Beach Bums

Today we met up with Emma and Archie and we went for two lovely walks.

The first walk was our regular walk at Roborough Down, Dartmoor.
We stopped at a little cafe for some brunch and the poodles got lots of attention from the locals, which was nice.

And then we went to the beach at Wonwell, where we had a paddle whilst the dogs had an absolute blast.

Here are a few of my favourite photographs from today.

Oscar

Oscar is a lovely 11 week old Miniature Poodle x Labrador puppy who is looking for his forever home.

Although I am not usually involved much in cross bred dogs, I do seem to be getting increasingly involved in rehomes and this little lad really tugged at my heartstrings.

Oscar currently lives with my friend who is a Police Officer. He is a very confident, eager to please little chap and has already begun his basic training, which he has picked up very quickly indeed.  He is crate trained and clean in the house.

Oscar has been well socialised with both people and other animals. He is very active and intelligent. As a mix of two working breeds, finding an active home for him is a must. Oscar will need a good daily walk and would love to go to obedience classes or agility when he is old enough.

Oscar has a soft wavy coat - sadly my friend is allergic to his hair and this is the only reason that she is rehoming. Oscar will need grooming around every 8 weeks. Understandably this is a very difficult decision for my friend and she remains completely dedicated to him and will continue with his education until a suitable home can be found.
The lady who bred Oscar originally is unable to take him back.
There is no rush to rehome Oscar - placing him in a lifetime loving family that can fulfil his needs is the priority - as such applicants may be subject to home checks and he will be rehomed with an adoption contract and for a nominal fee.

Oscar's mother is a black KC registered labrador and is health tested. She is PRA - prcd clear and has an outstanding hip score of just 2/2.
Oscar's father is a brown KC registered miniature poodle.

*Update : Oscar has now found his forever home. Thank you to everyone who made contact about him.*

Louis

A few months ago I was approached by a friend and asked to help rehome her late mother's standard boy.

I thought that the perfect home had been found, but sadly it wasn't to be. Therefore this darling boy is reavailable to his forever loving home.

The family who took him on had hoped that he would be a companion for their existing dog who has separation anxiety, but Poodles being poodles Louis has started to copy the existing dog which he did not do before. The family feel that it is not in Louis' best interests to keep him in a home where he is learning poor habits and have made the heart breaking decision to rehome him again.

Louis is 10 years old and living here in the Southwest. He is a very active chap who will need a 5* home. He could live with other, settled dogs and is good with children.

He has a wonderful temperament and is an absolute sweetheart.

Louis can be walked off lead but does require monitoring as he can be bouncy and over excited with other dogs.
His current owner feels that he has simply never been taught proper manners when greeting other dogs. This is usually quite a simple thing to teach.

Louis would suit an experienced, understanding home who will teach him some manners when greeting new dogs and provide him with long walks and a comfy bed.

Louis will stay with his current family until a new home can be found. The current owner is in no great rush to rehome him and wants to ensure that his needs will be properly met.

* Update - Louis now has found a lovely new home in Norfolk with a very experienced Poodle owner, he has a huge garden to play in and his new owner will keep us updated with his progress - we wish them many happy years together *

Ticking Along Nicely.

Well, this isn't really much of an update as not much is happening here within the Marcasite household. Things are simply ticking along nicely, the way that they should be.

Peggy is growing up far too quickly and is teething, along with her siblings who we get lovely regular updates from.
Peggy and I recently went to a fun family dog show where amongst other things she won a first in Best Puppy, which I was over the moon with.

We walk once a week with Archie, who is handsome and oh so cheeky.
I'm also making vague attempts at teaching his owner Emma to groom him. I'm not a particularly wonderful groomer myself, but I do believe  that it is right to pass on what knowledge you do have to others and am enjoying watching her grow in confidence. I'm sure Emma will be a grooming wizz in no time.

Edna is thriving and has a fascinating relationship with her daughter. It is such a pleasure to watch them interacting and playing together. Edna demonstrates skills and behaviours that I ask of Peggy and encourages her learn always. For example, if I ask Peggy to turn to the left and she is unsure, Edna will show her what I am asking and give her a nudge.

Little Stanley is doing well too. He doesn't interact much with Edna and Peggy when we go out walking. He is 7 years old now and usually far too sensible to join in with their shenanigans, but within my house he plays with them like he is still a puppy. His favourite game at the moment is to hide in a pile of teddy bears and dog toys and stay very still; then when Peggy approaches he jumps at her to startle her and they both case each other all around the living room.

We are also enjoying the slightly cooler weather and exploring new places on our walks. I have a long list of walks that I want to do, which is always growing.
Next on my list is the Amazing Cornish Maize Maze which is a fun 3 mile, on lead walk and something I like to do every year.

Below are a few photographs of the dogs on some of their recent walks.

Peggy and Edna

Edna, Peggy and Archie

Archie

Archie and Peggy

 Stanley, being chased by Edna and Peggy

Peggy, Stanley and Edna

Edna and Stan

Edna and Peggy

Edna and Peggy

Peggy

Mini Family Reunion

(Left to Right - Edna and Archie with Emma, Ozzie and Whizzie with Debbie, Peggy and Stanley with Chloe and Fred with Steve)

Today we met up with Debbie, Steve and Chloe who have Ozzie (who was green collar boy) and Emma who has Archie (who was orange collar boy)

Between us we had a pack of 7 poodles, which was quite a sight to behold.

We went for a walk at Golitha Falls near Liskeard in Cornwall, which is absolutely beautiful but a very steep climb! 

The dogs were all very excited and enjoyed playing chase and splashing in the water.

It was lovely to watch Edna interacting with 3 of her babies - she definitely recognised Ozzie; who we have not seen since he left 10 weeks ago.

The pups together were like a comedy act - all bouncing off one another and being cheeky. They were so much fun to watch. 

After our mountaineering efforts we decided to treat ourselves and went for a pub lunch, during which the dogs were all incredibly well behaved.

They got lots of attention from the locals too which was great socialisation for them.

Below are a few photographs of the dogs enjoying their walk.

I look forward to Debbie visiting again for another group walk soon.

Shanzidogs!

My friend recently set up her own business selling lovely quality items for small breed dogs.
We have purchased a number of items from her including rolled leather collars and dehydrated 100% natural treats and chews.
I have to say that I am absolutely delighted with the quality of these items and with the fantastic levels of customer service that I have recieved.
I can wholeheartedly reccomend Shanzidogs.
They stock lots of items from medical equipment to shampoos and interactive toys.
The great news is if they don't have a size or item that you need they will source it for you.

Here is a link to Shanzidogs

Here are a few photographs of the dogs in their Shanzidogs items.

Peggy in her collar

Archie in his collar

Unfortunately there are no pictures of the dogs enjoying their treats because they are usually eaten with such gusto that I don't get a chance to photograph them! 

Happy Birthday Edna.

My beautiful girl is now 3 years old, so I thought I'd share some of my favourite photographs of her that I have taken over the years.

Edna really is the best dog in the world! She is so loving, sensitive and easy to please but she is also very active and fun. I could not wish for more in a dog and am lucky to share my life with her.

Here's to many more happy healthy years.

We have donated £50 to a local animal charity to mark the occasion. Edna has everything she needs and more.