Introducing Hogan (Kiwibeatz Mister Hogan)

On the 1st July I was approached by my friend Paula to see if we were

ready for another Border Collie.  We hadn't planned on getting another one so soon

after Rocky but it seems that this was meant to be.  After some discussion and

checking out of photos we agreed to take this little Mister.

The photo that won me.

On the 11th July we drove down to Pirongia early to meet and collect the newest addition to our family.

Lil Mister or Mister as Paula called him, was her favourite from the litter and she 

wanted to keep him but couldn't so we are now the privileged owners of

Kiwibeatz Mister Hogan (Hogan)

whelped 23rd May 2014. 

Saying goodbye to Paula

 Sitting up looking forward in his crate ready for the trip home.

Happy wee man with the toy from his father.

Sleeping puppy

 Checking out his new home

 The old girl waiting to mark the spot

 Meeting Arnie

Settled like he has been here forever.

Chicks and Chickens

On the 7th June we had 6 chicks hatched out of the 6 eggs that 2 hens were

sitting on.

 

There are 4 white and 2 brown chicks.

This photo taken 29th June 2014

The 2 hens started fighting so the brown one was removed.

I made an outside enclosure so they could move about a bit.

Johnny Snow the Rooster looking in.  He was the only survivor

from the 2 chicks hatched last year.

DH put some branches in the play pen and the chicks  are climbing them.

On the 25th July I found one white chick sitting by itself with its head tucked

side ways.  Brought it inside as it was cold and kept it in the cat cage thinking it 

was about to die.  It perked up and was getting about so put it back with the others that

afternoon.  Checked later and the hen had pushed it out.  Put it back in the cat cage and

kept it inside overnight. It was looking good and chirping so put it out in with the others again.

 White hen and the 5 chicks, 2 Aug 2014

Here it is now.  The white hen wouldn't let it back in  so set up a little hutch 

and put one of the gold hens with the chick.  The first night I had to place it

with the hen but after that she seems to have kept it warm.  It holds its head to the 

side sometimes but is certainly eating and being kept warm.

Casey Pup

Casey gave us a fright.  On the Tuesday night after we had laid Rocky to rest, 

she raced up the drive with the other 2 and then coming back she was really slow.

That wasn't entirely unusual as both Casey and Rocky had been slow on the return of our

half walk.  I went about some of my normal routine and then found Casey sprawled on the deck. 

 I thought she had slipped between the deck and the wall so lifted her up and she fell again.

From Tuesday to Friday she could hardly stand up and needed assistance to get her walking.

I thought we were going to lose her on the same week as Rocky.  I managed to get time off work

and we booked her in to the Vet's on the Friday afternoon.  She started to look better so 

cancelled the appointment.  On the Saturday morning, I went off to get a couple of things and

came home to find Stuart really worried about Casey.  We had a long discussion and I phoned

the Vet's and made an appointment for 5.15pm.  

We put Casey on the dog bed in the dining room and covered her with a blanket.

I brought my computer downstairs and worked on a photo album I had made digitally 

for Casey and also one for Rocky.   About 2 hours before the appointment, Casey woke up

and looked at me with bright Casey eyes.  I got her up and she walked freely around the garden.

We cancelled the appointment again and now 2 weeks later she is better and more like herself.

She is getting herself upstairs again and following me like she always has.  

She runs after the others and is eating all her dinner again.  She is one amazing 15 year old dog.

Arnie with his dog Casey.

Rimrock Valerian Rocker (Rocky) 10 Apr 2001 to 19 May 2014

It is a sad day today as we said goodbye to Rocky.  The poor boy has been deteriorating steadily but over the past 2 to 3 weeks it has been more rapid.  It went from struggling but managing to get upstairs to last night when he collapsed in a heap walking across the kitchen floor.  It was one of the hardest decisions I have made as he was so good in himself.  His eyes were still bright and he was eating well.  He started drinking lots over the past 2 weeks and over the past week I had been getting up once or twice a night to let him out to the toilet.  He was amazing in that he would try to stand and most times managed but on occasions I had to help him.  He was finding it harder to squat.  He was still looking after himself and the front end was still looking really good.

Last night I decided to stay home from work and take him to the Vet.  I felt bad as he ate his tux biscuit with his usual gusto and his piece of toast.  He stayed on his bed for much longer than normal and then made it outside and lay in the sun.

We came home from the Vet's and let all the other dogs and cats say goodbye.  Shilo stayed in the back of the car with Rocky until I was ready to move him to his grave.  She has been really devoted to him and will miss him.  Casey and Rocky have always been good friends.  Casey seems sad too but with not hearing I think some of it is passing her by.  Rocky is now laid to rest beside Bruno with some of his favourite things.  I put the leftover of his favourite squeaky toy, a ball and an old bone in with him.  I planted a camellia on him and the alstoemeria back.

We Have A Secret

We have a secret, you and I

that no one else shall know,

for who but I can see you lie

each night in fire glow?

And who but I can reach my hand

before we go to bed

and feel the living warmth of you

and touch your silken head?

And only I walk woodland paths

and see ahead of me,

your small form racing with the wind

so young again, and free.

And only I can see you swim

in every brook I pass

and when I call, no one but I

can see the bending grass.

Author Unknown

From <http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/asecret.htm>

RIP in my sweet gentle Rocky boy.