The Dog Blog with Beady ~ Travelling with Your Pet

Woof!  Sorry I've been away so long, but life happens, even to us doggies.  Summer is upon us and you know what that means, sun, warmth and VACATIONS!!!!   So whether you're going on a long distance trip or just for some little day excursions, here's some tips for keeping your four-legged friends happy and healthy.

The world is becoming more pet friendly, acknowledging what we already knew, your pet is part of the family too!  If you are planning a long haul trip, ready to explore those far off and exotic places, it's quite possible that Rover or Fluffy can go too.  First thing's first though, check with your country of destination.  What requirements do they have on importing a pet and what requirements does your country have to bring your pet back home?  There may be vaccinations he/she must get or even, like here in the UK, your pet can get his/her own PET PASSPORT which means they can freely travel in and out of Britain with no hassle.  Also check with different airlines for prices and travel requirements, these can vary greatly between airlines.  Lastly have a nosy through pet friendly hotels or campsites, THEY DO EXIST.

Then again, maybe your worried Fido just isn't up to the trip or it would make Fi-Fi too nervous.  Well, there are many options for them as well.  A good Kennel or Cattery can be just as stress free and delightful as your own vacation, many have luxuries 'rooms', on sight vet and groomer and daily exercise schemes.  There is also the option of an in home Pet Sitter, which is fantastic for many reasons.  One, the pets are happier at being able to stay in their home and two, you also get the added security of a house sitter.

A lot of fun can be had by having little day excursions exploring your local area.  Make sure your pet is secured in the car, either in the back, in a kennel or a pet safety harness while traveling.  I know, I know, there are those good dogs that would happily sit next to you (or even settle in your lap) without bouncing around and causing trouble.  But what if the unthinkable happened and there was an accident?  It's just sometimes better to be safe than sorry.  Also be sure and bring along a water bottle and a little dish or cup for your pet to drink from, and...a-hem..some bags to 'pick up' after him. Most importantly NEVER, NEVER EVER LEAVE A DOG IN A HOT CAR!  This could prove fatal as even on a relatively cool day, temperatures can soar quickly past 100' F inside the car.  If you must leave him in the car for a VERY SHORT (we're talking a few minutes) period of time, make sure to crack ALL the windows and park in the shade.  It's better to leave him at home if you can't take him along with you.  Best for you, best for Rover and best for your car if you live in the UK (the police have the right to smash the windows of any car where a dog is inside and in distress).

Have a happy and safe Summer Holiday!


Smiles & Wags,

Beady

In the Midst of the Storm

We're in the midst of a seemingly endless winter here in England, at the moment it has been raining heavily for about a month with no end in sight.  I know, I know, you're thinking 'It always rains in England', but that's not entirely true.  Normally the summer's are mild and bright, Sapphire skies complimenting the Emerald green landscape, with light showers at night is the norm.  It hasn't particularly been warm or bright for about 3 years!

I often think God has a sense of humor, as it seems whatever the clever meteorologist predict, the exact opposite happens.  For instance, this was supposed to be the 'Worst winter ever' with ice, snow, bitter cold, the works.  And you know what?  It snowed maybe 2 days the whole winter and we had perhaps 3 days of a hard frost.  I'm not too sure our pond really froze once.  Then this Summer was going to be a terrible drought and it's done nothing but rain, the rivers and creeks are fit to burst!

I have to admit to feeling depressed and sun-starved.  I'm the type of person who craves warmth and sunlight, I do not cope very well in cold and damp.  Maybe that's why I love rainbows so much.  To me they are a reminder that even in a world cloaked in a cold dank grey mantle, the sun is still there.  A symbol of hope.  Still waiting just above the clouds to break through and wrap us in warmth.  Even if I can't see it or feel it, it's there.  The storm won't last forever.

Rainbows also remind me of God's promises, the covenant he made with Noah and many more throughout the Bible.  Often through a hard period of life, God sends a  'rainbow' in the form of a helping hand, a compassionate friend or even a miracle specially designed for your situation, to give you hope and strengthen your heart, your faith.  Just when you think you can't hold out much loger there it is, a beautiful neon sign saying 'I'm here, I've got it all under control'.

Rainbows remind me that through the storms and trials of life, God's still there.  Waiting just above the cold loneliness, the clouds of depression and fear, He's there ready to pull you out, wrap you in His love and break through, even if you can't see or feel Him.  And that the darkness hanging over you?  Well it can't  last forever.

So regardless of the gales, the cold, the isolation or how hard the hailstones might batter your house, the Son's still there ready, waiting and willing to break through!

 BE MERCIFUL and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed. ~Ps. 57:1

Interesting Easter Weather

Tree by driveway

We had a horrible Easter blizzard (or as Simon says, 'The huge Lizard broke all the trees!' LOL) that hit on April 4th.  Anyway, it was definitely the worst snowstorm I have ever experienced here.  We are at about 2000 feet above sea level, and at the top of the hill there was a 5 foot drift COMPLETELY blocking the road.  It was weird,  unpredicted and a little scary.  We have alot of old very tall trees around our home which we haven't been able to get removed yet, and the weight of the snow was pulling them down.  The kids had fun pushing the snow off the branches and watching it avalanche, which helped take the weight off.  But, thankfully, the wind really got going and that also helped knock the snow off the branches...and like most Spring snows, 48 hours later you'd never have known it'd been.

Our Cottage

Easter Treats, Oh So Sweet

Bird's Nest Cupcakes

Mmmmmmmm!

Hot Cross Buns (a recipe from my Great Aunt)

Rhubarb Cream Cake

Happy Easter ~ He Has Risen!

AN ANSWER

Be still my troubled child,
Hush now and know I care.
I'll hold you now so close to me
I have born your shame, destroyed all you fear
I cannot tell you how it hurts me to see those tears you cry
And in the darkness where you feel alone, I stand by your side
My hand is never too far, I'll catch you if you fall
I'll carry you through stormy seas
I give to you my all
Yes I know your lonely and the pain is very real
I know how cruel men taunt you
I will protect you from the wicked
And know that I will heal
Why carry all these burdens?
There weight is too heavy for you to bear.
Cast them upon my shoulders, never ever despair.
Oh my precious child,
How can I make you see?
Though there is terror all around you,
It will not come to thee.
My love is sufficient to meet your every need.
Do not worry how you will clothe yourself,
Where you will live or what you will eat.
Even death has no claim on you.
Come now, dry your eyes.
Remember, for your eternal life,
I suffered and I died.

St. Patrick's Day ~ In Pictures

A quick note, if you'd like to see the pictures larger, just click on them and a slide show will pop up!

Waiting for the cake...

The cake!

Brotherly love.

Enjoying the fire.

Ok, one more pic, if we have to.

The Dog Blog with Beady - Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Well, Top O' the Morn'n and a wag o' the tail to ya!  Do you have yourself and your home decked out in that glorious Emerald green?  Are you ready ta catch a rainbow or have a go sett'n a trap for that elusive wee Leprachaun?  I sure am!

Would you be know'n that myself is descended from the great Irish sheep dogs of old?  Aye, that's right, It was Trefoil that elegant tricolor rough collie, born and bred in Ireland in 1873.  All Collies are proud descendents of Trefoil.

Even farther back than that, I can trace my ancestry to the dark colored sheep dogs of the ancient Celts.  It's even told that while St. Patrick himself roamed the green hills of Ireland bringing the Good News to the people there that one of these dogs padded along by his side giving him companionship and protection (ok, I have no evidence for this, it's just something me Mum taught me as a wee pup.  And you have to admit, it sounds probable).

So, put a shamrock in your lapel (or collar, as the case may be), grab some green doggy biscuits or those lovely green pepermint twist chews.  And, if you're very good, your person may even let you have a snifter of his Shamrock Shake!  

It's a great day to be Irish!!!

Smiles and Wags

Beady