Rocky's Philosophy on life!!!

So what have our two favourite Otterhounds been up to while we have been so busy?

Well, Rocky appears to have developed his own philosophy on life ........ Whatever you do ........ Do it to the max!!!!!!

For instance ....... Rocky's sofa is to be used to the fullest extent ......... Including the arms!!!

Nowadays, as she is growing up, Rosie is developing her own personality .......... She appears to be the "Yang" to Rocky's "Ying".

Whereas he is more laid back (usually horizontal!), she is more active and bouncy!

That said though; they show many of the same Otterhound traits and she has quite happily taken on his philosophy of living too!

This wonderful view of life extends to their outside activities too.

Daily life is met with renewed excitement and maximum enjoyment.

Which, for our two, means having as much fun as caninely possible!

Why run in to the bottom of the long grass in the flood catcher and do nothing?

Why not howl to the world how much fun it is? .......

........ Then enjoy the feeling of long cool grass rubbing along you as you wade out into the short grass again.

It's the simple pleasures that make life fun!!

If you are off the lead ...... Why walk when you can run?!

If dad calls you for a treat (and if there is nothing more exciting to do) trot up quickly ....... And smile!

"Hi dad, treat please ........ yes treat ....... Look how good we are"!!!

"OK ........ Now lets play"!

"Yippee"!!!

Playtime often includes checking if there is any more treats ....... Or just popping back for a quick love and cuddle.

Yes, even the big fella likes his cuddles!!

You don't have to guess if an Otterhound is having fun ........

......... They can't help but smile if they are happy!!

........ So Rocky smiles .......

........ And Rosie smiles .........

....... And Rocky sings!!!!! ....

Something he loves to do, particularly outside of home.

Rosie doesn't do it so much when she is awake but, like Rocky, she does occasionally sing in her sleep .........

Happy dreams you see!!

After some loves, some runs, and some games, Rocky enjoys a roll in the grass.

"Rocky, what shall we do now"?

"OK Rosie, I'll hide my eyes while you go and hide".

"Goody - hide and seek"!!

"Err ....... I don't think this is going to work Rocky ......... The grass here is only long enough to hide my nose"!!

"Let's play something else ...... I know"!

A great game of face wrestling ...... One of their favourites!!

Wrestling over ....... "Dad" says it's time to go home ...........

Living life to the max, for Rocky, sometimes means not wanting to go home (Yes, that is him sitting under the street lamp!)!

When faced with the legendary Otterhound stubborness ........ As in "I'm not going anywhere at the moment thank you" ....... We have found the only thing to do is sit and wait!

Still, at least we know that if it's horrible weather (raining and the like) we have a harder job keeping him out rather than getting him home!!

No matter where they walk longer grass seems to be favourite.

Or perhaps it is just that the best "bunny" smells are around the outsides of the fields?

Sitting down and relaxing while your hounds explore is lovely this time of year .......

But if they spot you you're probably in for a bit of a cuddle and love yourself!

Rocky will get distracted from this purpose quite easily ......... Rosie, however, may slow to sniff some scent on passing but will invariably come up to you and give you a huge love ..... Aaaah!

Even just passing you in the house will get you a love from Rosie, she tends to be very gregarious!

Rocky tends to be less so and is quieter about his affection!

Either way we get plenty of satisfaction from owning these two great hounds!!!!

When out for a walk, if it's not playtime it tends to be hunting practice.

In this, Rocky always takes the lead .....

And where Rocky leads ...........

........ Rosie will follow!

A meeting of Otterhound minds as they savour the many interesting scents wafting down from the next field!!

Rosie, in general does not seem as committed to scent hunting as Rocky .......

......... And will sometimes wander off in order to do something else or find a scent she finds more interesting than the one Rocky is following.

Living life to the max doesn't always mean playing or practicing hunting. Sometimes it means checking out what everyone else is doing ....... Just incase it looks like more fun, you understand!

Noticing that Rosie is having a smashing love with "mum" ........

Rocky decides that perhaps he would like a love too ...... After all, there are plenty more bunnies in the field!

Post love ...... And there are the plentiful bunny smells to carry on enjoying .....

Living life to the max means different things to different dogs.

Some dogs are built for fetching, some for running, some for herding and some for sitting on laps.

But our Otterhounds are built for following scents ....... And they love it!

Oh! And being hound dogs .......... They also adore a jolly good LAZE ABOUT!!!!

Find a cool spot and just chill out ......... Our sort of dog .......... "Cause then we can do the same!!!!

In fact, Rocky's philosphy on life has rubbed off on the whole family ............. !!!!!!

The end of another great day ....... So it's sleep tight Rosie ........

....... And night night Rocky ........

...... Sleep well (Oh, and as comfortably as you possibly can!) and dream of enjoying another full Otterhound day tomorrow!!!

Busy week

Apologies to all Rocky viewers!

This week, I'm afraid, is a very busy one and as a result Rocky and I are unable to bring you a  new blog.

Rest assured that both Rocky and Rosie are having fun and enjoying the sunshine and lots of fresh air.

Please bare with us and we will be back with you as soon as possible.

We hope you are all enjoying the sunshine too!

The Otterhound secret!

This week saw an expedition to the lanes on the fringe of the plain.

Rocky and Rosie were very happy to be out and about in the countryside again and eager to find any new scents for their scenting bones.

They were lucky enough to come across a horse and trap for the second time.

Rocky was big and brave enough to be simply curious.  Rosie, on the other hand, still found it rather disconcerting!

Well, she is still rather young you know, just an Otterhound baby really!

But Otterhounds are not dogs that are easily daunted by their experiences ......... It wasn't long until she was joining Rocky in enjoying the long grass and all the smells it held.

There are a lot of similarities between Rocky and Rosie, despite their differing personalities .......

........ So once they get into the same "mind set" it is not unusual to see them doing the same things at the same time!!!

Like synchronised grass combing!!

Or synchronised kerb crawling (!?).

Rosie seems to be a bit less sure of herself though and likes to keep pretty close to us ......... Or Rocky.

It is impossible for her to do both, generally, as once off the lead Rocky likes to keep a bit of distance between us ....... He's very self contained you know!

Whether behind us or in front, he likes to stride out and explore all the opportunities we are presenting him with.

Followed, of course, by Rosie!

Occasionally Rosie will get engrossed in her own thing and realise that she has become out of step with Rocky ........

Then, like all good friends, she will hang around and wait for him!

Rocky is still apt to get side tracked, a new smell here or an interesting stick there ........

Undeterred, Rosie will wait patiently for her best mate to catch up with her.

Then its into full Otterhound trot ....... Catch up with us .......... a brief "hello mum", then on past us to see what's up ahead.

 

They are faithful, in their own Otterhound way!

If a little far ahead they will wait (almost patiently) for you to catch up.

Especially if the temperature is high ........

During hot weather you almost get the feeling that they would prefer you to walk slower ....... So that they can have a longer period of luxuriating in the cool grass!

Up and onwards again, and it becomes necessary to lift your Otterhound nose off the ground and stop scenting occasionally.

It can be hard enough to see where your going with a full (and long) fringe, let alone keeping your eyes and nose on the ground as well!

But almost a millennia of breeding have equipped our hounds with the ability to excite the scenting bones and move forward, without banging into too many things ........ On the whole!

After walking for quite a while, us humans decided it was time to turn around and head for a pub lunch.

No problem really ...... Except perhaps the fact that our Rocky may not want to go back the other way .......... The standing still and staring at us gave us the clue .......

How do you get a "possibly" stubborn Otterhound to go the way you want to go .......

..... Easy ......... Walk on ....... Make sure he's not looking ......... Then dive behind a hedge!!  

Rocky likes to make out he's big, brave and doesn't really need us (like most teenagers).  He does, however, tend to keep looking your way from time to time ........ Just to make sure all is as it should be.  Deprive him of his view of you and ..........

.......... He will pelt "hell for leather" to find you!!!  Bringing Rosie with him of course!

Ahhh, see ...... He does love us!!!

Jumping out on them provides the opportunity for hugs, loves and lots of pats and tail wags ......... Lovely!!

A short burst of running in the heat of the day makes our Otterhounds want to sit in the shade for a while ......

You'd think we had run him for miles wouldn't you?!!

Well; while they were taking full advantage of  the cool grass, we had a nice shower of rain ........ The temperature fell ...... Just a little ....... And before we knew it .........

....... We had two bouncy Otterhounds!!

Otterhounds that bounced ......... And bounced .........

....... And bounced!!!!

The "tired teddy's" we had had a moment before had disappeared!

Hidden stamina! ...... That must be it! ........ The Otterhound secret!!  You know, that secret they won't let you in on unless they have to .......

Just like to make you feel bad, they do ....... Cunning Otterhounds!!

The rest of the walk gave us no sign of the tiredness we had seen before.

But there is a serious side to this ....... They are just not hot weather dogs ........ So walks need to be tailored to suit ........

I already have plans for an Otterhound paddling pool come the really hot weather (which I hope we will have!).

Anyway, with the temperature nicely cooled a degree or so Rocky was as happy as a sand boy to continue back to the pub.

While little Rosie snorted and snuffled about in the grass enjoying the sensation of tickled scenting bones.

Our two happy hounds had a lovely cool drink and a rest at the pub.

While we indulged in a little pub lunch ........ Ahhh, we love summer!!

Mind you, ever on the hunt ......... Our Rocky insisted on resting with at least one eye on our lunch ........

......... Never misses a trick ........

Clever Otterhound!!

Back home in the cool of the house ..........

......... They were out like lights!!

Sleep well Rosie ......

Night night Rocky, dream of cool grass and lovely scents!

Rocky's Saturday.

Rocky was keen that people didn't think he went on expeditions all the time (poor thing?)!

So this week he wanted you to know how mundane (???) his days could be ....... So, here we go.

Rocky and Rosie's lessons are seven days a week ..... Every walk they have is used to teach or re-enforce safe behaviour.  For example, they are never to cross a road or a path without being told to.  They are both so good at this now that it doesn't matter if they are off the lead .....

....... Or on the lead!  You can tug all you want but they won't cross until they are told.  Well done, this will help to keep you safe from traffic and prevent you causing accidents.  Clever  Otterhounds!!

Rocky is a little upset because while they are out getting lessons (and having fun I may add), Mij gets to do just what she wants.  Well, being a cat she is convinced she knows everything anyway!!

On returning home the kids (yes, the similarities seem endless) get to play in the garden.  Today seems to be "hide and seek"!

"Come out, come out where ever you are ..... I know you're around here somewhere Mij"!!!

"I found her, I found her"!!!

"Now, it's my turn to hide ....... Close your eyes Rocky".

"Mum and Dad go out shopping, but they always bring a present of some sort home.

Today it's fluffy toys ..... Rocky's favourites!

"Look what I've got Rosie .....it's mine"!!!

"I want it"

"No it's mine"!

"But I want it"!!!!!

Rosie was going to be given the other toy, but; because Rocky's got this one she wants it .....Of course!

Rocky being hard and mean (??) gave in as usual, so Rosie takes her trophy toy to her bed.

Rocky doesn't mind ...... He's spotted the other toy ....... and is quite taken with it too!

After thrusting the duck into his "dad's" groin (to indicate he wants a game), Rocky gets to play jumpy's!!

Of course, this get's Rosie's attention again ......

"I want that one dad, I want it"!

Rocky has been here before; so happily allows Rosie to play jumpy's for the duck.

So, while Rosie is occupied, and having snuck it out of her bed while she was otherwise engaged ............

Rocky finally settles down to enjoy his first choice of toy!

What a cunning Otterhound!

Rocky and his "dad" are going to do another pantomime for charity tomorrow.  So it's time for a quick wash and bush up!

Next to the mud magnetised feet, an Otterhounds beard is the greatest attractor of dirt and grime.  So, although not needing an entire bath, Rocky's beard does need a bit of a shampooing!

Rocky doesn't mind this, he always turns it into a game of "chomp the flannel"!

After tea and another walk, Rocky and Rosie always retire to the Jurassic Mud Pit for a game of wrestling.

It has become a nightly ritual for them both and Saturday is no exception.

Once contentedly tired, 'dad' sets to giving the final groom before the pantomime tomorrow.

This is generally a tricky endeavour ....... It all depends on how Rocky feels as to whether it is a calm sleepy operation or a real game of "get me if you can"!

The process starts off easily enough and should be over in no time!

But then something on the telly get's Rocky's attention!

It's some recordings of cats doing the funniest things!

"What on earth are you watching mum"?

Well, I start laughing .....  So of course, everything has to come to a halt while the whole family enjoy watching cats making fools of themselves!  Great fun!!

Eventually though, Rocky's groom is finished ....... "How do I look mum, am I handsome"?

"Yes Rocky, you're gorgeous"!!

"My turn now dad, my turn"!!

"Look mum, I'm being groomed; just like Rocky"

"Yes dear"!

'Part way through though, Rosie seems to understand just what she's let herself in for .......

"Not the beard dad ...... It took me ages to get it like that"!!

"Oh mum, dad's combed all my mess out of my beard ....... I don't like it"!!

It get's more like having two children in the house every day ....... Sigh!

Rocky, of course, is taking great delight in her discomfort!

........ So, at the end of the day what do you think of Rocky's Saturday?

Personally I think it's a lot better than mine ...... I'm definately coming back as a dog!!

Anyway, at the very end of the day our two bookends are contentedly sleeping.

So night night Rocky .......

Have fun tomorrow and dream being a star and going on exciting expeditions!

An old dog can teach a new dog a few tricks!

Rocky and Rosie love their expeditions, not only do they provide lovely walks but also new experiences.  

Rocky is still young enough to find something new each time and Rosie is finding that there are just so many new things to learn.

"Rosie, meet goats - goats meet Rosie".

"Um, err, no thanks dad.  Maybe another time"! 

This expedition found Rocky and Rosie meeting up with friends from dog training to go for a lovely walk through the English countryside.

The weather was still hot but with some cloud every now and then to keep things a little cooler.

Some of our journey would involve roads where a few cars will travel so it wasn't all off lead.

This didn't dampen the spirits of our intrepid explorers as they can walk and sniff their way through the day, on or off lead.

Getting a little ahead of the company, Rocky and "dad" wait for us to catch up.

Rocky and Rosie like to be out in front where the scents are not contaminated.

However, this can be hot work!

So Rocky decides to teach Rosie some of his "grown up" knowledge.

"Now, what you do is get far enough ahead so that you can relax in the cool long grass while everyone else catches up"!

Rosie tries this but seems to tire of it quite quickly, so she is eager to be up and at it as soon as everyone gets close .........

Rocky, on the other hand, well ........

....... He just likes to bide his time until we are a little ahead, then he can trot past, into the lead, and then rest again.

Clever eh?

Rosie meets her first horse and trap and is none too impressed!

It makes a little too much noise and smells a little too odd for her liking!

Dogs still on the leads we all set off again ........

Time for another quick break before heading down the last road before our lunch stop.

Rosie seems to have forgotten that it's the long grass that's cool though?!

Rocky heads for the front again while Rosie gets a little distracted by all the new sights and smells.

She works herself hard to catch up with him though and spends a short while in amiable silence; walking side by side.

With the end in sight, Rosie takes an unscheduled break .......... Perhaps she really hasn't got the hang of the long cool grass bit after all?!

The group gets it together for the last little effort to round the corner .......

And there it is ..... Lunch break!  Yes it's another pub, yes it's got a beer garden and yes, that is where we were heading!

This one is called "The Bustard Inn"-  named after the large bird that used to inhabit these plains, but which is now extinct here.

Recently though, a few have been re-introduced and we are all holding our breath to see if this will be a success.

As well as supplying us owners with food and ale, our dogs get a nice cool drink of water ......

...... And some cool shade to rest in (here with their friend Poppy).

They also get to greet the "pub dog" who is friendly and eager to know what they are getting up to!

After all have had a refreshing break we head back.

We all set off together but it won't be long before the dogs sort out which order they want to walk in.

In the mean time Rocky decides to give Rosie an extra lesson.

"You see Rosie, this stuff is long and cool (even in hot weather); so if you're going to do any laying down this is the stuff to lay down on"!

Can dogs recognise sarcasm?  Anyway; Rosie tried to look nonchalant.

We rounded the corner and were able to let the leads off again.

Hang on Rocky's facing the wrong way!?

Aha; nipped back round the corner to check out a particularly interesting smell!

"Come on Rocky, we're moving on".

"Wait up chaps, I'm coming"!!

Altogether for a while but it's not long before Rocky and Rosie steam on ahead!

The other dogs race on to find our two hounds ....

....... And there they are, side by side and Rosie seems to have got the idea!

Quite a kodac moment don't you think?

Back out in front and Rocky and Rosie make a last ditch effort to get everybody home.

"OK chaps; it's this way.  Well be home soon".

Continuing to keep a weather eye on the others our hounds ambled on (trotting had ceased by now)

 

How does an Otterhound find it's way home?

By following it's nose of course!!!

The end of a smashing walk and Rocky luxuriates in the grass for a final time before going home.

Back at the house Rosie chills out with a cool lay down on the patio .........

....... While Rocky ........ Well, Err ......

"Can't talk now, must be all abandoned on my sofa"!!!!

By bed time Rocky had, of course, assumed the position ......

Night night Rocky .......

Dream of sunny days and dog-full expeditions!

Just to say ...... MORE!!!!!!!!

PLEASE NOTE - THE BLOG SITE HAS PUBLISHED THIS WEEKS BLOG UNDERNEATH THIS ONE UNDER SATURDY'S DATE ...... ????

Hi folks, this is just to say that due to a technical problem (yes, still!); there will be a delay in the publishing of this weeks blog.

Do stay tuned though because there is one on it's way and I will publish as soon as I am able.

Thank you for your patience .......

Rocky's mum .......

Take Three Otterhounds ........

How d0 you put together the perfect afternoon walk? 

Well, first of all "take three Otterhounds" ....... (We were so lucky as Oscar and his owners came down to spend some hours with Rocky and Rosie) .......  Mix in a wonderfully sunny day and the fresh green and beautiful colour of early summer blooms ......... Then ensure a pub at either end of the walk ....... 

Start in a beer garden ...... Walk to another beer garden for lunch ....... Then walk back to the first beer garden!!  Fantastic!!!

But most importantly; enjoy the sight of three beautiful Otterhounds having a wonderful time

Oscar and Rosie having fun while we partake of a beer!

Rocky is first in line for the yummy crisps!

Oscar, as gentle as Rocky and Rosie, enjoys one too!

Last but not least, little Rosie gets her treat!

Oscar limbers up for the coming pub crawl.

A quick pose before setting off ......

Immediately the "three musketeers" meet the first of many new fiends.

Oscar realises that we are having a lovely walk along the canal ....... Oooh! Water!!!

Rocky and Rosie experience extreme confusion!??????

In a flash, Oscar is enjoying a quick dip!

Rocky ad Rosie ignore this behaviour and ignore their confusion .......

"He's a guest but perhaps a little eccentric"!

However, a little further along .......

....... "Hang on Oscar, don't go any further; that's stuff wet you know"?!

Acquiescing to his hosts; Oscar, Rocky and Rosie enjoy the sights and smells of a glorious summer walk.

Getting a little too close Rocky experiences a "slip and dip"!  While Rosie has a good giggle to herself Rocky climbs out hoping no one has noticed!!!

"Yuk!  It's wet"!!! 

Onwards through the gorgeous countryside, experiencing the joys of being alive on a day like today .........

Rocky and Rosie prefer to keep cool by drinking, so Rocky happily takes on the job of water monitor.

Oscar and Rocky, the two new friends, enjoy each others company.

"What's this"???"  Oh No ...... Help someone; Oscar seems to have voluntarily got very wet indeed"!!!!

"An Otterhound who likes water ...... I don't believe it"!!!!

Although now considered an "oddball" by his peers; a very wet and happy Oscar is having the time of his life!!

Meanwhile; Rocky and Rosie had discovered a way off the towpath and had gone in search of their favourite plaything ...... MUD!!

Fortunately there was a lack of this particular plaything, so they hurried back to join their new friend and see what else could be enjoyed!

Tickled scenting bones were fun to use and all three pals had an overload of smells to enjoy!

A lovely pile of vegetation to go rooting around in ........

What's this?   Oh good grief ....... There's no stopping him when he's having fun!  A walk with a water baby .... How refreshing!!

Rocky remains confused (but he often gives that impression!) .......... Our two hounds are very accommodating though and are really just happy to have another Otterhound to play with!

Our three musketeers move forward, having as much fun as we were!

"One for all and all for one,  Lets tickle some scenting bones chaps"!

While our hounds went happily bouncing along we had our wonderful stroll and pleasant conversations ........ What a gorgeous setting to do it in!!

Nearing moored boats means ........ Nearing a pub!  Isn't this a great country?

So it was up over the bridge and through the village to the pub ....... Shade and refreshment for all!!

Rosie enjoys the fruits of a large jug of Pimms (if you'll excuse the pun)!?

Rocky sleeps in the shade while Oscar has a laugh and a joke with the grown ups!!

After a refreshing stop it was time to head back to the other pub!

No we're not booze mad (honest) it just made a lovely day better .... Hot sun, cool beer ....... Smashing!!

The three pals make a new friend ...... Everyone is drawn to these beautiful hounds!

Relieved of his backpack Rocky enjoys the freedom that comes with a lack of responsability. 

But well done Rocky, you are a star!

What fun was had, especially in the long grass ...... "There has to be something wriggling about in here"!!?

Rosie was enjoying the smell and feel of the long grass so much, she didn't see the lads move on!

"Hey guys, wait up ......... I'm coming"!!

They carried on, running and bouncing and laughing ........ What fun!!

Oscar carried on doing what he loved best?!!?

"You know Oscar old pal, the only one not getting wet today is our Rosie ........ Next time she gets close to the edge ........."!!!!!!?

Oh yes ....... Guess who was next for the "slip and dip"!!!?

But as usual, Otterhounds are too full of life and fun to worry about much for long!!

It was almost instantly back to the bouncing and the running and the laughing!

Guess who????

They couldn't have had any more fun if they tried ......

 

"Oh my; Rocky ....... I wonder who this is in the water"?   He's insatiable"!!!

"Ta Da" ....... "It was me silly"!!!

Back at the final pub call ....... What do tired and happy Otterhounds do?

They rest and sleep and relax ........

........ "Go away Rosie ........ I need to rest and sleep and relax"!!

"Man that was a great walk"!  Sigh!

What a great day to "take three Otterhound"!!

To end this weeks blog ...... While Rocky and Rosie rested and slept and relaxed ...... A postscript .....

....... On the way home lucky Oscar got to pop in on Pub Otterhound Max!

What a lucky Ottehound, so much fun and three more new friends ........ How do you make an Otterhounds day ....?

....... It just takes three Otterhounds!!!