Bubble and (Pip) squeak

When I was at Sainsbury's the other evening I noticed amongst the Red Nose Day stuff a bottle of bubbles so couldn't resist buying them - why, you might ask, you haven't got any young children. No, but I have got two Akitas that take a lot of entertaining and thought they would like them. Hugo was not so keen and made a wide detour round the bubbles and went outside (same reaction to towels, hair-dryer  hoover etc. - getting the picture, he's a bit of a scardy-cat!). Pip on the other hand loves them - likes to try and catch them and is very surprised when they disappear!

Had to laugh at Hugo the other morning - during the night the wind had blown an empty plastic dog food sack in to the pond and before he would drink any water he very gently put his mouth in and gingerly pulled the sack out, took it a few paces away and laid it on the lawn and then went back for his drink. He'll have a bit of a shock soon when the frog spawn start to appear!

Was really bright and sunny yesterday afternoon when I got home from work so Toby and I took Hugo and Pip for a lovely walk along the canal - even better because no one else was around so they could sniff, explore and stalk the ducks as much as they wanted. 

Hugo and Pip are always really pleased to see any of us when we get home after being out and today was no exception. I got the usual, very verbal (Pip), greetings when she has to pick up something in her mouth to bring you - doesn't matter what it is, toy, sock, bit of paper, bone - and realised Hugo was copying her and was bringing me an old punctured football. When we went inside for a cup of tea Pip settled herself between Daniel an me on the sofa and stretched herself out - Hugo, however, was having none of this and very gently he managed to get himself up as well, taking great care not to put his feet on Pip whilst balancing at the same time. Very carefully he turned round and then sat on top of poor Pip! Oh what it is to be wanted and loved!

Hugo and Pip are going to Crufts!

Hugo and Pip were wild with excitement on Saturday afternoon when first Toby returned from his trip to Sierra Leone and then, about half an hour later, Daniel got back from Spain. They didn't know who to attack first! Think they have missed their 'brothers'.

This morning Pip retrieved the empty toothpaste container from the bathroom bin and she and Hugo had a wonderful time crunching their way through the tube - made a bit of a mess but they have lovely minty breath now!

Now for some exciting news - Hugo and Pip are going to Crufts!!!! A few weeks ago the Akita Rescue and Welfare were invited to have a stand in the rescue section of the show and they kindly asked us if we would like to go to represent them.. Our old friends Obi and Kiri will be there and so will Anouk so if anyone is able to come along we would love to see you - it is on Friday 8th March at the NEC. Rather amused me to hear that this is the day when Utility and Toy dogs are there (Akitas are classed as Utility) and one of our neighbours will be the Pomeranian Rescue so hope Hugo and Pip behave themselves and don't think they are toys to play with! 

Just a couple of pictures

Just a couple of pictures today - Pip hiding the patch of wallpaper and paint she has been stripping and Hugo desperate to try some of Daniel's Red Bull (can't think why, it smells disgusting). Don't worry, he wasn't allowed any.

Love, Greetings and Crows!

We have rather been confined to the house over the last 3 weeks because of a combination of bad weather, Pip being in season and car troubles so Hugo and Pip have not had much to report. Except............

Hugo forgot he had had his little operation back in July last year and he was caught in the act with Pip - we were shocked as we didn't think he would still have the urge but apparently they still do.

Toby went off on Wednesday for his 10 day missionary trip to Sierra Leone which has meant Hugo and Pip have been left on their own for 8 hours (the longest we have ever left them) so I was a bit worried what would greet me when I got home on Thursday night. I had intended to leave the back door open for them but it must have blown shut - they had been as good as gold and hadn't had any accidents so was really pleased with them. Their blankets were askew all over the kitchen and they had found a tub of tile spacers in the outhouse and emptied them all over the floor but the funniest thing was the greeting I got from them when I came through the door. Hugo was pounding his feet up and down on the child gate that blocks them off at the kitchen and Pip was going wild - I hurriedly let them into the garden with Hugo rubbing himself around my legs (he likes you to hug him and hold him to you) while Pip grabbed a teddy bear and virtually screamed at the top of her voice, getting louder and higher at the same time as weeing and getting as close to me as she could - nice to be wanted. Dread to think what the neighbours thought - it sounded as if someone was being murdered! On Friday we got the same greeting again, with the addition of the teddy bear being soaking wet which Pip proceeded to whack round my legs resulting in dirty, damp patches all over my trousers.

Had to laugh on Thursday morning when I had a coughing fit just as I was getting out of bed. Pip very thoughtfully bought me a tissue - only problem was it was a used one out of the bin - thanks Pip!

At last today we have had some sunshine and Hugo and Pip have spent all morning happily out in the garden, pottering around with the odd mad five minute tearing around sessions added in. We were very amused by Hugo who was sat watching a big black crow on the shed - he was very interested but made no attempt to chase it, he just sat rigid, almost afraid to move and exactly how Sid used to react too. I'm sure if Pip had seen it the crow would be no more as she is much sharper and quicker and I think her eyesight is a lot better too.

Martin has made a plinth to go in the back of my new car so it levels the back out for Hugo and Pip and we went and bought an off-cut of carpet today to stop them skidding around in the back and give them a bit of comfort. They tried it out and seem to like it so as soon as Toby gets back we are ready to take them up to the woods again - really looking forward to that as it seems such a long time since we last went.

The fresh air seems to have worn them out and they are both sleeping now, Hugo snoring loudly!