A Wee Break

   With the Christmas and Holiday season upon us, Lucky and I will be taking a short, 2 week break from the blog.

   At almost 3,800 hits in 6 months, it seems as if out little stories are reaching out a bit more than we had originally imagined, and we're very happy indeed about that.  Please feel free to continue to follow the exploits of our precious boy, and as always, comment if you feel moved to!

   We wish everyone all the best, and hope you will rejoin us after the New Year.

Richard, John, & Lucky.

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Having a wee rest; Arthur' Seat.

The Santa Caper

   Lucky went into the handbag of a client yesterday and ate one of these, while we were out of the room.  A chocolate Santa.

   I was really worried, because I know that chocolate is very bad for dogs.  But the fact that it was hollow and milk chocolate mitigated the damage, apparently.  That and the fact that Lucky is now 8 1/2 stone in weight.  His famously tender belly barely rumbled.

   However, he's now sussed to the tastiness of this new treat.  I had a 2-finger Kit Kat last night, and he was enchanted with me for the entire evening.  

   I think the lesson here is: lock up the handbags on Mondays.

   He also had another go at the staff Christmas tree, before I barricaded the main room with chairs.

The cheek of it!

   Close and beady eyes need to be kept on this crafty boy at all times, we think.  But it's difficult, because as a typical Ridgeback, Lucky is able to tip-toe.  He can move with surprising stealth.  And if a tasty treat is on offer, even more so!   

   

   

Gun Dog

Calton Hill.

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Monday, Monday.

   It's Monday, and that means a day together at work for Lucky and I.  We take the long way walking in, up over Calton Hill.

   I've been trying to walk Lucky through the town a bit more, especially when it's very busy.  I think it's good for him, but I do need to keep a firm grip on the lead, because he's VERY interested in all of the people and things he sees.  Trying to stop him from giving a welcome sniff to everyone he passes isn't easy, but we're getting there.
   He encountered this curious chap on Princes Street.

   Later, once we'd arrived at work, Lucky cased the entire place, as he always does when we arrive.  Christmas decorations had been put up this week, and Lucky tried to convince me that he hadn't been nudging the Christmas tree.  I wasn't buying it.

It's not a very clear photo, but that's tinsel on his nose.  Seconds later, he sneezed it off. 

   Later, he settled down for a long, cozy nap.  I'm so happy that he's comfortable at work!

Who wouldn't be?

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It's A Love Thing

   So it's Monday, and for Lucky and I, that means a happy day together.  We did our long Arthur's Seat walk at sunrise, then after a quick nap for him, walked in to work. Lucky likes his Mondays at work with me, because lovely people are always coming in to see him.  Today was no exception, but he did have a special visitor, in the form of my friend Tilly.

      


   Tilly and her family have been visiting me at work for years and years, but this was her first time meeting Lucky.  The two of them bonded instantly.  This lovely girl sat with the lovely Lucky for over an hour, and I've truly never seen him so happy at work.
   When she left, Lucky followed her, her sister, and her Mum, to the door to say cheerio.  He then sat by the door missing her for 10 minutes!  That's never happened before.
   Tilly tells me she hopes to work for the Dogs Trust one day.  They would be lucky to have her.  I think she'd make a fine veterinarian.      
   Tomorrow is a Citidogs day, then the usual, happy rest of the week.

Thanks Be To Dog

   Today is Thanksgiving Day where I come from.  When I was a young boy, it was simply a day to eat large amounts of delicious food, and hang out with my cool cousins.  In recent years, the meaning of Thanksgiving seems to have returned to 'things we give thanks for', which I welcome, as gratitude is such an important part of life.  So, no extra points for guessing what it is that I'm giving the most thanks for this year.

We had a series of walks today to celebrate.  But the steep path up Arthur's Seat has become our favourite.

It was a good day today.

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Tough life.

Encountering Crabbit

   I've said this before, but in Edinburgh, we have so many terrific green spaces where we can walk our dogs.  And unlike many places, there isn't a lot of hostility to dogs who aren't on the lead.  Even people who don't like dogs are, for the most part, quite tolerant of them.

   I encountered an exception yesterday.  Lucky and I were in Hollyrood Park when a woman, not even on our path, demanded that I put Lucky on the lead.  To help you understand how clearly ridiculous this demand was, this is a photo of where we were.

She shouted across the valley "Can you put your dog on the lead?"  I shouted back "No."  Her- "I beg your pardon?"  Me- "So you should."

   I'm usually pretty easy going, but I have no patience for this nonsense.  Lucky was nowhere near her, and if she's really that afraid of dogs, she should stick to city streets.  This is a public park where dogs are allowed to run free; anyone who doesn't like it should stay out.  I'm not prepared to have my beautiful, kind boy confined to a lead to sooth someone's phobia.  Be willing to share the world; if you're not, you should stay at home.

   We were back today without incident.  The views from the top were jaw-dropping.

   And at twilight, Lucky, who is the most ravishing colour as I'm sure you've noticed, seems to turn an even deeper shade of red.  Even I, with my love for Lucky and clear understanding of his handsomeness, was taken aback.  I'm sure you'll agree; how could you not?

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Lucky Indeed

   Bright and breezy, happy as can be, and back to rude good health.  Loving life, and loving good, long walks.  He ran and ran in huge circles up the hill today, but still took a moment to sit and contemplate a lovely view.

   There has never been as sweet a boy as this.  He just came that way.

   And he snoozes at my feet just now so contented and settled.  As am I.

Rhodesia's Revenge

   Our Truman had a completely predictable constitutional routine.  Lucky is less fortunate.  He is quite regularly up in the night with an urgent need; he seems to suffer from the 'Ridgeback belly'.
   Last night, not for the first time by any means, we were up with the boy at 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6AM.  Each time, he needed urgently to go to the park opposite, as we don't have a garden.  Happily, a system has evolved; Lucky taps on the bedroom door, and one of us jumps up to take him out.  He never abuses this system, which he invented.  If he taps, it only means one thing- shoes on, and straight out the door.
   Though I will never claim to be thrilled by it, my heart always breaks for him at these times; these episodes always upset him much more than it does us.  I don't ordinarily believe in comforting dogs (it usually only results in making them more worried), but we obviously make an exception on these occasions.  He needs it.
   Who knows how he figured out such a specific way to let us know in this particular situation that he has this need?  He never taps on our door for any other reason.  
   We love our dogs always, but we love them so much more when they're unwell, don't we?
   Today, he had a quiet day.  Calton Hill, Hunter's Bog, and Longniddry Bents.  A busy day for most, quiet for our Lucky.  No climbing.
   After, he felt sorry for himself on the couch.  It was allowed.

 

In Dog We Trust

   I'm a complete atheist.  I don't believe in god, I don't buy into any spirituality or deity of any kind, I don't run on fate.  I don't even buy homeopathy.  I think that life is a beautiful enough thing without all of that.
   But what if I'm wrong?
   Consider this:  Scot and I thought for almost 2 years about getting a dog.  We had long discussions about having and caring for a dog, and all that it involves.  What would he do while we were at work all day?  Who would look after him while we were on holidays?
   And what about settling him in at home?  Scot gets 7 weeks of summer holiday, but our future dog or pup would have to come home at the beginning of said holidays in order to settle in properly.  What were the chances of that happening?
   We knew from our life with Truman that these weren't easy questions to answer, but all responsible dog owners will ask them.
   We were never going to bring a dog into our lives unless we were certain that we could care for him properly, and give him a good life;  a life of love and happiness. Proper excersise and nutrition.  A life with people and dog friends, not a life at home alone.  We didn't think we were in that position any longer, so we gave up on the idea.
   However, one day, as if out of nowhere, a plan for a dog's weekly care occurred to us.  A plan that involved a variety of activities and settings.  A full week of places to go, and fun stuff to do.  It just popped into our heads, out of nowhere.
   Three weeks later, we met Lucky, and three weeks after that, he came to live with us, on the first day of Scot's summer holidays.  It's been relatively smooth sailing ever since.  Well, almost smooth; let's not discuss the fate of one snake-skin wallet, and a pair of very expensive hill-walking shoes.
   He's here.  He's improved our life enormously.  It's almost as if someone up or out there made it happen.

   

 
 

Close To You

For your consideration, the Rhodesian Ridgeback.  Demonstrating his renowned reputation for aloofness.

Today's Pinup

Longniddrey, last Sunday.

The Picture Of Obedience

Lucky knows that he has to sit on his bed before he gets his breakfast or dinner.

This, apparently, is now his bed.

When You're Smiling

   City life is interesting.  There are times when I'm walking around Edinburgh, and I'm looking at the city at large, and noticing what an absolute stunner this place is.  There's no denying it; this is a beautiful city.      
   At the same time, I can be lost in my own mind, thinking of my day ahead or the day behind.  Planning things, reworking stuff, considering tomorrow and today.
   I've never been someone who looks at other people much while walking around town.  I often walk right past people I know, and sometimes find myself accused of ignoring someone, when in fact, I was just in my own head.  It happens.  Truthfully, we all do it, even if we're not aware of it.
   Lucky is a happy, handsome, friendly, and open big boy, and everyone can see it.  And while my focus is on him while we're walking around town, keeping his behaviour good and polite, I do notice  people reacting to him.  It's natural, because I'm so proud to be walking such a good dog, who's so well behaved.  And he is a pure dream to walk in town.  He walks to heel on a slack lead, he obeys us completely, and he's happy doing it!
   You will encounter every kind of person on the streets of Edinburgh; happy, miserable, angry, cheerful, scary, bright, and down.  And one of the gifts that Lucky has is the ability to turn a persons day around, to make a miserable person smile. Every day, I pass people who look so unhappy, I truly wonder what has happened to them.  And they catch sight of this boy and melt.  I see smiles.  Folk who are so entirely in their head, as I used to be, soften and smile at the sight of this sweet red boy, who has the face of total love. There are days, for me, when it feels like the whole city is looking at Lucky and feeling good for it.
 

 
   
 
 
     
 
 
 
 

Chums

Sometimes, Lucky makes the most improbable friends.  But it always seems to work.

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Longniddry Bents, East Lothian

Out & About

   Lucky and I went on a long dog walk today with several lovely people and dogs.  We followed the Water Of Leith from Currie to Murrayfield, and Lucky and I made new friends!

     Though I was encouraging him to swim with his new mates, he refused.

                   Later, we retired to the dog-friendly Murrayfield Bar.  

A great day out.  Thanks Janet!

                                                  

Hide and Seek

Lucky makes us laugh.  He is chilled out and snoozing for a lot of the day, but he also has his playful moments throughout.
   This morning while I was sitting at the dining table working, Lucky was wandering about the house, and I was ignoring him.  When I next looked up he had disappeared, which is quite a feat for such a large boy.  I checked by the front door and also his bed, with no joy.  I then looked to the couch and saw this:

Let's take a closer look, shall we?

He managed to get up there, and get comfortable, without making a sound! Such a talented boy! 

Hard and Fast Rules

   We all know that dogs operate best with strict boundaries, and in our house, we've made it clear to Lucky that some things just won't do.  I mean, if we're not in charge, there's no telling where things could end up.  So, toward that end,

soft-chew toys are discouraged,

dogs must stay away from the dining table always,

and off the bed,

and couch, at all times.

We're very strict.  

Sunday

A bell is no bell

'til you ring it.

A song is no song

'til you sing it.

Love in your heart

wasn't put there to stay,

love isn't love 

'til you give it away.

Oscar Hammerstein 

Today's Pinup

                                                       Calton Hill
                 

Access All Areas

   Throughout the life of my dear old Truman, I was sad to find that dogs were increasingly barred from entering many places where they had been welcomed in the past.  Many pubs, most shops, and all restaurants began banning dogs, often on the misguided basis of 'health and safety'.  This didn't really affect my life with Truman, because he much preferred staying at home, but it made me cross, particularly as we were increasingly forced to endure the disruptions of badly behaved children in situations where they would not have been welcomed a few years previously.
   The tide seems to have turned in the last few years, and not before time, because although he will stay at home with no incident, Lucky is a sociable boy, and he would much rather be out and about with us.  So it's great news to see that a campaign has been started, encouraging businesses to declare their dog friendliness.

   It began in pubs, but has spread to businesses of all descriptions.  All over town, you now see the above sticker in the windows of pubs, restaurants, shops, even hairdressing salons.  It's a welcome change, because the vast majority of dogs are perfectly behaved in public places.
   Of course, Lucky has a particular challenge, and that's his enormity.  He simply doesn't fit in most places, even if he is welcomed.  So I've been looking out for spots where he can have his own little space while we enjoy a refreshment.  And to do my bit, I'm going to highlight these places so we can all show our appreciation to businesses who welcome our whole family.
   First off, I found a brilliant cafe in Canon Mills called The Roamin' Nose.  Lucky and I had a lovely table by the window with plenty of room, and I had a delicious burger, minced in the kitchen and served on a home-made roll.  Lucky made a friend, just like he always does.

   This is a great place staffed and run by nice people.  If you're in Edinburgh and have a pup, (or just love dogs) why not give it a go?  And remember to tell businesses who welcome dogs how much you appreciate it.

 

Cheerio.

   Tyninghame Beach has long been a favourite walk of ours.  It was the first place Scot and I took Truman for a day out together just after we met 8 years ago.  Truman adored the combination of woods and coast, as do we.

                                                Truman at Tyninghame 2005
 


   Today, we took our Lucky there for the first time and, at last, we scattered Truman's ashes.  It felt like the right place and time.  We talked a bit about Truman, and also about how happy we are to have Lucky, whom I needed a hug from after.  Lucky indeed.

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                                                          And me.

How I Became Good

   Before Lucky came to us, he'd lived a very easy life in a wonderful rural setting with another dog and a family whom he loved and who also loved him, and he had always enjoyed lots of freedom.
   To bring him into a big city was always going to be a challenge.  And he was completely freaked out when he first came to Edinburgh, with the sounds and sights, and the restrictions that life in a city and on a lead brought.  Scot and I had help, mostly from Heather of Posh Pets, and we introduced him to city life and rules, and Lucky coped well.
   It has been work, as dog training always is.  But it's good work, because dog training is about making a personal connection with your dog, and letting him see that you are not just his boss, but also his family; the main people for him to love, and who love him in return.  The result, you hope, is a happy dog who looks to you for his cues, and obeys you at all times.  In my past experience, the beginning bit seems the longest and hardest, but when you arrive, it's a great feeling.
   There seems to have been a quantum leap in the last few weeks.  Suddenly, Lucky walks perfectly to heel, he obeys us when we ask him to follow us in the park, he can play with other dogs gently then come away with us when we say, and we have really solid recall.  The result, satisfyingly, is that he's starting to enjoy freedom again.  He's absolutely good off the lead, and he's looking to us at all times for instruction.  This is making for a seriously happy, free-living boy.  We feel as if we've arrived.
   Today is the 2 year anniversary of the death of our beloved Truman.  It's also the 112th anniversary of my Grandmothers birth.  And today, Lucky was with me at work, happy and contented, with lots of new friends visiting all day.  He had a brilliant time today.  And I had a day to think about loss and renewal, and good fortune.
   Scot and I are so grateful for this beautiful, cheeky, and loving boy.  And Lucky is a very happy boy with us, of that we're certain.
   I think Lucky should write a book, and the title should be 'How I Became Good'.  Because this boy is an expert in how to be good.