Pets Magazine: February/March 2023

February/March 2023, FREE

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PICASSO We Meet Portrait Artist FREYA BOYESEN

HOW TO TRAIN Your puppy!

More Tails from Cat Rescue

By DR DAVID CLIFF

Dog-friendly Edinburgh Aparthotel reviewed

Esther’s Escapades

By MALCOLM D WELSHMAN Photo

by Thomas Photo byBecca KarinButler Zabreton onUnsplash Unsplash Photo: Mongeau, Pexels :

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Vet & Much More Inside

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cot’s Timothy Hay has been grown on the Carse of Stirling in Central Scotland for hundreds of years, providing the nest forage to livestock breeding herds, ocks and performance horses across the UK.

This premium hay is now available for all small and urban pets, direct to your door across the UK via the high quality brand White Rabbit Hay.‘White Rabbit Hay’ is a local partnership set up to

make this high-end product available to urban pet owners. This timeless native grass is perfect for rabbits, chinchillas, tortoises and all other small pets, providing the required roughage and nutrition as well as promoting dental health and general well-being for all foraging pets. The hay is sourced from farms that manage the land with traditional farming rotation methods and without the use of any pesticides. This allows the land to provide home cover and natural feeding for a range of native animals. From wild hares to birds of prey, with everything in-between. The hay is hand selected and packed on farm in 1.5KG boxes and sealed with paper tape with no plastics input at all. The packaging is completely recyclable and compostable with our boxes travelling only a few miles to our logistics provider before being delivered directly to your door.

Thus, keeping the carbon footprint as low as possible. The brand’s mission is to provide our small pets and pet parents with the best value product totally farm fresh, to add value to the product by developing new markets while providing our growers with a sustainable on-farm price that will allow them to continue to be guardians of the land and its’ native species for generations to come. It is not so long ago that the continued growing of Scot’s Timothy Hay on home soil was in serious doubt due to nancial pressures.

Please support us and allow us to supply you and your pets with the sweetest, crispest, long stem

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Rufus Reviews Premium pet products for you & your pet chosen by 5-year old Rufus, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, assisted by Marie.

Treats Dogs’ Love!

It’s a paws up for these delicious dog treats with a difference!

Insect treats have traditionally been made from bitter-tasting black y larvae that were originally created for cattle feed. Besides being more bitter than a small bag of angry limes, recent research has shown that black y larvae is disappointingly high in saturated fats! In 2021 10,000 metric tonnes of insect protein was created and conservative estimates suggest that by 2030 this number will have exceeded 500,000 tonnes.

Mr Bug is a big believer in the circular economy and the fact that insects are a truly sustainable protein source needing only a fraction of the water, land and time of traditional farmyard fayre. Mealworms are rammed with nutritional worth offering more calcium than milk, more B12 than salmon, more iron than spinach by offering all 9 amino acids.

Mr Bug comes as a: Veggie One, A Fruity One, A Nutty One & The Cheesy One £15.96 for 320g of crumbly dog biscuity joy

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mrbug.co.uk

Dog friendly Aparthotel: Eden Locke, George Street, Edinburgh

We love Edinburgh. What’s not to like? A bustling city with expansive skylines stretching down to the port of Leith and a backdrop of rolling Scottish hills, including the famous Arthur’s Seat, it’s also a brilliant place to shop, sightsee and indulge all the senses. So what better way to also take in the world-famous Christmas Market and bag some other attractions that a trip to ‘Auld Reekie’ in December?

Now, where to stay? You are of course spoilt for choice with a visit to the Scottish capital, from the basic to the grandiose, Edinburgh has it covered. I was meeting a friend and also wanted to take Rufus and to stay somewhere dog-friendly. Being a city, I assumed the options would be limited and verging on the basic side, comfy but functional. However, this esteemed city with its Georgian backdrop, is cottoning on to the importance of the Pooch Pound. We were amazed at the quality on offer. But because I didn’t envisage tramping around Edinburgh all of the time with Rufus, especially in the busier evenings, we opted for an Aparthotel which has the option of leaving a dog in the room, provided you inform staff beforehand.

We decided on the fabulous Eden Locke on George Street, which is right slap bang in the heart of Edinburgh but also strangely slightly removed from the hustle and bustle right outside its front door. The very epitome of an oasis of calm.

From the get go, we were greeted warmly with concierge staff on hand to check us in, answer any questions and also suggest things to do, including a complementary tour of Edinburgh and a free yoga session (not for doggies, however! But brilliant for me.)

Once in the room, we discovered the best dog treats and gifts we’d ever encountered in any sort of holiday accommodation - from delicious (so, I’m told!) Lily’s Kitchen treats to high quality toys and even a free bandana.

There was also a complementary dog bed and plenty of bowls.

Human guests are also amply catered for too and the room has a king sized bed, large shower room, very well-equipped kitchen, table and small living room area with a larger than average TV. You have your own personal wi- so it’s an excellent super fast connection and the TV features ChromeCast so you can stream your favourite content. The only niggle is that when we did eat at ‘home’, we wished there was a microwave instead of an inbuilt oven, which seemed a bit strange. Otherwise it was perfect. And the complementary honey from bees kept on the roof of the hotel was a lovely and very delicious touch.

The apartment was warm, quiet and just what anyone could be looking for in a relaxing city break stay.

Downstairs, there is an excellent cafe with good coffee and an excellent selection of cakes. In the centre of New Town, and minutes from the famous Princes Street, the city’s sights – including Edinburgh Castle and Dean Village – are all within easy walking distance. You’re also right in the middle of the business district, meaning you can stroll to meetings with a coffee in hand.

We were fortunate to catch an amazing tour of Edinburgh with a difference - they all delve into ‘hidden Edinburgh’ alongside pointing out some of the more well-known sights such as the history of the Royal Mile and the warren of forgotten streets shut centuries ago to con ne plague stricken residents. Invisible Cities tours are run by former homeless people who receive a stipend for the tours. This one focused on Edinburgh’s women and fascinating tales of murders, witches and folklore, including the true macabre story of ‘half hanged Maggie’ who was hanged in 1720 for failing to declare the birth of her child which later died. Maggie was hanged and pronounced dead only to be found alive tapping on her cof n while being taken by cart by her family for burial. Fearing retribution, they promptly returned Maggie to the city where the generous hearted burghers pronounced that she couldn’t be tried again as her sentence had been carried out, so she was allowed to go free. Maggie became a local legend with a pub now named after her, before expiring 40 years after her hanging.

No one could fail to know about the legendary Greyfriars Bobby who was so attached to his owner that he would visit his master’s grave daily for 14 years. There is also a statue to a lesser known legend from across the pond called Bum. San Diego was twinned with Edinburgh in 1977 and it presented the statue of its characterful hobo dog to the city. Rufus made friends with him (right).

Rufus attracted lots of attention and was made throughly welcome at the hotel. The hotel features 72 rooms behind a beautiful Georgian facade and is located in the city’s New Town, a stone’s throw from the bustling Princes Street.

All in all, we can throughly recommend Eden Locke. It’s a fantastic base to explore the city, throughly VIP pooch friendly and a great place to stay in itself.

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For more information and to book, visit: https://www.lockeliving.com/en/edinburgh/eden-locke

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Influenced by growing up immersed in the art world in the South of France and inspired by her father artist Hjalmar Boyesen, a student of Piccasso, we talk to portrait artist FREYA BOYESEN, about her work. Freya has just completed three pastels of Pets Magazine’s Rufus, Sophie (pictured) and Nell; poignantly, Sophie and Nell passed away in 2022 aged 14 and 16. The portraits are remarkable tributes to beautiful souls that seem to capture their very essence.

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Freya with her Pomeranian ‘Baby’.

We meet portrait artist and muralist FREYA BOYESEN. Freya talks to us about her work, her inspirations and her passion for pets. We also have the privilege of reviewing some of her extraordinary work.

Freya Boyesen is an artist immersed in her art as much as the countryside of both England and France where she splits her time. She strives and achieves the very thing artists aim for: capturing the very essence of her subjects; no more deftly captured than in her pet portraiture.

Picasso was a seminal influence.

Freya says: “My desire to paint began in childhood - as watching my father, an artist who spent some years working with Picasso in the South of France, was a constant inspiration. Mosaic, sculpture, paint and humour, through my Freya grew up immersed in art, father's continuous search, I and her father a student of began to see anything was possible.”

Is pet portraiture the favourite part of your work? If so, why?

Yes, I am passionate about painting pets - having come to understand how special they are - and I like to liaise with clients to make sure I’m capturing their precious companions.

Freya’s father Hjalmar Boyesen with Picasso

Where do you take your inspiration from?

dog - he taught me a great deal.

Reference photos should be clear and crisp - though if a painting is in memoriam, sometimes I simply have to do my best from whatever the client has.

Walking in the countryside inspires me because even though I don’t paint landscapes, I often get ideas whilst walking. Also people watching and going to galleries.

Do you have any pets?

I had a beautiful Pomeranian named Baby.

He was a little dog I inherited from my daughter who died tragically at the age of 23 - and I honestly don’t know how I would have made it without him. It was through Baby that I learned about loving a

Tallulah the Basset - watercolour

I was sent the photo (below) as a thank you and it touched my heart.

One of the reasons I love to paint people’s pets - to feel I am able to offer some comfort to someone who has lost a precious companion.

Pip, the JRT

What are your favourite places and subjects to paint?

I love to paint people and animals, though I mostly paint in my studio from reference material. It’s always exciting to paint a person from life of course - but I’ve yet to find a dog that would stay still for long enough!

Any brief tips for the amateur pet artist?

Only work from reference photos that give you enough information for a painting.

Sometimes clients send me fuzzy photos and I really can’t work from them.

Always try to go beyond the photo to capture the soul of the animal. Keep practicing and get to know your mediums.

In memoriam photo - watercolour

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Review by MARIE CARTER-ROBB Freya is an extraordinary artist who seems to capture the very essence, the soul of her pet subjects.

We can ourselves attest to this fact, as she very kindly painted Pets Magazine’s canine reviewers (pictured above), two of whom Nell, the Blenheim Cavalier and Sophie, the ruby, very sadly passed away in 2022 aged 16 and 14 respectively.

Anyone who has truly experienced the “love unflinching that cannot lie” of a dog (in the words of Kipling),

that endures. It cannot be replaced by other pets; it lasts and that loss and resultant grief is something that never really dies.

e eyes are a window

To capture the very soul essence of a loved and lost pet is a remarkable talent.

Freya has achieved this with her beautifully will know that the pain of rendered pastel paintings of losing a beloved canine hurts to ‘The Gang’ (Nell, Rufus and the core. It is a visceral ache Sophie) above. that leaves behind a hollowness

to the very soul.

‘The Gang’

The drawings taken from a selection of photos faithfully capture their true essence. The colours of their hair, the fine texture, but most startlingly, their eyes. For the eyes are a very window to the soul, after all.

testament to her strength and beauty.

Sophie, my darling ruby Cavalier, was a beautiful and truly gentle soul. She was a beloved pet from being a puppy. Sophie liked her own company but still adored Far more than any photo, a cuddles. She had a toy tiger painting artfully rendered and which she loved from where the subject is faithfully puppyhood. Sophie also drawn, can portray the soul of enjoyed playing The Game, its subject. where someone would call her name and she would run to Nell, the Blenheim, was a them. She loved mooching decade long survivor of a puppy around the garden, and she farm, used and abused. In her loved to savour her food. final six years, she knew true love. From hurt and trauma to Rufus, the 5-year old black and trust and love, her eyes are tan Cavalier, is the young measures of her journey. She upstart of The Gang. He loved loved cuddles and outings, Nell especially and regarded latterly in her pushchair, and her as his mother. Nell, secretly her pastel is a wonderful liked that.

These extraordinary pastels by Freya capture their special essence. In some innate way, it is as if their souls have been captured in the paintings for the viewer to see forever.

You too can have your beloved pets faithfully captured on canvas.

Based between England and south west France, Freya enjoys taking on new projects, whether a simple sketch, oil or mural.

Email: freyahope@hotmail.com Or visit her website at: https:// lbray47.wixsite.com/freyaheart

More Tales from Cat Rescue: Gorgeous Gusta

Cat lover and proud owner of Lola, the pampered feline, Dr. DAVID CLIFF, continues his regular series on stories from the amazing cat rescue Yorkshire Cat Rescue (YCR) where he is a

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volunteer. Here, David introduces us to gorgeous ‘Gusta’.

David with his beloved cat Lola

By DR DAVID CLIFF A regular writer in Pets Magazine, Dr DAVID CLIFF continues his exploration of the work of Yorkshire Cat Rescue and some of the issues it raises for animal relationships with humans. In his latest article, the signi cant role of the foster carer is considered

any society was how it cared for its animals. Sure, of course we are a nation of animal lovers, but the reality is, it is not a universal human trait - neglect and misfortune often feature in the animal world. Thankfully, this is in part offset by the work of animal rescue charities.

'Gus' was a premature kitten whose mum was being looked after by a homeless person. Gus was ultimately the only survivor of an original litter of six, and was taken to Yorkshire Cat Rescue in a rather sorry state.

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The philosophy of the service is The last couple of months have "trusted by cats" and we can see seen examples of the work of why when little Gus was given a Yorkshire Cat Rescue (YCR), chance. The cat care team based in the heart of Yorkshire, swung into action ensuring Gus yet pretty much serving the was fed through the night, entire country. In the last issue having to be careful he didn't of Pets Mag, we heard about aspirate the milk given to him, the trials, rescue and given that he had difficulty Charles Darwin once convalesce of Hero; this month, feeding. commented that the measure of another rescue features, Gusto.

Gus loves playing with paper bags!

This was quickly transferred to a foster carer as this would allow the one-on-one intensity of care that this tiny kitten needed. Fostering is potentially very rewarding, but equally demanding and fosterers quickly acquire skills and adaptability to deal with the myriad situations that are present with the kitten or cat in their care.

“I knew I had to do my best for the cute little ball of fluff that was so tiny that he could curl up in the palm of my hand.

So the bottle feeding started.

Every two hours for the first 14 days, Gus had to be fed special formula milk, and be

snuggled up with a tiny furry dinosaur toy meant for babies.

“At two weeks old his pee suddenly smelt really strong.

This is not normal. Not wanting to take any risks it was straight to the vets - two days later it still hadn’t cleared up, and he had an infection in his bladder. “So at just 2 weeks old, we started a short course of the tiniest dose of antibiotics that you can imagine.

“I felt so sorry for him

And their narrative is better than anything I can say, so here’s what happened from Emily, Gus's foster mum:

– so young and all

alone in the world.”

“I can’t tell you how sleep deprived you get having to stimulated to go to the toilet feed a kitten every two hours. It every time too.” is a crazy experience, especially "At just over a day old, and as by the time you have boiled Emily continued: “It was a weighing 68g, little Gus came the kettle, made the formula, balancing act to make sure he to me, I have looked after many was getting enough milk to gain cooled it, fed and toileted the kittens for Yorkshire Cat kitten, settled the kitten, and weight, but not too much as Rescue, but this was my first fallen back to sleep, you only that can make them ill, but he hand-rear. I felt so sorry for was strong, and very loud when get about an hours sleep him – so young and all alone in hungry! He liked to sleep maximum before you need to the world. get up and do it all again!”

compassion for cats, hard work and a strong supporter base.

The YCR’s cat care team were at the end of the phone for every problem, no matter how small.

Infections repeatedly returned with antibiotics continuing to the point where Gus had been on them for most of his life.

Later tests and specialist referral revealed E. coli, a bladder problem and an uncertain future for little Gus. After a Christmas when the possibilities had included the worst and the determination to give the little chap a lovely time, a further specialist referral discovered that Gus was actually female! Gus became Augusta or Gusta for short!

healthy life. She's overcome so much being that tiny kitten with little chance of survival to being a thriving energetic, naughty little youngster that loves to play and make us all laugh.”

Emily is right; kittens and cats and in the wider animal species, often need considerable care if their survival is to be assured. A ‘no kill’ policy such as that espoused in the value set of YCR means that fundraising has been ongoing to support Gusta’s costs and will continue to do so.

Just as healthcare has advanced for humans, it has for Bladder abnormalities were animals but it is necessarily discovered which may account costly and there is no NHS for for the recurring infections she them. Equally, if Darwin's gets and anti-inflammatory quote above is to be true, then medication was prescribed with the expediency of euthanasia the possibility of surgery in the simply because of cost when future. interventions exist that can secure life, creates a human Emily continued: “My hope is moral and values-based debate she can live a long happy that YCR decisively resolve by

Emily ably demonstrates the challenges that fostering animals can engender and the partnership that proceeds between good rescue centres and those in the community that seek to provide care. It's not for the fainthearted but can be incredibly rewarding. It also requires a particular mind-set as ultimately having given exceptional care such as in Gusta's case, the bond develops that they can result in having to say goodbye to the foster animal either for rehoming or if fate is unkind medically.

Fosterers however, give an animal a fighting chance that would not otherwise exist.

Want to know more about fostering? Visit your local charity's website and see if they are looking for people to help.

You can find your local cat charities here https://adch.org.uk/find-arescue/ https://www.catchat.org/ index.php/cat-rescue-centresuk-ireland Every good wish to Emily and Gusta!

How to train your puppy

Pet writer DEBBIE WOODLIFFE shares some top tips on how positive reinforcement can help

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to successfully train your new puppy.

Photo: Rowan, the ruby Cavalier pup

Using positive reinforcement like treats, praise and encouragement can be an effective way to train your puppy, help them learn essential behaviours to see them through life and keep them safe. Whether it’s crate training or learning not to jump up, using positive reinforcement early on is crucial to raising a safe and happy dog.

What behaviours do new puppies need to learn?

There are lots of things young dogs needs to learn to keep safe, happy, and calm during their life. The Dog’s Trust has loads of advice about basic puppy training, but most dogs will need to know about: Sitting and staying - whilst out on a walk, waiting for meals, around other people, and dogs.

Heel - teaching your puppy Keep reading as we discuss the that they should stay close to you will help them feel safe benefits of this training style alongside some essential puppy whilst out on walks. training tips & tricks.

Recall - your puppy should learn to respond to its name and come back to you when it is called to prevent any unwelcome chasing or playing with other animals or people.

Where to go to the toilet whilst your puppy probably won't go to the bathroom on cue, positive reinforcement can help teach them to go in the garden and not the house.

The sooner you train your dog, the better, as they won’t have time to develop challenging traits. Plus, it can help them feel safe and in control which may help to reduce anxietyrelated behaviours such as barking or biting.

Depending on your puppy's specific behaviours, you may feel that additional training is required. You may need to prevent them from jumping up onto people or help them overcome attachment anxiety, or to make them more comfortable when travelling in the car.

Should I take my dog to training classes?

Dog training classes not only teach your dog obedience, but they also help to socialise puppies, desensitise them and keep them calm around other dogs. You will also be able to receive tailored advice from a professional that can help you improve your training The same principles apply to technique at home. So, even if training and rewards - just be you only attend a handful of sure not to reward or punish bad behaviour, as any attention classes with your dog, it can pay off in the long run. towards ‘incorrect’ behaviour will only confuse your dog.

Puppy classes are most valuable when started between eight weeks and three months of age (once vaccinated), as this

is the primary time for socialisation. Many dog owners leave training too late and end up needing to correct poor behaviour.

What is positive reinforcement?

Rewarding good behaviour is a common training and conditioning technique. For example, parents give their children a tasty snack after eating all their greens, and teachers offer gold stars to the best performers in class. It can be a successful and pleasant way to change behaviour - and it works with animals as well as humans.

Giving your dog positive reinforcement, whether it’s treats, toys or praise, has many benefits:

The happy, cheerful tones can help them relax in more stressful situations. You also need to ensure you keep any verbal communication short 1. It encourages them to repeat and clear. So, pick concise the behaviour which resulted in verbal cues and use them in a it. calm tone:

them to lie down, hold the treat near their nose and sit down with them as you move the treat toward the floor. Soon enough, they will be able to associate the cue, treat and body language with the right behaviours.

2. It can help them to associate the treats and good behaviour with a specific cue.

When you are training your puppy, ensure that everyone else in your household is on board and using the same cues to avoid confusion. You should also ensure you aren't rewarding bad behaviour by accident like if your puppy barks a lot and you give them fuss or talk to them, they will learn that barking gets them the attention they want.

3. The positivity can build their confidence

- Sit - Lie - Stay - Come - Up - Drop - Heel.

4. The encouragement can help them learn to make good Also, whilst using verbal cues, decisions use your body language as a guide for your puppy. For example, if you are teaching

What rewards can I use?

perform it correctly at the start, but you can reward them for getting closer to it or hold back the reward and encourage them to finish the training.

Make sure you don’t overfeed your puppy when training as they have different nutritional requirements than older dogs.

It's best to go for small, natural treats suitable for puppies aged When should I stop using two months and up. Types of rewards? rewards include: Once your dog is successfully following your cues, slowly - Small treats or pieces of dog reduce the number of treats food you're giving them. Try - Petting, cuddles or fuss rewarding them every other - Upbeat verbal time and decrease until they communication are following your orders - Toys without a reward.

Remember to use the reward immediately after your dog performs the desired behaviour. They might not

By all means, continue to praise them each time, but it won’t need to be as over the top as when using praise as a reward.

Now you know how to start using positive reinforcement to train your new puppy and why it's so important. So, what will you teach your four-legged friend first?

Esther’s Escapades

Retired vet and author of ‘Pets Aplenty’ MALCOLM D. WELSHMAN on the case of a home-loving sheep

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Photo by Andrea Lightfoot on Unsplash

By MALCOLM D.

completely ignores Jack.’

He nodded at his Collie who’d done a good job in rounding up the flock from my herbaceous border.

WELSHMAN

The smell of roast lamb was wafting from the kitchen one Sunday when it was suddenly joined by a Malcolm and Dora chorus of baas and the crash of chairs tumbling Esther was not with them. Oh to the oor. It sounded as no. She’d skedaddled round the someone was wrecking the corner - perhaps sensing that joint – and I’m not talking the roast-lamb smell was too roast here. close to home for comfort. She

However, it seems that as her tongue curled round the last clump of ornamental grass in that garden, a large Alsatian appeared who saw her more as lamb chops than a woolly friend.

was now methodically stripping ‘She’s been badly mauled,’ said my favourite rose of its new Chris, hauling her out of his spring growth.

Land Rover.

‘What the heck?’

I raced through to find a sheep staring at me from behind the breakfast bar. Fifty or so others were crowded round the open back door, all trying to push in.

“She gave me a bright

‘Esther. It could only be you,’ I exclaimed.

She gave me a bright yelloweyed stare and wagged her tail.

A pile of droppings showered onto the floor.

yellow-eyed stare and wagged her tail.”

Her Houdini capabilities grew in line with her quest to seek pastures new. The three bungalows bordering Chris’s farm were good examples of her expertise. Each had a long ‘So sorry,’ apologised Chris back garden, each with a Martin when summoned to collect the sheep and herd them different lay-out. back to his adjoining farm.

Esther decided all three were worth exploring.

‘It’s just that Esther, being hand-reared, thinks home is a The first gave her neat rows of warm kitchen and an Aga. spinach, cabbage and sprouts She’s always escaping. And

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to chew over. The second an expanse of lawn to mow – liberally fertilised in the process. And the third, blocks of ornamental grasses and bonsai trees to be stripped bare - so adding to the minimalist nature of the plot.

Between us, we carried Esther into my surgery where she lay on the consulting table, her yellow eyes glazed, her chest heaving like bellows. Very shocked.

‘Don’t hold out much chance for her,’ I said as I got to work, stitching up the large gash in her flank. But this was Esther we were talking about. There was no holding this sheep down for long. And sure enough, she was up on her trotters in no time.

The next thing I knew she’d trotted over a main road, down a track to a disused gravel pit, lost her footing and toppled in.

As soon as I heard the screech of tyres in the drive I thought Hello … Esther again?

But she hadn’t reckoned on Rambo, Chris's ram.

By the following spring, Esther

She stared at me with those yellow eyes of hers and then gave a bleat. It was echoed by several high-pitched bleats alongside her.

As my eyes became accustomed to the gloom, I saw two tiny dark coloured heads buried in the straw next to her – two tiny Esther look-a-likes. She had given birth in the drive over.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

When Chris opened the back of his Land Rover, I was confronted by a very wet, very sandy coloured sheep whose back leg stuck out at a funny angle.

‘Think she’s broken her hock,’ he said.

was waddling around with an expectant air.

I might have guessed she’d choose a bitterly cold night in April to go into labour. It was an Easter weekend too.

Chris phoned. ‘Esther’s been straining for over two hours.

Nothing’s happened.’

This time it was me – not Esther – that had escaped. No breech. No Caesarian.

‘Thanks Esther,’ I whispered.

‘It’s all down to you now.’

She baaed at me several times and then turned to give her lambs a motherly wash.

‘Easter bleatings to you too,’ I said with a grin. *****************************

Malcolm D. Welshman is author of Pets Aplenty published by Austin ‘Best bring her in then,’ I Macauley Publishers ‘Might prove difficult to mend,’ replied.

0207 038 8312 at £7.99 I murmured.

Kindle version 99p In the back of the Land Rover, I www.malcolmwelshman But of course, this was Esther. strained to see Esther huddled .co.uk.

Within days she was hobbling in semi-darkness, hidden in a He should have been a vet. He was right.

about with the aid of two metal mound of straw, only her head splints and plenty of supportive visible. I scrambled in. bandage. And was soon on the look-out for her next ‘Hello Esther … we meet again. adventure.

Always in trouble, eh?’

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