs of him getting it, and he wanted another one. Oh hell... I asked if he'd drop me off and I'd take the girls for a short walk ... and that we did. With limited time and heavy rain, I only took these three photos, but they are all nice enough to share. 

Sadly, the zip has gone on the Craghoppers charity shop coat. I've been wearing it for about a month or so and I wondered if it was always weak, but now with me in extra layers it can't take the strain? Two options, bin it and get another, and they expensive, or see what it would cost to get a new zip put on it. Must be worth a go. ***Edit to add, I don't believe it, it has another zip, don't ask, I've no idea, but I'm a happy bunny! 

My lovely bald girls are now chilling happily, and the molly is in the tank with the others. I think a lazy afternoon lies ahead! 

Cold In Cwm Dulyn

I've looked back, I was last in Cwm Dulyn on the 9th of October, I'd forgotten all about the lost glove, till I found it today. It was luck not judgement as I returned to one of my favourite spots for a photo. 

I was already in Tremadog by 10.30am and fully intended on walking around there, but it was raining so heavily that I thought I'd walk them in the shelter of the Lon Goed on the way back. The nearer I got to home, the brighter it was, so I decided to take them to Cwm Dulyn. 

A bit of a three-way stand-off, but can you see them all? 😁

Sammi and Meerah were obviously loose on the path and I giggled as I watched Meerah walk away from me. She's a tad proud of her tail and raises it a little, to relieve that not only had she left her coat at home, she'd also left her knickers!!! They tell me nothing looks much worse than a sable female going through a junior moult ... mind you, Ross looked pretty awful when he went through it too! With this being her first moult, I must admit I am looking forward to seeing what she'll look like in her next coat. 

By the time I got home, the log delivery had arrived and the weather was deteriorating here too. The wind was so bitter that my head was ringing. That's another lesson learned, put a spare hat in the van because the hood on the big coat simply does not stay up in the wind!!!

Walking In The Rain

The Autumn colours are still wonderful and though it was damp we enjoyed our walk. Ross and Beti, as usual, quite a handful as I set off, but they did settle. I'm sure they feed off each other's energy, and though there is a huge age gap, he's the brown clown he's always been. With a new place to park, I decided to walk on the footpaths around Penygroes and Llanllyfni. Unfortunately, following the councils visit, the footpath was not much better, very overgrown and one of the pallets was back on the floor in front of the gate. I moved it again! Much preferring to stay on footpaths than walk along the road I went back the way I came, but I did go all the way to the end, and I will continue to walk this track as it suits me to have it on the 2 x 2' walking list! 

*****

Orin and Siska had waited patiently in the van, but by the time I got back to them, the showers had turned into some serious rain. I'd wanted to do a circuit of the field adjoining the river, but my eyesight was failing me. Well I guess it was a combination of uneven ground, a very unclear footpath through the reeds, sheep now in the fields and the fact that no one has yet invented glasses with wipers! Anyway, I went half way, but in the interest of safety I went back. I'll try it again with the same dogs but in better weather! I have to say, my slightly expensive waterproof trousers from "Go Outdoors" did well, but no better than my £6 Cragghoppers coat from the charity shop. The only bit of me that was wet beneath the layers was the cuff of my right arm, not bad eh! 

On Orin and Siska's walk I saw a man in shorts walking a poodle, I thought, "oh well as you do," and then I saw another man with 2 Dachshunds, both dogs wearing coats. Ok fair enough it was pissing it down and they have very smooth coats. 10 out of 10 to the Lovelies for their manners! 

I've said it before but masculine and feminine optimised here. 

A Few Updates

There is little wind here, but it's peeing it down so I'm currently waiting for it to stop, which it probably won't do until it's dark and by then it'll probably be windy as well!  It's now about 10 days of sheep free fields, and "She" hasn't been in since the day I let Beti and Meerah in the field and she was there! I know for sure the last one who demolished part of the wall was not "She" as this one had horns and "She" doesn't! LOL

Last night was dog club night, though Owen wasn't there, I still took Meerah and handled her myself. I find it so hard to run in that room now. The bright lights bounce against the black floor and as soon as I start to run everything becomes a jumbled blurred mess. Anyway, Meerah enjoyed her night out, playing with Ricco and Nicola's black Lab. I was desperate to get home to see The Traitors. I've never watched it before, but a friend persuaded me to give it a go ... wow ... I'm totally hooked. 

Still no sign of Siska's season, I've told her that any time after this weekend would be good! PLEASE So much riding on this forthcoming mating .. Dreams and hopes again eh! 

This morning I've put my Victor Meldrew hat on again, well I'd done the cleaning and I was bored. I've reported the fact that the footpath in Dinas is closed. I've mentioned the fallen tree before the bridge and the fact that once you go over the bridge it's simply impossible to go any further. Let's see what happens now then! 

Lunchtime here, can't you just tell who always shares his food?? I'm too greedy to share and they know it!

 

Three And A Sheep

I was so pleased with how well these three "unloaded" at the side of the bottom Carmel road. Rope leads on the girls and his lordship already on his retractable and head collar in the van. To be honest, they were better behaved than my lovable loonies. 

After we got through the top gate, I took this photo and then clocked a sheep on the track, first time I've ever seen one there! So everyone on their leads, but it really didn't go well, instead of running ahead or even past us, it ran across the track from side to side ramming into the gates. I had the girls in my left hand and Zeus in my right hand. Zeus completely lost the plot, his prey drive pushed to the edge ... and Meerah naturally started to join in. I just couldn't get past safely, I was struggling to hold Zeus and considered that if I dropped him or fell and dropped any of the leads that I would be in trouble, so I turned back. Hell it didn't matter too much I don't suppose as the girls could go back off the lead once I'd gone through the top gate, but I was disappointed. 

I went back down over the little bridge and was intending on going left to the van, but I looked right and thought, "yeah, let's look down there." I'd looked down towards it once before and asked someone who was by the house where the path came out, he said, "Don't know, don't live here." Today we went, it was pretty, but muddy and slippery and very quickly I became unsure if I carried on I was going to come out onto someone's property, so we turned back. Ah well, an extra 10-15 mins to the walk and now I know! 

Back At Dinas

Sadly, the path through the little woodland is still completely overgrown beyond the bridge. Anyway, we climbed over some trees and had a mooch on the near side of the river. Without doubt, Ross and Beti enjoyed themselves!

 I went through an unlocked gate and walked down the track with Orin and Siska. We walked to a more open area, then kind of figured I was on farmland and without any signs I decided to go back and let them run on the usual track. Sadly, the cattle are back in the fields so I couldn't walk the section of the path that crosses the fields.

Interesting article About Pain

Many people are surprised to learn that dogs rarely show pain in the way humans do. When we’re in pain, we often rest, complain, or seek help because we understand that help is possible. Animals don’t. They have no concept of treatment, pain relief, or medical care. So instead of showing vulnerability, they do what evolution has taught them: they cope, hide it, or change their behaviour to get through it. Showing weakness can make an animal a target. Predators and competitors notice when another animal is limping, moving slowly, or acting “off.” To stay safe, most species have evolved to mask discomfort as long as they can. Because dogs don’t understand that pain can be treated, they adjust their behaviour instead of seeking help. 

They move differently or avoid certain positions. Growl, snap, or shy away from touch. Refuse stairs or jump less often. Become irritable, restless, or withdrawn. Lick, chew, or fixate on one area of their body. These changes are often subtle at first, which is why owners sometimes assume their dog is “being difficult,” “stubborn,” or “suddenly reactive,” when in fact the dog is simply coping with discomfort the only way it knows how. 

Pain changes behaviour and many people may respond with punishment or increased pressure, which only adds fear and tension to the mix. Recognising pain isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most important parts of behavioural work. Many “behavioural” issues improve dramatically once pain is identified and managed. 

Watch for changes in posture, movement, or mood even small ones. Record patterns of behaviour (time of day, activity, weather, etc.). Seek a veterinary check if your dog’s behaviour changes unexpectedly. Avoid confrontation or punishment. A dog in pain needs compassion, not correction. 

Animals don’t mask pain because they’re stoic or dramatic; they do it because they don’t know there’s another option. They can’t connect “I hurt” with “someone can help me.” So they cope, compensate, or protect themselves the only way evolution taught them to.

Beti

A bit of upset here yesterday afternoon. Beti and I bumped, my left knee, thankfully, but her right elbow.  She screamed and limped away. I felt so guilty, but at the time there was nothing I could do to avoid her. She forgave me quickly and stopped limping quickly, but really her reaction would have been considered OTT if I didn't know she had a problem. I spent the next few hours overthinking and very emotional. I can't help but worry about her future, the prognoses for a dog with a UAP is often not great, sadly UAP will likely cause progressive lameness, pain, and lifelong arthritis. 

I want the best for Beti, she is an absolute delight in my life. I decided to start her on everything I could as soon as she was diagnosed. I've compared Beti's X-rays to many others, and to my untrained eye, it looks mild, but as she ages there is no doubt she will struggle. As you can see, she's on Collagen, Glucosamine and Chondroitin, and Omega 3 oils capsules daily. They are all on subscription and I don't even look to see what they cost, because she's worth it. I'm hoping that this combination will build up and give the bones, joints and ligaments strength as she gets older. This is the info online "Collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s can help manage Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP) in dogs by supporting joint health, though scientific evidence for the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin is mixed. Omega-3s provide anti-inflammatory benefits, while collagen is a building block for cartilage. These supplements may help reduce pain and inflammation, improve mobility, and support joint structure, but their effectiveness can vary, and it's best to consult a veterinarian to determine the right approach for your dog." 

Well no, I'm not consulting a vet now, but I do understand that someday she will need veterinary prescribed medication.

Seren Photos

A couple of lovely photos of beautiful Seren out and about. She seems to have inherited the tall gene as well eh, 🤯but luckily I doubt her owners care!! I don't think she's quite as tall as Meerah, but it's hard to tell from the photos with the length of her "skirt." I'm trying to take a rough guess from the position of her elbows. She also appears shorter in body length, but I think she always was! 

I measured Meerah this morning, I'm kind of hoping it was an uneven surface as I was shocked, I'll try it again in the bathroom on a flat floor before committing. Mind you, I did say to Linda just last week that she looks as tall as Zeus when walking side by side with him!

    

Legs

OMG - what do I say? And Sammi is no titch! 

Dinas Today

As it was a little blustery on the mountain, I went to try and find a sheltered path, and I did. There were some dramatic skies, but very little breeze on the footpath that starts on the road behind the church in Dinas. Not a long walk but a safe place for the girls to run before some road work. We walked to the cycle track and then came back the same way to the van. Everyone on the lead and we then walked down the road to the horse stud. 

As I forgot to refill the treat bag, again, I got very few photos, but still a few to remember the day.

Almost back at the van, under the main Pwllheli/Caernarfon road. I've no idea why the photo is blurred, maybe I'd smudged the lens or something! 

I considered putting Sammi back in the van before doing the roadwork, "after all she's almost 12" I told myself. But why? She gave me no reason to think she'd had enough, actually totally the opposite, so yeah until she tells me she needs things to change, then we carry on doing the same distance/terrain as everyone else!