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!

On The Second Walk

With both the loonies off the lead on the track adjoining the donkey field I was pretty relaxed. After all, I'd never seen anyone on this track before! I looked back at the view and saw a young lad and his dog coming onto the path. I shouted back, "give me a minute to get them on the lead." I got my leads ready, called them back and saw he was still route marching towards me. I screamed again ... "Can you please wait for one minute?"  He took his hood off and his ear bud out so I asked

again. Having put both on the lead, I called out "thank you," and walked ahead. I looked back .. OMG He was walking so quickly ... so I called again, "Do you want to pass?" He said "Yeah I think it would be best!" Not a cross word between the dogs, but I had to call out behind him, "Your dog is just lovely, such a beautiful little face!"  I've no idea what he was, some kind of terrier crossbreed, but my god he was cute with a smiling face. As he walked away I tried to sort out my leads, oh feck I dropped Beti's and she went tearing up after him. I called her, she stopped ... she looked ahead and back to me, so I walked away. Beti followed, big cuddles and a treat. What a good girl. 

Donkey Field Walk

Ross and Beti

Beti is such a darling

On our way back on our turquoise route!

Orin And Siska's Walk