Magnus and Mirren 30th Sept 2013

Magnus
Well, it's been a while.  We've been off for the spring/summer season, a bit like Downton Abbey.  And now we are back.  Actually Mirren thinks she would fit in there perfectly.  I think I'd find a lot of comfortable beds to lounge on too.  Then there is all that space.  It would take us a while to get round it all.
What's happened this year.  We had snow, which we adore, even into the end of March. We played on the beach.  We had really hot weather.  We met Pam's sister and brother-in-law.  That led to a fantastic day out at Abbotsford house and in Kelso.




Mirren
Actually I think it's my turn here.  Of course Walter Scott thought Deerhounds were the most perfect of dogs and we posed beside a statue of his dog Maida.  I felt totally at home here and thought I could hear my ancestors barking in the wind. It was perfect.  We also had a great day out at the Kelso show.  Ewen, Magnus and I were asked to take part in their pageant.  Ewen looked fetching in a tabardy thing and a hat with a feather.  Pam had told us to be on our best behaviour.  Off we set, proudly, walking round the big arena............. And then the most awful, embarrassing thing happened.

Magnus
I would like to say that when a chap needs to go he really just has to go.  Fortunately, Ewen had a large poo-bag stuffed into his leggings.

Mirren
I was MORTIFIED.  Couldn't look at him for ages.  People cheered and were impressed Ewen had a poo-bag, so that was quite good but it still didn't make me feel any better.  It must be like a human watching their partner drink too much and then think they can dance.  Actually that's not even as bad as I felt.  When we went to Abbotsford I was petrified he would do it again.  It's his complete nonchalance about the whole thing.  He thinks I'm just trying to be too posh.  I just expect standards for goodness sake.

Magnus
Okay, it was a bit inappropriate but at least the big arena meant no-one could smell it.  Moving on.  We were meant to go away to Northumberland for a holiday but it was too hot.  Pam and Ewen didn't want us to be in the car when it was so warm.  Really, more owners should remember this.  Pam retired, a bit at the start of the new term.  This means we have her at home four days a week.  She comes walks with us.  We liked running in the hay.  Mirren could always see me but sometimes she disappeared.



Mirren
Me, me, me again.  Love having Pam on walks too.  She always looks out for me.  Ewen and Magnus have this male bonding thing all the time.  Could hurt a girl's feelings.  Which reminds me.  My Mum died this year.  Tilly.  She had bone cancer.  Had a moment to myslef.  She wasn't that old.  Seven.  We found out at the show.  I met the humans who own some of my brothers and sisters.  We might be getting together.  (There are pictures of my mum in Feb 2012 blog)

Magnus
Family.  I don't know where my family is!!!  Thankfully I have Ewen, Pam and yes, even Mirren.  I just remembered about the hot weather.  Ewen had to put my bed outside because I got so hot.  Smetimes I was a bt scared but I could always get back in to check they were all still there.  Had a funny turn one night.  Not sure what happened to me but I got very upset.  Couldn't settle.  Started seeing things.  All very odd.  Colin, the vet, thought it might have been a wee siezure but more likely I got stung.  Can't help out.  Don't remember much.  Just needed to know someone was with me all the time.


Mirren
We all got a bit of a fright but, personally, a lot of it is attention seeking behaviour.  Not that I'd do that. Mind you Ewen has used us on his "Happy Friday" images.  I liked that.  Posing.  Smiling.  Even with the big guy!!

Festive season by us both.

Well, that's it for another year.  Christmas and New Year have been and gone.  We had LOTS of really long walks.  The weather was really mild but it never snowed, which is upsetting to any dog.  We love snow.  However, Pam came on these walks.  She was on her holidays.  She moaned a bit about her sore feet but we managed miles. We also stopped for coffees at the Spotty Dog.  Pam and Ewen couldn't go in because they had us so we all just sat outside...... in December!!
We went through to Dumfries just before Christmas.  Ewen had to visit the family graves and put wreaths on.  We stopped at the Grey Mare's Tail and St Mary's Loch.  This involved Magnus doing a lot of paddling.  Mirren says she doesn't like to get her claws wet.
We also had a visit to Winter Wonderland and the German Market in Edinburgh.  It was really crowded but we were a huge hit.  One man was so happy to see a Wolfhound he went down on his knees to cuddle Magnus.  This is not a good idea at the best of times but Mags didn't mind this time.  The sausages were great.
Christmas was fun.  We had our group photo taken by Ewen.  He really is very clever to be able to be in the picture and take it at the same time.  Santa brought some unusual presents.  We got a huge, squeaky friend to visit.  Magnus had to show him who was boss but he was such a softy he just lay there and gave in.  Mirren just ignored him.  She was too busy chewing bits of antler.  I suppose she found this natural being a Deerhound.
We had a bit of tummy upset one day.  Pam and Ewen had to go to the hospital and Magnus couldn't get out even though Lexi and Mike came to relieve us.  Magnus got himself in a right mess.  Pam had it all to clean up when they got back from A and E.  Not a return home present we would recommend.
Pam made us tweed coats and new collars.  I know we have fur coats but all this central heating can make it a tad chilly when we go out.
We need to say a big thanks to Sergio from Mambo's Bistro.  He sent us up some lovely turkey breast as a wee present.  Magnus can eat it so it was a change from chicken.
Anyway, have to go now.  Pam and Ewen are moaning about going back to work tomorrow.  We get the distinct impression they are not too happy about this.  But they have to be able to keep us in the manner we are now so used to.  We shall give them a ,"Woof" and wave a paw tomorrow and go back to our couch.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year......... Magnus and Mirren.

Morganistmus

It is Morganistmus on October 25th.  We had the dinner on Saturday 20th.  This involves turkey, stuffing etc just like the real thing.  Morgan was one of our predecessors.  One of the three Ms.  He adored Christmas.  He would sleep under the tree to look after the presents.  On Christmas morning he would shake with anticipation and when allowed to unwrap the presents he could do it without damaging anything. He would then share out the goodies with the others in the pack.  He would then ensure that Christmas dinner went properly and that everyone was fed before the pack tucked in too.  When the parents realised he was going to miss his 15th Christmas they gave him one early.  They've carried it on ever since  This was number four.  Once again there were lots of friends in the house till the wee hours of the morning.  We were both exhausted.  Couldn't get to sleep for partying humans.

MORGAN

Mirren Oct 14th

Well we've just been on our October break to Arran.  Hotel was super.  It was dog friendly so the big guy and I were allowed in the rooms.  Actually we had a suite which gave us plenty of room to stretch out.  We went by ferry.  We had been on a smaller version last year in Stratford-on-Avon so I was quite relaxed.  Magnus was the centre of attention again.  He gets his photo taken all the time.  It's ridiculous. I mean I look fabulous too.  It's just because he is so LARGE.  Anyway spent lots of time on the beach.  Walks at sunset and all that.  This suits Magnus.  Found out something else he's scared off....along with tadpoles and lots of other things...  he doesn't like rocks.  We went a walk along Shiskine golf course.  (It was really like Turnberry Pam said) That was fine but then we started going across rocks. He wouldn't move.  Something about his claws grating.  Pam said it must be like scratching your nails down a blackboard.  (What's a blackboard?)  Met a dog on the beach.  She was a collie/pharaoh hound cross or something.  She could really run and gave me a bit of a fright actually.  I'm not used to other dogs catching me.  Magnus never can.  Magnus tried to let the parents see we were having a good time by refusing to leave the hotel.  Didn't work but I think they realise we would like to go back.  Soon.

Magnus Oct 14th

Just back from an amazing trip to Arran.  Stayed at the Best Western Kinloch hotel in Blackwaterfoot .  It was just brilliant.  We had lots of walks and I got to run around on the beach, loads.  We got there on this ferry thing.  I really didn't want to get out of the cab, it was so noisy.  Once up on our pet deck, I was fine.  Lots of people wanted to pat me and take my picture.  Then when we got to Arran I felt really at home. We did the tourist thing of going right round the island.  In between we did loads of walking.  Then on our last day we spent the day on the beach.  I don't like walking over rocks.  They make my claws feel funny. I didn't want to leave and refused to come off the sand.  Eventually had to give in because I was feeling hungry.  Did refuse to leave the hotel though.  Got to the front door and then ran up two flights of stairs and back into our room.  Just lay there.  Didn't move.  Felt I really had to express my views.

Friends

Hello to all our friends who read this stuff.  Thank you.  M and M xxxxx

Mirren 20th Sept

What a guy.  Eating apples at 6am.  However, his friend was wearing a rather natty coat.  Asked Pam if we could get our winter coats out.  They're very warm with reflective stripes so I can be seen when I'm speeding about.  Magnus doesn't like his.  He has this whole butch thing about already wearing a fur coat.  Just wait until December!!