A few snow flurries have fallen but nothing significant, not enought to prevent the two tall ones from sneeking off to in the car, to Granada one supposes. The taller one came back alone and so far the shorter one is still missing so I presume he is off on one of his infrequent jaunts. The taller one looks a little dispondant as though slightly overwhelmed by the number of tasks left around the house to complete.
Now I don't normally feel it is my domain to comment on domestic matters but it seems to me that she has been shedding a deal of hair recently and I can see it starting to gather in unsightly balls around the edges of the room. I, on the other hand, am more considerate and were I to shed any of my fine wirey coat it would remain comliant on the turkish rug awaiting the ministrations of the vacuum cleaner. Nonetheless, two dogs in the house can present the tall ones with extra work at times; I wonder if they would consider adding any of the latest pups to our number. How much more mess can three, four or even five new memebers of the household make? And just think of the advantages. No need for costly draught excluders, we could line ouselves up in the hall as a first defence against the wind that sometimes blows. Hot water bottles would be a thing of the past, and with enough of us we could weigh down the duvet on the bed to gaurantee no cold air whips underneath the sheets. No plate would have to enter the dishwasher without a prewash in the form of a grease busting lick, and every offending bone removed from the house without trace or recourse. Yes, the more I think about it the more ideal it would be for the tall ones to enlarge the canine population of the house, particularly if their veins run with the pedigree blood of a dachshund.
Should I consult first? No, the tall ones would only worry. I know what I'll do, I'll just move them in, how could they say 'no'. Three extra tongues a-licking, three tails a-wagging, 12 paws a-scratching, I might just burst into song - now that gives me an idea for a family choir. They'll thank me for it in the end.
Off to search for new bedding.
More from me anon.
Fergus
Travelling back from the local town of Orgiva today one could notice the first signs of spring today in the form of delicate pink almond blossom breaking out on the trees. From now on, Spring in its flowery profusion will gradually move up the mountainside until it reaches us in all its glory, at a height of 1250 metres above sea level. The sun was shining but there was definitely a chill in the air, one which this evening has given way to light snow once more - we really are having an exceptionally cold winter this year.
Spring, though, is the bringer of new life, and there's plenty of this at the neighbour's farm. The striking bitch who resides there has recently given birth to six splendid and healthy puppies. Three of them are black and grey and certainly bare a resemblance to the shepherd's dogs, but it seems that three are long of body and have a handsome black streak down their backs. The tall woman who sometimes stays in the farmhouse has suggested that since I have been known to spend many an hour in their company then I must be the sire of at least three of them. The tall ones who I live with have completely denied the possibility and so I must believe them, but still I will watch these young ones as they grow with interest.
Puppies anyone?
Fergus.
They planted more trees today. It seems we have been given about 400 small trees to plant on our land by an association known as the CAAE. Once a year they organise a big share out of tree saplings that they have been propagating. They give them out absolutely free. I gather they are funded by the Junta de Andalucia, amongst other bodies, to propagate trees then hand them out to interested parties in an attempt to encourage land owners to plant and look after new trees. Very commendable. Last year we planted about 200 metres of hedging, and have been able to do the same again this year.
It's been quite tiring work and I have to keep a constant eye on the tall ones, but they're learning fast. In my opinion they planted them a little too close but at least it will grow up quickly to make a barrier for Ella when she wants to nip out and play with the neighbour's dog.
Haven't seen much of her recently, I think she's had pups - the neighbour's dog, not Ella. Perhaps I'd better go and inspect the brood, see if there's any sign of the dachshund gene in them. Might have to start charging.
Bye for now,
Fergus.
I sent the two tall ones shopping yesterday. I heard something about 'Rebajas' on the television and, whilst I'm not sure what they are, it was certain to have something to do with dog treats. Christmas was all well and good with the turkey trimmings and everything but the cupboard has been allowed to become a little bare so I thought it was about time to stock up. I'm pleased to say that they returned with the required tins of dog meat plus a bag or two of dried pigs ears so I am content with that - although I am trying to keep them a secret from Ella. They also came back with bags of clothes for themselves which were apparently a bargain, but this was by the by.
Today, as some form of treat for being left indoors all day yesterday, we went out to 'Walk the Elephant' - a name we have given to a popular walks of ours that circumnavigates the mountain opposite. The weather was not promising on our departure and half way round the cloud descended and we were walking through a snow blizzard, but my ever ready dachshund sense of direction saved the day and we were back in front of the fire within the five hours it usually takes to complete the walk.
Now we are all recovering from our exertions, but I'm sure that when Ella next goes out for her relentless bark around the house then the tall ones will break out the pigs ears from the Rebajas they went to on my behalf.
I can almost hear the crunching sound now.
Hasta la proxima,
Fergus
Today we are in the middle of a wave of cold weather, sweeping across Europe. It is coming from the east, unlike the gas. I heard on the news that the Russians have cut the supply of gas to the Ukraine, and thus to some of the more easterly European countries. In Prague, gas seems to have run out and at night the temperatures are likely to fall to -12 degrees centigrade. All this and a credit crisis too!
Well, so much for Eastern Europe. We're a bit chilly, apparently down to -2 degrees last night. I agreed to go on the morning patrol but it was carried out at such a cracking pace due to the onset of light snow. Joy of joy, the under floor central heating was left running all day, and at about lunch time the shorter one, rubbing his hands together to give the impression of cold, finally lit the fire and thus provided me with somewhere in front of which to stretch myself. She stayed in most of the day too, which was a little irritating but she can't lie as close to the fire as I can without scorching her whiskers. Looking out of the large picture windows I am tempted to feel just a little sorrow for the shepherd's dogs, out there in all weathers, but hey, it's a dog's life.
Keep warm,
Fergus
I was in the 'Man House' yesterday, in disgrace. It was all concerning the morning walk. When we awoke the cloud cover was down and we could barely see a thing through the resulting mist. As I have explained dachshunds are reluctant to take exercise in damp conditions and when I looked out rain was a distinct possibility. I followed the tall one as far as our neighbour's track whereupon my attention was taken by a very alluring aroma indeed. It reminded me of spring, a time when quite naturally a young dachshund's thoughts turn to certain vital matters of love and procreation. I discretely parted company with my companion, who had his head down against the cold, and pursued my own intentions. When a I returned to the house I had only missed the breakfast biscuits by a few minutes I am sure, but my punsihment was to go without. Really! How am I supposed to keep up this elegant pedigree stature without regular nourishment?
It is very hard for us canines to understand the rights and wrongs of life. Today, for example, the two tall ones seemed to be involved in a very contrary task. Whenever myself or Ella deposit our 'business' in the garden or on the path we are reprimanded for it. Why, then, if the garden is such a sacred, poo free environment did those two spend part of the day collecting sheep manure from the nearby shepherd's barn and tip it on the freshly prepared vegetable beds? It really is beyond me. I have to admit, though, sheep manure is quite tasty! Made up for the missed breakfast.
Adios a todo,
Fergus
Being a Dachshund brings with it certain responsibilities. Firstly, you have to remember that you are a pedigree and therefore must behave with a sense of dignity and decorum. We come from a long line of well bred short legged hounds, ideally raised for hunting purposes. Many people make the mistake of thinking we are small dogs; but well formed specimens such as myself, weighing in at a little under 15 kg, are simply big dogs with short legs. Yes, there are miniature varieties within our spieces, but quite frankly, these just let the side down. We are tough, strong hunters bred for catching badgers - and if you don't believe me try prizing a bone from my jaws, I guarantee you will come off worse.
Our personalities are without flaw. We are good conversationalists and are well informed on a wide range of topics. We like to sit in warm places and have been known to offer comfort to the tall ones by sitting on their feet or wrapped across their laps - but this does not make us lap dogs! We are persistent in our beliefs and activities, although some mistakenly refer to this as being stubborn. We enjoy all sorts of activities but will always carry them out in our own time. We are not to be hurried, so take heed.
One of our great pleasures is walking - usually where we choose to go which is not always where the tall ones want to take us. We can cope with mountain terrains as well as woodlands but we don't go out when it is raining - so don't bother trying.
At all times, we need to remember that we are Dachshunds and must not give in to the whims and wishes of others, it will just encourage them to make unnecessary demands. Ella, the black mongrel I live with, panders to each and every visitor here in a most disgraceful way. She licks and wags her tail, making all manner of playful expressions with her eyes and ears. Some are initially taken in by her but I just bide my time and won't lower myself to her populist tricks. I am, after all, a Dachshund.
Adios amigos,
Fergus
2009.
A bit cold and wet so far, but there's a scent in the air that draws me out of the house.
Just myself and the tall one on the walk today, she didn't show. Turned up later looking a bit the worse for ware, think she'd been trying to steal a bone from the shepherd's dogs. Silly girl didn't realise she was missing out on breakfast, but all the more for me.
The tall folk have been working at the far end of the land, digging and planting vegetables. The label they placed firmly in the ground said "Broad beans", the other was some heavily scented bulbs similar to those I've seen in the bottom drawer of the kitchen, next to the cupboard where the real goods are stored. There's no point putting in labels in the soil when she and her friends from next door go charging about the place knocking everything over. It will just lead to trouble. Last year, whilst nobody was looking, I swapped the labels around, and she got the blame whilst I got the extra treats. Still doesn't know it was me.
The shorter one was out last night at a concert in Ferreirola, something to do with singing Christmas songs. Seems to have gone well by all accounts.
Supposed to be getting colder this week, and maybe some more snow on the way. Have a look at the last time it snowed here - I'm not sure they caught my good side.
The sun is shining brightly through the window, however, as it does most days, so time for me to stretch out on the rug for a siesta.
More from me soon.
Adios
Fergus.
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