The morning of the 1st of January 2010
Well, Dasher survived the nightmare of illegal canon-bombs exploding, whizzing rockets, “witches screams”, pretty lights and all the rest of the crazy show costing people SO much money and all burnt up in a flash – literally!
Setting him an example was Timmi on the one side, who doesn’t appear to see or hear a thing (as the majority of my whippets through the years) and on the other side, there was Magnus, who never left my side so I was tripping over him all evening and who trembled badly and at times was so scared, his little heart was bursting and he gasped for air. Svend and I also acted like we couldn’t hear or see anything, even though the roof shook and the windows rattled - and I'm NOT exaggerating!!!
Dasher chose to judge for himself!
He was extremely interested in what was going on.
When outside in the afternoon and a rocket went up with a fine display of stars in the sky, he dashed to the gate to see better.
He wanted to UNDERSTAND it all.
Although he leapt in the air at times (as many of the bombs were so deafening that even we got a shock),
and he also did a fast trot from room to room to try to see what was going on, he was not actually afraid – just mystified.
We had all the blinds pulled right down and all the lights on plus TV to drown out the worst of it.
At the time to go for a walk, at about 11.30, it was relatively quiet as we predicted.
We had to do “plan B”, as the middle house down the lane was responsible for most of the terrible explosions, sending large chunks of plastic (some nearly the size of your hand!) and wood falling on our roof and in the garden – large enough to cut your face open, if you were looking up! We would never get past them!
Plan B was to turn the other way out of the gate and walk round into our neighbour's garden at the end of ours. The house was in darkness and there’s a large garden full of trees and bushes perfect for peeing up. (We of course cleaned up the poos.) The neighbours have moved away to a bigger house that he has built for his family and this one’s not sold yet – so here we could get some peace whilst the view towards the sea 6 miles away and the flood-lit bridge to Fyn with fireworks going up in the distance, was wonderful, as it was a clear frosty night.
Dasher and Timmi didn’t mind the walk, though it was minus 7 C (19.4F) but Magnus hated every second of course.
After the walk, all are grateful to get back inside in the warm. They feel much better having relieved themselves and they settled down on the sofa with me to see a film, whilst from midnight and the next two hours, all hell let loose with NON-STOP fireworks and bangs.
New Year in Denmark has to be experienced to be believed!
(Our sons don’t care any more and spent the evening with their respective girlfriends in Milan and the other in Sweden with some colleagues and friends, who live there.)
This morning, everything’s quiet, frosty cold weather and most are still asleep.
So Dasher managed VERY well indeed, especially considering the breed can be a bit jumpy and nervy!
New Year chat!
Denmark always celebrates the New Year with a more or less non-stop evening of fireworks!
These fireworks have been slowly getting more and more professional, with many very beautiful displays from almost every family and (illegal) ear-splitting bangs etc. It is like being in the middle of World War III, only prettier!
Of course dogs (and cats and other animals) are terrified of both the sound and the sight of these things.
We found out many years ago, that for those who are terrified, (we have had many dogs who have been totally unaffected!), cannot even pee or poo in the garden at night, even tho' we stand with them for hours urging them. They just stand by the door asking to get in and paralised with fear.
So we discovered a good solution:
Between 23.00 and 23.45, many people hold a break as they prepare for the “big show” at midnight where drinks will be renewed and so on, so there's a bit of a lull. So we all dress up in our warmest clothes and dog coats and where we lived before we could, armed with torches, walk down to the beach, where we were actually leaving a lot of the sound behind us. The few dogs we had who were badly scared were forced to walk with us. After a while, the cold gets through to them and one by one they do what they have to do and when all are "relieved", we reward them by hurrying back home again. They are usually feeling tons better afterwards and quite proud of themselves and seem a little less frightened. They then relax with us while we say Happy New Year to each other. We have long stopped going to parties on this evening, purely for the dog's sakes.
In this new house, we are separated from the neighbours by a wide grass area - as wide as a narrow road. (The whole area where we live is extra pleasant as it is full of wide, open grass areas and the space between the houses is both practical and attractive.) This particular grass "path" was intended for the old dears from the Nursing Home just 5 minutes walk away to be able to take a walk down there and admire the fantastic view over 6 miles of rolling countryside, the sea in the distance and beyond that, the island of Fyn. Also clearly seen is the the very high bridge over to Fyn, which is lit up at night. However, no old dear actually does walk this way as it is too uneven and ankle-twisting and as for a walking frame - well that would have to be carried!
Last winter the neighbours at the end (there are three gardens down the far side) held a wild party where late evening, a sausage and ice cream van was hired to come and supply the partygoers with refreshments! The driver unfortunately chose to drive down this green grassy path to the garden, rather than take the road! We'd had a lot of rain and halfway down, he got thoroughly stuck with the wheels spinning down into thick mud! So everyone had to help push and dig him out and Svend was amongst the team so got to know a few of the neighbours we'd never met! But they had to give up and a local farmer was called in to help. He came with a huge tractor that hauled the poor van backwards so it shot out of the mud at high speed and the party was saved! So between deep the ruts made by the van, and the giant tyres of the tractor - it's never been quite the same!!!!
So what we did last year was take the dogs down this grassy "lane” to admire the view of the countryside and all the fireworks far away, the neighbours were mostly out and it was a clear, beautiful night - and the dogs did what they had to do - they know the routine!
Well little Dasher is new to all this, so we practised the trip at 22.00 last night and will practise it again tonight, so when it comes to the the “real thing” with fireworks exploding all around us, they know what we are planning to do – and why!
They were a bit amazed last night, but thought it was fun. We will do the same tonight – so then they will be well prepared for the repeat performance on New Year's eve.
So my tip to everyone with a dog who is terrified New Year’s eve: Get it out in this lull before mid-night, even if you have to drive somewhere first and take it for walk somewhere relatively quiet until nature takes over at it relieves itself.
They all need to relieve themselves as usual and they WILL give in during this walk, whereas it is straight cruelty to give up and let them stay in - and hold themselves all night.
We have always avoided “doping” our dogs – which often makes things worse, indeed a few years ago, the drugs given ENHANCED sound, so what was already a nightmare for the dog, was then even worse. We also play a CD recording of fireworks over and over for a month beforehand, so they are used to the sounds even though they know it’s just a CD.
The 26th of December
New videos! Dasher pestered as we ate lunch today in the kitchen and so I threw him a small piece of orange skin!
 
Above: Dasher with the bit of orange skin. Below: Fallen asleep 5 minutes later!
Dogs hate the citrus fruits and so whilst he wanted to play, he did not like the smell or taste! See what he did here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wumWVnfP-yA
Video 2: Dasher playing around in the snow just before Christmas as our 10 year old Grandchild helps to clear the driveway for the coming Christmas guests! Dasher is good at distracting! www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab8T8aTeZyE
We have otherwise been in Albertslund centre and distracted many people from their shopping - by Dasher parading around in his new Father Christmas get-up! Heads were turning, smiles and comments were many and the whole carpark came to a standstill as drivers stopped to stare and passengers pointed, holding up queues of cars waiting behind them! It was difficult to keep from giggling! Dasher has no idea why he's so popular!
The 23rd of December, 11 am
See what came in the post today! Santis owner Dorte has very kindly sewn a Father Christmas coat just like Santi's specially for Dasher! Now we to can go on doggy walks and spread the Christmas cheer everywhere! I can't wait!
Here's Dasher saying as best he can with a look: "I love it Dorte, thank you!"
and out in the garden:
Want one for YOUR pooch? Then write to Dorte at: deriksen@post12.tele.dk
Personally, I think it's "must have" at Christmas time!!! It will last a dog's lifetime, as one would only use it through the Christmas days and it makes EVERYONE smile.
The 19th of December, 8 am
- and freezing temps. down to minus 9 degrees C (15.8 F) this morning and all dogs (not to speak of myself) with their warmest coats on for a quick pee in the garden. After 2-3 minutes poor little Dasher, despite TWO coats on, had his legs freeze and go numb so he staggered over to me and squealing in pain. Then he stood all hunched up and unable to walk. I have seen this before with my other IG - they just can't stand the cold on their legs and feet - so I rushed him inside to our very warm kitchen with underfloor heating and he soon thawed out. I cannot walk the dogs at the moment. Unable to run and keep warm, even tho' I walk as fast as I can, they quickly start limping badly and their feet are clearly freezing to bits. They can manage better running in the garden where I can keep them moving. I am praying for warmer weather SOON - how can they say the world is warming up, we haven't frozen like this for many years???? Ironic. Two days later it was "only" minus 4 degrees and we had all got used to it.
The 17th of December
Finally the snow came - after two days of just a "frosty look" and threatening skies - we are now practically snowed in with high snow drifts, but mustn't complain as other parts of Denmark are really seriously snowed under.
Dasher took it calmly but had great difficulties find where to pee and poo - how do you do it with this icy cold white stuff up to your knee caps???
 
Above: Early morning - creeping around in the car port where it's not so deep! Below about 9 am and still snowing.
 
Good to have several coats as they soon get soaked and uncomfortable with thawed snow. (I don't know how I would manage without this one with the warm chest cover, Dorte!) See the snow on his face? Below: The kitchen door at 6.30am! The snow drift's up to the glass!
The 13th of December:
 
Our new doggy friends came this morning with their 2 Danish/Swedish Farm dogs and played with Dasher! There was hard frost in the garden but it was very sunny and all 3 dogs had a good race around. Here is a little clip from a dizzy game with Shiva!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9NlXbdrlio
Remember to visit www.togsfordogs.net
The 9th of December
Santi and Dorte came on a rare visit and the dogs played in the garden, Santi loved the football which doesn't interest Dasher at all!
 
 
- and later, while we had coffee in the kitchen, they played around at our feet, see the You Tube video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkZ17LPRZYk
Dorte is very kindly sewing Dasher a Santa Claus jacket so we can put everyone around here in Christmas spirit when they see him! You just HAVE to smile when you see this outfit! Here is Dasher trying on Santis for size!
 
Smart huh? If anyone else wants one for Christmas, then contact Dorte at: deriksen@post12.tele.dk
The 4th of December
And Dasher is 7 months old today! AT LAST I met the 3 day care mothers who Dasher and I pass very often on doggy walks WITH my camera on me! They have up to 5 small children each aged from 1 year to 3 years old. This is because Danish mothers can take a year off from work for almost full pay! These 3 day care mothers live near each other and meet up every day to go for long walks with the toddlers - visiting several public playgrounds along the way. They all look so eye catching in their screaming-yellow vests - which help car drivers take a wide birth on the narrow country lanes round here. It can be misty and a bit dark in these winter months. I have been dying to photograph them for months! Dasher loves the children as they give him titbits (which I give to them)! From now on they look extra cute in "nissehuer" as they call the "Santa Claus-like" red hats! Today the walk was to take them past a house where they had arranged a surprise for the children: Santa Claus himself would come out and give each child a treat - what a great idea, I'd have liked to have seen that!!!!!!
Here are some pictures taken under difficulty as Dasher was leaping about all the time!
(Our house and garage can just be seen behind the left tree! Between the houses is a fantastic view of 10 kilometres of countryside, then the sea and the island of Fyn - plus the enormous bridge over to Fyn! We are very high up here!)
Aren't they just SO cute? Slots Bjergby's nicest kids! Running to greet Dasher!
 
 
Aren't they just gorgeous kiddies? I have printed out the above photo 12 times - one for each of them to take home. Just an awful shame about the little boy on the left who can hardly see! But they didn't sit still for very long!
The 30th of November
You just have to see this wonderful Christmas jacket, modelled by Santi and designed and sewn by Dorte -
(I WANT ONE TOO!!!!) It's a "must have" for December and she says it is very popular with all the children she passes in the street - but nearly causes car accidents as drivers get severely distracted when they spot Santi tripping along the sidewalk!!!!!!!!
She has lots of fun when she's out, everyone gets in a good humour!
The 29th of November
Dasher has received the most wonderfully soft and lightweight fleece "jacket" from "Togs For Dogs.net", just perfect for walks on these chilly days, when it's not actually raining - or for sitting in the car and other cold places. (Thanks, Helen!) See the website or ask Helen at togsfordogs@btinternet.com
for the new Christmas gift catalogue.
He is a nightmare to photograph, so these will have to do for now! (There are many other colours!)
 
The 22th of November
Dasher looking intelligent - just before I blinded him with the flash!
(Compare with the photo above of him at 9 weeks!)
The 20th of November
Below: We visit our "whippet friends" whose two dogs we should have cared for whilst they gave birth to baby "Linus", now 2 1/2 weeks old. They always look after our dogs while we are on holiday and we have theirs stay when they go away - and also whilst they give birth to their now three children!!! A perfect arrangement! We had the most wonderful weather on this day - after a month of grey skies and almost non-stop rain. Dasher met the two sisters, Fanny and Dharma for the very first time - and succeeded in getting them to play and at one point Fanny ran like crazy several times around the big garden, and Dasher did his best to chase after her, but he couldn't keep up!! He IS fast, but will never be as fast as a Whippet! Unfortunately, I did not get many pictures. The children were angels as they are well used to dogs, including mine and we had a wonderful lunch and a good chat!
 
Left, Dasher is challenging Fanny, who looks to me for help. There is not really room for the two of them in that bed!
Right: "Is it alright if I stand on the coffee table?"- he looks like he's asking me!
The 19th of November
Photos from the vet's puppy playground! He hits it off with two dachshounds - but plays with and chases many other breeds.
 
 
 
Dasher shows off his very "Italian" lines in this one to the right! He's about 6 1/2 months.
The 15th of November
Help!!!! Does anyone know how to get chewing gum off dog's hair?
Dasher stole a lump of chewing gum from my waste paper basket, left it on the bed the dogs lie on while I work with the computer and it melted and stuck to him! So he has a white stripe left that I guess will have to grow out???
The 14th of November and Dasher tried Lure coursing for the first time!
Here is Santi about to start and several people take a turn to drive the "cross machine," which lays out the course for us. (The fast moving river Suså is in front of the buildings and down out of sight. The distant tractor is part of a project to build a bridge over at this point, for the huge farm estate that owns this land, but they have trouble with the cement pillars sinking all the time, so they told us...)
Dasher COULD have gone last time but we had to collect my brother from the airport. The time before that it was cancelled due to heavy rain. So finally the day came! The field was right out in the countryside with very narrow, winding roads and wonderful rolling scenery where we have never been before. We were almost there when we took a wrong turning. We realised our mistake and turned around, encumbered by a group of pheasant hunters with their dogs all filling the road! A car behind us started flashing its lights so much that Svend stopped to see what they wanted. Turned out it was two old “greyhound friends” from the race track, out on a Sunday drive (the weather had cleared after weeks of rain) and they wondered what we were doing looking clearly lost in their neck of the woods! The way Susanne leaned in the open driving window reminded me of the customs check we have had SO many times during 40 years of driving across Europe to England and back – so I told her we had nothing to declare and we had packed our bags ourselves!!! Well they kindly insisted on driving ahead to show us the way and then meeting all the group of coursing enthusiasts, some of whom they knew well!
Santi's just started to run - he looks almost exactly like a hare when he's far away!
 
Santi after his run - a bit bored - and looking very "Italian"!!!
Dasher was fairly interested when I showed him the “hare” - a bunch of white and yellow plastic strips – but he prefers to run after small things...then there's no stopping him!
Soon it was his turn – after he’d looked very intensely at the others before him all chasing around like mad things!
He set off at reasonable speed but the hare got too far ahead whilst he at the same time was actually loosing a bit of interest, so it ended with him standing looking very unsure of himself at quite a distance from us - a distance that he’s never experienced before!
Karin, who is in charge of the whole thing (and without her, there wouldn’t be any coursing!), shot off after him at an amazing high speed! No doubt to stop him running back to us. She works very hard with it all and I couldn’t let her do all the work helping Dasher to find the hare again, so I lumbered along after her and showed Dasher the hare. The hare started up again, and off went Dasher after it, but he quickly lost interest and this repeated itself several times. I ran with him so we did get him back to base ok in several “goes”, but he showed us that he still can’t yet see the fun there is for him – he would sooner sniff and check the area out rather than run mindlessly!!!
He does enjoy meeting all the other sighthounds too, including some 8 month old afghans that he’s met off and on all summer so they recognise each other and are just as skittish and playful as he is! Of course Santi was there and his owner Dorte does not have to run round the course herself as I did! They recognised each other and several times started mad play whilst still on leash! I was unfort. unable to photograph.
 
Above: All dogs here are 6 months and new beginners!
We all had a good time! Most of us take thermos of coffee which we share and someone had baked a large cake! Mmnn!
 
Aghan hound owner Marlene, suddenly picks Santi up and hugs him - and so he responds with a big "kiss-lick"!
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