Mirren 29th April

It's got a bit chillier.  Had a lovely trot this morning.  They have worked out what the best distance to walk is for me.  Not too far or I get sore.  Not too short or I won't get the exercise I need.  The best bit is the food.  I do get to eat quite a few treats.  Also, on my favourite walk, there are lots of smells and the added bonus of Rabbit Crossing.  This is a bit of our walk that goes through a rabbit warren.  The rabbits are out eating in the early morning.  I don't chase them, I just like a good sniff.  Then there are the deer we see every morning.  I just sense them before they appear.  Must be in my breeding.  Don't chase them either.  They are way too fast for me now but they are nice to look at.  Actually, the only things I chase are tree rabbits and food. Oh, and when they get my portable drinking bowl.

Mirren 23rd April

Just got this picture from my friend Luther.  He took his Two Legs to see Magnus's axe head.  Isn't that so lovely.  Luther knew Magnus, although not for long.  This lock down means I've not seen Luther for a while.  I hope he remembers me.  He is such a gallant Frenchman.  Bisou, bisou Luther.

Mirren 20th April

Isn't the weather fabulous.  Pam was just saying this morning that I could probably dispense with my coat even in the mornings.  It'll be good to let the wind through my hair.  My shaved patches are filling in nicely and my long bits will cover them anyway.  This girl needs to show her locks to the world.  I'm not sure what has got into them but they are being very attentive.  I've got them reacting like slaves.  I lift my head from the bed and water is brought to me.  Food is brought to my bed as well to save me getting up.  I only arise for serious amounts of food.  They bring me treats and I accept them like the Diva I am and then put my head back down to relax.  My only concern is that this virus thing is slowing down deliveries of my biscuit treats. These are necessities to me.  These are important to me and to other dogs.  Oh dear! Pam might have to make some????!!!!!*****

Mirren 18th April

Well, it's a year since the Big Guy died so we walked round Wooplaw to see Magnus's axe head.  Someone had left a stone with "love" on it.  I smelled it out in the woods and we put it under the axe head.  It still had my wet nose print on it.  Pam and Ewen were very impressed.  Then we had a bit of a picnic which always makes me happy.  It's quite warm today so our walk was quite slow.  Big thank you to whoever left the stone.  It was quite emotional.

THE BIG GUY AT ONE YEAR.

Mirren 13th April

Unlucky for some.  Ewen tripped and nearly fell on top of me.  Fortunately, I am fine.  I think he bumped his elbow.  I hope he's okay because that might be his biscuit arm.. ?? What if he's hurt the arm that goes into the pocket to get my walk biscuits and my venison sausage out?  What if he can't get them out to me?  What if I starve on a walk?  Hopefully he can use the other arm?  What am I panicking about?  I can train Pam up.  Phew.  More relaxed.  There is a solution for everything.

Mirren 9th April

Been rather good though I say it myself.  My walks have been reduced which is less stressful.  Unfortunately, they have also cut my food and are giving me four small meals a day.  Can't object because I've worn them to the ground on the pill front.  Now happily take them if they are coated in pate. Some people decided to go out shooting last night.  They did it the other week too.  Hate the noise.  Very scary.  Looked sad and stressed so I got to get up on the bed.  Bliss.  Didn't leave much room for Pam.  Tough!!

Mirren 4th April

Feeling very chilled.  Get to eat and drink in bed.  Had a bed bath which was rather refreshing.  Been for a couple of short walks.  Think I can get them to feed me chicken and venison sausage on demand.

Mirren 3rd April

Well, I have successfully wrecked Pam and Ewen's sleep for two nights.  First of all, I believe it's their fault for walking me too much.  As I have said before, I may be beautiful but I'm 97yrs old.  Anyway, kept them awake on Wednesday night by panting a lot.  On Thursday morning they took me to the vet.  Handed over under Covid protocols.  NOT HAPPY.  Then the vets decided to investigate a bit further so I needed to be kept in.  By 6pm I was very unhappy and getting stressed.  By 8pm my temperature had spiked to 108F which is not good at all.  Pam and Ewen were called to come and say good bye because dogs apparently don't survive 108F very often.  104F is critical.  I REALLY do like to make them suffer.  I did however, decide to let them know I could fight.  Very stubborn.  My temperature started to come down.  Pam and Ewen came back over about 11pm and I was breathing normally, my temperature was normal and my heart was fine.  They gave me big cuddles.  Then I had to try and walk.  Pam whispered the words,"Walkies" and "in the car".  I was up and ready to go.  Escape.  Freedom.  But no.  Had to stay the night in a kennel.  Me?  In a KENNEL??  Had to be sedated again.  Next morning Pam and Ewen, looking a tad shattered, came to visit but got me home instead.  Colin, my favourite vet, Colin Lyons, said I would be better at home because I was stressed.  Delighted.  Straight into the van.  Howled to make them suffer.  Straight into my own, luxurious, memory foamed bed.  After drinking vast amounts of water, going for a walk and getting loads of cuddles I was breathing normally and was sleeping in my own bed.

 

Pam and Ewen would like to thank Pablo, the night vet, who kept our girl going and allowed us to be with her.  He had a rough night with The Diva and was kept very busy.  Mirren's bloods, x-rays and scans were all fine.  Her spine is fine.  Pain is probably the cause of her panting.  Probably from too much exercise on top of her arthritis.  She might also have some wee brain tumors but we can't check just now and anyway, what could we do?  Once again, Galedin Vets Colin and Kirsty were brilliant and the nursing staff go above and beyond.  Our girl is home.