OV9

mik wrote: Sat Jul 04, 2026 12:10 am Our German Shepherd is really enjoying swimming at the moment. Bought her a cheap water retrieval toy. Shmashin.

Tonight some idiot threw it too far - into the undergrowth on the other bank of the waterway. Dog couldn’t figure out where it had gone. Dog perplexed. Value of toy not really a concern, but dog going crazy was. No choice but to cross waterway to retrieve it. Motherhubbard.

Same idiot found the shallowest way across, which was - unfortunately - somewhat deeper than the height of their hiking boots.

Same idiot discovered that waterproof boots then act like a wetsuit - Water trapped inside heats up and is no longer chilltastic. And yet the overall experience remains quite some distance from pleasant.

Idiots boots are currently drying.

German shepherd is however happy. Good dog.

I took have embarked on this very mission to retrieve a foolish Ginger Retrievers toy.

The irony of having to retrieve something for a Retriever is not lost on ones self.

You don't see me in this thread much but I have sad news. Sausage, the older of our two dachshund brothers, didn't want his dinner last night. My wife found him struggling to stand this morning and he's at the vets now while she says goodbyes. I've had to say mine over the phone. He was 13 and Colin, his brother from the next year's litter, is 12 and will miss him terribly. I've already shed some tears.

It's tragic timing; an old colleague lost her dog Bob yesterday suddenly. I don't think this weather is good for dogs. Sausage has been a bit cantankerous for a while now but he's an old man and don't we all get a bit grumpy from time to time as we age.

Fortunately a couple of the cats really love Colin so he won't be lonely, even if he doesn't understand why his brother is no longer around.

He's on the left in the first photo and behind in the second:

Really sorry to hear this Jobbo...

Rest in Peace Sausage...

RIP sausage

RIP super dog!!!

Dave!

That’s rubbish - feeling your pain - RIP little Sausage.

It’s always hard to loose a dog. RIP sausage

Sorry for your loss.

Thanks folks. Looking back at photos since we moved house in 2024 he visibly aged quite a lot over the last couple of years and because it was gradual I didn't notice. Colin has a milky eye (the vet says not cataracts but it looks like it to me) and arthritic hips but is still quite strong and lively. Need to make the most of his time with us because he could be gone too, just like that.

Sorry to hear the, Si. I'm sure you've given Sausage the best life possible.

Also, Colin is probably the ultimate name for a Daschund (for those of use of a certain age anyway!).

Sorry to hear. RIP Sausage

So sorry to read this Simon. Thoughts to you all.

Colin and Sausage are absolutely the best names for Daschunds though. I hope Colin gets some extra treats and tummy tickles to make up for his loss tonight.

Sorry to hear this Simon.

RIP Sausage

Sorry to hear this Simon. Dogs really are the best of us, seeing them go is not cool at all.