Happy Birthday, Ellie!

Ladies and gentlemen, fill your lungs with air, as it's time to help blow out the candles for Ellie's first Birthday.

Yes, Ellie is exactly a year old today. Where did that time go? Naturally, we couldn't let the occasion go unmarked, even though she is still a little under the weather from being in the final stages of her first season. We purchased her a new pink collar to match her diva personality, a new toy, and some treats. And we replaced the frisbee that we lost in the sea a few weeks back.

Now, doesn't she look a bobby-dazzler? :)

Ellie Sketched

It's Ellie, but not as you know her. I was contacted a short while ago, from someone asking for permission to use one of my photos of Ellie for a sketch. Of course, I agreed, and this is the artist's end result.

Please do view the original copy from the artist's own page.

In Season - Week Two

We're now in the second week of Ellie's first season. She's become extremely clingy while in season. Before her season, she would have been happy to sit on one end of the sofa while I had the other, she now insists on sitting on me, next to me, or, like a cat - on the cushion behind my back, curling around my neck. If I move, she has to follow, and she's really not that interested in going out. Personally, I can't wait to have her back to normal again.

So, once again, in the absence of any real news, here's a picture of the week to keep you going...

Ellie in Season

There's very little to tell you about at the moment, as Ellie has started her first 'season'. She's grumpy, and she's lethargic, and so, for obvious reasons we're not working with her much, if at all. I also took her for her last walk today. Today was about as far as I dare push it until her season is over. She's become especially grumpy towards all other dogs she meets on the walk, and I don't want to risk that becoming a habit.

So, instead, I'll give you a picture of the week....



Enjoy...

Dinner for One...

Now that I have my new camera, I'm like a kiddie in a sweet-shop, much to the annoyance, I'm sure, of Ellie.

I'm sure it's because she's so well practised by now, but she is so malleable and really is extremely patient with me when I am taking photographs of her. Today, I thought I'd continue with my experimenting in black and white, and arrange a dinner-date for Ellie.

In other news, I think Ellie has finally come into season! I could be wrong, but I noticed a couple of red spots on the chair covers when I lifted her from it after the photo session. However, they might have been there before and they might be specks of paint or something else, so I'm not positive yet. It might also explain why she's been off her food a little for the past couple of days.

* Late Edit: It's confirmed - Ellie is now a woman! She's in season at last!

Anderby Creek

We took Ellie for another first experience today - the beach! We found an area of beach, about an hour and a half drive away, which allows dogs off leash, and is relatively deserted. It's called Anderby Creek.

She was sick in the car on the way there, but that was our fault for feeding her so close to leaving. Because we left so early we wanted to make sure she ate something before we went, to give her some energy for running around. On reflection, that was a very bad idea, and it would have been much better to wait until she returned before feeding her.

However, that didn't stop her from having fun once we got to the beach - she absolutely loved it. She was running, and running, and running...

It also gave us a good opportunity to use the new camera again. However, many of the photos that we took weren't worth keeping, and even those that we did keep needed a lot of digital editing. The light on the beach was just very bland and hazy. I had to do a bit of artistic work on them and convert them to a platinum effect to mask the poor colouring. Still, the important thing was that Ellie enjoyed herself.

There was one victim however - our favourite frisbee. We lost it to the tides.

After we'd finished playing on the beach, we went to a small cafe that is at the beach entrance. Luckily, they allow dogs in the gardens, as long as they are kept on leash. Again, this is a first for Ellie. I'm pleased to report that she was good as gold. She just laid down under our table and was no trouble whatsoever.

When we were on the beach, we were only approached one other dog. As always, Ellie just ignored it, preferring to carry on playing with her ball, and jumping about. And boy can she jump!

Despite getting absolutely soaked through, I really enjoyed myself. It's great seeing Ellie experience new things and taking them in her stride. I know she enjoyed herself!

As always, you can view the full photo set in the gallery.