He is a changed dog! After 2 weeks, he has conquered his fear of dogs, children, people in general and has met, for the first time, sheep, cattle and ponies.
Whereas he would stand rigid with fear whenever another dog approached him, he is now happy to accept them and even sniff back.
Next Friday, I have arranged to have him weighed again at the groomers; it will be 2 weeks since he weighed in at a massive 17.15 kgs. and I am hoping that he will have lost some weight, what with the daily walks and healthier diet. At least I will be able to tell whether I have his portions about right.
I'm very happy that he is friendly around children; here he goes off with my two youngest grandchildren with just an occasional backward glance to check I'm still there.
Guess who has fallen in love!
There was very nearly an argument between this Belted Galloway cow and one very small dog - Benji objected when the cow turned to look at him, so he 'wuff'ed at her. She lowered her head and stepped towards him, so we beat a hasty retreat. Just look at that expression; she looks quite annoyed, doesn't she?
Benji also found out that when a ewe positions herself between her new lamb and an irritating dog and stamps her foot - she means business. Once again, we retreated. Only part of Benji appears on the photo because I was trying to reel him in at the same time as focus my camera!
Anyone for garlic? The Cornish lanes are smothered this year and the scent of garlic is amazing. I love it.
I found a bank of this white-flowering plant, which I thought might be Vinca - but the petals are the wrong shape. I'd be grateful for help with identifying it.
And above all, a wonderful deep blue sky - with sunshine.
What a cutie and it's good to hear that he is adapting well.
ReplyDeleteThe adapting is mutual - he's the first small dog I've ever owned so it's a steep learning curve for me, too.
DeleteDefinitely a different dog, he looks so happy, and I'm sure he is losing weight!
ReplyDeleteIs the plant Vinca minor?
He's definitely happier and less timid, thank goodness; it's good to see. Yes, I think the flower is a Vinca, as I first thought. Unusually, a white flower rather than the usual deep blue.
DeleteThis little dog with the big beautiful eyes needed the right kind of loving and now he is in just the right place. With the walking, diet, and caring, he will be in great shape soon.
ReplyDeleteThose eyes speak volumes and I'm glad to say they show happiness and excitement now, rather then fear and confusion. The 'great shape' will inevitably take longer to change, but if he loses at the rate of 1lb per week, he should be a proper Bijon shape by September.
DeleteGood to hear that he is settling well. Yes a sheep stamping it's foot is best avoided
ReplyDeleteI thought a periwinkle and then found periwinkle is Vinca so now I don't know!
He is very settled now, thankfully and beginning to recognise various visitors so that he welcomes them, rather than barking ferociously at them! It might take a little longer to learn how to act around the animals on the Moor . . . .
DeleteSounds like things are going well there! It's so nice to hear that Benji is settling in well.
ReplyDeleteSettling in well and learning all the time. He has never been socialised or trained in any way, so as he mixes and learns, he will improve in many ways.
DeleteSounds like he's getting braver every day.
ReplyDeleteYes, he is much more confident now and loving all the new experiences.
DeleteI'm so glad Benjii is settling in so well. He looks like a very contented dog and is clearly learning fast! Long may it continue...
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased with his progress - he's a different dog from the one that arrived here 3 weeks ago.
DeleteI am thrilled that Benjii has found his forever home with you, he certainly seems a happy fellow. The plant looks to be the white form of vinca, I have it growing on the back fence line of my property.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the confirmation that the plant is Vinca; it's quite pretty when growing in banks along the lane.
DeleteYes, Benji is here to stay and will keep on improving in health and behaviour.
All the new experiences you are introducing him to must be blowing his little mind, in a good way :) Dogs suffer from boredom, stress, depression just like we do; can't imagine what it was like for the poor fellow stuffed in a cage for most of his life. Going out for proper walks with all the chances to stop and sniff must have been a mite confusing at first, but he certainly looks like he's settling well, and such a relief he's OK with children. Hugs to you both, x
ReplyDeleteThank you Jayne; it was very important to me to know that he would be OK with the children and he certainly is very good with them, although I have to say that my grandchildren obeyed my warnings to approach him gently and quietly, so that helped enormously.
DeleteI live very close to a Primary School, so many youngsters pass my gates and want to stroke the fluffy white dog - now I know they will be safe to do so. Benji loves the attention.
Ah! Benji is lovely and will be all the better for his daily walks and diet. Why would anyone think it is ok to keep a pack animal in a cage on his own for long periods of time. Don't get me started on rabbits that are kept in too small hutches. It makes my blood boil.
ReplyDeletewonderful to see the Garlic. I have been told that you have to be careful that you don't get it mixed up with Lily of the Valley as they are the same to look at.
You live in a beautiful part of the country
Regards Annie
Annie, I completely agree with your views on keeping animals in confined spaces, so when I was told of Benji's circumstances I was very upset. He now has the run of my garden and is enjoying the endless space of Bodmin Moor on our walks.
DeleteThe Garlic seems to be very prolific this year, maybe due to the incessant rain of many weeks. The lanes look and smell glorious!
In fact, Cornish lanes look absolutely beautiful in the Spring.
I can't find your blog, Annie - do you have a link please?
After owning 3 Border Collies over 30+ years, I am very familiar with their various traits. I believe they need a calm environment and lots of socialisation and learning experiences. In your case, lots of introductions to calm men who make him feel safe; calm children who don't get him over-excited and plenty of good training - they love to have things to do and to please you.) If he's a young dog, be warned that often they don't appear to be listening and learning, but around the 12 - 15 month age, suddenly the training kicks in. Persevere!
ReplyDeleteGlad that life with Benji is so good!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm . . . it didn't feel so good this morning when he woke me up before the birds to let him outside - then when I opened the door and he saw the rain, he turned round and went back to his bed, lay down and closed his eyes! Little monkey. Grrrrr!
DeleteLooking forward to meeting Benji!
ReplyDeleteAnd Benji is looking forward to meeting you, too - he wants to get shampoo'ed and trimmed in readiness for our meet at Lanhydrock!
ReplyDeleteYou and Benji have an idyllic place to walk.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to my blog, Terra. I know I'm very lucky to live in this beautiful, magical county of Cornwall - close to the Moor and not very far from beaches and coastal footpaths.
DeleteHello!! I'am glad to read the whole content of this blog and am very excited.Thank you.
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