So much has happened here at “Haven Lea” these last few weeks. The best news is that there is now a new resident on board; please welcome Mr Dougal. He was rescued and although given excellent care by the local rescue was not a happy chap. Mr Dougal is a terrier, not very large so fits in nicely. After a few weeks to settle him in he is now a very handsome chap as the photo shows. It has been wonderful to watch him grow in confidence and his character blossom. A little work yet on his walking on the lead manners but that will come I'm sure. Mr Dougal now has his very own pen friends too and is looking forward to Christmas isn't quite sure what to make of it yet but I am quite sure he will get the hang of it. He has already received presents along with the rest of the “Crew” and will no doubt tuck in heartily to his Christmas dinner.

 

Talking of Christmas, Sophie has been doing a grand job in the wrapping department, lending a helping paw. They have sent presents to all their friends and after much deliberation Sophie finally made up her mind as to what to give her boyfriend who lives in Kent . Miss Tizzy has improved of late, not as grumpy and always finding something to moan about. She is in love, problem is she is two timing, already has a boyfriend in the Borders and now another more local, has sent presents to both of them. She is becoming a little floozy in her old age, she who should know better and looks down her long aristocratic nose at everyone else. Barney and Dougal think it is a great hoot and tease her constantly. Yes, believe me they do understand, for those who would say that they don't then they don't take time or the trouble to read their minds which are just as complex as ours.

 

Sophie, (Duchess of “Haven Lea”) it was the hat that did it in the summer, she has been posing yet again, this time wearing her Santa hat. Goodness knows what effect this will have on her, have to admit though that the photos are rather good, hope you all think so too. The wretched drains which gave so much concern have now been sorted out so the rowing boat and oars can now come off the Christmas list; you see water was getting under the house instead of going the other way. There has been another visitor too; a mole who has turned what was left of the back lawn into a mud bath. Dougal would sit for ages mesmerised, waiting for it to pop up, of course. It never did. When I remarked to Barry that it would be putting up its Christmas tree soon he wasn't impressed, thankfully it has now decided to take up residence elsewhere much to Dougal's disappointment. The recent cold snap saw sliding competitions on the decking, both humans and canines competing, rolling in the frost, coming indoors and shaking everywhere, luverly. I seem to have been welded to the mop of late. Muddy paw print competitions have been a speciality.

The “Crew” have been busily packing a parcel for the Blue Cross to give to dogs who have no one to treat them at Christmas. I act as secretary as usual. Sophie was dictating this while perched on my lap but has since fallen asleep. I suppose a Duchess does have a secretary. Well everyone time to “paws” now. Sophie has just fallen overboard with an almighty thud, woken everyone else up in the process. oops nearly forgot Miss Tizzy paid a visit to the vets again last week, her weight was giving cause for concern, middle age spread it seems, she is in fine fettle now and is on a strict diet. Sophie has done very well, looks trimmer and her undercarriage is no longer in danger of touching the deck. Barney Russell also accompanied her to have a manicure which resulted in a free for all and entailed almost the entire vetinary staff to hold him still.

 

All at “Haven Lea” wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

Sandra's Page