Rocky the Otterhound, an endangered breed

Rocky the Otterhound. Just my depth!

2011-10-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

On a recent walk Rocky got himself the first Mud Wellies of the season! The river was very low and walking along the margins had produced enough wet mud for this mud magnet to sport these fashionable accessories!

Luckily, because the river was so low, our hounds were persuaded to go for a paddle! You see, despite the webbed feet and double waterproof coat .... Our two hounds generally hate water!! Paddling is the most we have ever managed to persuade them to do! Go figure!!?

There must have been some summer warmth left in the water as even Rosie went in the deep (?) bits!!

Fortunately they had settled down to enjoying exploring this area, one they don't normally get to play in.

Extendable leads are great, aren't they?! Ours are long enough to allow them to explore as far as they want, without giving them the opportunity to catch a scent and disappear off into the wilds! Having had dogs previously that weren't hounds it took us a while to get used to mainly walking them on the lead. But if we are honest, on the extendables they get as far away as our other dogs used to without leads! So we are all happy!

Being Otterhounds, exploring involved a good deal of standing still and just taking things in. Usually they do this sitting down but there's water under them there bottoms so they won't be doing that here!

Exploration and gentle enjoyment continued for quite some time.

No, they haven't seen something to watch, like a swan or duck. They are just doing the Otterhound thing .... Taking it all in! I've never met dogs that seem to want to take in so much of life before. Other dogs we have had seem to spend all their time living it, but Otterhounds really give the impression of appreciating it! Maybe that is why they are sometimes called The Wise Hound!?

Anyway, back to exploring and seeing just what's in this wet stuff.

Considering they don't really like water, they spent a good long time in it!

Eventually though. Rocky thought it was time to head for the bank and dry off a bit.

... And where Rocky goes. Rosie follows!

Being Rocky, and having had a great time, he had to take the opportunity to tell us all about his great time in the wet stuff! Happy barking is such fun to watch and listen to!

Rosie had a good deal to tell us about as well. Otterhounds like to share the joy!!

How could we doubt that they had had a good time? Just look at this happy grin!!!!

Rosie though, seemed a bit more thoughtful, I think she would have preferred longer legs so that her tummy didn't get so wet!

Back home our two damp hero's wallowed in the warmth of the house ..... Maybe the water wasn't that warm then?!

New tactic!.... Try and warm up your Otterhound and get to see his eyes too!! No they weren't shivering it was just that Dan thought he'd look cool .... Really!

The end result though was that for a little while we could actually see Rocky's eyes! Who'd have thought that such a handsome beast lurked below that fringe??

That evening Rocky decide he just had to have ALL the cushions in the house! Rosie was cornered and soon had to find somewhere to stretch out!

Mij, finding no free space on the sofa's decided to find herself a nice "roomy" (?) box to relax in! "Zeez dogz is taking up all zee space ....Againz!!!!!

Anyway, as for our Otterhounds it only remains to say .... Night night Rosie ....

.... And night night Rocky. Sleep well and dream of walking in the wet stuff and all the memories you have built up from today! Isn't life great?!!!!

Rocky the Otterhound: I'M BACK!! - and its Fun Day!!

2011-09-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

Rocky is now 4 and Rosie is 3 years old, Rocky has had a break from blogging, but now intends to blog every now and then just to keep you updated. And he has chosen to start with this years Otterhound Fun Day. Yes, he and Rosie attended this year and had a wonderfull time while they were there!

Before getting to the Fun Day Rocky and Rosie had a smashing walk along a nearby canal, it was the day before the event and they were warm, happy and full of fun.

They strolled around all day and had a great big sleep that night .... building up energy for the fun to come!

We arrived that night and set up home on the village green, lovely! Rocky and Rosie had a big front garden to play in!

On entering the fun day our two hero's went off together for an explore ...

Which quickly turned into an excited playtime!

"Oh look" says Rosie, "lots'n'lots of Otterhounds"! "Let's go and say hello"!

So that's what they did!

"Come on, there's more"!! "Yippee"!!

Rocky headed off towards a group of hounds he wanted to greet.

Then walked right through the middle of them and out the other side ....? His nose must be busy, perhaps someone has food!

"Who or what was that"??

Rosie, meanwhile had headed back to Mum for a hug!

But they were soon off together again, saying hello to all the wonderful hounds.

Some of whom just wanted to enjoy the day and the feel of grass on their face!!

Soon the fun started, Rocky talked his Dad into entering the sack race!

Oh dear! Rocky just realised that he had to join in as well!!! A bit of a shock for such a lazy hound!

He soon got into the swing of it however .....

... And soon they were in front .....

... Then, somehow, they were well in front! ....

... Just as Rosie went up to congratulate them, they realised they had to race back again! .... And ...

Oh dear ....

... They were down ...

Bravely they got up again .... Still in with a chance ... Rocky was getting to like this!

BUT ... Oh Oh!

Down for a second time!!

... Oh well, win or loose they still had fun ... And Rocky discovered he still liked running !!

Next race, I thought it would be nice to let Rosie join in the fun, so she and I lined up!

The moment it was time to go Rosie had second thoughts!

Suddenly finding I was running on my own I let the lead out and decided to have fun anyway!!

Unfortunately, having reached the end of her lead, Rosie was still stopped while I was travelling at a pace in the opposite direction ... Result was ... I flew a little way ... Suddenly and in the wrong direction! What fun!!

Having had a good laugh, Rosie then decided to run at last .. but as far away from me as possible ... I never realised I was so embarrasing to be seen with!

Anyway, having finished the race, anything but first, we made a pact not to bother again. It obviously wasn't her thing!!

The day progressed with more fun and games ...

Rocky and Dad were keen to try again, so it was the egg and spoon race for them!

Lots of fun for two and four legged friends alike!

Rocky always seemed quite sad when the running ended; very bizzare for such a couch potatoe!!

Dad decided to sit out the next race and just watch the fun and talk to owners!

However, our couch potatoe had other ideas and thought he'd be a late entry for this race!!

Being a little behind the finishers did not seem to deter him, and in true Otterhound style ... Did his own thing!

The day wore on and hounds and humans relaxed and enjoyed being together.

Puppies played ...

... And played ...

...Until at least one of them wanted to do something else! ...

... Others stood around looking at what was going on and just being wonderful hounds ...

... Ah, more puppy play!

"Tut! kids .... Where do they get their energy from"?

There were the inevitable Otterhound "bookends".

There were the "sit and watchers" ... Something Otterhounds love to do!!

Then as it was refreshment break ... Food!! Suddenly, there were many, many ... "Look I'm here, aren't I wonderful" Otterhounds! ...

... Everywhere you looked! What a wonderful sight!!

Rocky and Rosie (looking like secret agent Otterhounds in their radio collars) enjoyed sitting and watching all that was going on ... A very Otterhound thing to do!

This is Fergus, the singing Otterhound. Unlike Rocky and Rosie, who love singing but need a tune to get them going, Fergus will sing on demand ... And what a beautiful voice he has too!! Apologies, lots! Thanks to Sorrel for pointing out my mistake .... It is, of course, Eros with the lovely voice ... Not Fergus!

So Fergus serenaded us ... There will be a short video of Fergus' song on YouTube soon ( when I get around to putting it there), well worth a view. (This is, of course, Eros not Fergus ... So sorry!).

Back in their temporary home our two beautiful hounds also wanted to celebrate the brilliant day they had had. So Rosie sang out her joy ...

... And Rocky sang his happiness too. Two happy, exhausted Otterhounds!

On our return home, Mij (our cat that thinks it's an Otterhound ... In a box?!), was very pleased to see her two hero's come home!

Meanwhile, our two "hero's" were very pleased to be home ... Yes, they had missed their sofa dreadfully!!!

But a wonderful day like this one leads to a very contented Otterhound ...

... Or two. So, night night Rocky and Rosie ... Dream of all your friends and all the fun it's possible to have in one wonderful day!!!

* Apologies for the quality of some of the photographs, many have been taken from a video.

Rocky the Otterhound: Every day it's different!

2010-06-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

This weeks blog (Yes, sorry, late again!! ..... So much to do ... So little time!), is a bit short but I'm sure you will forgive us knowing how busy we are?!

At present, every day brings a different garden for our animal family to explore ..... We are nearing completion, but still lots to do!

Knowing how much Rocky likes new things (?!!!!), we thought we would try and introduce him to his new "doggy loo" ..... As soon as possible!

Yes!!! .... It took several days to convince him that it was nothing to be frightened of! ..... But we did finally get him to investigate and smell it ..... And without running for the comfort of his beloved sofa too!

We will keep you posted about how well Rocky and Rosie take to it ..... To date there have been successes and failures ..... But it's early days!

Rocky does, at least, approve of the (here, nearly completed) water feature ..... Just the right thing for a quick drink in the hot sun!!

Here Mij found the perfect sunny spot in the newly planted herb garden.

While Rocky really liked the new patio in the sunshine! ..... Not like him to sunbathe normally, but it's got to be tiring having to explore a new environment every day; hasn't it?

Rosie and Anika enjoy some affection while watching the work.

Rocky and Mij try out the new path ...... Well, is it comfy enough???

Both Rocky and Rosie seem to like the view from the top level! They can really see what's happening from there!

Once the "dog proof" grass and the "dog proof" gravel went in, our hounds started looking for amusement ..... Seems planting and painting are rather boring to watch!

Rocky found an exceptionally enticing piece of wood chip from the dog loo ..... Time for a chew fest it seems!

Meanwhile Rosie, having given her approval to the planting I was doing, decided that what she really wanted was Rocky's wood chip!!

Rocky had other ideas ......

So Rosie tried the old "Vulture" trick .....

Vulturing didn't work but, just as Rosie was giving up, Rocky's attention was taken by a rather noisy blackbird!

Ever watchful, Rosie tried to "paddy paw" the chip from under his foreleg ......

Totally oblivious, Rocky stopped to nibble an itch before returning to his new toy!

But by the time Rocky looked for it again, Rosie has completed her maneuver and was merrily chewing on the wood chip!!

"Aww, Mum"!!!

"Nothing else for it ...... Just have to snooze on the grass instead"!!

To cut a long story short, our animal family has been having a whale of a time with a different garden almost every day.

Now it's just the planting and bottom level left, they are enjoying the fruits of our labours!

Great!!!

.... And of course ..... What does a good Otterhound do after a day of exploring and having fun??? .....

Night, night Rosie and night, night Rocky ......

..... Sleep well and dream of a finished garden where you can romp and play all day!

Rocky the Otterhound: Facial expressions.

2010-06-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the late posting again but the work on dog proofing the garden is continuing at a pace now, we are almost completed! Yippee!! So I have been a little busy, however there will be a few photo's of Rocky and Rosie exploring the almost completed garden and (hopefully soon) some of them enjoying the finished product too, before long.

So, on with this weeks contribution. There have been photo's before showing how much our hounds smile, but this week I have been lucky enough to snap a few different facial expressions that Rocky displays. Many dog owners believe that their dogs experience the same emotions as we do, hopefully a look through this weeks photo's can help you decide for yourself.

This is Rocky's "Love your hand" look.

Here is the "I'm relaxed, bring me a Bud, " look

The "Ignore the telly ..... Love me instead" look.

The "Sharing a joke with a friend" look.

The "I've just been groomed, lovely huh"! Look.

The "Actually, I think this is my best side" look.

And finally the "Just too handsome for my own good" look.

The "I'm watching you, you can't sneak food past me" look.

The "I would check out what you've got Rosie .... But I'm just too tired" look.

And later the "I would move over but I'm just too comfy" look.

The "What in the world can that be?" look.

Then there's the tip-toeing "I've pinched the cat's toy" look.

The "Yipes, you scared me with that chicken" look!

And of course the "Oops, rumbled ..... Yes I've pinched all the cushions" look.

I missed most of Rosie's expressions but did manage to get this "Can't talk, must sleep" look!

And then there is Mij's expressions ...... The "Be gone, ziz iz MY airink cupboard" look.

Followed shortly by the "Oh ziz snoozink iz zo exhaustink" look.

But all our family look their cutest with their fast asleep look.

So night, night Rosie ......

..... And even if we can't see Rocky's face we generally know when he has his fast asleep look.

So night, night Rocky. Sleep well and dream of playing in your new garden.

Rocky the Otterhound: Cuddles and a smashing walk!

2010-05-31T13:40:00.001-07:00

Thank you for your patience and apologies for the slight delay in posting this weeks blog. Life remains very busy but Rocky wanted to wait until today as he knew he was going on a special walk.

So, on with the blog.

Don't let anyone tell you that Otterhounds are not cuddly dogs! Our two are very cuddly ..... Sometimes it is under their terms but they are very open to an impromptu cuddle from you ..... they do love it!

When sleeping on the floor (Yes, they do sometimes), you will find either Rocky or Rosie seeking out the other in order to get all cuddly for snoozes!

Rocky enjoys a cuddle with James, and to be honest .... If you fancy a snooze yourself there is nothing better than an Otterhound to cuddle up to!

They are very warm and always eager to snooze ..... Just so you don't feel alone that is !?

But sometimes they like to cuddle for the sake of it .....

..... Here, Dan gets the bonus of a good grooming as well as a cuddle ..... If you're accepted as a member of the pack (and most living things are), you will find yourself in receipt of all sorts of lovely bonding rituals!

It's not just Rosie that snuggles up to Mij either!

Rocky is rather partial to snuggling into the smallest member of the pack too!

But then Mij thinks she is an Otterhound anyway, so it's only natural!

After all, Mij has perfected the "abandoned Otterhound position"!

Who wouldn't think she was one???

"Oh yes, and another of Rocky's favourites is a good cuddle with the cushions!

Even when chilling out before a walk there is always an opportunity for cuddles and snuggling!

It's great living with Otterhounds .... The house just oozes relaxation and good will!!

Anyway, as I have already mentioned today was the day for a special walk .....

So we turned up at the pre-arranged time ..... At the pub!

Some of Rocky and Rosie's friends were already there but they waited patiently for the rest to turn up!

The day was warm but not hot with a gentle cool breeze ..... Just right for a stroll across the plain ..... and with so many friends it was an Otterhounds dream!

On their extendable leads Rocky and Rosie were able to walk where they liked, while still keeping as close to us as their friends were doing off lead with their owners!

We have found that on lead they seem to feel less need to go into hunt mode and follow scents ..... They certainly act as if the pressure is off and they can enjoy the exercise!

A few stops to check how long a walk everybody was up for .....

..... And we were off again into the big wide open!

The scenery was lovely and all dogs got on like a house on fire ..... having a wonderful time!

Their friends kept popping up to share some time with our two hounds and share any information on interesting scents and the like!

There was even an opportunity for a water break for those who wanted it .....

..... So Rosie had a little drink .....

..... And even Rocky was happy to partake in some of the wet stuff!!

The line of friends and dogs strung out along the track, each going at their own pace and enjoying the day.

We spent sometime in wooded areas and some time out.

It was warm and quiet with the gentle song of the Skylark to listen to ..... It was simply great.

A lovely place was found to stop and wait for some of the stragglers to catch up.

All the dogs would do the rounds and spend sometime with everyone ..... that was nice too!

Stragglers having caught up it was time to move off again.

As "laid back" as ever, Rocky had to be reminded it was time to move off .....

..... But he was, of course, the first to take advantage of another break while others caught up!

Rocky, Rosie and friend enjoy exploring around the track verges.

Back on track again, so to speak, and ALL the dogs noticed an enticingly large puddle along the track ..... Would our (water loving??!) Otterhounds join in the fun?

..... Of course they did ..... No chance of getting out of your depth here you see!!

And just as predictably ..... They came out the other side with mud wellies on!!

A quick break for some more water on the way back ......

Then it was back to the pub where everyone had a nice drink!

While most of the dogs enjoyed a rest in the sunshine Rosie and her friend just couldn't resist a game .....

..... And some kisses too ..... Aaah!

And tonight, after they got home?

Well, Rosie and Mij snuggled up in the Otterhound position .....

.....And later Rocky too found a friend to cuddle up with too!!!

Night, night Rocky ..... Sleep well and dream of cosy cuddles and wonderful walks with friends

Rocky the Otterhound: Mum's busy!

2010-05-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

"Mum" sends her apologies but she is still (yes, still!) busy in the garden. It appears that the garden is going to be "dog proof" when she is finished ...... Whatever that means!

Rosie and me are still waiting to get into the garden, Sigh! And the weather is so nice too!!

We are getting extra walks though, while we wait, but we are a little peeved at only being able to watch from the steps ..... "Mum" says it's too muddy at the moment!

Still, never mind; we will have a whole new garden to explore when she's finished!

Anyway, she has been too busy this weekend to do my blog for me, so I am sorry ..... Hope you can be as patient as me 'cause she says that there will be one next week! Meanwhile, Rosie and me are just sitting around, or wrestling, or chewing our chews, or going out for walks ..... It's a dogs life really!!!

See you next week .....

Rocky.

Rocky the Otterhound: Playful days and endearing ways!

2010-05-16T06:40:00.001-07:00

This week has been quite changeable, weather wise, and days have proceeded as usual for our two Otterhounds. There has been a mix of walks, fun and serious sleeping to be done, and our two have got on with it valiantly!

During one of their walks off lead, Rocky and Rosie find a discarded tree cover. The type they put around young tress to protect them through early growth.

There are many teeth marks on it, as various dogs have taken turns to play with this free toy. It therefore smells of lots of interesting things and is a magnet for our scent hounds.

Rocky makes a decision whether to play, or scent, on his walk!

Looks like he may be leaning towards playing!?

And yes, he picks up this free toy and heads for Rosie, aiming to entice her into a game with him!

This is not hard and it's not long before an enjoyable game of tug of war is shared.

Unusually, Rocky wins. Rosie usually takes toys from him (is it a girl thing or a youngest dog thing?), and he is never too worried about letting her have them. However, today is his lucky day and Rocky is a happy boy!

They have a couple of games of chase then it's on to tickling scenting bones.

But part way through scenting heaven, a five month old puppy comes along and gets very excited at meeting two new dogs! After a couple of run arounds with Rocky, she is rather taken with Rosie.

So she gives her loads of kisses .....

..... And lots of hugs .....

..... And Rosie, like all good Otterhounds, is as gentle as a lamb!

Sadly all games and walks must come to an end; but there is always something nice to do ....

Back home, on the post walk snooze, Rosie is joined by our honorary Otterhound, Mij the cat!

See, Mij has even perfected the "Otterhound position"!

Occasionally Mij will behave like a cat, sometimes she sits on the doorstep of her favourite box and watches what's going on in the world.

But more often than not, she thinks she is an Otterhound.

For example, although she has her own water and food upstairs (where hungry hounds can't get it), She prefers to reach up to the dogs water .....

..... And have a good long drink, just like they do!

..... She plays with them like any other dog (see Rocky the Otterhound on YouTube) .....

..... And we are even thinking of getting her a harness and lead so she can join them on walks! The only reason she hasn't got one yet is the fact that we used to have a cat that came on the dog walks ..... Lots of fun but boy wasn't progress short!

So, at present, the jury is still out on that idea!!

Meanwhile, Rocky and Rosie are snuggling together and doing their usual bookends thing!

They often do exactly the same thing at exactly the same time ..... For no other reason than ..... Otterhoundedness???!

For instance, the double Otterhound chest rub .....

..... Results in the double Otterhound "paw on the arm" trick!

We have found that this is the Otterhound way of showing their appreciation ..... Also designed to try and keep your hand there and continue the lovely treat!

This affection is usually so much appreciated, that they lay back down in order to savour the fussing! Lovely!

At other times they will get into positions which almost exactly mirrors each other! No design involved ..... It just happens!

Getting comfy on the sofa appears to be a truly mirror friendly opportunity. Both our hounds seem to particularly enjoy having an arm of the chair to get comfy on!

They will both sit and beg with utter abandon, if they think you have a particularly tasty morsel to share with them ..... For 'particularly tasty' insert our food!

Any tidbits tend to be reserved for times when they have been particularly good ..... Which I suppose (if I'm honest) is most of the time!

Anyway, last but by no means least, there is the utter abandonment of the bedtime snuggle! All attempts at staying alert and ready for instant fun or treats, goes right out the window as our hounds bed down for the night!

So night, night Rocky, dream of winning games and staying true to your endearing nature.

Rocky the Otterhound: Internet Connection!

2010-05-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, bet you've been wondering where this weeks blog was?

Well due to connectivity difficulties over the weekend, all the links to Rocky and Rosie's YouTube videos disappeared. I have spent the last two days fighting to get them back!! Wish I was more technically adept!

Anyway, Rocky and Rosie have got fed up waiting (as you can see), so this week I am leaving you with 2 more YouTube vids to tide you over to next week.

Check out "Rosie and Mij on YouTube" and "Snoozy evenings on YouTube" to the right of the blog ..... Hope you enjoy them!? More blog next week barring flood, fire, act of God or connection problems!!

Rocky the Otterhound: Ice-creams and anecdotes!

2010-05-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

On some of our walks together if the weather is particularly nice, we treat our hounds to an ice- cream on the way home.

Well, we want one too and it saves an awful lot of sharing if they get one of their own!

So, they wait outside the shop like good dogs.

As you can see they are very attentive if we go into the shop ..... anyone would think they knew what was coming??!

We thought it would be nice this week if you were let in on a few anecdotes about our lovely hounds ..... And while we are into the telling you can watch Rocky and Rosie enjoying their favourite ice-creams!

Rocky and Rabbits ......

As we have told you, our Otterhounds love the smell of bunnies ...... we have also told you they are very gentle .....

Well, whilst walking along the edge of a field a big clear eyed, healthy looking bunny hopped lethargically out of the hedge right next to Rocky. Rocky stopped and looked down at it in amazement. Said bunny then hopped right up to him and sniffed his front paw!!! All of a sudden Rocky dropped his head and when he lifted it up; it had the offending bunny in it!

Well, I panicked ...... said "drop it" in a very clear and commanding voice! Rocky dropped the bunny immediately (Yes, I was surprised too!). Said silly bunny then hopped lethargically back into the hedge as though nothing untoward had happened!

The bunny had not been harmed in any way and left the meeting in the same state it had arrived in!

Amazing to see how gentle mouthed these big dogs can be, no malice, no excitement at the thought of a free meal ..... just gentle collection of an unusual object!

How cool was that!!!

By now Rocky and Rosie have finished their ice-creams and are about to get stuck into ensuring there are no tiny bits left in the wrappings .....

Rocky, Rosie and the Guard Dogs ........

On one of our many walks, we walk past a fence which has guard dog kennels behind it. Each kennel has a run attached and on this day four of the dogs were out in their runs.

As we walked past, the guard dogs became quite excited at having our two hounds within sight, they barked incessantly and ran backwards and forwards in their runs.

Our two hero's stopped and faced the fence in order to observe this phenomena! Rocky immediately sat down and his eyebrows (yes, he does have them) shot up. He sat quiet as a church mouse with a "What on earth are they doing"(?) expression on his face.

Meanwhile Rosie had also sat but was in the throws of rolling onto her back in a completely submissive posture (this was executed in extreme slow motion).

Both dogs stayed that way, totally silent and interested in their own way, until we had stopped laughing and decided to carry on walking!

Otterhounds find most things interesting and worth a bit of time to study ..... They are also extremely good natured and appear to be without a confrontational bone in their bodies!

There's still some ice-cream in those wrappers apparently!

Rosie and the bunny .....

Rosie also has a bunny story (yes, there are loads of bunnies around us)! On another walk, Rosie suddenly disappeared over a mound of earth and grass. Very quickly she reappeared with a dead bunny hanging from her mouth.

"Dad", seeing my distress, commanded Rosie to drop it ..... Again (and equally unbelievably) the said bunny was dropped instantly.

Immediately, the bunny got up and shot away over the mound as if the devil itself was after it! Once again the gentle mouth of the Otterhound is illustrated. The only difference this time is that it was a cunning bunny who thought that playing dead would provide an opportunity for escape ..... Guess what ..... It worked!!

By now Rosie has decided that her ice-cream is no more ..... she has also noted that I am eating mine .....

..... "I've finished mum, can I have some more please"?

Rocky on the other hand is determined to get that last tiny bit out of the bottom of his wrapper!

"I'm still finished mum, please can I have some more"!!

Rocky, finished at last, gives us a big smile and notices that I am now eating my treat!

So he gives a big .... "I've finished ..... Can I have yours please" bark!

Now Rocky has a very deep chest and a very big bark (on the few occasions he uses his voice) .....

..... His chest seems to act as an amplifier for his voice and each bark is inevitably followed by a big shake of the head as the amplified sound tickles the bones in his ears!

His brother and sisters appear to do the same thing!

So, a couple of attention seeking barks ......

..... And a few "goodness that tickles" shakes of the head later and .....

"Mum" gives in and shares her ice-cream with the hairy monsters!

Otterhounds know a pushover when they see one!

Rocky and the Mij Monster .....

Most evenings, when Rocky is sleeping peacefully on the sofa with his head hanging down and his nose on the edge of the seat; Mij (our cat that thinks she's an Otterhound) will amble downstairs.

She will sit on the floor and look to see where Rocky is and what he's doing. Once she is satisfied he is asleep she will creep along the bottom of the sofa .....

..... Position herself below his big, black soft nose ..... Reach up slowly with her paw and start smacking him on his nose as often as she can before he wakes up!

This happens so regularly, yet Rocky continues to wake up with a surprised and confused look on his face ..... But, being a lazy hound; instead of looking for where the disturbance comes from he just rolls over and goes back to sleep!

Mij will keep happily tormenting him as long as he sweet naturedly just removes his nose from the problem!

Aren't Otterhounds great??!!!!!!

Anyway, night time comes as inevitably as the day ..... Rosie is comfy for a while .....

So night, night Rosie, sleep well and dream of ice-cream!

..... And when she moves into her bed after a bit of sleepy wriggling; it's .....

..... Night, night Rocky, sleep well too and dream of audacious bunnies and yummy ice-creams!!

Rocky the Otterhound: Sunshine gives Otterhounds energy!

2010-04-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

We have a new camera at last ... Yippee! So today we have a blog full of lovely pictures. May I take this opportunity to thank all those who kindly left a comment about Rocky's blog or YouTube clips. We do read them all and are grateful for them, but please forgive me if you do not get a personal reply as the comments come through to me with a "no return" URL. For the commentor who wanted information on what camera was used for Rocky's YouTube vid's .... It's Flip Video Ultra HD, so easy to use and rather good I think!

Anyway, on with the blog ....

As work has started in ernest on the "dog proofing" of the garden this week, Rocky and Rosie have not been able to get in it until this weekend.

They were rather pleased to be out there!

"Wow, what's on earth has been going on down there?"

"I don't know, let's go investigate"!!

"Ooh, someone's been digging ..... and it's not us"!

"This is like a whole new garden"!

"Yes but how big is the Otterhound that did this"?

Although a little confused they had fun in the garden ..... Lots of sniffing and trotting about. Just what an Otterhound likes!

Mij, on the other hand, seemed to be a little disapproving of the mess .....

That is until she discovered how comfy the new wall is!!!

So, our hounds got back in the garden and then they hung around a bit, waiting for their weekend walk!

Mij relaxed .....

..... And so did our hounds!

Our most laid back hound (Rocky of course) just had to get well and truly comfy while he waited!

However, no matter how quiet you say it, or how asleep he seems ..... He manages to hear when you say it's time to go for a walk!

"Really ... We're going now"?

Before he knew it, our hero was in one of his fenced fields having the freedom of a lead-less walk!

.... And so was Rosie!

A treat for a good boy .....

..... And one for our good girl!

Then it was ears up and in for a jolly good game and run round!

So they ran .....

..... And they chased!

Then ran off as though they were velcro'd together!

Eventually though, they separated and went off to tickle their scenting bones.

Rosie was particularly keen on sniffing her way around the trees.

Rocky caught up with us first .....

..... And he was first to step up for going home again!

It want long before Rosie caught up with us though!

Then our two little angels (?) sat nicely by the path waiting for their leads to go on.

However, part way home Rosie decided to tempt Rocky into a game by laying on the ground and woofing at him .....

..... Works every time and even gets her kisses!

She then lets Rocky feel as though he's winning ..... Just for a moment that is .....

..... Then she's there, getting the better of him!

Rocky doesn't mind though ..... He's head down asking for more ..... And more they had!

Eventually we got them home again, then it was time to get comfy .....

..... Something Mij doesn't need to be asked twice to do!!

The day ended as always with a jolly good snuggle up and snore!

So it's night, night Rosie and night, night Rocky .....

..... Sleep well and dream of a dog proof garden and lots of summer sun to come!

Rocky the Otterhound: Such a busy time ...... For some!

2010-04-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

Apologies again I'm afraid! I am waiting for my replacement camera; plus we are in the midst of "dog proofing" our garden.

It has become tiresome, living with a Jurassic mud pit! So with a little help (?!) from Rocky, Rosie and Mij we are working hard on the back garden. It's hoped to be able to bring you some photo's of our family playing in it before too long ......

..... Wish us luck!!!

Hopefully I will have some new photo's for you next week.

Rocky the Otterhound: Stupid camera's!

2010-04-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately my camera has been playing up this week (big time!), despite my best efforts it looks like there will be no blog this week.

However while I decide if I can afford to replace this necessary piece of technology we have another YouTube movie for you.

It's called "Otterhounds love Easter Chicks on YouTube" and can be found to the right under 'More Otterhound Links'.

We hope you like it!

Rocky and Rosie ask that you keep watching as there are bound to be more interesting events to share in the future.

Hope to bring you more next week .......

Rocky the Otterhound: A week full of surprises!

2010-04-05T05:26:00.000-07:00

This week has been full of surprises for Rocky and Rosie and they've been nice surprises too!

The week began as usual with normal daily walks. There have been a few more trips to the big fields due to the family having time off work .....

..... And that was a nice surprise!

Our hounds have run and sniffed and played so much they even had to stop to regain some energy! .....

..... And that was nice too!

Then, what a surprise! Dan came home from University to see them .....

...... And that was really nice!

"Hello, missed you lot's you know"!!

"And I've missed you two too"!!

Lot's of kisses and loves!

"I HAVE missed you lot's Rosie".

"Ooh, I've missed you too! Have lot's of kisses"!!

"And lot's of kisses for Rocky too"!!

A very happy and slurpy surprise!!

"All ziz kizzing ...... wot a zoppy lot"!!

James found out how to tickle Rosie ..... And that was a surprise for her!

Then Rosie found out how to laugh! And that was a nice surprise for all of us!!

"What ARE you doing Rosie"?

"I'm laughing Rocky!!! It tickles so much I just have to laugh"!

Oh that tickles lot's, stop it! ..... Ha ha! ..... Stop it"!!

It is the Easter holiday ..... Time to celebrate the long awaited arrival of Spring!

How better to celebrate than to have a nice new 'chick' for Rocky and Rosie!

..... And that was a lovely surprise for them!

"Ooh, big soft chompy presents"!!

"I like mine Rocky, but I like yours too. can I have your one Rocky"?

Umm, I think that's a "No Chance"! ..... Don't you?

Rocky has always had a love of very soft furry toys and he seems to adore this one! .....

So much so that he pinches Rosie's as well when she pops out to the kitchen for a drink.

"Hang on a minute ..... One of those is mine"!

"No it's not".

"Yes, it is"!

"Mine, I love them both and I will hug them and squeeze them and love them"!

So he snuffles them and moves them and licks them .....

..... And snuffles them and .....

,,,,, Until Rosie can stand it no more .....

"One of them is mine and I want it back .....

..... Pleeeease"!

In the end Rocky relents and let's Rosie take back her present ..... But he had given it lots of love in the meantime!

What lovely surprises ..... Otterhounds love soft squidgy toys!

At the end of the week, after so many lovely surprises Rocky was very tired!

"Hmm, wot a zurprize ..... Ze hound dog iz right, ziz iz a comfy lap"!!!

And were night times peaceful????

"!Shhh. Sleepy Otterhounds"! .....

Night, night Rocky. Sleep well and dream of a week full of lovely surprises!

Rocky the Otterhound: An early Spring adventure!

2010-03-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

We have been lucky enough to have a few good early Spring days, with sunshine and a little warmth in sheltered places. So we thought our two lovely Otterhounds would enjoy a trip to the butterfly path again.

It was far too early for the butterfly's of course, but there were definitely signs of Spring .....

..... The first of the spring violets nestling in a sheltered spot .......

Don't you just love this time of year?!

Anyway, first on to the butterfly path was our Rocky, he loves to sniff all the fresh smells!

Duly excited he heads off for a further explore!

Rosie found herself in a bit of a dilemma ...... "Do I trot after Rocky or stay and tickle my scenting bones here"??? ....... So much to do and so little time!

She soon made her decision and belted off down the path after Rocky.

As you can see, they are beautifully camouflaged when among the vegetation either side of the track.

Keeps us on our toes!

Pretty soon Rocky is off again .... He's spotted where the track gets thinner ...... All sorts of delicious smells down there!

It takes us a little longer to reach this bit, but they haven't gone far ...... Too busy tickling their scenting bones!

As they both come to greet us we head off down the pathway too ..... A lovely day for a walk.

Tearing himself away from a particularly nice smell Rocky runs to catch up ..... "Hey, wait for me"!!

By the time we head back up the path towards the car our hounds have slowed a little as the excitement gives way to simple enjoyment.

Yes ...... Sometimes Rocky wishes he could bring his beloved sofa with him! ..... Lazy hound!

Back where the path widens out, Rosie decides she wants to practice some rock climbing ..... "I'm heading up hill for an explore"!

"What you doing up there Rosie"?

"Hmmph! Don't know if I want to play that game today"?!

"Aw come on Rocky, it'll be fun ..... We could have an adventure"!

"Hmmm, am I too tired for an adventure"?

"I'm not a pup any more, should I behave like a grown up"?

"Actually, it could be quite fun I suppose"!

"Watch this mum and dad" ......

"Here's the worlds greatest rock climber .....

..... A whole new world to discover"!!!

Although he has more weight than Rosie he still climbs with a fair amount of ease ...... He even stops from time to time as enticing scents waft his way.

Meanwhile, as he is going up ..... Rosie is coming down .....

The brakes go on pretty quickly as she spies a big thicket of brambles just where she is due to get back to the path.

"Lummy, what do I do now"?

Clever Otterhound, she simply turns round and heads back up the hill!!

"Now where's Rocky ..... We really ought to be exploring together"!!

Meanwhile I have scrambled (somewhat inelegantly) up the hill on the other side of the path.

The first to arrive back with "dad" is Rocky.....

..... But it's not long before Rosie joins them.

Time for a post adventure stroll ......

...... Followed by a post adventure drink!

'Look Rocky, mum's all the way up there .....

"What you doing up there mum"?

"Hello mum, I've come to join you"!

"Err what are you doing up there as well Rosie"?

"Is it time for another adventure"?

"Not really Rocky ..... Just wanted to see what mum was doing".

Having also climbed inelegantly down the hill, Rosie was left up there on her own ........

"Hey, where you going now"??

Rosie scrambles down to join us, having had enough adventure for the day.

"Dad" and Rocky head back to the car .....

"That was great "mum", did you see me climbing ..... Did you"?!

Rosie catches up .......

"Did you see me climbing too mum, did you"?!!

....... "Yes I think you're both very clever"!

...... And I do!!

So how did our adventurous hounds feel after their tea and evening walk? .....

..... Sigh, how unusual!

Night, night Rosie, all curled up and warm .....

And night, night Rocky, sleep well and dream of many good weather adventures to come!

Rocky the Oterhound: My! How a long day can make youngsters crash!!

2010-03-21T11:02:00.001-07:00

Sorry about last weeks blog but us grown ups have been very busy getting the garden ready to be dog-proofed! Yes, we are hoping to do away with the Jurassic Mud Pit that our little angels have made for us. To that end, there have been many long days in the garden and Rocky, Rosie and Mij have been helping (?) too; in between their walks and other endeavors that is.

These rather full days have taken their toll on the younger members of the family and by day three, they weren't so keen to give a hand!

So, after their morning walk they were given their "Kong's with treats" as usual ...... "Ooh, yummy"!

These in themselves appear to give our young hounds work to do ...... Somehow they don't seem to mind that though!

A post munch snooze appears to be in order ..... So, as always, Rosie cuddles up to her hero!

"I'm bored now Rocky, should we go out in the garden again"?

"No, not yet ...... Look ...... It's 'Super Dog' getting ready to right all wrongs"!!!

"Oh, Errr, Hang on ..... My 'super hero' outfit is malfunctioning"!!!!

"Doh ..... Never mind, let's play something else"!

"I know, let's play 'Spot what's on the ceiling'"!

That game didn't last long either so our hounds lay on the rug trying to think up some trouble to get in to .......

Talking of trouble ...... "Where's Mij? I can play with her"!!

Also having worn herself out helping in the garden, Mij had retired to her warm and cosy refuge for a prolonged snooze ...... That'll be my airing cupboard then!

Looking for something else to do that involves no effort at all, Rosie asks Anika if she can help her eat her sweets .....

Anika, having sneakily finished off the last sweet let Rosie help. Not to be outdone on any front ..... Rosie proceeds to destroy and eat the empty paper bag - thereby both showing that there was enough sweety in the bag for her and helping with our recycling efforts! Well done Rosie!!

All three of our youngsters helped out in the garden in the afternoon, for a long time and in the sunshine! ...... Sorry no photo's as we were working too!

Anyway, that evening Rocky is rather keen on the smell of our supper ...... Some lovely freshly cooked prawns!

But, knowing he is not supposed to beg he nonchalantly gets his twitching nose as close as he dares!!

Having received precisely zero prawns, he decides to have a chew on his donkey (yes, it's still intact!).

So he loved and hugged, slurped and chewed at his donkey ......

After all that effort donkey lost an eye! "Well done Rocky ..... I suppose you're pleased with that are you"?

"Yes very"!!!

Next, Rocky tried to interest Mij in a game .....

"Be gone large hound ..... I iz shatteredz"!!!!!

"Oh!!! What about you Rosie"!! .....

"Not now Rocky ..... Must snooze"!!

Pretty soon Rosie had made a dash for her bed and her snooze had turned into the unconscious sleep of a very tired youngster!

And Rocky?

Having finally given in to sleep, he had decided to go for it big time (he was very tired too you know) .....

..... After all he hadn't had anywhere near the 16 hours he usually has!

Night, night Rocky, sleep well and think of warm sunny days ahead and trying to fit in your sleeping time!

Rocky the Otterhound: Just a quick note .....

2010-03-14T01:56:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, this is just a quick note to say that there is no blog this week as Rocky's "mum and dad" have a lot on this weekend. HOWEVER ....... Rocky would like you to know that there is a new YouTube video to watch ....... It's called "Otterhounds Talk" and is on the right with the other links.

Although he looks laid back about it all, Rocky is quite proud of this one as he put all his efforts into it!

We all hope you enjoy it ...... See you next week!

Rocky the Otterhound: Even snoozy evenings are full of fun!

2010-03-07T02:22:00.000-08:00

You may recall that we often call Rocky and Rosie "Me and Mini-Me". This is because although they have different personalities they very often act almost identically at the same time. Well, by giving you an insight into just one of their evenings we can show quite a few pictures that illustrate this fact well.

A usual evening ....... Our two hero's have had their tea, been for a walk and are settling down for a nice snoozy evening .....

Snoozing is a favourite activity, of course. They are true hound dogs and although Rocky is the laziest, Rosie loves her down time too!

The first thing to interrupt their snoozy evening is James coming home!

This is an opportunity for a rather bored Mij to demonstrate her balancing skills ....

So, of course, Rocky (Me) is instantly interested and impressed!

Saying a newly home "Hello" to Rocky and Rosie provides an opportunity for Rosie (Mini-Me) to show how impressed she is too!

Now our hero's are wide awake and looking for something to do.

So they are provided with a rawhide chew to enable tooth cleaning and jaw exercises. Well, that's our excuse anyway!

Then "Me and Mini-Me" look up ...

... "OK Mum, they're gone, what's next"?

Things quieten down for a little while so "Me and Mini-Me" take the opportunity to relax .....

..... How unusual???!!!!!

James comes to join them and Rocky fancies being "Mini Me" for a change. So he mimics one of his favourite people!!!

"As hounds go, I AM the coolest you know"!!!

Meanwhile, "Mini-Me" has heard something very interesting outside .....

...... So opening the curtains allows her to investigate further!

She gets very excited!!

"Daddy's" home ..... And he's bought his favourite hounds a present each .....

"Mini-Me" gets a lovely new teddy.

"Ooh, daddy ..... It's the cutest, softest teddy I've had for a while ...... Must play"!!!

"Me" gets the cutest, softest donkey he's ever had!

You should have seen how much fun they had snuffling, chomping and snuggling with their new toys!

It hadn't been the most restful of snoozy evenings and "Mini-Me" fell asleep. She was in mid play (just chewing gently), but being in need of snooziness just fell asleep with her new favourite toy!

And "Me"? Well, what can I say ......

..... Night night Rocky, sleep well and dream of fun filled evenings and lots of snoozing; when things are quieter of course!

Rocky the Otterhound: Shorter nights and longer days!

2010-02-28T04:33:00.000-08:00

First of all, Rocky would like you to know that there is a new YouTube video. He and Rosie have learnt to sing (in tune?) and have a super video that they are thinking about putting up for "Britain's Got Talent"! Personally, I think they may need a bit more practice before they think about going in for it..... See what you think?! The video is called "Otterhounds got talent", just to the right under "more Otterhound links".

So, on with this weeks blog. At last, it is becoming obvious that the days are starting to get longer while the nights are getting shorter. Spring is sprunging!! Jolly nice for us, but how does this affect our Otterhounds?

To Rocky and Rosie it means more time to go out and about.

Rocky is really into digging at the moment ..... So to start this particular walk he thought he would do a spot of landscaping .......

..... Just checking to see if he's got the dimensions right?

Then it's back to work ......

..... Rosie, just doing what dogs like to do when they go for a walk, pops over to see what her big brother is doing.

"Hmmm, looks interesting ..... Anything down there"?

"Err, I can't see anything Rosie, but it smells nice"!

At which point Rosie got bored and went off to sniff out her own exciting smells.

Rocky, on the other hand ..... Well, he obviously hadn't finished his hole to his satisfaction!

"Well, that's nice and deep ...... What can I smell now"?

"Hmmpf! Oh well, best go and see if Rosie has found anything I suppose"!!

So eventually we managed to actually get the walk started!

Our two hounds loved snuffling everywhere and picking up as many interesting scents as possible.

Lots were found down along the path sides .....

But some of the most exciting smells involved a good deal of mountain climbing ...... It's hard work being an Otterhound sometimes!

After all that work, and coming back to "dad" when called, it was time to "put on the puppy face" and beg for a well earned treat!

Something they have both got very good at!

So a treat they got! Lucky Otterhounds!

Almost back to the car and Rocky decides on a new tactic to avoid going home just yet!!

"If I start digging again will dad find it funny enough to let us stay here a bit longer"?

Well, we've got to admit, it is funnier than having him run off into the middle of one of the massive fields that surround our walk ..... And refusing to come back! Go on then, just a few more minutes!

So our big fella just dug .....

.....And dug, until he was completely happy that he had got as much mud on himself as he could for the day!

Then we went home.

Still lot's of daytime left so there was plenty of time to play with friends before tea ......

..... And, of course, have the obligatory afternoon nap!

After tea and another good walk there is time for more games ......

Before retiring to bed!

But now, morning seems to come too soon for our Otterhounds .......

..... Open the curtains and Rocky remains fast asleep!

Rosie opens a sleepy eye!

"Not now please ..... I'm still sooooo snoozy"!!

And when Rocky finally comes round ...... Well .....

He tends to look a little like he's been out on the town all night!!

Poor Otterhounds ..... The nights are going to get a lot shorter yet!

So you'd better get as much sleep as you can at nights .....

So, night night Rosie and night night Rocky, sleep well and dream of fun filled days and long sleepy nights!

Oh by the way, see that trophy shield on the sideboard? That was given to Rocky and his "dad" by the dog training club ..... For being "Best Pair"! Not quite sure what that means ..... But I think it's because it's so hard to tell them apart ..... Especially first thing in the morning!!?

Rocky the Otterhound: How do we relax in the evenings?

2010-02-21T02:27:00.000-08:00

To start this week Rocky wants me to give some information to all the Otterhound families out there in cyber land. The Otterhound Club would like to include some more of the activities that interest and entertain Otterhounds and their families, which is great! ..... So if anyone out there has any ideas get in touch with the club!

We know that Rocky really enjoyed the tracking event he went to last year and I'm sure Rosie would love that too; it also gave the hound's families a good chance to meet up and make new friends. Agility events also seem to get Rocky smiling ..... Especially if there are tunnels, so the fun day is a really good day to attend!!! Dog walking events are always good to take part in, as the hounds and families get to make new friends and everyone likes a nice walk! We love going to local fete's and many people have never seen an Otterhound before ..... You get to enjoy the day as well as introduce new people to Otterhounds ..... Rocky and Rosie love the attention!

Rocky and Rosie would like to attend more of the regional and national events that happen throughout the year ..... Unfortunately we are still waiting for Rosie to get over her travel sickness (yes we've tried lots of different things and although some looked promising .. nothing has really worked for long)! Still we remain hopeful! As you all know Rocky and Rosie love camping (we can mollify a sicky Rosie trip with a rest in between journeys); so a weekend event would be really good!

Personally we get a kick out of almost any Otterhound event as it is so wonderful to see so many hounds together at one time ..... Especially considering how many are left in the world!!

So anyway, on with the blog .....

This week has been the usual round of fun and games for our hounds; in the evenings we like to relax after the rigors of the day!!

After their evening walk Rocky and Rosie have a relax too!

Rosie is a particularly snuggly and cuddly Otterhound ..... So a lot of the time you will find her just where Rocky is ......

..... Rocky has a bit of down time ...... So Rosie will take the opportunity to snuggle up.

And if she can get away with a cuddle too, she's more than happy .....

..... So us owners can then take the opportunity to relax and chill out for the evening!?

Well you'd think so wouldn't you?

However, waking up, our Rocky decides he'd like a bit of a chew ..... Just a hobby you understand!

So without further ado he climbs on the sofa (and anyone who happens to be occupying it) and presents his "dad" with his chewy thing!

Otterhounds have front paws which are a little like a bears ..... they can happily hold things with them (admittedly Rosie is a little better at this than Rocky) .....

..... However, we bought them a hoof each ..... Good idea, as they last much longer than rawhide chews and don't go all soggy and yuk. Unfortunately Rocky finds it hard to hold onto them!!

Well done us then!

Rocky is not shy about letting you know what he wants, so it was ...... "Here dad, hang on to this for me"!

So "dad" hung on!!

Maybe we'll relax again soon when he's had enough?

It obviously tastes nice!

So Rocky chewed ......

..... And he chewed .....

..... By now Rosie was getting interested!

Eventually, Rocky had had enough, thanked his "dad" and took his chew into the kitchen; dropping it, he proceeded to drink for England!

..... Phew. we thought, now we can relax!

..... Almost immediately .....

Rosie appeared with her hoof and thrust it in the general direction of anyone who would hold it for her!!

..... So we started again .....

..... So she chewed .....

..... And licked .....

..... And chewed some more .....

Rocky, having finished his drink, came to see what she was up to ..... Seemed to approve and wondered off again.

So Rosie made herself comfortable!

Rocky likes to sit on the sofa's with his front legs on the floor .....

..... Just to be different, Rosie prefers her back legs on the floor and her front end on the sofa's ..... Will stay like that for hours she will!!?

Well, she really got stuck in and .....

..... Gnawed and chewed ....

.....And gnawed and chewed .....

.....And gnawed some more ..... Family arm swapping was required as arm muscles got very tired!

When she had finally had enough and wondered off for a lie down ..... We were somewhat tired as well!!!!!!

So, with a sigh of relief we settled down again in an attempt to relax .......

..... Mij took that opportunity to start opening drawers to see what's inside and what was worth playing with and sending across the floor!!!

Sigh, some nights you've just got to give up any idea of relaxing!!

Ah well, at least were not bored!!!!!

So, like two velcro'd book ends .....

It's night night Rosie and night, night Rocky - dream of slurpy chews and very, very obliging family!

Rocky the Otterhound: What have we done this week apart from the usual?

2010-02-14T09:09:00.000-08:00

A short blog again this week but there are 2 more YouTube films to watch. Look for them on the "More Otterhound links" to the right ..... They are: "Gentle Rosie plays with balloons" and "How to clean your Otterhound". We hope you enjoy them.

So, what's new? Well, this week Rosie continues to delight in her balloons ..... Loves them, hence the You Tube clip!

Unfortunately Rocky, who used to adore them, is now of the opinion that they present some sort of threat .....

Hence the "Gotta sit on safe daddy" stance he has taken!!

Brave Otterhound!

Rosie loved them so much she insisted on taking one to bed with her .....

All her idea; how she managed to get such a firm grip on the string I don't know ..... But there was no way anybody was going to take it away from her ..... Even if she was fast asleep!!

The familiar round of games and walks continued for our two hounds, followed by much Otterhound relaxing!

However, our two hero's had their winter bath this week .....

..... Do watch the YouTube "How to clean your Otterhound" clip, it's lots of fun despite the chore it can seem ......

..... They did, of course, go bananas after their wash! What fun they had!

Anyway, this is the end result of all that hard work .....

Aren't they beautiful?

Rocky ended up all silky and soft, very touchable .....

"Daddy" got lots of love for making him feel all funny and nice .....

Lots of kisses from a gentle giant of a dog ....

So "daddy" told him how good he had been and how pleased he was with him!

Rocky was so happy he gave "daddy" a big sloppy kiss on the chops ......

"I love you too Rocky"!!!

Mij, a spectator of bathing goings on and wet fur madness, found herself worn out by the proceedings ..... So she assumed her honorary Otterhound position!

..... While Rocky and Rosie .......

..... Well .......

.....Night night Rosie and night, night Rocky; dream of wet fur, manic fun and loving feelings!!

Rocky the Otterhound: This weeks expressions are .......

2010-02-07T06:44:00.001-08:00

This weeks blog is only short but there is another YouTube video to see if you want to ..... It's called Otterhound wrestling (Rocky and Rosie's favourite game)! It is short but shows the tactics that Rosie employs to ensure she usually wins at this game!!

So anyway, this weeks blog is a few photographs to illustrate some of the expressions our hounds can show on their beautiful faces; these have all happened this week when I have been able to get camera and expression synchronised (no mean feat). Some people say that dogs do not feel emotions or show expressions ...... In my opinion these are people who have never had or loved dogs ..... Let's see what I mean!

This is Rocky's "He's having a late night snack and isn't sharing it with me" look!!!

Here we have the "Aww, don't mess with the hair, it looks great 'till you decide to do that, now I don't look cool" expression!!

Here we have Rocky with the "Sigh, there's just not enough room on here for both of us" look!

While Rosie is showing the "Oi, stop shoving you, there's enough room on here for both of us you know" expession!

I have often stated that although Rocky and Rosie have two entirely different characters, they often show identical Otterhound ways ....

Well, here's Rosie with her "Sigh, there's not enough room on here for both of us" expression!!

This is Rosie's "Go away, these are my balloons and I'm not sharing them" look.

Of course, bend down to take them off her and it will turn into the "I was only playing honest, I love you lots you know" expression!!

One of my favourites ..... The "I'm tired and warm and comfy" look.

That's another look that Rocky has an identical Otterhound look for too!

So night night Rocky, sleep well and dream of bunny smells and games with Rosie and Mij!!

Rocky the Otterhound: What's been happening and tracking update!

2010-01-31T06:37:00.000-08:00

JUST TO START THIS WEEK ..... CHECK OUT ROCKY, ROSIE AND MIJ ON YOUTUBE ...... CLICK THE LINKS UNDER "More otterhound links" (TO THE RIGHT OF THE PAGE)!!!

First of all, Rocky sends his apologies f

or not just missing a blog last week, but also for not letting you know!

The problem was that his typist was poorly and he felt it was a bit much asking him to do it himself! .....

..... So a big woof and sorry from Rocky!!

So anyway, Rocky wanted me to let you know what's been happening and also to catch up on how the tracking has been going .....

So let's start with the tracking .....

We have taken several trips onto more open areas of the plain with our radio collars and tracking device; and we have hit upon a trend .....

..... Each time our hounds have run off after a scent when let off the lead (approximately 2-400 yards away), they have then followed this to ground (inevitably a bunny burrow)! Here they have stayed, for as long as you have patience for, either waiting for the bunnies to come out or trying to let themselves in!! Of course, being rather larger than a bunny Rocky, in particular, has had to work for a very long time indeed just to get his head a little deeper!!!! The bunnies have thus been in no danger at all but our patience has been sorely tested!

We have found that the only way to exercise our hounds has therefore been to put them on the extending leads and make them walk with you ....... You get some good exercise as well then!

It may be just a quirk of the areas we have tried but this has happened each time so far ...... We will keep trying and see if we can have more success at achieving the same sort of tracking as we did in the more enclosed areas. Failing this we will probably try with one of us going off and hiding and set them to track us ..... So we can track them; if you follow my drift!

So, what else has been happening? Well, life has continued as normal for Rocky and Rosie, lots of lovely walks and games .....

....... Rosie and Mij have been having lots of fun together .....

Then a little relax together .......

In fact, our whole young family have been playing together ......

And relaxing together!

Rocky and Rosie have entertained themselves in the evening by studying what us humans have for supper .......

This is always followed by an ....... "Aw! Where's mine"!!!?

Rocky has particularly enjoyed his fusses and loves ...... Note the entirely grown up seating position he takes!! Nice to know he's officially grown up now!!!

There has been the occasional "Who's lap is it tonight?" competition.

And Rosie, in particular, has been learning how to sleep on just one seat of the sofa ..... Unfortunately she hasn't quite worked out that she has grown a bit and won't fit on unless curled up! ..... Still, I suppose she's comfy?!!!

There has been lots of togetherness for Rocky and Rosie ..... I do sometimes think they have this magic velcro that pops out on their coats from time to time ..... It's very sweet!

There has been plenty of playing and goofing around .......

Rocky, in particular seems to exercise his sense of humour .....

Some days he just does nothing but daft things and then laughs at himself!!!

He can be such a clown!

Rosie can be a clown too; on her first introduction to balloons she worked out quickly where to grab them so you can take them away .....

..... How to play with them gently so they last .....

...... But she much preferred bouncing on them and making them go pop!!

Rocky wasn't so enamored with the popping business ..... So he just stood back and watched from a distance! Brave Otterhound!!!

So life has been usual and fun since we last blogged.

But each day of fun seems to wear out our young hounds, so much so that at their chosen time of bed (regular as clockwork they are) ......

It's a case of night, night Rosie.....

...... And night, night Rocky. Well done for grabbing the only cushion left on the sofa! ......

Otterhounds like their comfort, sigh!!

Rocky the Otterhound: Some favourite positions!

2010-01-17T10:11:00.000-08:00

As we have stated before, our three pets all think they are Otterhounds ...... Two are, of course, but Mij the cat is (I'm sure) convinced she is an Otterhound too!

To demonstrate this we have taken a few photo's of the interesting and sometimes unusual positions our pets seem to enjoy. We haven't gone out of our way to set these photo's up, the opportunity presents itself quite easily ...... I wonder if this is an Otterhound trait or if it's just our pets??

First off, Rocky has a bit of a thing for the dishwasher .....

..... We have spent the last two and a half years (almost) telling him NO when he makes a dash for it but .....

..... As this photo shows, even trying to block his way is no bar to our big boy enjoying a moment in the dishwasher!!!?

Mij, in a moment of catness, decides she wants to get inside a box .....

..... Could she have chosen a smaller box do you think??!

She also has a thing for heads ..... Especially Dan's!

As you can see, she is quite relaxed and comfy ......

..... I wonder if there is a reason our pack are a bit eccentric??!

If Rosie gets snoozy she often enjoys a warm blanket?!

...... They do say that dogs get to be like their owners!!!

..... See what I mean??!!!

Rocky often seems more comfortable sitting on a chair this way .....

..... So comfy ..... he often nods off!!! Plonker!

Though this sleeping position is more usual ..... By the way, what does this photo say about the fact that most people say dogs and cats don't get on??

Rosie really does like a blanket!

She is also enjoys a bit of a cuddle but she does like something to rest her head on!!

Oh yes, did I mention that people say that dogs and cats don't get on??

Sometimes a comfy sofa just isn't enough, there is often a need for a little bit of elevation, apparently!!

This position seems to work if you are a couch potatoe who doesn't want to stand up, unless it's absolutely necessary!

Finally, late at night there is nothing better than lots of comfy cushions if you want to have a gnaw on a chew stick .....

Unfortunately Rocky often leaves it till it's very late at night ..... Then, try as he might; he just can't beat the snoozy need!

Ahh, bless! Night night Rocky, sleep well and dream of one day staying awake long enough to finish your chew!!

Rocky the Otterhound: The big White!

2010-01-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

Like the rest of the country we have been experiencing lots of lovely snow. Not as much as some other parts of the world, but as we only get it every 30 years or so it seems a shame not to enjoy it!

We are lucky enough not to have to rely on our own experience to enjoy the snow; some of our greatest enjoyment has been in watching our animal family have fun with it!! We hope you like it too ......

The first to venture out was Mij, none too sure but just having to explore!

She has been out lots since the initial snow fall but (just like a cat) these trips have been as short as she can possibly make them ........ Not comfortable enough, obviously!!

Rocky and Rosie were keen to explore too!

Rocky soon had his nose well in the white stuff .....

"What does this smell of then"?

Rosie's snuffling around uncovered an apple that I had put out for the ground feeding birds ...... New toy!!

Although neither of our Otterhounds will play ball, Rosie spent some time picking up the apple tossing it away then pouncing on it again.

We have no doubt though, that if we swapped it for a ball it would be totally ignored! She wouldn't be fooled!

The "Ughh! My nose is very cold" look!

"I spy a playmate"!

"Come on, play with me Mij"!!

"No! Zizz znow iz too freezinc"!!

"She's gone, well how do you like that"!!

Rocky looked on in an iced up sort of way.

"Will you play with me Rocky"?

"No"!

"If you run away I'll bite your legs till you play"!!

"Rat's! I'll have to distract her"!!

"You just sniff this really good smell Rosie, while I pop inside for something"!

"Oh no you don't ........ Got your leg"!!

And eventually she annoyed Rocky into a beloved wrestling match.

Moving up into the garden Rosie thought she had it made ......

"Sorry Rosie, no more this morning .... I can hear my nice warm sofa calling"!!

"Be like that then lazy hound ..... I'll play with the white stuff on my own then"!

And she did .... for hours!! Bless!

Night time walks were interesting for them ... most of our snow fell by night.

"My nose isn't tickling very much ..... It's too cold"!

"So is mine ...Herumph"!!

But after the bunnies had been out at dawn our hounds begun to find some bone tickling smells ...... Or should it be hound disapearing smells?!

Bunnies, bunnies, bunnies!!

Post bunny hole exploring!

"Ooh, ooh, I've got a bunny home smell" ........

"Hello bunnies ...... Come out and play"!

But bunnies are warm loving animals, so they stayed all tucked up in bed!

Snow does make Rosie smile though.

Not so much Rocky, but he does have some fun along the way.

"Look Rocky, I've got an ice cream"!

Rocky's usual position when out in the snow.

It may make life tough for a while, but snow really makes the world look nice!

Night walks are colder, but I think it's only our hounds noses that get cold ..... Well, they will keep dipping them in the snow!

"Will you stop with the photo's please ....... I'm trying to find a scent"!

Rocky and Rosie may have totally different personalities but when they do the Ottehound thing ...... they are always in perfect unison!

See what I mean?

So what do our hounds do when they have had another full day of playing in the snow ...... Going out to find interesting scents and generally just being Otterhounds? ......

Night night Rosie!

And night, night Rocky ..... Dream of some lovely white stuff that's full of scents and lovely and warm when you put your nose in it!!