5th BIRTHDAY PARTY AND AMBLE.

Morris : We have been away and had a big birthday bash again. We met up with doggie Mum Doris and sisters Marla and Misty and brothers Bran and Norman. Norman was hosting again. We had cake. It was brilliant. Pam started a rooing but that set everyone off and we had to stop. They're not as organised as us when it comes to rooing.

Then we went to Amble for a few days. That was excellent. We were surrounded by beaches and golf courses for early morning runs. It was very warm so Pam and Ewen made sure we weren't out on tar when it was hot. We also had a lovely early morning walk at Leaderfoot. I loved that. I got to lie in a lovely tummy cooling pool at the end. Bliss.

Mabel: The party was lovely, as always, and Norman is such a generous host, but I missed Simon, who couldn't make it this year. Not happy. I loved Amble. We were right on the marina. I agree with Morris that the walks there were brilliant. Pam got a bit nervous at Craster though. Apparently, I walk too close to the edge. I just want to see what's going on. I suppose a flat beach is better for me.

I notice Morris doesn't mention that he gave us all a big fright on Monday. He started arching his back, and straining and whimpering. Pam had to rush him to the vet in case it was bloat. Muscles!!! Such a drama queen. Here I am with a arthritis and a cut paw. You never hear me complaining. But he is my big brotther and I do love him.

Morris and Mabel:. Too tired to chase this pair this morning. Another day perhaps.

SUNRISE.

Mabel : Much happier cause Mum is home. We all had a fabulous sunrise at Gullane beach. Ewen went swimming so we joined him, Pam didn't. It was glorious. I got to really run again. We also had another early morning run in Melrose. That's fun too but the beach is my favourire. There are always birds to chase. Very satisfying.

Morris : Going swimming with Ewen is always fun. I get to chase Mabel. She yelps quick enough if I catch her up. Wimp!! I paddle in so far with him but don't want water in my ears. Don't like that.

Pam loves how we leave circles in the sand as we chasse each other.

Met a new chap the other night. Bernese. Only eleven weeks. His name was Bowser. He got on really well with Ewen so I went off in the huff!

DAWNS!

Mabel: Mum is away and, much as I miss her, getting her side of the bed is just great. I do miss the cuddles as well. Dad, Ewen, has been getting up really early to go cold water swimming and we go with him. It's brilliant. I can run around as much as I like. Must have eaten or drunk something nasty though. Got the runs. Had to take the most horrible stuff but it generally came with some ham or a biscuit so I'm not complaing too much.

Morris : I agree runs were amazing. We also did the Tweed and ran in fields too. I miss Pam too but I had Ewen so I was alright. Mabel misses the hair brushing and general fussing she gets from Pam. I just appreciated access to the bed 24/7.

MASH UNIT.

Morris : It's been a rough week. Last week we had some good runs and then when we came home Pam found we both had some bad cuts and scrapes. This meant she spent time behaving as if she was in a MASH unit. Cleaning, sterilising and bandaging. This meant we couldn't get hydro on Thursday and got laser treatment instead. I am not complaining. As usual, it was wonderful. We both fell asleep when we came home we were so chilled. Glorious.

Mabel: I apparently got the worst of the damage and that is because I am brilliant runner, who gives her all and never lets pain stop her speed. Morris just says I'm a lunatic. I do have a sore paw now but Pam is looking after it. At least I don't allow myself to get overheated. Morris does. We went a walk really early yesterday morning because it was hot. Morris had to take a break and cool down in the Tweed.

I did go into the water but to wash my paws. I prefer that. I also like smelling lovely things. Like rabbits and squirrels and roses.

SUMMER! WE THINK NOT.

Mabel: Not been great weather here, warm but wet which plays with my arthritis. Still managed to have a great run about with our friend Murphy. His tongue doesn't hang out as much as ours do? Why is that?

Also noticed my big brother's bum has got really interesting whorls on each side. I'm sure they will be related to some mathematical formulae but my maths was never that good. I mean I can count how many biscuits I get and if Morris gets more than me but beyond that what use is Calculus to me?

Morris : I'm not going to give her discussion on my hair patterns any time at all. I would like to say we have had some spectacular early morning runs with Ewen. Can I just say Mabel is in all of these pictures. You just can't see her because she has a habit of just taking off into the sunrise.

WEE BREAK.

Mabel: We have been away. We've been visiting New Abbey again which means walks at Southerness and races round fields. The graveyard is very neat which makes Pam happy too. Have to say the weather has been a bit changeable. Lovely one minute and then cold, wet and freezing. I am not a great lover of the cold. My hair is a bit thin, due to my Greyhound father, which makes me get cold easy. I like warm and dry.

Morris: I don't mind where I go as long as I can see Ewen. As to the cold, I am more like our Mum, Deerhound, so I am hairier and can put up with the cold more. I do have to say though....it is June and not very warm at all. On warm days we have also been down to the river to cool in but that was just one day.

Morris and Mabel : We are really sad about the loss of one of our friends, Luther. We didn't know him as well as Magnus and Mirren did, but he was one of our pack. He wasn't very well recently and sadly passed away. We hope he has water to paddle in, sand bunkers to roll in and white couches to relax in, plus a bone to chew and bury. His old pals will be pleased to see him.

BEACH AGAIN!!

Mabel : I am so happy. We've been at the beach again and I was allowed to really run. Met a really sweet Black lab pup. We ran and chased and paddled and splashed. Morris also chased me and tried to be the big boss. I showed him. After that he stuck to playing with a ball and sticking next to Ewen. It was just brilliant. The next day I was really tired and was back at hydro. Katie was really gentle with me. She was saying I have lost muscle but have been really amazing. Happy girlie.

Morris: She's not the only one who has lost some muscle. Because I don't always have to check on her I've not been careering about so much either. That pup at the beach was a godsend. Gave me peace. Knackered her as well. Then hydro on Thursday. So tired. Hope we go back to Low Newton. It was glorious. Mind you, it's always good to get back home to survey my homelands!