I am reminded of this again when having to pick up the ‘business’ of a kennel-full of dogs.  Although Nigel is CiC of Poo Patrol, I have to deal with it too.  We’ve just had the newfies in for a couple of days again – try lifting theirs up in one hand! Still, it has to be done.  We try to be responsible neighbours and always make sure we don’t leave anything for others to see (or step in).  Most people who take their dogs out for a walk around here also pick up after them, although not everyone, and  we have to do it for them.  I think some people assume that since you are out in the country it doesn’t count.  The other strange thing is when we find a poo bag (filled and neatly tied) hanging from the branch of a tree.  Why?  Do the owners think they are doing the right thing just by picking it up?  Who will take the bags down from the tree?  Unfortunately if  I find something like that round here, that person is me – I don’t want others to think that we would be so stupid and ignorant.

And don’t get me started on the bird droppings!  The housemartins are back so I’ve had to take the car out of the garage – they nest in the rafters – so it doesn’t get splattered.

Still housemartins = summer, so let’s hope we get a good one.

August is still ok.

The other resident was Tashi who just left us yesterday. His folks were in Ethiopa helping their daughter do amazing things there. Tashi is a springer spaniel who, although 10 years old, bounded all over the place and through the woods like a youngster. Great temperament and always returned immediately on being called. We got so used to having both dogs with us and it does seem odd now that they’re no longer here.

Never mind… Easter is fast approaching and we’re going to have a busy weekend. Unfortunately Nigel has damaged ligaments in his bad foot (the one with the broken ankle) and has been told to rest it completely so guess who’s doing all the walking? The upside is that it’s given him time to do the accounts. He has an accountant’s head so is quite happy to do boriing pedantic things like that!

Just a reminder – if you want your perfect pooch to stay with us during the summer hols – especially July – phone or email me now. We’re getting filled up and I would hate to have to turn away old friends.

We’ve been quite busy throughout February, which surprised me as I had always thought that this was the month everyone paid off their Christmas credit card spending. However I suppose it’s nice to get away for a break, even if it is just for a weekend.

I’ve been thinking about our regular ‘guests’. We tend to give them nicknames. For instance we have two Berties, so one is [Lord] Bertie (King Charles spaniel) and the other is Bertie [Westie] (no explanation required). Bobby [Dazzler] is our regular black lab while Norah [Batty] is a batty springer spaniel. Buddy and Buster are also with us quite often although we sometimes call them ‘Tubby Custard’. Mack [the knife] is a fantastic working cocker but a great little dog is [Gianfranco] Zola, a coothie border terrier who was actually named after the footballer. One of my favourites though has to be Dudley the basset hound. You just have to say his name with a Brummie accent.

Well, time to go and take out the big boys – the newfies are in again and they need a good bit of walking although they might just be feeling the heat today!

A couple of long stay doggy friends are still with us.  Jumble went out for the New Year but is back for one more week, and Karma remained over the whole of the festive season. She got her share of turkey though.  I never have to throw out any leftover turkey as the dogs just love all the bits we don’t!  No bones though; that’s an absolute no-no for dogs.

Buddy and Buster (beautiful big labs) are with us again and so is Tina, who delights everyone with her ball throwing antics.  Bertie Westie is in for his winter holiday and Scootie (working cocker)  is having a great time while his french chef owner is visiting family in France.  We have a diverse group of dogs staying with us at the moment, from little Karma (King Charles spaniel) to Harry who is an Alaskan Malamout.  He is chocolate box handsome, but powerful-looking too. If we get some snow I would be tempted to attach  Harry to a sledge and tell him to ‘mush’ (or something more appropriate).  Let’s hope we don’t!

Happy New Year!

Some of the dogs are staying over Christmas and New Year, some for just one or the other. We’ll give them all a special Christmas dinner though, and a few extra treats to make their stay a bit special. The Christmas lights are up at the house and the kennels, which gives us a festive glow!

Let’s hope 2012 brings good cheer to everyone. God bless you all and I hope you and your families have a very merry Christmas.

We can take dogs for the day – from 8am to 6pm  – and will give them the same personal attention as we do for those who are ‘boarders’. We are still  small but it gives us the opportunity to look after dogs outwith holiday periods.  Owners just need to call us (01764 652608) to make sure we have space and bring their dogs along the next day.  Whatever their normal routine is, that will be ours.  We have access to lots of space for the dogs to walk and play with Charlie (the resident cocker spaniel dog host).

We have limited ability to collect and return dogs, but it’s something we can talk to you about.  We already collect  and return  a lovely labrador every Thursday from Crieff called Bobby.  So it could expand.

So please take note:  Conalter Kennels Doggy Day Care is up and running!  Have a look on the Doggy Day Care page of the website for further details (and prices) and give us a call.

Kennels are quiet at the moment, so feel free to come along and have a look (if you’re new to the kennels).  If you want your dog to stay with us we won’t need much notice – just a phone call or email will do it.  Unfortunately we’ve had to put our prices up in November (for dogs not already booked in).  We’ve managed to stay the same since June 2010, but I’m afraid our running costs (have you seen the price of electricity??) have increased too much.  Still happy to negotiate on long-term stays.

Then the clocks changed yesterday.  It doesn’t really make a huge difference to us.  Instead of starting the morning walks at 8am we’re back closer to the summer schedule, starting at 7am.  At the other end, we get the dinners and night-time treats done earlier too so we can get them settled by the time it’s dark.

I imagine November will  be less frenetic although I have some regulars booked in as owners take a quick break  before the Christmas festivities begin.

I’m not complaining though.  We are very busy but that’s very satisfying.  It’s also great when regular customers come back again and again.  We know the dogs and – more importantly  – they know us and seem to enjoy coming to stay here. I just wish the weather would improve.  It’s definitely what my gran would call ‘dreich’.  Thank god for a sturdy pair of wellies – none of your fashionable rubbish – a good green welly is what is required for this time of year.  A bit of sunshine would be very welcome – everything is so wet and needs drying out. It’s October though, so probably not a lot of sunny days to look forward to.

Next month – the wedding!