December to March 2003

It's been a busy week, the weather has been so nice I've been out to play every day. There is a blonde pup over the road who came to live there at Christmas, he's only a little squirt, but he trots along the road like he's king. Who does he think he is, that's what I'd like to know? He came sniffing round our front garden when I was helping Cheryl to plant some flowers. I was on a long chain and he soon ran off when I went towards him. I'll probably let him come and play sometime, but he has to learn who's boss first!

We all went for a day out on Saturday. It was a big Irish Setter show and the boys took us for lots of walks. I saw my Daddy there, he got a blue. I like going to shows, everyone always makes such a fuss of us.

Yesterday George was giving Mummy a brushing, I thought perhaps I should tell him I wanted to be brushed too, so I pushed my head under his hand. Mummy said I should wait my turn because we all enjoy being brushed, but I couldn't wait for everyone! So I pushed Mummy aside and got underneath the brush. George thought it was funny, but I'm not sure Mummy was amused. Still, I managed to get my turn before Morse. Then when we were all lying on the floor in the lounge, I managed to use Morse as a pillow, first for my head, then for my legs. Then I got really comfortable with my head on Mummy's back and my legs on Morse. The boys came down to say 'goodnight' so I lay on my back for them to get a good rub of my tummy. OOh, I like that! It's makes my leg go all twitchy and I can't keep it still.

The family are going to have tea now. I'll pretend to be asleep until they've started, then I'll sneak under the table and see if I can get a bit of that beef!

Sunday 23rd March 2003

Last night we were all in the living room having a cuddle so I decided it might be a good time to sneak up on George's lap. What I hadn't bargained for was the sofa being so slippy, and it my efforts to lean back onto his legs, I missed and ended up on my back! How embarrasing. I don't think anybody noticed though because I just lay there for a while so they would think I meant to do it. I'm not sure George was convinced. He kept making funny noises and his face went all red and water things came out of his eyes.

It's been a funny day today. We went to a show this morning and were outside this time. It was lovely and sunny, and there were lots of other Irish, especially in my class. The lady didn't like me so I didn't get any colours today, but I did get to make some new friends and play for a while. Even Morsey didn't get any colours today, I haven't known that to happen before.

When we got home, George and Cheryl were working in the garden with the boys, so Mummy supervised and I helped pick up all the tools. Morse just kept jumping around and woofing. He gets silly like that sometimes. We had a game of football with the boys. They kick it and I fetch it back, then Morse chases me.

There was a shower thing on the grass too so I ran through it and got all wet. It was fun though, and I made paw prints all over the patio.

We've all had our dinner now, so it will soon be time for bed. I wonder if it will be warm enough to play out again tomorrow?

Wednesday 19th March 2003

We've been on our holidays again! Mummy didn't tell me we were going, but we had a few days in the kennels. That blonde dog wasn't there this time, but we had three little dogs next to us. They were white with brown splodges on them and were very noisy.

When we came home we all had a nice warm bath because apparently we were a bit smelly. Then we found we had some new toys to play with.

The weather has been lovely and sunny and warm, so we're able to play outside all day at the moment. I was really quite tired last night when it was bed time.

I'm going for a walk with Cheryl this morning, that will be nice. Perhaps I'll meet some new friends?

Thursday 13th March 2003

Oops! I'm in trouble again. George left his glasses in the garage, and being a helpful sort of a dog, I thought I would take them to him. The only problem was that along the way I dropped them a few times and the glass fell out. There didn't seem much point in keeping them after that so I chewed them into smaller bits to make it easier to get them in the dustbin. I don't think he was too pleased.

I've also found that our new bed is good for something other than sleeping in. When I get bored I can chew around the edges. I've made a really nice pattern along one side. I suppose I'd better do the other side to match.

Of course the thing is now that George doesn't have his glasses anymore, he can't tell if it's Me or Morse that is up to something. This could prove to be a very good thing!

Tuesday 11th March 2003

Whoops! I'm in trouble today. The family keep all their shoes in a cupboard thing with drawers. I have discovered that if I bite on the knobs I can pull the drawers open and get them all out for them. Aren't I clever and helpful? Well, I thought I was. Apparently they don't like their shoes all over the floor and a bit wet. I was only trying to help. I thought they might want to wear them! I think Cheryl was particularly cross with me as I'd been playing with her leather sandals. They were only a bit chewed. They smelt like dog chews and I got a bit carried away. I don't know why she's so cross. It's been raining for ages so she can hardly wear them at the moment. Mind you, I don't suppose she'll be able to wear them when it's dry now either!

I've fetched a ball from the garden to play with instead. Morse throws it and I chase it. I also found a box in the garden to chew up. It was in a big black thing where the family put all their rubbish, apparently I'm not supposed to go in there either. Oh well, I suppose I'll just have to find something else to work on.

Me and Nick at Crufts

Sunday 9th March 2003

Well, now I know what Crufts is! I had a really exciting day, loads of people came to talk to me. I'm very tired but Mummy was right, it is a huge dog show and I have never seen so many dogs or people! I lost count how many times I had my photo taken, and I'm surprised I have any fur left with all the stroking I got.

Mummy is going to be a t.v. star. ( Well, she might be.) Some people came and took her away to film her for the next year's Crufts advert, but we won't know for a while if she will definitely be in it.

Morse had a good day too. He had his photo taken and looked all posh in it. He's just proud because his Dad got Best Of Breed on Thursday. (My Dad won it last year.)

Morse at Crufts My Mummy and Daddy

Saturday 8th March 2003

We're all off to Crufts tomorrow so we've all had a good brushing and the big black bag is packed up and ready to go. I'm getting quite excited, I'm finally going to find out what this 'Crufts' thing is! Mummy says it is a really big dog show where I will see more dogs than I have ever seen before. Great! More new friends to play with!

We had a new bed today. It's a big red one that all three of us can fit in to. Mummy gets in first, then me, then Morse. We all wriggle round then until we're comfortable. Morse is a terrible wriggler and keeps getting in and out all the time. Once he's out I can have a bit of a stretch, but if I don't move out of his way, he'll stand on me when he gets back in.

George says we should all go to bed early so we will be wide awake in the morning and ready to set off on our big adventure. I just wish we didn't have to go in the car. I have funny things flying around in my tummy so I'm worried I might feel a bit sick. Perhaps when I've had a good sleep I will feel better. I'm off to bed now.

Sunday 2nd March 2003

Well, I didn't escape having my feet trimmed in spite of all my efforts. We all had haircuts. I even had my nails trimmed! I don't like that bit, it tickles and I can't keep my feet still.

The hole in the field is growing. Morse and I found some new roots to drag round the garden. I found a teddy thing, orange with black stripes. Morse says it's his so I've hidden it . I'll let him have it back in a day or two, unless he finds it, but he always says the toys are his.

Mummy is all better now. She came with us to the show today and really enjoyed herself. She was in a good mood and did really well in her class. I did alright too. I got a yellow and a green today, Morse got a white. He was ever so naughty. When it was his turn to run he bounced all round the ring. He does that sometimes, but he still got placed so he got away with it this time.

No shows next weekend because we're doing the 'Crufts'. Mummy says lots of people come up to look at you and stroke you. Sounds like fun to me.

Friday 28th February 2003

Mummy seems a lot better today. She said she'd had another needle at the vets yesterday but she hasn't got to go back again. She still doesn't feel like eating though. I offered to help her out by eating her portion but George wouldn't let me. I can't understand why.

It seems I'm going to find out what a Crufts is next week. George was talking on the phone to someone about 'discover dogs', it seems we are all going, and it's at the 'crufts'. Hum! Could be interesting.

Our hole in the field is getting deeper and we've got lots more roots out of it. Morse got a really big one last night so we could both chew it at the same time.

Morse is having his feet trimmed at the moment, so I suppose that means I'll be next. Mind you, if I go and do some more digging Cheryl won't be able to trim my feet because they'll be all muddy. I think I'll go and do a bit more work on our hole.

Thursday 26th Feb 2003

There was a bit of a flap on in our house yesterday, Mummy was poorly. She was very quiet and just lay in the corner of our bed. Cheryl was worried about her and took her to the vet. When she came back she said she'd had 3 needles (ouch!) and she's got to go back today. He says she has a poorly tummy. Perhaps it's because of all the sticks she's been chewing in the garden? Morse and I have dug a lovely big hole in the little field and there were some long bendy stick things in the ground. We've been chasing each other round the garden with them, but Mummy just chews them.

She's gone in the house again this morning but she said she was feeling a bit better today. She's still very quiet though. I saw her have some white stuff put into her mouth with a funny tube thing. Mummy didn't like it at all and tried to spit it out again. I hope I don't ever get a poorly tummy, I don't like needles.

I'm going back into the little field soon, I want to see how big we can make the hole. The only problem is we have a big metal thing called a 'pylon' in out field and our hole is near one it's feet. I hope it won't fall down into the hole! I found an old bit of plate in the ground yesterday. Morse kept trying to take it off me but I wouldn't let him have it so he barked at me. Cheryl came out to see what all the noise was and took the plate away. I'll just have to find something else to tease him with today.

Monday 24th Feb 2003

Well that's a relief! George came to fetch us this morning and now I'm back in my own warm bed, having had a bath and my tea. It was quite nice in the place we stayed, we had plenty of walks and there were lots of new dogs to talk to, but I did miss the family. I was beginning to think that they wouldn't come back, but Mummy said they always come back for us.

I think we'll be going back again because I heard George talking to the lady and she said she would see us again soon. I hope they won't be away for long because holidays are all very well, but I think I prefer my own bed and my own family feeding me. And there's no boys to play football with on holidays.

Wednesday 19th Feb 2003

I think something must be going on today. The boys have been very excited and the family have all been rushing around tidying up and putting clothes into a big red box. My big fluffy bed has gone in the washing machine and then we got into the car and went for a ride.

Now we're in a little house where there are other dogs, although we have a separate place for ourselves. I haven't been here before but it seems quite nice. The family have all gone off in the car now. I don't know where they've gone but it can't be to a show because they haven't taken us. I hope they won't be long because it'll be tea time soon and I'm looking forward to mine, especially the big biscuit afterwards.

There's one of those blonde dogs in the area over by the door. She hasn't said much but does seem very polite. I wonder if I should tell her about the blonde dog who tried to bite my bottom the other day? She might know him. There's a noisy black dog just along from us. He's got a friend with him, but she is much quieter. I'm sure I saw a cat on the way in. A big ginger and white one. Now that could be fun....., I bet he can't run as fast as me!

Sunday 16th Feb 2003

It's been a strange day today. We went off to a new place for a show, it was quite nice, not far and warm inside, but the floor was ever so slippy and the lady made us run round the ring once before she looked at us. I don't think she liked me because I didn't get any rosettes or cards but George says I'm still his best girl, so I don't suppose it matters really. She couldn't have liked Mummy and Morse much either because they stood at the end of the line when their cards were given out. Mummy says it happens like that sometimes, we can't always win and there wouldn't be much point to showing if everyone liked the same dogs all the time. I think I prefer it when I do well though because I like it when people clap and make a big fuss of me. I wasn't too impressed when we were leaving to come home though, one of those blonde dogs tried to bite my bottom! I don't think much of his manners!

Anyway, the day wasn't a complete failure as I got to play football with Nick when we got home. He kicks the ball and I grab it and run away. He chases me and kicks it again, it's a good game. He tried throwing the little ball for me to chase but it went over the fence so the dogs next door are playing with it now.

Our visitors for the weekend brought us some chewy things and a new rope toy. I like pulling the new toy with Morse but Mummy won't play that game. I think I'll go and have a sleep now, although I might have a look in the cage which has appeared in the garage. I'm sure there's something in there but I don't know what it is. Mummy says it's a horrible little hairy thing that bites, she hates it. I wonder if it might be something new to play with?

What do you mean dogs aren't allowed to sit here?

Wednesday 11th Feb 2003

I really played a good trick on Morse the other day. George had called us all in for a biscuit and was telling us to sit. Mummy sat down all neat and proper, then Morse sat crying 'hurry up then!', I was too excited to sit down. George kept saying I wouldn't get mine until I sat , so I waited for him to give Morse his and took that one, right out of his mouth! He was so surprised I was able to run off before he realised. I went into the little field to hide until I had eaten it, but when I got back I found that Mummy and Morse had had 2 for being good. Perhaps it wasn't such a good trick after all.

I found something else good to chew yesterday. If I pull the edge of Cheryl's coat I can just about get the sleeve through the gap in the fence. I pulled it a long way through and pulled off all the stretchy stuff at the end. It didn't match the rest of it anyway. I also found our towels which were hung up to dry. They're really good fun because if I stand on one end and pull the other end in my mouth it all comes to pieces. I can make really small pieces if I pull them hard enough. They don't taste very nice though and the bits get stuck around your teeth.

We've got visitors coming this weekend, I know because I heard the family talking about it. I wonder if it will be that lady that brings us presents?

Thursday 6th February 2003

It has been a very busy week this week. Following our baths and trims last week we went to a show where there were beds off the floor to lie on. I haven't been to one like that before. I have never seen so many Irish Setters, there were hundreds of us!

It seemed very busy and was quite cold to begin with because our beds were by an open door. George wrapped a big towel around me to keep me warm, but it warmed up after a while. I did my showing bit and got a yellow rosette and card, George says that means I have qualified for Crufts. I wanted to play with my rosette but George put it away and said it wasn't for playing with. Morse also got a yellow rosette and Mummy a blue one. There seemed to be some sort of celebration going on because there were lots of people with drinks and food near my bench (that's what I found out our beds were called). The food was very nice and I was given lots of little bits from lots of people who sat near me.

A couple of days ago we had lots more of that white stuff, in fact there was enough to have a proper game in so Morse and I played rolling each other over and over. He looked really funny with snow all over his coat and on his head. It has been very cold ever since and there is still some snow in the garden, but not enough to play in. We'll have to make do with the plastic bottles and old balls, I like the bottles because they make a lot of noise.

The family seemed very pleased when we came home from the show last weekend and Mummy says it's because we all did really well , but what I want to know is what's a Crufts?!

Friday 31st January 2003

It was a hectic day in our house yesterday. Cheryl brought me in to have a hair cut and took some photos of me. I even got to lay on the chair which I'm not normally allowed to do. I think we must be going to another show soon because I had my feet trimmed and my tail and my ears!

It was very cold outside and I wanted to play with Morse so Cheryl let us into the garden but the gate came open in the wind. Morse decided to go off and explore but Mummy and I just went back inside. Cheryl was frantic and chased after Morse, it was some time before they came back and she looked very upset. When George came home he did something to the gate so it doesn't come open now.

It's Mummy's turn to have her feet tidied today and I heard George mention something about us all having a bath later. I'm not sure if I like baths. The water is nice and warm but my fur feels funny when it's wet. Morse hates baths and always hides. They have to pick him up and put him in. Mummy doesn't mind too much, she knows if she stands still it doesn't take so long. And she like the blower thing they use to dry us.

Sunday 26th January 203

I've had a busy weekend and found plenty of new things to play with. There was a lovely shiny pair of shoes in the garage, they had to be for me to play with or what else would they have been doing there? Anyway, I pulled them down and gave them a good shaking. Then I chewed at the front bit and made them all soft. Morse said I would get told off and kept barking at me, but I just ignored him. He was only jealous. Eventually Cheryl came in to see what Morse was barking at....uh oh, he was right! She said I was very naughty but laughed at me because I had the shoe in my mouth and wouldn't let it go. She said they were George's best Marks & Spencer shoes for work and he was not going to be pleased!

We went to another show where there were lots of red puppies this time. We had a nice lady judge who gave me a blue rosette, then we did another class and got a yellow one. Morse got a red one again, but he was naughty when he was waiting for his turn. He barked all the time when I was in the ring. Then it was Mummy's turn, she got a yellow rosette this week and Cheryl says she needs to go on a diet because she is too fat. Does she mean her or Mummy?

Tuesday 21st January 2003

Last night after we'd had our tea, I found a great new game to play. I was a bit bored because we couldn't play outside in the mud so I played with our bed. I pulled and pulled at the end until it came open and found there was some lovely soft white stuff inside. So I pulled at that too and found it came out really easily. Morse wouldn't play with me so I just chased the white stuff around and spread it all over the garage. It stuck to my nose and feathers a bit and made me sneeze. I made a whole new bed just from the white stuff! It was great fun. Mind you, I don't think the family were too impressed with my game, they said I had been a naughty girl and took all the white stuff away. Never mind, I'm sure I'll soon find something else to play with. That old pair of slippers look promising, and I'm sure George won't mind if they're a bit chewed....

Saturday 18th January 2003

We went to a different place for a show today. I t was somewhere that horses go to run.

When I went in my class no one else came to join me, but I still had to let the man stroke me and look at my teeth, then run around the ring like before. He gave George a red rosette, then it was Morse's turn. He also got a red rosette, but Mummy only got a green one today. Then Me and Morse had to go back in the ring with 2 other dogs. I got a big white and red rosette, but Morse didn't get another one this time. Cheryl and George said we had been very good and the boys made a big fuss of us.

I thought we would go home then but we didn't. We waited for quite a long time, then George took me to another ring inside where there were lots of other puppies, but no red ones. Another man looked all over me and right round my mouth ( I didn't like that much), then we all had to run round in a circle. Eventually the man gave a red rosette to a blonde dog.

Back home we all had a nice long drink and some biscuits, now I'm off for a sleep with Mummy and Morse.

Tuesday 14th January 2003

We went to another show on Sunday and my tummy was fine this time so Mummy was right after all. We all had a good walk round in the frosty field before we went in. There were a lot of new dogs to meet.

Another lady stroked me in the ring and gave George a yellow card and rosette this time, I must be being a good girl because I got a nice chewy treat and plenty of cuddles from the whole family. Morse and Mummy both got red cards and rosettes, then Morse got a big rosette of brown and gold. Mummy says she is very proud of him.

Cheryl says I need a bit of a haircut (whatever that is!) and she's going to do me tomorrow. Mummy says it's nothing to worry about. I'll just have some fluff cut of my ears and toes.

Thursday 9th January 2003

We have a new plaything in our garden. It looks like a little house on a pole with a blue roof. Cheryl puts food on it for the birds but I can just about reach the bread. I like to lay and watch them flying up to it then I sneak across the garden hoping they won't see me. They always fly away, but it's fun chasing them. There is a little bird with a red chest who watches me until I get really close, then he hops onto the roof and flicks his tail at me before flying off.

It's very muddy today and my fur and paws are quite wet. When I get too cold I go and cuddle up to Mummy and Morse in the warm. I found an old ball in the garden. It's a bit big for me to carry, but I made a big hole in it so I can get it in my mouth. Now I can tease Morse and make him chase me because he wants to play with it too.

Monday 6th January 2003

Had great fun playing with Morse today. I made a bed out of Cheryl's new red coat and found some nice chewy things in her pockets. They tasted a bit like old meat, once I'd got the fluffy stuff out of the inside. Morse said I would be in trouble and hid in the kennel when Cheryl came in. She wasn't very pleased with my bed and said I was naughty to chew her gloves. Whoops!

We all got new bones to chew today, although Mummy keeps taking them all and hiding them. Morse tried to get his back and she told him off. I went and fetched mine. She grumbled at me, but I just lay on my back and ignored her. Then, when she wasn't looking, I grabbed my bone and went off to the corner of the garden to chew it.

Sunday 5th January 2003

The ground was very hard this morning and covered in white stuff when we got up. It felt very cold on my paws and didn't taste very nice, so I guess that means it's not a good idea to eat it.

We had quite a long ride in the car today, and my tummy was better than before. There were lots of red dogs there . George took me in the ring and I won another blue card and this time we got a blue flappy thing. Mummy says it is a rosette like the ones she has on the wall at home. I got lots of hugs and George said I was a very good girl. I went back in the ring with some bigger dogs but didn't get any cards this time. George said I was still a very good girl and gave me some nice meaty sticks to eat. I think I'm going to like this showing game.

Afterwards George and Cheryl took me and Mummy and Morse to a big field where we had a long run around before getting back into the car to go home. I had a sleep on the way back and now I'm off to play with my toys and Morse in the garden.

Saturday 4th January 2003

Went for a ride in the car with Mummy today. I wasn't sick this time although my tummy still felt a bit strange so I dribbled quite a lot.

When we arrived I met a lady dog called Purdy. She was bigger than me and black and tan in colour. She was very nice. Then I met a young Gordon called Penny and we had great fun chasing around the house. Then I met two brown lady dogs, one was very old, but they were both very friendly. I had a little sleep in the car with Mummy for a while before going back in to meet a big blonde dog who's name is Baloo. He was good fun, and we explored the garden together where we met some more lady Gordons.

We came home in the car and I fell asleep and hardly dribbled at all. I've had a nice brush so my coat is all shiny now and Cheryl trimmed a bit of fur off my ears. Mummy says I look very smart, all ready for the show tomorrow.

Friday 3rd January 2003

There were a lot of loud bangs last night. I tried barking at them to go away but they didn't stop. Then my Mummy and Brother barked at them until eventually they stopped. George says they are called 'fireworks' and we shouldn't be frightened as they won't hurt us. There are often loud bangs at night where we live, but I don't think they can get into our kennel.

The lady ( her name is Cheryl) says we are going for a ride in the car tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to that! But she says we are going to visit some other dogs that I can play with called 'Gordons'. My brother Morse says he likes the Gordons and I will have fun with them.

Saturday 28th December 2002

Went in the car with my big brother Morse today to a place where there were lots of dogs, all different shapes and sizes. Then I had to stand still while a lady stroked me all over and looked at my teeth. The man ran me up and down for the lady to look at then I had to stand still again. After a while, when the lady had looked at all the red dogs like me she asked us to stand in the middle of the ring with some others and gave the man ( I think he's called George) a blue card. He gave me lots of hugs and kisses and told me I'd been a very good girl. I'm not really sure what I did right, but I liked all the fuss. The only thing I don't like is having to go in the car. It makes me feel sick, but Mummy says I'll get used to it and won't be sick any more.