Johnnie still hanging in through slings and arrows!

When Millie asked my advice the other day on what to do when being chased by a bull, I replied that she ought to run away, as hard and as fast as she could……And to cross her paws for good luck….Because she was going to need it…..Well I never gave it another thought, thinking to myself that will never happen….until today….When I saw Millie being chased by a very angry looking bull with horns that looked as if they could do some real damage if put in the right place….Well one thing for sure, Millie took heed of my advise ….And even remembered to cross her paws…..Which brought her all the luck that she needed as I watched in amazement as the bull turn into Jazz……..Which left me thinking it is no wonder why I love having fun loving Shelties around on our walks…

We are only a stone’s throw from Silverstone race track from where we are here…..Which lays down the down valley behind us……As for anyone who thinks that Halo is carrying a worried look today…..Its just he feeling a bit down as he missing his seaside visits so far this year…..and although he loves his F1 motor racing…..It just not the same as walking along some Cornish beach with white surf waves crashing in, or Clift tops with views that sets the heart ponding and the camera clicking …Still…..Don’t fret to much about him…..For as you can see……Both Maysie- May and Jazz are determine to lift his spirits….And what with Millie on hand to prove that we can still take a photo of note in the Northamptonshire’s countryside….And I have to say in all truth, that it works for me….And we hope that it works for you too.. Even if Halo might be shocked to see his hair so sticking up.!!!!

Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep and doesn`t know where to find them…..And what with the bad weather we have been having of late.….It’s a worrying time for the Mums..…What with the trials washed away making it treacherous to travel on …And to make matter worse…..Not a bit of shelter to be had for miles around…Not to mention the BIG bad wolf who has been seen in these parts of late with little Miss Red Riding Hood!!!!……So who are you goin to call for help…. Yes ….We are going to call in the experts…..And no silly…..We are not talking about the Ghost busters……We are talking about the Shetland Sheepdogs….Or more precise the Shelties, Halo & Jazz …..Well of course they soon had the lambs rounded up and back on the trial to be reunited with Mums….And as a mark of gratitude and unbeknown to Halo & Jazz…(And against all the odds) They lined up behind the two happy Shelties for this photo who both thought that this would never happen…..And I for one cannot wait to see Halo & Jazz faces when they get to see this photo

The daylight might not be lasting so long as it did….And there might be a chill in the air that was not around so long ago……and no, you are not mistakenly in thinking that the leaves on the trees are no longer the vibrant green that they were, and are falling thick and fast, creating a golden carpet in the forest today, and giving us a fantastic photo opportunity for an autumn photo, if you are up for it …But you have to remember that due to the poor I light I need you all to be perfectly still to keep you all looking sharp, and don’t forget to spread out a bit, so that we get as much of the golden look behind you……Can you do that for me do you think.….Of course you can….Click….Well done Shelties

Don’t tell me why you all looking so happy for, because I am going to make a wild guess…Now let me think awhile…..Ummmm….Has it anything to do with that you are getting the first scent of Spring in the air……Ahhhhhh……I think that I am right. !!!!!!!!!!!!!

At the risk of getting a Sheltie nose print or two on my camera lens….I have decided to get as close as I can, as I keep on telling myself it is worth the risk in order to find clues to the missing last sausage taker Jazz, Yes I am talking about the last jumbo sausage that lay cooling by our barbecue today, that I was sure to claim before Halo diverted my attention for what seemed a spite second…Yet it was enough time to seize the moment (Or in this case, Sausage) and for Jazz to do a disappearance act…..Yet I feel that I am getting close to finding her hideout, and that Millie Halo and Maysie all know where she is…..But none of them are giving anything away with the dead pan looks they are giving me….Yet you have to wonder if that is a lick of the lips that Halo is doing, as if they are all going to share the spoils later…..Ummmmm……But I am hoping that you dear reader will give the game away by helping me in revealing Jazz hideaway so I can reclaim the jumbo sausage !!!

Have you ever sat on a hillside overlooking a small beautiful cove that runs into a deep blue sea 🌊 behind us, having a conversation with four Shelties….If not, I suggest that you ought to try it sometime….As it can be quite a rewarding experience….Ok, I agree that it can be a job getting a word in edgeways’ sometimes….But I like to think that I can be a good listener when put my mind to it, especially when the conversation is about Maysie having trouble getting her directions to her food bowl ever since she had a stroke last October leaving her head on the tilt and her brain has not come to terms with that and likes to thinks that her head is perfectly upright. Making her feeding a bit problematic, but no big deal as she coupes well….But Millie has come up with a solution to the problem by suggesting buying a much bigger food bowl for her to target into……And guess what….She saw one in a boutique shop on our way up here….But because it has pictures of dogs around it sold from a boutique shop, the price is £18 sterling……As I start to buck at the price, Halo stops me right there, saying that Millie Jazz and himself would raid the CraZyGang treat fund and empty their pockets and do whatever it takes to raise the £18 needed to buy the big food bowl for Maysie, which for once left her speechless with gratitude…..And yes this this is a true story, and did I not say those conversations with Shelties can be a very rewarding experience…Sigh…Oh yes indeed they can….

As you can see with the stone work……The building renovation has been slow……But ever since the CraZyGang brought this tumble down stone cottage …The bills have slowly mounted…And the funds have fast gone downhill……..But we might not have a front door to open…..Or a window to look through..…Or come to think of it, a carpet to lay on …...We haven’t even got a roof for goodness sake…..Yet despite all of that….The mood in the gang is still on a high note, and showing no regrets…..Because the one thing we have got…. and the thing that sold the property to us.…Is that we do have a room with a view…...And that is about as good as it gets….and might help to explain as to why they are all smiles again today….

(In Explore 2022-07-23)

Agility Sheltie at the 2022 South African Pet Expo

Copyright © 2022 John McKeen. All Rights Reserved.

This image is an original work and may not be reproduced without the permission of the photographer/artist. It is not available for use on websites, blogs or other media without explicit written permission and may not be downloaded or altered in any way

When the Sheltie design team was asked to come up with an alternative to the Boeing Dreamliner, they knew it was going to be a tall order…But felt that with the design team led Maysie May and Jazz….With a test pilot team headed up by Halo and Millie made all things possible…..And here they are proudly showing off the proto type….And yes. We agree that it lacks the stream lines of the Dreamliner…..But don’t let that put you off…..Because what it lacks in looks….it gains in versatility…..After all, we don’t see the Dreamliner taking off and landing in a field…..and using fertiliser as fuel….And that you could buy for a mere few thousand pounds…...I think not…..Now all this crew needs, is some customers……And let’s not forget about a word of praise to my contribution to the project by painting the yellow tips on the propeller, Which I am sure that you will agree that they are all the incentive that you need to be our 1st customer in buying a ticket on this Sheltie Dream K9 liner dear reader…..

Well Christmas is forever getting nearer….Which has led to dispute here, as to what we are going to put in our letter to Santa this year…..As it was felt that I was asking too much, and not leaving much room in the letter for anyone else to put in what they were asking for….and it does not end there, as we are doing a secret Santa…..Where as I was hoping to buy a group present for all of the CraZyGang and Di as one (as I seem to be a bit hard up at the moment), and I, to get a present from each and every one….Well it seem fair to me…..But because there are those among up who disagree with that….It has been decided to go for a vote in order to resolve the disagreement…..Which against the odds, considering I was doing the counting, went against me….But I have demanded a recount of votes and taken legal action to allow late postal votes to be counted…..So you see dear reader, it essential you get your vote posted, marked with a big X for me, and don’t worry….I feel really confident about the result of the recount…..Although I have to say that it is of concern on how relaxed and laid back Duffy the Bear Jazz Halo and Millie look about the recount ….It’s almost as they know that your vote will go for them….But that’s laughable….As that is never going to happen is it…No….But do you know what, I just cannot get rid of that nagging doubt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK you two….I can see that you both are looking very happy with yourselves…..and I am guessing that might have something to do with our beach trip today…..But today I am telling you straight….If your ball goes into freezing cold sea today, you not be getting me to go in to get it like you did yesterday……And talking about yesterday the first thing that you have to do is find my guitar after you buried it to stop me playing it…….And yes Halo, Playing is exactly what I would call it …..Now then, now let me get this straight, you are telling me that on the vastly populated pebble beach, that you placed 3 pebbles very neatly on top of the place you buried it to mark the spot…….Oh great!!!!!!

The game is down to the wire….And the stakes have never been so high…What with a resurgence of the beer fund due to the lock down…..And a treat fund that looks set to bust…The game was all set to be played in Vegas due to high level of public interest …. betting ….And glamour….But due to travel restrictions…..It had to be reschedule here in the UK …..And now after tense thrilling game…..It has all come down to this final hit…...All I have to do is hit the ball as hard and as far I can, and clear the defenders that are all geared up to catch the ball and stop my victory run…….And so far it has all gone well, as my timing hit is right on, leaving the crowd gasping as the ball races skyward at a rapid rate…Leaving me to think that this game is won….But as the ball reaches it highest trajectory and begins its rapid fall…..A fast moving blur against all the all of the olds has managed to get under the falling ball to claim what will be, a wonderous catch sending the crowd in rapturous applause…woof whistle ….and cheers ……And one thing that I was right in thinking that the game has indeed been won…..But unfortunately not by me … ~Sic~…..But by the Shelties all Stars

my dog " Estra" - - ❤

I have a list of must haves for my photo project today.....So let’s see how it reads and see if we have ticked all the boxes shall we.....Seaside picture cliff location....Tick......Bright Sunny day......Tick......A ship at anchor and small lighthouse nearby....Tick.....A clear sign springtime about to happen.....Tick.......And that my friend is the end of the list......But I cannot help to think that i have a vital ingredient missing on my list.....And I keep on thinking about a six pack.....But do I really want to put my beer in the photo.....I don’t think so......I think that i will just take the photo and see how it turns out......But before I do...... Let me introduce you to the CraZyGang who in truth are at the top of my list....Tick......But decided to tease a bit.....Ok.....I can see you that you are all dying to line up for this photo....So let’s get you all in position shall we.....And we see how it turns out...And yes Maysie.....I am sure you will all get your own back on me in the very near future!!!!!!!

When Santa got in touch with Halo to ask him for his help and a plan in convincing people that there really is a Father Christmas, as he was at his wits end and at loss as to how to turn the tide of non believes into true believers ……Halo was only to please to oblige and quickly came up with a plan of action……The plan was simple enough…..All it needed was Santa Claus to use his magic and make himself smaller than a Sheltie Shetland Sheepdog and then have me taking a photo of them both together, and posting the photo on line…..So when he told me his plan and would I help, I replied of course I would…As I would love the chance of meeting the great man himself….And maybe ask for a couple more expensive presents to be left on the end of my bed on Christmas Eve (Like a new guitar)….But Halo warned not to even think of going there, …As I would likely end up with nothing at all……. and to concentrate on the job at hand…..So with that in mind…….I did as asked….And we hope that you like the result, and like Halo and myself, that you are now a true believer of Santa Claus too….

As you can see by the look on the faces of these two girls.....That embarrassedly, I have been caught out ears dropping on a private conversation between them......And they don’t look best pleased about it......So I had better move on out of ear shot before I get into some real trouble .......Which is a real shame .....As the conversation was just getting really interesting on how that they have some poor sap under their thumb (Or should I say paw) and on how they only have to say jump....and his reply is, how high.....But just when I was about to find out who this person was so I could make his name public....I was tumbled and now fear that we will never find out who he is.....But at least we can be secure in the knowledge that I would never let that happen to me!!!!!!!!!!!

Copyright © All rights reserved Peter Vahlersvik! Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media in any way without my explicit written permission

Yes I know it is nearly Christmas day Millie...(At long last)...But I wish you would not keep on collecting ways and strays on your travels.....And yes i do realise that it is the season of good will which means helping the needy.....And yes I do love your tree decorations .....Sigh.....But did you really have to give Snowman my favourite hat scarf and gloves......and then to bring him inside our heated house is not the smartest move that you have made........Oh I see.....You are going to take it in turns with Snowman and Snowflake the Reindeer to be on watch for Santa tonight from your vantage point of sleeping under the Christmas tree.....Well good luck with that my friend......But I think that you will all sleep through it......But that’s not to say that Father Christmas spirit will not be all around you and many-many-many others tonight .....So even if you don’t see him......You will certainly feel him close......and no Millie....I have not forgotten that you have a Sheltie Christmas message to all of our friends ...(Both Human and K9)......So take it away little girl, and please don’t go shy on me now ......

Woolf-Woolf......... Merry-Merry Christmas to you all and we hope that you too can feel that magical spirit of Christmas that is slowly taken hold to all that believe ...Enjoy.....Because I am sure that I will.......Much love from the CraZy Gang Halo-Maysie May-Midnight-Jazz and little me Millie xxxxx.......

Ummmmmm....Not such a bad speech for a little pup Millie......But you did seem to forget Di & I in that message ...But no worries ....as it gives me a chance to say that I was going to have a picture of the whole gang in the photo....But on seeing this picture....they all fell in love with it and insisted that this was the photo that they wanted for just you dear reader... .....And the feeling is we hope that you love it as much as they do.....Merry Christmas to you all....Love Di & Steve .

Breakfast was a noisy affair this morning after watching a film about some old guy who got to fulfil his bucket list……Making the topic at the table as to what would top each individual wish list….as we went round the table with some surprising ideas…(No one seemed to want to hear my guitar play can you believe)…...Then it was Halo turn to give his top wish…..And as the table hushed….Halo hesitated as he thought a bit….Then he said that he would like nothing better than to swim with the Dolphins…….Ummmmmmm I said….You have a zero chance of doing that with this lockdown little man…..And with that it was time to vacate the dining area with Halo leading the way with a parting shot, saying we will see who has a zero chance…..With me replying, “in your dreams Halo” It’s never goin to happen….So imagine my surprise and shook when much later with Millie rushing in to fetch me to show me this photo……Which just goes to prove that you never say never to Halo with his can do attitude……And boy, does he look pleased about his wish…

Jazz

With the March blowing hard to push its self ever closer to April……Which will make spring just around the corner……But the spirit of spring has not stopped Halo once again giving me a dressing down to get this photo posted, as it was taken back at the beginning of February……I kept telling him that I would get the job done…..But never did until today……Of course it shows Millie acting the snow Princess and enjoying every minute of it …..And yes….Halo is now a happy boy now the picture has been shared with you dear reader

Look here little girl …..I know you asked me if your Mum would love some flowers for Easter…..And I must say that the Flowers that you got are all very beautiful ….But….And yes there is a BUT!!!……But then, did you really have to have to go and steal the whole show by showing off……But don’t you worry none Millie, (Yes I know that she has a funny way of showing her worry!!!!)…. Because your Mum is going to love it…..