Rocky the Otterhound: Birthdays and balloons!

Apologies for the lateness of this week’s blog, but a very busy week has led to an enormous amount of photo editing and at 1 o'clock this morning (when I had almost finished) the site wouldn't let me upload photo's, hence the delay. I would love to show you all the photographs I have taken but it is not possible, so; I have picked out a few and in order to keep the delay to a minimum there will be a more pictorial account of his week, so I hope you enjoy it .………….

This week has seen Rocky and us celebrating his first year of life!

This was Rocky when we first took him into our home ten months ago.

This is the birthday boy now …………… grown a tad hasn’t he?

Anyway, the resultant birthday celebrations meant that Rocky has had a very busy week indeed!!

His weekly socialising at the dog training saw him taking things pretty easy – in fact he was so laid back it was embarrassing!!

However, frustrating though the start of the evening was, Rocky gave in to peer pressure and soon got into the swing of things ………….. Even doing rather well if I say so myself!

Mind you, I think the hint of playing in the tunnels at the end of the session may have had something to do with it ………. Happy Otterhound!

We knew there was a possibility of Rocky coming into contact with balloons this week so decided to tackle any possible “spooking” in a controlled environment …………..

Yes, you guessed it ………

The first hint of a strange object (being blown up in front of him) led to immediate “spooking" and a dash behind his sofa for protection!

This was followed by an equally fast dash for the protection of the table once the balloon was inflated and gently bounced ………..

Despite reassurance and provision of comfort our hero was not having any of the “come and play” malarkey we were trying to instil!

“Daddy” had a brilliant idea however ………. Knowing our boy as he did ……….. He popped a nice big bit of kibble in the end of the balloon (the bit you blow it up with).

Instantly there was a change from downright fearful to hungrily interested!!

Within minutes Rocky had the courage to grasp it by the kibble (so to speak) and wander around the room while making a definite sucking noise.

Before long he was up on the sofa having a jolly good go at releasing this bit of precious kibble. After that it was childs play and he had great fun with it. It is a testimony to how gentle an Otterhound can be that this balloon lasted him all morning before popping!!

Knowing we were returning to Rocky’s breeder the next day to meet up with some of his siblings we decided to give Rocky a bath, so that he looked his best.

First fill a bath with nice warm water ………

Then place your Otterhound in said bath and commence the wetting process ………

Unexpectedly Rocky quite took to all this!!!!

A little care taken around delicate areas and a bit of loving goes a long way with Otterhounds.

Next work up a good lather taking special care to get all the parts that get the most use ………….. That’ll be the mouth area then!!

Then rinse ……….

Light the blue touch paper ..................

Then DEFINITELY stand well back .........

and view the mad fit!!!!

Be advised that all thorough shaking to remove excess water will be done as close to you as possible.

Another mad fit is possible if you attempt to get near to your Otterhound with a towel!!

At this point it is advisable to pounce on your Otterhound (with your towel) while his attention is elsewhere!!

Fun and games (usually wrestling) will ensue ………..

This will be followed closely by more mad fits!

However, in very quick time you will have a dry Otterhound that can’t wait to see what fun comes next ……….

At this point introduce the grooming implement and try to get approval for initiating an attempt to detour from the usual unkempt appearance he sports!

Happily Rocky was quite keen on this contact sport.

“Dad” was happy to put the finishing touches to this transformation ……..=

Before long Rocky was looking fit for any engagement!

Rocky’s response when I told him he looked like a teddy bear ………..

The morning of his visit and in honour of his first birthday Rocky was allowed to go upstairs and join Biskitt in waking me up ………. Thanks “dad”!!

However, attempting to get him out for a walk before we left for the gathering was proving a bit more difficult than we had anticipated ………. He is such a lazy hound!!!

Unbeknown to Rocky (and his brother and two of his sitters) he was going to attend a birthday party ………. We kept it a secret!!!

There was a beautiful liver birthday cake ………

A gorgeous card and “doggy bag” for each of them ……….

A party hat and balloon …………..

And the banners were up too!!

Lucky Otterhounds!!

Rocky was very pleased to meet his sister Chess.

Rocky, Chess and their sister Boo all huddled together in pleasure ………

Then the games began ……………

And they didn’t stop all afternoon!!

Then there was a rush to meet their brother Morse when he arrived ……..

Again the joy of being together!

They were so happy to see each other it was lovely ……….

They ran and played all over the place ……….

There were occasional breaks for treats …….

And lots of fusses and pats ………

But they were back to running and playing in no time ……….

There were occasional laying down games too!

A year ago this lass was afraid of dogs ..........

Now, after a year of living with her own Otterhound, she loves them to bits!!

And being clever dogs, they appreciate this ……….. Isn’t that wonderful?!

Everyone enjoyed the running and the bouncing and the fun!!

After us humans had a lovely party buffet and swapped stories of how our pups were alike and different, it was time for our Otterhounds to party!

Hats all round …………
They loved all the attention, laughter and treats …………

Then it was present time and the pups were as keen as ever ………. Taking everything in their stride as they enjoyed this wonderful day!

Then it was youngsters and Ottehounds having a great playtime with their presents and each other ………

Still running ………….

A special kiss for our hostess!

Then as the girls began to settle down and take things a bit easy, the two boys decided it was time for a good old romp and wrestle ………

They were grinning the whole time and using up all that energy we didn’t know they had ……….

And still they played ………

Eventually, of course, even the boys had to give in to tiredness and start to settle down!

Finally admitting defeat it was agreed it was time to take our youngsters home.

We had all had such a marvellous time, I think humans and Otterhounds alike had a very special day …………… It was brilliant!!

And on the way home our Rocky realised just how much energy he had used up ………

Sleep well Rocky ……….. and happy dreams!!!

We have all got such lovely memories to keep!!