Day 5

Fed, watered and walked, it is 11.26 am of day 4 and Maddy is very tired. The freezing cold made the walk a little uncomfortable for me, but Maddy and Alfie had a lot of fun with their ball. The air was like piercing icicles with claws - but even piglet didn't whinge,so all's well. It was lovely to come home to an open fire and a cup of tea! All three dogs are now very muddy and in front of the fire - I don't get a second look - and all want to drink my tea - weird dogs :-)

Being disabled doesn't have many advantages - heaven knows, but I am glad I am going to be around at all times for Maddy Alfie and Piglet, especially now - as they seem to be very needy right now.
Poor piglet was taken from her mum at 6 weeks...and although well looked after, it has left its mark. At first she was aggressive...frighteningly so for a puppy, but she is becoming adorable. I am hoping some if not all of Maddy's and Alfie's traits will rub off on her.

Alfie? He's just happy to be here! I must admit for the first few days he seemed a bit OTT, but thankfully now seems to have calmed down. He is a really lovely dog and I am so happy he is here with us.

Time for my jobs, if they let me. Mopping the kitchen floor is a must - there's mud everywhere.

Maddy is howling right now, and her being downstairs, I need to get to her...I think the honeymoon period may be over for a while, and Alfie's first encounter with the fairer sex may have to wait a while to be reignited. Let's hope so, as he really is a randy goat and Maddy must need a rest.

Piglet is asleep at my feet as I write this and the love I feel for her chokes me. I am so blessed to have such wonderful companions. I nearly had to give her back to my son and his partner and while thinking about it the other day, tears welled up and I just couldn't do it. She is so happy here and I am more than happy to have her, even though some times she is a royal pain in the proverbial.
Luckily my son and his partner took pity on me, as she was just supposed to be looked after until they found a house and settled. She is the one who nestles into my hair or across my neck every evening, and wakes me every morning with a waggy tail and a big sloppy kiss! Maddy used to but is a bit big now, however I do wake to find her curled up on the next pillow more often than not.

Since being in season she has been very good mostly, sleeping on the doggie quilt at the side of my bed, but just occasionally she jumps up and the whole bedlinen needs changing yet again. I said it was a good idea not to have a man about didn't I?

Rather sadly we have neighbours who aren't good to their dogs. Being left in a kennel all day and night with nowhere to run, and no way of stretching is tantamount to neglect. Would we treat humans this way? Howling day and night the poor greyhound has a nightmare of a life, and having called the RSPCA on more than one occasion and them not doing anything realistic, I have had thoughts of dognapping. Hm, I don't think I really want to cross these people - as they don't take kindly to taunts of cruelty to their animals, and having had the male on my doorstep after reporting them, decided to not interfere, but it's difficult - I was hoping they would now look after their dogs, but he is still howling morning and night! It is heartbreaking hearing him howl - but if the RSPCA think he is OK, who am I to interfere?

Well the end to another interesting day..I thought Alfie had been seen off by Maddy, but no, little minx changed her mind and has had him busy most of the afternoon and evening. It does get tedious, as they are everywhere you look, but if it makes them happy - I'm happy.
Tonight I am going to sleep well hopefully, as I need all the energy and sense of humour I can muster with my three muttleys! I think maybe the Maddy and Alfie must be exhausted, so hopefully no whining tonight. Wish me luck!.....