Mabel : It's just been shop, shop, shop. New Christmas jumpers, which we won't fit in next year, new outdoor coats, which are way too big and will fit us until the summer, and new, BIG, grown up, proper Deerhound/Greyhound collars. I am so impressed. She's even talking about a shampoo and blow dry for the New Year??? Not so sure about that.

Morris : I don't know about all this shopping thing. The new collars I am impressed with because I am getting more grown up and that puppy collar was seriously getting a bit embarrassing. I mean, after Ewen, I am boss in this house and need to look more male and dog-ly. We don't need coats. We are dogs and have a coat already. I just don't understand people who dress up dogs. I have to admit quietly though, that when it's -2C outside, after the warm house, the new coats are lovely and warm. As to a shampoo!!!! Watch this space. Ha Ha!!!! Mabel : Like all males, Morris is delusional. Pam and I rule the house!!!

Mabel : Went for a long walk up the hill this morning. We looked down over Lauder and Thirlestane. It was beautiful. Morris kept behaving like a two year old kangaroo and nearly pulled Pam over one time. She wasn't very happy. She was very patient but I knew to be very good and not try to trip her up.

Morris : It was a lovely walk and I tried to pull Mabel and Pam up the hill really quickly. It didn't go down well. Then, when I get in long grass I like to pretend I'm a hunter and I hide and then jump out in a big leap. That didn't go down well with either of them again. Then I was sick on Pam and Ewen's bed. Think I ate too much grass and sticks. At least my bed is clean!

Morris and Mabel: We've been very busy shopping these week. Pam has been very patient explaining about pawmoney and giving at Christmas but we bought pigs ears anyway. We were asked to model for a Nativity card.

Mabel : We have had very exciting weather here. Storm Arwen blew everything around a bit. We had to go out for the toilet. Nearly blew us away. Then we had snow. It's very cold on the paws but you can eat it which makes me happy. Really liked our coats for this. It was -5C last night. We went shopping again the other day. Ewen took us to our favourite shop. It's fantastic. Lots of amazing smells.

Morris : She likes to shop! Anyway, the weather has been awful and very cold. Ewen introduced us to snow and we played for wee while but I just wanted to get back in and get warm.

Morris : We've had a very busy week. We've been out and about in the Borders and we've had people in the house. I've been stretching my legs a bit. Feeling quite frisky and practising my jumping. I did an amazing jump on Friday evening. I went right over a wee table and right over someone sitting on the couch. I ended up giving them a big cuddle. Fortunately, Fiona, is a dog person and cuddled me back. We've had more picnics with Ewen. He calls them picnics but they are really just a chance for him to have a cup of tea. Other than that.....OOOO how could I forget! We've had our first 'pigs' ear" Fabulous. So excited. There have to be more???

Mabel: My Dogmother visited on Friday. She was very good at getting Morris to do what she wanted even though she has cats. We've now seen quite a few cats. Well, the same cats, a few times. They don't look happy to see us!!! It's getting very cold here. I love my coat and I adore their bed. So cosy and warm. It's been a busy week as Morris says. He's getting very big now and sometimes he can be a bit scary. He's very good at jumping. Then again, I just bite his tail and I'm even. The "pigs" ears were delicious. I really enjoyed them. Pam and her friends have been discussing Christmas and it involves presents. I hope those pigs ears might be on our list.

Mabel : Oh hum. He's been quite famous this week. Someone even posted about him from St Lucia. Other than that life just goes on. We're getting out into the house more now since we're getting better house trained. (well some of us are.) Morris didn't help things by chewing the window sill. That put a bit of a damper on our TV time. Our TV is the front window. There are birds and other dogs and people go past. Pam says I'll really like it when a cat goes past. They all seem to have disappeared! We've met horses this week. Murphy and Midge. Murphy is much bigger than us but Midge is about what we'll be. One day.

Morris: I'm not that interested in fame. I think I might be a bit of a foodie actually. I like to chew things. I didn't know about the window sill, the chair legs, the bed legs or the socks!! Been getting well walked. Pam keeps the leads on. I'm not going anywhere! Went to an old castle today. Ewen wanted a picture of us but it was closed!

We had a very traumatic Sunday. Morris disappeared for 16 hours at Wooplaw Wood. He had had a major fright as he walked through the woods and ran off. Friends, locals, neighbours, clients came and joined the search. We had a camper van command post near where Morris went missing. People came with torches and infra red heat sensors. We combed the woods calling his name, rattling his biscuit tin and squeaking his toy. Nothing. Then at 4.30am, after everyone had gone home, Ewen, who was still searching, heard a sound near the camper. It was Morris. He, his coat and his paws were pristine clean, he wasn't cold or trembling with fright. He was just --- back. We assume someone had stolen him and the media coverage and obvious display of our distress bumped their conscience into returning him. Mabel : I have to admit a certain "Whoopee." I had full run of the house and the toys, a leisurely dinner and a big stretch in bed and all without having to defend myself. I suppose it's good to have him back but the peace was magic. Now, he's getting a big head, "Yes, I was the Missing dog. Yes, I attracted 19,000 social media hits. Yes you want to pat me, take my picture, ask for my pawprint?" I have to live with this.

Morris: No-one will ever know what I did. I'm not telling. I'm going to be secretive and mysterious. Anyway, no-one would understand if I tried. Just glad to be home. I need my eggy bread!

Morris: Had a few changes this week. We've out grown the wee coats Pam made so they've bought us new ones. Mine is a manly navy, Mabel's is a shocking pink. She won't be able to hide from me. I do enjoy beating her up but she can give as good as she gets. I've also been swimming. Went into the Leader, with Ewen, and had fun rushing through the water and paddling. Impressive stuff I think. I'm now really good at work-surface surfing. Managed a whole slice of eggy bread before getting caught. I can also jump of the top terrace but this doesn't bring rewards. Instead they shout, "No?????"

Mabel: My coat is a Schiapparelli Pink but I doubt if he'd know that. I didn't either till Pam told me. I didn't go in the water and just stood at the side, on the banks ?, whatever they are, and watched. I was not putting a paw in that water. Pam says it reminds her of someone else! I also remind her of someone else in the way I like to chew on a stick. Pam says girls must have better oral hygiene than boys. Met two Jack Russells the other day, one off lead. He came at us. Morris ran and nearly pulled Pam over with his lead. I stayed. I was very shaky afterwards but I stood my ground. Pam wasn't very impressed with lady with the dogs. She muttered rude things later on!!

But it's still really nice to cuddle in when we are tired.

Mabel: We've had a very busy time here doing lots of new things. We've been for a picnic, met Murphy, had a dog called Micky stay overnight and had a play with a dog called Hugo. Very handsome boy. Very hairy paws. Then Pam and Ewen held something called "Morganistmas" on Sunday and lots of people came for lots of fantastic smelling food. We didn't get a lot of sleep, we were so excited about seeing people. The picnic was with Ewen. The weather was nice so we went up the hills for a walk and then Ewen stopped and gave us food and water. Brilliant. This picnic thing certainly gets my vote.

Morris: I think Ewen is a pretty cool sort of guy. Anyone who knows about picnics and cooking great food is cool in my book. I think I can see a relationship with him. We like quiet walks, nice nibbles, sniffing the air, that sort of thing. Mabel, on the other hand is definitely a bit of a diva. Our friend, Murphy, says it's Pam's fault. Our predecessor, Mirren, was apparently a bit of a diva too. Liked comfort, the warm bits and good nibbles. Definitely our Mabel Moira.

Mabel: Here we are again. Pam has discovered I get cold easily. She just waves a warm furry throw at me and I'm hers. Curl up and go to sleep. Have met a big guy called Murphy who was very nice. Looked like a big, warm, furry blanket and I did try to get closer but he wasn't playing along. Got a bit offended when a lady asked if we were Whippets. Nothing against Whippets but really???? Other than that it's been eat, sleep, walk and beat up Morris. Both of us got into trouble for this......

Morris: It's tough here. I have to walk when asked, come back when asked, sit and down when asked and go and toilet outside. Where's the fun in all that. Tried to eat Pam's fluffy duster but it didn't go down well and I threw up bits of it and some of my dinner into Pam's favourite mug. Impressive accuracy. Quite chuffed with myself. Also, met a big chap called Murphy. I'll be as big as him one day.

Mabel. Well that wasn't very nice. Went to see a "VET" and he stuck a needle in my neck. However, it does mean we get out a bit more now. New sights to see, new people. We're not allowed to see other dogs yet but that'll happen soon. Have been up the "Golf Course," very nice whatever it is. Got to run off our lead. Morris is a bit of a wimp and I can't let him out of my sight. Pam and Ewen separated us today and I was very concerned for his well being. Had to whine and pull until, EVENTUALLY, they let us back together.

Morris. Totally agree with Mabel. Have learnt that she may be small but she's vicious and it's just easier to agree with her. Being outside, in the long grass, is nice but I'm not sure of the noises and all the other things flapping about. Pam calls them leaves and birds but I found the way they fly up a bit scary. Think Pam and Ewen are splitting us up when they take us out. Much more peaceful for me.

We met our pups-to-be some weeks ago. Their Mum, Doris, was a gentle giant and a patient mother to a HUGE litter of thirteen pups. The owner, Keith was a lovely man, who wanted the best for the puppies. Fortunately, he thought us worthy. Morris and Mabel arrived last Saturday. They were both amazing on the journey and settled in the car with no problems, snoozing the whole way home. They have terrorized us ever since. Introducing Morris and Mabel.

My name is Morris. I was the biggest in a litter of thirteen pups. I chose Ewen because he looked like my kind of guy. I like food, sleeping, discovering new things and trying to beat up my wee sister.

My name is Mabel. I was the smallest in the litter and chose Pam because she sat on the floor and gave my Mum, Doris,steak. I hope to get something similar in the near future. I am half the weight of Morris but I can really hold my own in a paw fight with him. Pam says I remind her of a dog called Mirren. I'm taking that as a compliment.

We can see that we are going to have our picture taken a lot so we decided to goof up our last pictures!!!!

Monday was always the day Mirren dictated her blog. She is no longer able to do it so I'm finishing this for her. In a roundabout way, I contacted Mirren's breeder. One brother died two weeks ago and another is more than wobbly on his legs. It seems weird that they are going away at the same time. Mirren came home today and it is reassuring to have her home. She is back at the window. The window where all our dogs have spent their time checking out who goes past and if there were any cats, rabbits, pheasants or other dogs in need of a good barking.

We found old videos of Mirren when she was about 5 years old. She was flying over fences and gates, abusing Magnus, chasing toys and racing along the beach like a cheetah. It was strangely comforting because it showed us that she had become a very old lady with sore legs and liver problems and that all she wanted now was a very comfortable bed and good food and that maybe, it was time.

Mirren passed away this morning at 5.15. She died as the vet walked in the door. She was 10 years and 8 months. She was always going out on her own terms. We drove her round all her favourite walks and then took her to Eildon View. They were lovely and allowed us time with her in her basket. She was wrapped in her star wrap, wearing her Drama Queen pink scarf and her pink hair bow from the twins. Our baby girl has gone to join her friends. Our hearts are broken.

I'm complaining about the weather again. It's really hot. I've spent the weekend lying around with a wet tea towel over my ears and neck. On the other hand people seem to think it's wonderful. At least it's dry. I get walked very early in the morning and late at night so I don't go out when it's hot. I even have my own fan to keep the air chill and moving. I'm a bit tired this morning, I have to admit. Pam's worried because I'm not hungry. Could be the heat. Then again, I am getting old. I'm ten years and eight months in two weeks. Very old for a Deerhound.

I've met Gavin and Orry this weekend and I introduced Orry to my friend Louis. Orry is a very big dog now. He's very kind though. He doesn't run at me to sniff my bottom. He just runs up, says hello and runs away again. But he comes back to check on me and ask if I'm alright. This must be our old friend Roxy's influence. She was very unwell at the end of her life and Orry always checked her. Yesterday, I was still hanging about Louis, in case he had more biscuits, and I fell behind. Orry came running back to see if I was okay and to keep an eye on me. Sweet boy. I've also really experienced the wind in my hair for the first time, after a walk. When we had the big Mitsubishi Warrior, for Magnus and I, there weren't windows that rolled down. Then in the van there were no windows at all. In Pam's car I have my own windows in the back. Pam and Ewen open all the windows and we go for a drive, up the hill, and I get blown by the wind. Very cooling. I don't even have to stick my head out the window, something I don't want to do in case I get something in my eye. I just sit up and get the full "cool wind in my hair" moment.

Oh my goodness ! The rain was so heavy last night I got really scared. Pam cuddled me up in my star blanket so I felt better and we all went to bed. It seems the best thing to do in this weather. Rain! Rain! Rain! Anyway, Pam had some of the ladies round on Friday night. I stayed with them, on my furry, wrapped in my star blanket to keep cosy.

I'd just been out for an early evening walk and had been very wet and cold. I got cuddles from Lala and Jacqui and I even belched in Lala's face. She knows that means I love her. Jacqui was worried about young Orry. It's the first time he's been left for more than half an hour since he came to live with them. Jacqui had visions of him chewing the house. The boy is more intelligent than that. He'll just chill down and have a quiet and peaceful snooze. And that's what he did!!

Still a bit wet but getting warmer. Pam has bought plants! I have had a very successful week. I've met Lala and Uncle Mikey. I have chased a cat properly. Right up the street and round a car. Pam said I looked like a cheetah on the Serengeti. Slept well that day. Things are easing up here in the Covid lock down. Both of the parents were out two nights. I am not happy about this. I may get peace but no-one is here to feed me treats and give me water. I subjected them to cold stares, refusal to eat (until they added pate) and general huffiness. I think I achieved my objective. They both look very subdued and guilty!!

It seems all I do is moan about the weather. It's been very, very wet. Talk about 40 days and 40 nights! It has been inordinately cold as well for this time of year. Pam and Ewen worry about me getting chilled because my hair is so much thinner and then I also have my bald patch. It is bald. No signs of hair just some fluff. When we came back in, soaked, the other day, they dried me off and wrapped me in this starry, fluffy wrap. I fell asleep almost immediately. I was so cosy and warm.

And then, just to make my week. My friend Louis is back cutting the greens on the golf course. Hearing his cutter puts a spring in my step and I "race off" to say hello and get a biscuit. I really like Louie. xxx

It is not warm. Neither is it dry. I've had to wear the hood up on my Red Riding Hood coat. And it's May for goodness sake. Pam and Ewen have been trying to do some gardening but it's too cold to plant anything. We watched some sparrows shredding the remaining pansies yesterday. They like doing that. Been feeling rather frisky recently. I've now chased rabbits, birds and a cat. Pam is a little bit annoyed at the cat because it lies in wait under the bird table. Not very nice of it. It doesn't look hungry it's just wanting something to play with.

Pam says my bald bits look like a heart and that she loves me and all my beautiful imperfections..

I have T-shirt to wear when I'm out. It has my pink "Drama Queen" scarf attached. It's really to stop my bald bit getting sunburnt. Apparently, dogs and cats are susceptible to skin cancer if bald. I've never been one for sunbathing which is why my skin is still quite firm and pink. The T-shirt also hides my bald patches which is always good on the looking good front. It's cool but keeps the draughts off. On that note, I was snapped at tonight by a small chap called, Hugo. My height and beauty must have intimidated him. Small dog syndrome Pam called. He is a Patterdale. 'Bout the size of a good lunch. No pics of my T-shirt yet but Pam took a photo of me after being brushed. I think I look rather gorgeous.

Off to watch "The Syndicate." Apparently it has a large Wolfhound in it. Might be like seeing Magnus again but then again, the dog, Duke, is played by a lady, like me. Her name is Ava. I hope she becomes a big star. xxxxxxx

Been busy this week. First of all Pam found another cyst. This was quite a big one and apparently quite disgusting inside. Pam likes this sort of thing. They took me to the vet who immediately said she wasn't taking me in because I was already going into meltdown. Quick twirl and I was on my way home. These things are quite common on some breeds. I'm getting them because I'm getting older and my immune system is getting tired. We also popped to see Magnus's axe head on Sunday to give it a bit of a clean and oil. People are starting to see it now and post pictures of their dogs and children near it and on the toadstools. It's very heartening. Someone else has planted a tree and surrounded it with stones so we think it's a memorial too. I hope no-one hurts either of these. We still don't know who took the "Love" stone but I suppose the world is full of people who do inconsiderate things. Getting to be a grumpy old dog! Chased a cat the other day. Well I trotted after it and it ran away. POWER!

Two years ago on Thursday 18th April, my big brother and best friend, went to sleep. I still miss him.

More snow??? Anyway, it means I keep my coat on for now. My bald patch seems to be regrowing hair in some parts and losing some in others. I hate to admit it, but it must be old age. I've been injected, pilled and tested for everything else. Rediscovered "The Joy of Rabbits" the other day. They don't know I am a very elderly Deerhound. They just see "Dog". So, off they went and so did I. It was brilliant feelng the joy of the chase again. I'm not very fast now but I can pick up a good trot. Geat fun. Had a visit from a very old friend. Really old! Victor is a 16 years old black labrador. He pants like a steam engine. Apparently, his memory is a bit dodgy now. He just wandered into the house to say hello. His memory may be going but his nose still works and he must have sniffed dog treats and a lady dog.(me) Then mon ami, Luther visited. He is looking very svelte these days. He briefly said hello but now he has explored other, younger models and had six puppies, I fear he seeks a livelier sort. Win some, lose some.

Happy Easter everyone. We've had snow here. I'm feeling okay at the moment. The leg brace thingy seems to help me. I remember they originally bought the braces for me. I thought I looked like a racehorse. Magnus borrowed them for a wee while and then they just got forgotten about. They must work because I actually chased a rabbit on Sunday morning and then came home and I kept dreaming I was still chasing them.

My friend Luther went to see his boys. They all went off to homes this past weekend. One of them looks just like him, with curly haired ears. He'll be a handsome chap if he looks like his dad.

And our thoughts go out today our pal Orry. He's going for a trip to the vet today which will see him come home with a couple of bits less. We all go through it sometime in one way or another. The boy will still be a star.

Oh well, that went well??? Had to go to the vet again with the abcess as I said.. She was new. Really nice lady called Rosie. She took bloods and sent them away for tests. She also weighed me, I have put 6 kg on in lockdown. Hugely embarrassing. Bit portly. That won't help the poor old joints. She also put me on a very low dose of Gabapentin. Seemed to be okay for a wee while but then I wasn't. Very depressed yesterday. Wouldn't eat, drink or engage. I went for my constitutional walks but not interested in anything. Fotunately, the parents knew what the matter was so they stopped giving me the Gabapentin. Hey ho. Got up this morning and wolfed a delicious breakfast. Much happier. My liver counts are a bit high so they wanted me to go back for scans but I have no intention of going into the vet's on my own again, if I can help it. I think I'm on a diet though. I am actually, getting hair back on my back. Pam says my baldy patch looks like the top of Ewen's head. I agree but at least I've got hair

. I think he's missed that boat.

I've got an abcess on my back. Pam found it last night and cleaned it out but I have to go to the vet today. My hair isn't looking as glorious as it once did and I'm tired. I still like to eat but they bring my dish to me now since I don't like standing still too long. My walks are getting shorter but I can still put on a bit of pace when I see Louis or Lala. Anyway, I'll let you know later but right now I'm going back to bed. I am ten and a half now which is about 106 in Deerhound years so I am entitled to do as I please. Can someone bring me a bit of duck???

Okay, so I am a day late! Having a quiet time. Pam is back at work since schools have reopened. This suits me as I have my early morning walk and then I get to snooze for an hour before Ewen cames back in and gives me breakfast and then I get to snooze again until he comes home at noon. Pam gets home after four and is so tired we have an early night. Suits me. It was Mothers' Day on Sunday so that's me broke again. Ewen and I decided she didn't need any more chocolate or flowers so we went for a doggy flower pot basket. I was pleased with it and so was Ewen. He was even more pleased when he realised he'd got the last one. Between that, and a card I've spent my pawmoney. Just as well they pay to feed me. She cried. Result.

Not a lot to tell you all. Still in lockdown. However, the two-legs have started taking me on a slightly longer walk through the woods at the castle. We meet lots of people walking their dogs at the same time so I am being very sociable. I know this is unusual for me but I'm feeling quite chummy. Dogs can sniff each other and find out what they need to know without getting too close. Humans have to stay six feet apart. I can also pick up the news from sniffing every available tree stump or blade of grass. This drives them mad as I am loitering. There are far more dogs out there than there used to be. I am often recognised which is very film starry. Love it. Of course this means they have had to take steps about my appearance. Ewen has brushed me several times with a rake thing which isn't pleasant but I do feel so much better. Tugs and under hair nearly all gone. My baldy bit is filling in. Pam suggested a merkin from the brushed out hair but I turned that idea down. Me with a merkin or a toupee thing is NOT happening. Think the vitamins are working. Feeling rather perky.

Been eating biscuits again. Pam has put me on multi-vitamins and I think they might be putting spring back in my wiggle. Actually chased Ewen around yesterday so I could get my nose in his pocket. Here we are in March. Still in lockdown and now the weather has gone frosty again. But spring is definitely in the air. Met a lovely young chap yesterday, a border collie. He really like me and wouldn't go home with his owner. It certainly picks up the soul of an old girl like me when you realise you can still shake that tail. Very chuffed. Must be the vitamins. As I may have said, Pam and Ewen have both acquired new cars. Well not new but new to them. Ewen's is bright orange!! We had to dress up in our orange coats and get our picture taken beside the car. We clash a lot. I prefer being in Pam's car. It's black and has blacked out windows. This means the public can't see me but I can see them. Feel like a film star.