LIKE CHRISTMAS!

Mabel and Morris: Merry Christmas to you all. We have had the most amazing time. We have received loads of presents. We have wished many Festive Greetings. We have seen Santa. We have had to wear stupid bits and pieces but at least we didn't have to wear jumpers.

Because The Parents are off work we have have some fantastic walks as a group of four. Even really early in the morning. They insist we wear torches. We're not happy because we think the light lets the rabbits and squirrels know we are coming. Kinda spoils the chase when they get too much of a head start. We tried cod loin but it didn't really agree with either of us. Think we need to stick to game. There is a pheasant in the garden we've been eyeing up. He looks quite large and tasty!!

A LOT LIKE....

Mabel : Another good week of walks and great food. We had partridge on Sunday. It was just delicious. We also has another puppocino. They've become a very special treat that we are allowed occasionally. Morris has been raking again and attacked the butter. That might cause a few problems?? Looking at this picture, I realise that my tongue is perfectly co-ordinated with my my rain coat. Fashionista!

Morris : A wee bit butter can be very tasty!!. Have to admit I did enjoy the partridge. And the lamb. They're cleaning out the feezer to fill it again for Christmas. We reap the benefits!! Despite my gourmandizing I still look pretty trim.

TO LOOK .............

Mabel : We have been away in New Abbey again, for 5 days. Love it there. I get to run and twist round head stones in the graveyard to attack Morris. Then, if we go into the field there is a slope I can hide down and then attack an unsuspecting Morris. He is such a whoose. He has to stay near Ewen. Even when we are at the beach. It's daft, you can see for miles but no, must stay by Ewen. Can you see me in these pics??

/>

IT'S BEGINNING .......

Mabel and Morris : We have been away at Roman Camp again. It was great fun. Christmas trees all up and very festive. We had some excellent walks and runs. We also discovered a "Puppuccino". It was brilliant. We hope Pam is going to allow us the odd one at home. We know they're not really good for us, dairy, but they were REALLY tasty.

Morris: I've had to get a new coat. I've managed to really tear my first one and burst the belt. I think I've maybe put on a bit weight. It was lovely at Roman Camp. We got to lie infront of the fire but it got too hot. I just went and lay beside Ewen.

Mabel: I'm not surprised if he putting on weight. He is the world's best forager. He nicked steaks on Thursday. Didn't offer me any. Just gobbled them all, cling film and all. Pam was ready to rush him to the vet and a had a sleepless night. He seems to have got rid of a lot.!!!???I let him lie next to Ewen otherwise he starts howling. It's getting a tad worrying!

NOT VERY WARM!

Mabel : I do not like wearing my coat. I have a wee ritual to get on with it though. When my coat goes on I run into the sitting room and run round the table. It's become a habit. It's a bit like Morris getting into "Eating position". Very cold this week. We have had some great walks though since the ground isn't slippy and muddy. It's frozen. Had a lovely time with a young chap, called Bracken. Morris got fed up and went off to join the Humans. Bracken and I chased and played. It was fun to have a running companion.

Morris : I prefer to keep close to Ewen because that's my job. After what happened I'm sticking close to him. Plus, if I hang around, there are always biscuits. Bracken seemed a very enegetic chap. A very bouncy Labrador. His uncle knew Mirren, Victor. If they want to run about like idiots they can do so. I prefer to keep an eye on Ewen and the biscuits and the other on what my madcap sister is up to. Just in case she needs rescued.

20 MINUTES!!

Mabel: Pam has been reading an article about Greyhounds and sleep. It says we need three 20 minute runs per day and the rest of the time we sleep to conserve our strength , to warm up and to get ready to go flat out again. We have two BIG walks a day. I realise I am half greyhound so this must explain my need to sleep as much as I can. The need to conserve heat also explains my need for furries and burrowing under the covers. It's my warm, safe den. Ewen tried to get us back in the car the other day, after a really big chase. Morris and I just lay our ground on the couches and wouldn't go. We stayed at home and slept in warmth, comfort and peace cause they went off shopping. We lke to snuggle together. It's a pack thing.

Morris: I totally agree with her. We need our comfort and our sleep. We also need these coats Pam got us. I can't keep track of Mabel when she gallops off over the hills. I like to keep an eye on her. It's my responsibility. She's my wee sister. Pam and Ewen can't follow her the way I can. I am much faster. I can also see and sniff better than them. Mabel isn't the most obedient when she's got a scent. I like to herd her back to Ewen and Pam. The other night I was so intent on chasing her I didn't see Ewen and did something called "an up and under." One minute he was there, the next he was curled up on the ground. I did go over and give him big licks but they didn't seem to help much. He managed to walk it off but had a huge lump on his leg.

Mabel and Morris : The 11th of November was Rememberance Day. We wore poppies for all the dogs and horses,mules,donkeys,camels,elephants and pigeons that died in the wars. We should have had purple poppies but couldn't find them. Mabel was too busy chasing rabbits but I posed specially.

MAYBE WINTER??

Morris : It's cold at 5am. Or wet. Or both. Even though we didn't like the new coats thay are actually spendid. They keep us dry and warm. Ewen says it's much easier to see us and keep track of where we are. Mind you I never really stray far from his side. It's two years since someone tried to steal me and I'm just so happy I got back home safe. I can't thnk what life would be lke without Ewen. And Pam. And all the brilliant treats and food we get. And the cosy furry rugs!! Mabel : I don't feel the cold even though I'm thinner and less hairy than him. I just like to run and run and keep warm that way. I find that the coats give up where we are too easily. I was just about to have a good roll in something eally smelly when I was caught. Actually, Morris didn't help much. He came over for a sniff just as I got my head into position to roll down and his yellow coat caught Pam's eye. That was the end of that. Managed to get some between my ears but that was washed off before I was allowed out of the car. A girl needs some smell. As I have said before I am really partial to some Eau de Deer. Just dropping hints for Christmas!!!!

AUTUMN???

Morris: These new coats are brilliant but I do like to run free and we did that at Abbotsford house today. Fantastic. I also really like water.???? Got the all clear last Tuesday from Kirsty at Galedin Vets. It was lovely to see her again. My ears are apparently nice and clean now about which, I am very happy. I am also very happy that I'll be going to see my friend Katie at Greenside again soon. She does the most amazing massage.

Mabel : He might be a fan of water but I really like running and boy, did we run. Just fantastic. Woods. Full of tree rabbits and the like. Excellent run. Needed to pant a lot. I didn't realise my tongue was so big?

Morris AGAIN : I do have to chip in again. We did have a great run today.

WET AND DRY!

Mabel : We got really wet the other morning. We were hit by Storm Babet and had really heavy rain. We didn't get flooded but lots of Scotland did. Of course Pam said we needed new coats that would fit us. I now have a pink raincoat and Morris has a yellow one. His is bigger than mine because I am a slim, fit, athlete. I did worry, at first, that my coat might slow me down or warn rabbits that we are near. They must be colour blind !!!!!

Morris : I quite like my yellow coat. I have to watch what I eat. It could get a bit tight round the waist. I have been scavenging a lot recently. A bit of duck, some steak, cheese, toast. Basically anything Ewen leaves lying around. Pam says I've never really got my figure back after I dislocated my hip. I think that's a bit harsh but anyway.... My ears are all cleaned out now and I can hear a squirrel laugh. My eyes are nicely fixed too. Must go and check out the kitchen. I think I sniff something tasty.

SPECS!

Morris and Mabel : We both have eye infections!!! Been getting drops and wiped! Vet later today for yearly check up and for jabs. We'll get everything checked then. But anyway, Pam thinks we have got dust or grit in our eyes from sticking our heads out the car windows, or a chill. We do stick our heads out all the time. It's like running REALLY fast and we love doing it. But it's been really cold here. Up shot is Pam has bought us specs. Not goggles like Magnus had. Big wrap round specs like aviators wear. Mabel thinks they are really cool and doesn't mind them. Morris thinks they're a bit of a pest on his nose.

QUIET LIFE.

Morris : It's been a quiet week since Pam came back. Just the usual things happening. Sleeping. Eating. Walking. Apart from Mabel, who has twice rolled in something disgustng. I had to go and sit on the opposite side of the car to get away from her. She was really smelly!! Mabel : I have discovered " Eau de Poo de Venison". Just had to roll in it twice in three days. This necessitated a shampoo and shower on both days. I can still get a bit of a whiff but neither Pam nor Ewen really liked it. Morris pretended he wasn't too fond of it either but I think he was just jealous he didn't find it first.

BEACHES.

Morris: Ewen has new wellies and he can come into the water with us. It is just so AWESOME.

Pam's been away so we have had long walks on the beach and up the hill. I love the water. The sea is trickier because of the waves but you just have to run at them and jump.

Fabulous stuff. Had our monthly hydro session again. What with the walks and the hydro I was just wiped.

Mabel: I missed Pam. She gives me cuddles. At least when she's at home the numbers are even. Anyway, I have to be more assertive when she's not here. Have to admit, though, the walks were just brillant.

It really lets us run when we go to the beach. No trees to run into, no big potholes to jar our shoulders. Flat and even. Fabby.

I'm still not 100% sure about hydro. I just feel caged in. Love the massages though.

THINK AUTUMN IS HERE.

Morris and Mabel : Been a funny week. We were very tired after last weekend. Partly all that running about and excitement and partly all the emotion of being in a big pack and being with our family. Weird!! We have slept A LOT. Also been for really long walks with Ewen. Pam's been really lazy. She's been busy in the house and says she needs to get stuff done for winter coming. We think it's just an excuse. She has got her snow boots out though so there is hope. Anyway, we are going back to bed.

OUR BIRTHDAY PARTY!

Mabel (mostly) and Morris : We've just had a birthday party!!!. A wee bit late but we got to see more family. This year Mum Doris was there plus sister Marla, brothers Norman, MacTavish and Bran. Bran was rehomed last year because his owners got ill. He's landed on his paws with Gareth and Freya. He's a big, very hairy boy. Morris thinks he's the same size but Bran's hair makes him look bigger. We also had Mac's friend, Simon and Norman's pal Shia (le Woof) so it was quite a run around day. We had treats and birthday cakes. Jenny and Gus, Norman's family threw the party again. They have a HUGE field for us to run around in. Everyone got feeding bowls and everyone had their picture taken. We got big cuddles from Muriel and Keith, who helped bring us into the world. The thirteen of us destroyed their garden when we were really little. Keith says it's back to normal now, two years down the line. Morris got a telling off for getting a wee bit overfriendly with his Mum. I hurt my paw running. I was just pleased to be able to attend. Last year I was stuck in the car, with pants on, and missed nearly everything. This year I was in the middle of it. Mabel did enjoy herself and got a big compliment from Keith who said she was all athlete. Both of us were well behaved and came back when whistled, sat when asked and we kept an eye on where Ewen went. Pam said we were incredibly good dogs and that her and Ewen were very proud of us. We slept ALL day Sunday. It was brilliant. Here's a picture of the family with Keith. From left to right that's Norman, Bran, Me, Morris, Doris, Marla and Mac.

SUMMER'S BACK.

Morris : I do like to sunbathe. Went out the other afternoon and sunbathed when Ewen was reading. We were very good and just enjoyed the chill out. It had been a busy morning with a big run up the hill.

Mabel : He may have been chilling but I was keeping my eye out for that Bengal cat that keeps taunting us through the front window. It knows we can't get at it and just mocks us from outside. We've also been having amazing runs. I like to stalk Morris from the long grass. Like a cheetah and an antelope.

BEACH TIME AND RUNNING.

Morris : Had an absolutely amazing time at Gullane beach, the other day. Ewen was working and we chummed him along. We played in the water for ages and we even went swimming. It was just brilliant. I don't worry about my hip. I just run and play.

Mabel : I don't know why he worries about his hip. Katie, at Greenside, says we are both amazing, athletic specimens. Not entirely sure what that means but I'm taking it as a compilment. We did have a great time at Gullane and I even went in swimming. I don't think it's entirely my thing, swimming. On the other paw, chasing deer and rabbits is. Ewen took us for a three hour walk the other morning. Now that was BRILLIANT.

GETTING COLDER!!

Mabel : It's been a funny old fortnight. After having Pam at home so much, she's back at work and we hardly see her on walks. She does come out sometimes. There's a cut field and we get to just run and run playing with our new furry, lure toys. That's just brilliant. Ewen takes us out in the mornings and now it's dark and we have to wear our torches. Despite the fact it's only August the temperatures have really dropped and it's really wet. We have decided that the best way to get through all this is just to get cuddled in either to each other or I get settled in my'Batcave'.

Morris : I have also decided to start getting Pam organised. Even when she's working she's inclined to stay up later than Ewen, Mabel and I. This really dirupts the sleeping arrangements so I have decided to get a bit bossy. I stand in front of her and tell her she really needs to go to bed now, and not be selfish and disturb everyone else when she finally decides to come to bed. Seemed to work. Will keep this up. Rather pleased with myself.