'When Pets Come Between Partners: How to Keep Love - and Romance - in the Human/Animal Kingdom of Your Home'

I saw this title on Amazon when browsing via our shopping page (which you must use if you are planning to buy any books as Dogs Trust get commission on everything you purchase) and I got to wondering how many of us would admit to loving our dogs more than our partners? Researching this a little further I found this poll which tips the scales in favour of the pet (granted by a small margin).

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I have a confession to make. Whilst checking on Barney's stitches I was amazed (and embarrassed) to discover that, he still has his 'dangly bits'. I assumed that castration meant removal of everything and for a brief second thought that the vet had made a mistake. Now I realise that the contents have been removed but for all outward appearances he is intact. It just goes to show that I didn't ask the right questions at all before his operation or do enough research on what actually happens in surgery. Obviously this option of leaving him as he was is much better for Barney mentally, as far as he is concerned not much has happened, but I feel so embarrassed at my lack of knowledge. I had a long chat with the vet about his 'castration' and how this would/could affect him; health implications, energy levels, coat, temperament, behaviour, after-care, but never asked specifically what the operation entailed. Live and learn. 

Barney is back on excellent form and we are just about to nip off for his first long walk since the operation. For anyone teetering on the brink of castration (for their dog!) my experience of it has been very positive (so far).  Apart from him being very sleepy and sitting down gingerly for the first day or so I would say he is already back to his old self. If you have any questions just post a comment and I'll get back to you.

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Just to let you know that Barney is back home after his surgery and everything went very well. (Not sure he would agree with that assessment.) I've passed a very nerve-wracking day watching the clock (and dropping my egg in the parent's novelty race at school Sports Day). He is very dopey and a bit wobbly but did manage to look pleased to see me and do an enormous No. 2 on the lawn within a minute of getting home. The vet suggested he had some bland food for a couple of days so I'm poaching a lovely whole chicken for him, feels like the least I could do. He has been treated to a nice clean blanket and is currently fast asleep in the kitchen with Betty watching over him. She has missed him terribly and has spent the say moping in her basket. Now she has him back she's given him the once over, cleaned his eyes and ears, and is now lying by his side keeping a close watch on him.  More to follow....

Yesterday saw me excitedly driving to my Veterinary Surgery to pick up Betty's and Barney's Passports. Some of you will remember that I'm taking them to France with me for our Summer holiday. We've booked our Eurotunnel passage and have been told to turn up at least an hour early to let the DEFRA staff check the paperwork before our crossing. Does anyone travel with their dog(s) regularly on Eurotunnel/Ferry/Aeroplane and do you have any handy hints and tips for a smooth journey? I imagine we'll look like The Waltons with 6 adults, 6 children and 3 dogs travelling in a three-car convoy.

While grooming Barney over the past week I have noticed that the hair at the tail end of his back had changed texture. It seemed very greasy and much more coarse than normal, it also appeared to be shedding more hair (if that is possible) than the rest of his coat. While our wonderul Vet was checking their micro-chips and finalising the passports I asked her about this.

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I don't need to 'Google' or 'Ask Jeeves' for dog information any more because anything relating to canines is covered by the fabulous A-Z of Dogs on the Dogs Trust website. Want to know more about the symptoms of worms? Just type in 'worms' and, straight away, you'll have all you need to know on the screen in front of you.  I only mention worms as I was researching them today ready for Betty's and Barney's passports.

The A-Z of Dogs is so simple to use, just click on the letter that your enquiry begins with and look at the options. If you want to find out more about something that is affecting you and your dog give it a try.  Once I'd started looking at the W's for worms I couldn't help but read about 'Walking Considerations', 'Winter Precautions' and 'Working Breeds'! Best of all it's advice you know you can TRUST.  Keep yourself informed and take better care of your dogs with the help of Dogs Trust.

I walk into the kitchen to make myself that first morning cup of tea and, as the fridge door opens, a large 'tumbleweed' of dog hair (the size of a football) rolls elegantly across the tiles, growing in size with every turn. My hoover needs emptying after one pass over any small section of floor, and friends sarcastically ask, "Is Mohair back in?"

Anyone who has a moulting breed will understand that this is the season for clothes the same colour as your dog. Perhaps there is a specialist catalogue out there! 'These fabulous, high-waisted jeans (I'm so sick of hipsters that emphasise my 'Muffin Top'), only £36.99 come in Retriever (Cream/ Treacle) and Labrador (Yellow/Black/Chocolate)'. How many times in a week do I say, "Barney, I've brushed enough hair out of you to stuff a cushion"? Lots! But stuffing a cushion is child's play. What I actually need to do is set my sights a little higher and make a beautiful item of clothing out of Barney's cast-offs.

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Did anyone else see the lovely picture of the Rottie/Dachshund puppies in the news yesterday? I couldn't enjoy the story as much as I normally would and, truth be told, it made me rather nervous. Let me explain.  I visited a friend who has a lovely 6 month old Border Terrier last week and Barney (my dog) and Maisy (her puppy)  got on like a house on fire. We had a coffee indoors and left them belting around the garden, playing chase. The next day we met in the park after picking the children up from school and she told me that Maisy was in season - her dog groomer had told her this when she had taken her in for a stripping session and all the male dogs had become very interested as soon as she was taken in. We had a bit of a laugh about her being a novice and not spotting the 'signs' and I told her all that all that would come with time and experience. She then asked me if Barney had 'been done' and I had to admit that he hasn't (but it won't be long now). We giggled nervously and reassured ourselved that it would be pretty impossible for a huge Golden Retriever and a small Border Terrier to get it together. After reading this article I can see that where there is a will....

Check out the forum where there is a great thread on this story - Awwww - Amazing but true!

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I made my children laugh yesterday when I re-traced my steps backwards downstairs rather than cross paths with one of them.  'It's bad luck to cross on the stairs', I heard myself saying. I couldn't tell them why, it's just something that my Grandma and Mum have always said. Where do these superstitions and old wive's tales come from? Here are a few myths and sayings that apply to dogs.  Feel free to add your own to the comments section.

1. A cold, wet nose means the dog is healthy. – This is not entirely true.  It is possible for an ill dog's nose to feel this way, and it is possible for a healthy dog to have a dry, warm nose. Better indicators of health are appetite, energy, and overall comfort level. If you are concerned about your dog's temperature, rather than feel his nose use a thermometer (not orally, if you know what I mean). Better still, get your Vet. to give him a check over if you are concerned.

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I spent a good deal of yesterday tidying up my garden and converting one bed I'd dug over a  month ago from a, 'hardly need to set foot outside the back door' litter tray for my lazy cat, into a vision of loveliness. It was a gloves on, tetanus booster up-to-date, peg on the nose affair, Alan Titchmarsh would have been proud of me. Barney particularly liked the old bits of clematis I was lopping out and eventually I had to put him inside to stop him from chewing the bits I was pruning. This made me think about which plants are toxic to dogs as I have a trip to the garden centre pencilled in later on today and don't want to choose any plants that are dangerous for my dogs. After a bit of research I found this helpful list which I thought I'd share with you - SaferPets.co.uk. As the name suggests it relates to keeping all your pets safe and is well worth a visit, as is ThePetCenter.com which offers more information on toxic plants and advice on just about every ailment that affects pets (with photos) from qualified veterinarians. For a comprehensive list of toxic plants in alphabetical order see the Dogs Trust Web Site.

I know you can't be too precious about your lawn when you have dogs but make sure the chemicals you use on it are pet friendly. Most of the products I've bought recently say 'safe for children and pets' on the container. One other word of caution, be aware of the tools or equipment you leave out while you are gardening. Most dogs will pick up a discarded carton or box and give it a chew or could quite easily run over the rake you've left lying on the ground. Bamboo canes splinter and can cause severe injury if chewed, swallowed or, heaven forbid, your dog runs onto one. (Sticks can cause serious injuries if your dog falls with one in its mouth.) The lawnmower can send stones and twigs flying out at dog level and can be particularly dangerous for eyes.  If, like Barney, your dog likes to 'play' with the lawnmower put them indoors until you have finished.  Sounds like a minefield out there doesn't it?! Just use your common-sense and enjoy your garden this Summer with your dog.

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I have foolishly been talked into doing the running leg of a triathlon in a few weeks time. It's only 5k (about 3 miles for someone like me who is clinging desperately to yards, pounds and ounces) and I was told by my 'Sport Billy' husband that I should be able to do this distance in under 25 minutes - HA!  I thought it was all going to be a bit of fun, silly Mummys having a nice day out while the menfolk looked after the children (reason enough to take part) and we'd raise some money for a good cause while we were at it. To my horror I have discovered that the other two Mum's have been in training for some time and are setting some pretty good times for their part of the event. Now, I'm quite a competitive person and the thought of letting the team down isn't a pleasant one, so it was 'running gear at dawn' this morning for a jog as opposed to my regular meandering dog walk through the surrounding countryside.

The dogs loved it, and thank goodness for them as I felt it was necessary to take regular breaks for them to have a drink or a lie down in a few remaining large puddles. I was worried that they would struggle to keep up........let's not even go there. As I improve I'm sure they won't have to wait so long for me to catch up.

Here are a few tips on running with your dog if, like me, you (and they) need to lose a few pounds or don't want to embarrass yourself at a public sporting event. If neither of you have done much in the way of activity, have your dog checked by your Vet before you start. (You may want to consider a check-up as well.) Young dogs, particularly the heavier breeds shouldn't run too far as this can damage their joints and lead to arthritis when they are older. Wait until they have matured (around 2 years old) before taking them more than a couple of miles.

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