The Docious Dog

No good reason for the post, just numerous prompts by FB, a rather nice dog that I walk, & a somewhat dull Water of Leith backdrop; the gratuitous inclusion of a duck is just a bonus…

So, after all the hype, it’s finally the big one - Spain v. England - in the men’s singles wheelchair final at Wimbledon - & what a match it’s turning out to be!

And later…. THAT match, & as an English lass born in 1966, living in Scotland, I reckon it might be wisest to lay low, so no, not planning on getting the barky pack dressed up in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 gear, got enough of an issue with my neighbours as is. However, if you are out & about for the big one & your dog is keen to watch & not bothered too much by noise, would suggest the Place on Raeburn Place - big screen, very efficient service & extremely dog/child/family friendly… Enjoy.

Your dog loves the beach & you’re at a loose end tomorrow? As part of Portobello’s Pride weekend https://portypride.com/events there’s a Porty Dog Prom walk at 11.00 - 13:00 tomorrow 8th July, meeting at 10:45 at the bottom of King’s Road. Good excuse to doll your dog up as there’s prizes for ‘the puppskies who demonstrate a creative flair on the day’, Anyways, your dog does not have to show up with paperwork to prove they’re LGBTQ2 or have jumped on the trans wagon etc. or even to know which way they’re gender bending to enjoy the doggy fun. Enjoy!

Happy Chinese New Year - bye bye tiger, hello rabbit! (Next dog year not until 2030 so no connection there, it simply fitted with my NY resolution not to waffle so much, which happened to last a full 3 weeks…)

Given another icy spell the council‘s bins are overflowing & they’ve been out again with a vengeance spreading the grit & salt mix (and judging by some of the delicious goodies in the cafes in the area, presume many may have had their windows/doors open when the spreader went past…) Much as it’s welcome to the likes of me now paranoid of slipping again, your dog will not appreciate it. Even a small amount (few grams per kg of body weight) of salt, whether the finest Himalayan or table NaCl - is toxic & potentially hazardous. Signs of salt ingestion may include vomiting, lethargy, confusion, weakness, muscle tremors & diarrhoea, (I’d imagine much as one would feel after ingesting a large cinnamon/salt palmier, followed by 2 chocolate & rock salt cookies in quick succession), potentially leading to seizures. If suspected, try to encourage your dog to drink as much water as possible, & also consume foods rich in potassium such as bananas. Seriously, if worried or in any doubt please contact your vet!

Hence, it makes excellent sense to wash, or at least remove as much salt as possible from your dog’s paws after every walk, & before they try to remove it themselves & end up ingesting. (Thanks to everyone who leaves a towel out at the door ready, as rest assured I do this after every walk with your dog). Luckily BBC Weather assure us it’s due to warm up again fairly soon, and there’s also some rain due soon to wash it all away.

Yes - it’s official - my wee Dylan is now the official doggy face of Macdonald Hotels!! 😍Thank you SO, SO much to absolutely everyone who voted & also shared the competition post info - particular thanks to Mad About Schnauzers, St. Columba’s Hospice, Canine Concern, Marie & Michael, MC Mel, Lynne, Lynn, my mother, my friendly MSP & many others I can’t name but who I know have helped with the result & also given us so much encouragement & positive vibes. Thanks so much too of course to Macdonald Hotels for this wonderful opportunity for Dylan to help get their dog friendly message across.

Press report here:-https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/people/edinburgh-dog-a-miniature-schnauzer-named-dylan-wins-national-competition-to-be-face-of-hotel-group-3950441
(They got pic info wrong, Dylan‘s in the middle!)

As an aside, I’m rather chuffed my threat of putting all names who voted in a raffle to share the prize of a night in a swanky Macdonald Hotel with me & Dylan also didn’t seem to put too many off voting… 🤣