Mirren 30th April

Magnus came home today.  His ashes have been returned.  I think Pam and Ewen are pleased to have him home.  I am tired a lot now.  Ewen and I have been for some great walks.  Last night we had an excellent exercise on the golf course.  I'm starting to see why it's so popular.  We also played with sticks.  As a gorgeous lady in my prime I do like to look after my teeth.  You never know who you might want to show them to.  Not that I'd show them when growling, of course.  So unladylike.  But you do need the correct kind of stick.  I've talked about this before.  Nothing too soft, or too hard, or too nobbly.  Just look at my teeth.  Never been to a dentist.  Just look after the teeth I say.  Been getting different foods too.  I've now tasted liver.  We couldn't have it before in case Magnus got hold of it.  Then he'd be unwell.  Now he's not here I'm getting to have new things.  My tummy is generally alright.  I'm very pleased about that.  I'd hate to have a tummy as sensitive as Magnus had.  Poor chap.  I do miss him. 

Mirren 25th April.

Each day is a new experience because I've not been on my own like this before.  A week ago was Magnus's last day and today everyone was back at work and I was on my own for four hours.  Pam took me out a long walk.  Then I was very brave and stared away two invading pheasants.  I was a guard dog for the first time.  Ewen was very impressed. 

Mirren 24th April

Much cooler today.  Good walk with Pam and Ewen.  Saw lots of bovines.  I avoided them even though they came to the fence to talk to me.  It was always Magnus who was the dog that chatted to other animals like horses and cows.  I prefer chasing them.  But Pam was there so I knew I'd get a row.  Plus they are very big.  Instead I chewed a stick and cleaned my teeth.  Quite satisfying in a sort of "Nyanya to you, look what I can do, in front of you way."

Mirren Tuesday 23rd April

I am exhausted.  Pam and Ewen have been taking me for long walks.  They think I wasn't getting enough exercise because we had to take it easy for Magnus.  My poor paws.  Just want to get into bed and sleep.  Still feeling a bit low.  I know we'll all get there but it is so hard.

Mirren  Easter Sunday 21st April

Pam got me up for a long walk this morning.  Ewen came too.  I gave Pam a big fright and she was very upset.  When I am totally relaxed I breathe very slowly.  Poor woman thought she had lost a second dog.  Had to shake me to wake me.  Oh well.  We were joined by Roxy and Murphy and Roxy's pet Jacqui.  Had a good trot.  Upset though.  Both Murphy and Roxy got sticks and they wouldn't share.  Magnus always shared his sticks with me.  Miss him.  Seems weird.  He's always been here.

Mirren 20th April

Happy Easter.  Not feeling very happy.  The house is too quiet without his big presence.  I have too much space in the car and I don't have him to cuddle up against.  I get to sleep where I want and get my food, treats and plenty of cuddles.  But I miss him.  He was my big protector.  My big brother.  Our Big Guy.  Ewen has no-one to chat to on walks and he spoke to Magnus a lot.  They've lit a candle for Magnus beside his gargoyle.  We all thought it looked like him when he was grumpy.  The candle goes out we he comes back.

Pam and Ewen 19th April

Just to say a HUGE thank you to Galedin vets.  Colin Lyons you have been with all our dogs and have known Magnus since we got him.  He didn't bother when you arrived.  Because he was at home there was no shaking.  He just got cuddled into Ewen and let you get quietly on with the task.  This part of your job must be so hard for you but you did it with great compassion.  Thank you from us, from Magnus and from Mirren.  (Mirren usually gets very excited when she sees you but she understood and was quiet.) Again, thank you.

Magnus 18th April

Today I went to sleep.  I was really sore and very tired.  My back legs were very painful and for some reason they just stopped doing what I wanted them to.  We had a quiet day on Wednesday, apart from getting my nails clipped,  but I couldn't get comfortable on Wednesday night. So, in the morning Pam and Ewen decided I had to have a great day.  We went to Threepwood in the morning.






 I loved my walks there.  We had a picnic and Ewen cooked me eggy bread to eat fresh.  Pam made a phone call while we were there.


We came home and had breakfast.  There was nothing wrong with my appetite. Ray and Lala came to visit.


Lala brought me cheese and roast beef.  I've not been allowed them for ages because they upset my tummy so much.  Pam and Ewen said I could eat whatever I wanted today.  Then we went down to the the river and I had a paddle and drank gallons of water.  I got stuck when my back legs went and Ewen had to come in and lift me out.  Mirren wouldn't even get in and get her paws wet.  We went up to the golf course and revisited where I had my first walk.  Thankfully, there was no snow.

 
 

Then we came home and I cuddled down on my furry, at the window.  I was very tired.  I ate strawberry yoghurt, black pudding, chicken and more eggy bread.  Pam and Ewen showed me pictures of Max, Micky, Morgan and Monty and told me they would be waiting for me and that I had to look for them.  They would make sure I was alright.  My friend, Colin the vet, came about  3 o'clock.  By then I was sleepy and was lying with my head in Ewen's lap.  Pam was cuddled in behind me and Mirren was in her basket near by.  I went to sleep at 3.15.  cuddled in to Ewen.  It had been a good day.

( I was spotted by Lala, shortly after I went to sleep, in the sky looking down on everyone.....) 

Mirren 18th April

The house is so quiet.  You don't realise what a presence is until it's gone. I am concerned about food now because I won't get to eat Magnus's leftovers.  Pam and Ewen took me for a walk after Magnus left.  Goodness I didn't realise how unfit I was.  Then they made me visit Murphy!!! Good grief that boy has energy.

Anyway.  It was a good day yesterday and Big Guy had a great time.  I was quite fond of him actually and I will miss him but now I get to go and lie where I want and I get all of the space in the van.  It's just the reduction in food I am worried about.  But apparently I have fabulous nails.  That's the sort of thing a girl wants to hear.
 

Magnus 17th April

Apologies for not writing yesterday but I was too tired and too busy?  That walk up the Burgess really tired me out.  It's uphill all the way.  Not great on sore back legs.  Then downhill wasn't much better.  I really have to remember my age.  Then Ewen was working and Pam was painting and I slept.  Today is going to be a duvet day again.



































Mirren 17th April

Duvet days always suit me.  On top of that the Big Guy was really hungry yesterday and kept getting more food.  A pathetic whimper from me and then there's a few nibbles for me too.
Can I also say, for my French friend Luther, we were devastated to see what happened to your beautiful cathedral yesterday.  May Notre Dame de Paris rise again soon.

 

Magnus 15th April

Sorry, need to get Ewen to take more pictures.  Been a lovely walk this afternoon.  Pam suggested it and Ewen thought it would be too much.  But it was FAB.  Loads of smells.  Great trot.  Pancakes when we got back.  What more could a big dog want.  P.S. the supports are doing wonders.


Mirren 15th April

Pam brushed me yesterday, so I am looking particularly beautiful.  So yes, I'd like some more pictures.  For a photographer Ewen is a tad remiss not taking more pictures.  Anyway, off to scrounge another pancake.

Magnus 14th April

Had the most amazing walk this morning.  Walked for ages.  Ewen had to drag me back to the car.  Went places I've not been in ages but really liked.  The smells were fantastic.  Came home, ate a huge breakfast and kicked Pam out of her Sunday, long lie, while reading the papers, bed.  This is me until lunchtime.  Perfect.

Mirren 14th April

It's true. We've not been that walk in case it was too much for Big Boy but he really went for it today.  Now he has taken over the bed, and the furry and it looks as if that's him for the rest of the day.  Not as good,
but I've got the couch.

Magnus 13th April

Most unfortunate morning.  Pam found a tick on my neck.  A tick?????!!! Full body check ensued.  Ewen took it out.  Now they're wondering where I got it.  And I've been  Frontlined ? Hope there aren't more.  Nasty little thing.  Don't know if it's sheep or deer.  Still look like a racehorse.

Mirren 13th April

My tummy is settling.  Pam worked out what it was.  I have some treat kibble I get with my main food.   Ewen has been giving me just the treat food for a week.  Pam didn't tell him she'd mixed all my treat food together.   Anyway, think normal service is resumed.  Got tick checked.  None.

Magnus 12th April

These hock supports are brilliant.  Even jumped off the bed when Lala came up to see us.  Her cuddles are lovely.  Bitch face isn't happy about wearing just one.  I think she wants the matching pair.  That is not happening.

Mirren 12th April

I would look so cool in a matching pair.  I must admit my leg doesn't shake so much when I wear it.  My tummy is getting better but THEY won't let me have any treats in case it my tum erupts again.  I just got Ewen up a couple of times during the night.  Don't see the problem!!!

Magnus 11th April

My hock supports arrived to day.  They are black with reflector stripes.  I look like a racehorse. My right hock is so swollen we can't get the doggy one on it so I still have the human elbow one.  I am moving better though.  Slept like a log yesterday.  Three walks.  Very chilled.  Actually, really chilled, we had to get our tweed coats on this morning.  Everything was frozen.

Mirren 11th April

I've got one too.  Because one didn't fit him they put one on my shaky leg.  The one with the metal plate.  Works a treat.  The racehorse thing is true and it highlights my slim and trim ankle.  We did have a lot of walks yesterday.  I needed out a lot.  My tummy was very off.  I wasn't allowed any food till tea time and then it was eggy bread and a wee bit fish.  I am banned from treats!!

Magnus 10th April

Pam did some research and we are trying a hock support.  It's brilliant.  I was a bit scared of it at first but it makes my leg feel much better.  I can even get up from the bed and the floor.  The one I've got just now is actually a human elbow one but Pam as ordered proper dog ones for me.Slept like a log last night.  Even snored.

Mirren 10th April

He is moving much better now and Pam and Ewen managed to get the bed to themselves last night.  I think everyone got a good night's sleep.  I'm not feeling so great.  Either I've scavenged one of his pills or, how upsetting, I'm allergic to the rabbit treats.  This happened before so it's probably the treats.  Just as well Ewen bought me some venison.

Magnus 9th April

Well yesterday proved to be a tad difficult.  We had a lazy morning and then Pam and Ewen decided we could go a wee walk along Leaderfoot.  I loved it.  Went paddling.  Trotted up a slope and then my back legs went.  Not very nice.  Ewen had to support me in a sling.  It was a nice day so Ewen and I lay out in the sun for a while.  But then last night I couldn't sleep.  My back legs were sore and I think I got a bit scared.  I rolled all over the bed trying to get comfortable.  This morning Ewen put a hock support on me and I have to admit, it feels a bit better.  Have to go.  Eggy bread and black pudding on the go!!  Got to have breakfast in bed because Pam thought it unfair that I'd have to get up.  Ace!

Mirren 9th April

I am off to bed.  I am too exhausted to speak and need my beauty sleep. Magnus kept us pretty much awake ALL last night and when he was asleep Pam and Ewen were hanging out either side of their bed.  The walk was good though.  I like breakfast in bed too but not looking as if it's an option.

Magnus 8th April

I am now 9 years and 7months old.  I have a tumour in my back right leg.  But I still eat, drink, pee, poo, chase bikes and bark at incomers.  Getting up and down is difficult but anyone my age is going to have the off day.  I slept on the bed last night, as usual, but managed to take over 90%.  Eggy bread is fabulous and I got to cuddle Lala yesterday.  We did a long walk yesterday, because I felt like it and I got to have a paddle in the river.  I'm a bit tired today so Pam has said it has to be a doggie duvet day.  Mirren doesn't object.


Mirren 8th April

I have decided to take a biscuit out of Magnus's treat tray.  I have decided to be nice to people.  This is tricky for someone who has expected devotion from a distance but I thought I'd better start.  He gets a lot of cuddles and treats from people because he is so nice to them.  Not that I'm after anything!!!!  Anyway, Pam's friends came round yesterday so I came and gave them all an affectionate cuddle and lick.  I even burped in Olly's face, my ultimate gift of adoration.  I've only done that to Pam, Ewen and Lala before.

Magnus 5th April

Pam's been away seeing the (GNs) Great Nieces in Malta.  It meant I had most of the bed, the furry and Ewen almost all to myself.  Still sore.  My joint is getting a bit bigger and I'm tired a lot of the time.  Mind you, at my age, that's to be expected.  Ewen had us paddling, well just me, the other day. (Mirren doesn't like getting too wet)  The icy cold water was lovely on my sore joint.  I get ice packed but this was lovely.  And I could drink it too.  Then I saved Mirren by chasing away a big Husky and a bike!

Mirren 5th April

I do miss Pam when she goes away. Ewen and Magnus get all male bonding and stuff.  Lots of male cuddling going on.  Big Guy is sore.  I try to get him to play but he's not having it.  Then again, he tries to get me in the water and I'm not having that.  He was very gallant last night.  There was a man on a bicycle with a young Husky running beside him. He decided to give my bum a sniff-the Husky that is.  Cute though he was he was one of those pushy guys.  Should flirt or ask first not go straight for the tail.  Magnus had to be restrained.  He was defending my honour, bless him.  And then, when the Husky's Two-legs got him under control and cycled away Magnus chased after the bicycle he was on.  That's with a very sore leg.  My hero and defender.  Big Guy.