Daisy Updates

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:38 pm

My Vet thinks Daisy swallowed a "foreign body" and most likely passed it when coughing and choking on that terrible night she kept me up. She has stopped choking and coughing now.

All of our other dogs are fine.

We are keeping our fingers crossed that was the cause of the problem.

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:03 pm

All fingers and paws crossed too Very Happy

Wishing you all the best and Daisy's continued snd speedy recovery. Laughing

Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2009 9:09 pm

Just pciked this up. Glad to hear that Daisy is better!

Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 6:46 am

Glad to report Daisy is well and truly over her illness. Absolutely back to her normal self Very Happy

Tormenting poor Spud Laughing

Terrorizing Witchy and Floosie. Cedric is still in charge at the moment Wink

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 7:37 am

Decided to take Daisy to her first Companion show this year. It was in aid of The Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign. So a very worthy cause. Daisy has not been shown for over five months and I thought she would be very nervous. She really loved her day out. The show was held in a village hall, so very crowded. There were over 30 dogs in her class (Non Sporting) but she coped very well. She did not get placed but we were very happy with her behaviour. She kept asking people to make a fuss of her

We had many enquiries as to what breed she is Laughing

It was quite a surprise that dear old Spud won the Open class and Reserve Best In Show. Daisy enjoyed watching - how things should be done Exclamation

We came away with a trophy, rosettes, dog biscuits, dog toys. On arrival home I got a telephone call to say that we had won £20 on the lucky ring card number! Well it would have been a good day out but unfortunately as it had rained all day our house had a moat around it and 12" of water in the front garden. Peter had to erect a gang plank to the front door and fence off some of the garden as the dogs would have been swimming Exclamation

We were lucky that the water did not enter the house and conservatory. Daisy looked like a drowned rat when trying to get in the house by the back door! ROLL ON SPRING AND PLEASE LET US HAVE SOME SUNSHINE:roll:

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 11:08 am

You win some lose some Confused

Overall your dogs had a very good day with you. Laughing

Daisy continues to be a great ambassador for the breed thanks to you. Very Happy

These past few weeks I am glad we live on a hill the rain has been so bad. Sad

Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 10:24 am

Snow then rain Sad

poor you

but as pauline said,all in all it was a good day for you and dogs.Fivos will never be a good embassader for the race Crying or Very sad

he keeps being reserved and avoids people he doesn't know,even the ones he knows he's prudent on the first moments.Not really a social being Exclamation

May be girls are more social.
I guess the rain is worse than the snow,i really don't enjoy it.

Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 10:55 am

Ani - I think Fivos is more reserved as he does not have the chance to socialize. I know the Serra's really only like their owners but I have really tried with Daisy to get her out and about meeting other dogs and people.
She is quite a different character out of the house than in. She is a hooligan at home. But at the shows she puts on a different character of I love everyone including all other dogs. Bitches are supposed to be more docile but I've always prefered the males who are always "Mummy's boys" Exclamation

Fivo's is typical of the breed Smile

Sun was shining yesterday and again this morning. Petrr has pumped the water out of the front garden. The dogs are restricted to a small fenced-in area. So things are better here Very Happy

p.s. We do live on top of a hill but the water runs off the fields into our garden and unfortunately the house is in a dip. This is the third time we have been flooded in 8 years (must be climate change)! Question

Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:08 am

For sure we don't have many chances to socialize with other dogs and people,all due i've tried to get him in touch with as many as i could,i don't see much improvement.In summer,last year,he was in touch with lots of people on the beach and lots of evenings i would take him with me for dinner in restaurants,but the only difference i noticed was that he stoped barking at everybody as he used to do before.But since summer,with the exeption of a week in Athens,he doesn't see many people or dogs.
He's just like you said about Daisy,at home he's an holigan and out very shy Laughing

.I'm bringing him to the office with me everyday,of course he hids under my feet and doesn't even dare to get to the door until i call him to leave.I hope that after summer,with so much noise and people in the office he will get a bit better.
I was thinking about my louzy Inglish,you may not belive but i read in Inglish everyday since 15 years(and i'm a fanatic reader),my Inglish should be so much better Embarassed

Nice day for you and your dogs

Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:51 pm

Ani your written English is fine Very Happy

I can always read your messages. Writing English is really tough. Don't criticise yourself. I can't write, read or speak a word of Greek. And even though I am studying French I have great difficulty with it. You are good. Very Happy

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 7:59 am

Daisy is going through a very naughty stage. Just a typical teenager.....I always cook a roast dinner on Saturday nights. Well last night I cooked Roast Beef with Yorkshire Puddings. I always cook more Yorkshire puddings than needed as my dogs love them. Daisy disappeared into the kitchen when we were eating and so did the Yorkshire puddings! At least someone appreciates my cooking at last:!:

She is so full of life and enjoys her walks. Collapses after her dinner onto the sofa and then not a peep until bedtime. She is not like any of my other dogs Laughing

.

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 8:29 am

I see,Daisy gets a sofa Laughing

last nigth i was wondering about fivos who stoped asking to get on the sofa or on the bed.Even when we tell him that's ok,he still doesn't came.Somehow i miss the closeness,i loved to have him in bed with me.For sure my bed is much cleaner than before Laughing

And i agree that they are quite different from other dogs,i meet and lived with lots of dogs in my life and none was like the serras.
Have a nice sunday
by the way,how do you do yorkshire pudding??

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 9:14 am

I'M GLAD FIVOS is now off the sofa. I wish Daisy was!
Yorkshire pudding receipe is a delicate one, as very controversal in this country. Coming from Kent (South). We probably don't make it right.
But my dogs love them. You can buy frozen ones"Aunt Bessie" but not the same.

3 Tablespoons plain flour
1 egg
pinch salt
1/2 pint milk.

Just mix and beat well. Let to stand for at least one hour. You really have to experiment with the consistancy. Not to thick and not to runny.

I grease a 12 tray baking cake tin. (for small cakes).Then you need to put in small amount of beef fat. Then you put in the oven to heat fat. (Must be very hot)! Pour in the mixture and cook for 15 minutes in oven 200C. Or until cooked. They should be well risen and not flat.

GOOD LUCK Exclamation

.

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 10:29 am

I'm going to try today,if i use butter instead of beef meat?does it work?or with pork fat?
I'm baking pork and it has lots of fat around.

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 11:07 am

You reminded me Gina of an incident many years ago when I owned Afghan hounds. The kitchen was on the second floor. I had taken a joint of pork out of the oven and had put it to rest on a worktop for a while. I decided to go downstairs to switch on the washing machine. On my way back upstairs I met Tzar coming downstairs with the joint in his mouth. Twisted Evil

Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 11:26 am

Ani you need to use meat fat. My mother always has yorkshire puddings with all her roasts. So pork fat juices should be okay.
It's basically a batter savory dish.
..........................................................

Pauline: I've never lost a joint of meat yet! But when we had Boot an Old English Sheepdog who ate half a pound of butter at my Mother's house and then was violently sick.................... Embarassed

My Mother always cooked him fairy cakes and he really loved them. So I guess he got up to the work surface to see what was cooking for him. When he stayed with her (if our girls were in season) she cooked him a roast every day. He loved my Mother Very Happy

He came back like a roly poly.

Daisy is always up on the surfaces. She learnt from Spud. She's had the fruit bowl down. The wine from the rack. I guess I was a bit tired last night when she raided the puddings Exclamation

Never mind as long as she enjoyed. I thought it was unusual for her to be away from the dining room while we were eating. Smile

Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2010 3:20 pm

Just to let you know that Daisy went to a Fun show today. (In aid of St Michael's Hospice - Hastings). She got a VHC (5)th in the Pedigree dog/bitch class and there was 24 other entries. So very pleased with this result. The judge thought she was a Polish Lowland Sheepdog but Peter put him right! Then called her out as the Portuguese!!!!!!!!!!! WE ARE GETTING THERE AT LAST Exclamation

Cedric (Old English Sheepdog). came as a companion for Daisy and aged 12 years old won the Veteran Class! (Very large class over 20 entries)!

Hope you like the photo taken on arrival at home. (Posted on general photo's).

Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2010 5:09 pm

The foto was lovely as both of them.I belive that Cedric must be much bigger than daisy,but in the photo it doesn't look like..
It must be lots of fun to take the dogs to shows,i used to go with my mother when i was a child,even passed some dogs,but as an adult i've never been to a show.
Fivos is restless Rolling Eyes

keeps bringing his ball,if i would,he would spend all evening catching the ball.

Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2010 6:16 am

Hi Ani,

Cedric is a small Old English he stands 24" at the shoulder (62 cm) but I think he may be shrinking in old age Exclamation

Daisy is 20" (51 cm). He may look smaller in the photo as he is sitting back from Daisy.

I'm sure you would have loved the show yesterday. They had very silly classes scheduled i.e.. (Easter Outfit - Dog and Handler)! People and dogs in fancy dress Exclamation

and there were many entries. We did not enter though!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I could'nt really see Peter dressed up as an Easter Egg) Rolling Eyes

Only one Pedigree class and dogs of all ages. It was very noisy and crowded. Daisy was very good really and she let children make a fuss of her. She did cower when the judge went over her but the show was held inside the Village Hall. She has no fear of other dogs and is very outgoing with them. It's only her second outing in 6 months but must be good practice in socializing. Even Cedric starting shaking when we entered the hall he was so excited. When he had completed in his Veteran Class I took him outside - the sun was shining and a beautiful day but all he wanted to do was get back inside and enjoy the show. He won a big bag of Dog Food!

I think all this would have been too much for Fivo's. Just keep him happy playing ball games Very Happy

p.s. On arrival home I left out some lemon cheecake on the Kitchen worktop - You can guess the rest - DAISY!!!!! Evil or Very Mad

Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2010 9:16 am

As I thougth,lots of fun Laughing

and as you say,Fivos would be in panic in such a situation Sad

sometimes i find myself feeling jelouse of other people's dogs,who are confortable everywhere,as I was used with Leonidas,who was a gentelman and fearless.Anyway,that's what we've got and we love him dearly.
So Daisy likes sweets as well Laughing

as far as I remember,only once i found Lisa with a big steak Rolling Eyes

neither Fivos or Leonlidas ever took food from the counter or the table.
Probably in May I'll take Fivos to a trainner,he's a friend of Kostas and I called him sometime in order to get some advise,he asked to see fivos,so,next time we go to Athens I will take him.
Nice Sunday for all

Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 2:29 pm

Good to read your chat with its adventures. Laughing

We are enjoying quiet walks although Finn and Bonita race and chase one another a great deal letting off steam. Bonita too loves to retrieve a ball and like Fivos would do so for hours. She is great at putting it into your hand. If you're clumsy enough to drop it she will pick it up again and give it right back. Smart cookie Laughing

Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 7:57 am

Daisy is now into her second season - now aged 18 months and this season is quite heavy Re: Blood loss. Is this normal in Serra's? Floosie is also in season. (My poor boys)! At least with both in season it gets it out of the way for the coming Summer months Very Happy

I don't think I've ever had a bitch affected by their seasons so much as Daisy. She is cleaning herself up but I'm also having to clean up after her. Although she is quite bright and still running around as per usual and eating well. (Only another two weeks to go)!

Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 9:19 am

Yes, it will be good to have Diasy's season over. Both Nesp'a and Bonita have very discreet seasons and keep themselves clean. Only Nesp'a has spotted occasionally. Having said that Bonita's season goes by without hardly any sign whether this is because of her mum I don't know. I don't think the serra is different to other breeds. My briards were about the same. Very Happy

Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 12:49 pm

I've never had any problems with my OES or Sam bitches. I'll keep a check on Daisy and will mention it to my Vet when we go in for a check up next time. But I know what she will say. I'm not prepared to spay at the moment. There are so few bitches in the UK, so I'm not sure if this is a usual pattern for seasons. Pauline - I think your bitches are the normal ones.

Anyone on the continent having the same problems?

Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 1:04 pm

All is very quiet in our household today Crying or Very sad

We took Cedric & Spud for their usual walk last night, Daisy and Floosie following at the rear with Peter.
Cedric collasped when half way round and I knew it was the end. His tongue was blue and he could not catch his breath. Peter rushed home with the girls to get the car to bring Ced home. Spud just sat very quietly with Cedric. Cedric was not with us at all fighting for breath. I phoned the Vet on arrival home and said I thought he was dying, we rushed him to the Vets surgery. She proclaimed that he had had a massive heart attack. So we said goodbye to dear Cedric I could not let him suffer, he would never have been able to come out of coma. He was such a wonderful dog and loved Daisy too bits Very Happy

So a very sad day Crying or Very sad

It is so peaceful here today.

Peter buried Cedric with the rest of the pack. We now have eight dogs buried in the garden. Four Sams and four OES. Crying or Very sad

I don't know who is going to be in charged of Daisy now though Exclamation

I've mever known Daisy to be so quiet.

Posted: Sun May 02, 2010 3:00 pm

Oh Gina and Peter, I am so sorry to hear your sad news. Crying or Very sad

Dear Cedric on his paws to the last, lovely boy. I am thinking of you and wish you comfort with your dogs and the happy memories of all that Cedric brought into your lives.

'...hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.' The Dog's Prayer

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 7:22 am

Gina and Peter, I am very sorry to hear about Cedric, from your descriptions of him he was a real gentleman. That he passed quickly and surrounded by those he loved is perhaps some comfort.
With much love,
Louise and Charlie.

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 11:16 am

Thanks Louise and Charlie. Cedric was a wonderful dog and very loving.

It's still very quiet in our house. Spud is really missing Cedric and I've never known the girls to be like this Sad

We were having our dinner last night in the conservatory as usual in Spring/Summer and I heard the sound of paws on my kitchen floor. I looked around and did a head count both girls were under the table and Spud sat behind Peter. Cedric always retired to the kitchen when he knew he was not going to get anything from our table Exclamation

At least I know he is still hanging around Very Happy

Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 8:34 am

Just returned from Athens and saw your sad news.So sorry Crying or Very sad

it's so sad when they leave us...I really feel like crying.Good thing that it was fast and with all his friends around.
Thinking of you

Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 11:11 am

Thanks Ani.

It's still very quiet around our house. Spud not wanting to eat, Daisy who loved Cedric the most and poor Floosie are still very down Crying or Very sad

.

I did'nt realize that Cedric was so popular. We've had lots of sympathy cards and a lovely email yesterday from Dulux saying how " They valued tremendously everything Cedric did to help promote their brand". This was the job Cedric loved the most not being a show dog. He just loved all the fuss and attention Smile

.

He was just a great dog and wonderful companion. Smile

Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 6:44 am

Spring Bank Holiday as usual cold and damp. We decided to take Daisy to a Companion Show in aid of the Rottweiler Welfare. I've never seen so many dogs come out for a Companion show. Daisy managed to get a Reserve placing (4th) in her class Working/Pastoral. Over 20 dogs in her class. So she is still getting placed. The ring Steward was a bit confused as to what breed she was. She was trying to place each breed together. She asked Peter to put the Briard with the GSD's and of course Peter said this isn't a Briard it's a Cao Da Serra De Aires. Steward said you had better stand on your own then Exclamation

But she did return to ask a few questions about the breed.

Daisy really enjoyed her day out, she was so excited. She was approaching children for a fuss. On our return home she just crashed out on the sofa for four hours. It was great for us to have peace at last Very Happy

I don't think we will ever get a 1st placing at these shows now Daisy is over 12 months but the experience she is gaining is really good but you never know Smile

Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 10:42 am

It's always an adventure with the serra isn't it Very Happy

Lovely Daisy, since seeing a recent photo of her I can imagine her trotting around. Laughing

She is a smashing girl. Laughing

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 12:21 pm

Thanks Pauline, Daisy did trot around the ring but her nose was very close to the ground Rolling Eyes

But she did look good and she has personality plus Wink

That's all you need for the show ring Exclamation

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 6:58 am

It would be fun to see Fivos on a ring Laughing

or may be he would surprise me and behave like a professional Laughing

when I was a child I used to go with my mother to shows and I really can't imagine fivos in a midle of so much noise and people.
But it's good to know that other serras are not like him,it gives the courage to think about getting another one sometime in the future.
How are things with the family/dogs after the death of cedric?

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 11:22 am

Thanks Ani for asking about Cedric. We all miss him so much. He was my special boy. I think it was the shock of him going so quickly. Spud is getting better but I know he misses Ced. Daisy misses all the love and kisses from Cedric. Floosie, well Cedric did love his girls Rolling Eyes

Spud is trying to be the man of the house.................................. Rolling Eyes

but it's not quite coming off yet Laughing

It would be lovely to see Fivos trotting around the ring with Daisy Exclamation

I'm sure that would make him behave himself.