Rocky the Otterhound: These are a few of my favourite things!

Apologies to all regarding the late posting of this blog. We attended the Otterhound Fun Day yesterday and I did not have time when we got home. We had a wonderful day and loads of fun, I will be posting it as next weeks blog so keep viewing!!

So, back to this weeks blog:-

Rocky is still discovering the wonders and joys of life! He had discovered that accompanying us to the freezer in our utility room sometimes produces good results ...................

On emptying a bag of frozen vegetables one evening I missed the bin when I went to throw away the bag ............ this was an open invitation to Rocky (anything hitting the floor is fair game if he gets there quickly enough), who snaffled up the bag and dissapeared into the back garden with it. It is amazing how long an empty bag of vegetables can occupy a young Otterhound!!!

Having finished with the bag for the time being he decided to get "in your face" so to speak, just to see what else was available.

A quick game before we had our dinner seemed to do the trick!

On his way out for his bedtime walk that night he dissapeared up the garden again ...............

What was the object of his desire? ............... Our resident hedgehog perhaps? ....................

No, it was time to shred the aforementioned bag!

You do get your mileage out of these bags you know!!

Fun and games continue with our semi-resident student.

Here Rocky is initiating another wrestling match and doesn't want to take no for an answer ............... This suits his playmate and battle commences.

Somehow the wrestling match turns into an "I love you session" leaving the opposition quite damp .................. and remarkably clean in some places!!

Rocky's expedition this week was shared with some of his mates from his training class.

Again more than one of his favourite things at one time ................. I don't know how he does it?

The walk commenced in a lane that occasionally saw traffic so the first little way was on the lead. Rocky was dead keen to get up closer to his mates ....................

Pretty soon though, it was safe to let them off thier leads. Like children let out of school they wanted to explore every area they came across ................. Only at a much faster pace of course!!

They were all so good though, when it was time to move on they rejoined us without any fuss .................

Then it was a race to catch up and get out in front .................!!

Eventually they settled down to enjoying the walk at a normal pace ............

Lots to see and lots to investigate!!

Although generally going at a faster pace than us owners (not hard sometimes), they would inevitably come running back to tell us all about what's around the corner.

We eventually realised the object of thier excitement when we rounded the corner and watched them charge into the muddiest puddle possible.

They were delighted of course ................. We were resigned!!!

Trotting on we reached the plain itself and the prospect of open running got the pals excited.

"Just look at all that space ........... race you down the hill"!

At the bottom the pals found yet more water ............. just how Rocky likes it - just deep enough for paddling!

While practicing his snorkelling skills the others moved on a pace ............... suddenly realising he was on his own Rocky raced to catch up with his friends!!!

And realising how far behind he was he kept going ..............

In fact he was like an "ever ready bunny" ................... I was impressed!

Back with his friends Rocky slowed down and joined the club again, so to speak.

So much fresh air and fun!!

Eventually we got to a lush field and to begin with the field margins were the most interesting places.

Then realising how big the field was the intrepid band decided to participate in a little "mad Fitting"!!

They charged about like spring lambs!

Then with the next viallage almost in sight they rejoined us to check we didn't dissapear on them!

Obviously we are not to be trusted!!??

A stroll through the picturesque village before reaching the next lane ...........

Back in the countryside the pals were free to roam again.

At the top of the lane was a house that had installed some modern artwork outside its garden ................. Gues who was scared of it?

Yes, this is as close as he would get, he just sat and stared at it. To the recue I came, up I went and touched the static gardener. "Ohh" thinks Rocky, "it's OK then". Another socialising success you may think ..................... Unfortunately it was at that point I thought to take another photo so took a few steps back to get the best view ........................... On seeing this, Rocky decided "I thought not, there is something peculiar about this human" and ran off to join his disinterested mates. Lesson 4062 - you can't take photo's and reassure your Otterhound! Silly me!!

We eventually got back to the cars after a lovely walk, Rocky went into the paddocks for a drink just as the resident goats came out to play .............

Not a brave Otterhound, Rocky decides to give them room to enjoy the paddocks without him!

Just before heading for home, Rocky joins his pals for "good boy" treats.

What lucky friends!!

Just as we reached the car one of the goats escaped ..................

"Is he coming home with us dad"?

"No, phew that's alright then"!!!

And what does a tired Otterhound do after a lovely long walk ...................

Then he moved to get more comfortable ....................

Ooops! I mean ............ and what does a tired Otterhound and his "daddy" do after a lovely long walk?? !!!!!!!

The next day sees a continuation of fun as Rocky waits for the surprise we've been telling him about!

Guess who we are babysitting for the evening?

"Uh I don't know ......... who is it ........ where are they" ??

"Oh yippee, it baby Ludo .......... huhum, what are you doing with my bone"?

"I'm here if you want to play"!!!

It didn't take long for Ludo to realise that there was a much bigger and more fun toy to play with!

With just one Otterhound you can ................. practice your baby boxing .....................

Put a concerted effort into ear munching ..................

See how much ear and beard you can get in your mouth at one time .......................

Go back to a bit more boxing ....................

Hang on, I thought it was supposed to be the baby sitter that gets exhausted?!!

After a brief reprieve our Gentle giant goes up to check that Ludo is OK.

This of course is an open invitation to a young pup ......................................

"Come on Rocky - come and get me ............ let's play"!

"What! You still want to play"?

No matter how much the tiny pup munches on him our hero is as gentle and tender as a lamb!

They even share a doggy joke!

Then it's back to the beard munching ...............

And the whisker pulling ....................

The jowl tugging ....................

And a very tired version of baby boxing!

Eventually both baby and baby sitter were shattered!!

He had enjoyed every minute of his baby sitting duties but what did our hero need at the end of it all?

That's right ...................

Night night Rocky!!