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.