Entries about dogs

I've always wanted a dog. But if there's one thing I've learnt from dog sitting two working dogs for the last month, is the amount of time and commitment they require. As loving and obedient Badger and Karma are, I think I'll stick to the plan of being a mad cat lady in my old age!
These are two lucky dogs, with 17 acres of property to roam in and national parks on their dorrstep

However, it was great every morning to have an excuse to go walking in the nearby National Park (Beelu).

The dogs were nearly always obedient, only ignoring me when there was a kangaroo worth chasing! But how can you be cross with a face like this...


and even if I didn't know my way, I could rely on them to take me for a walk! Even showing me the dead-end to a beautiful view

Another place we investigated was Fred Jacoby Park. We'd be out come rain or sine!

The property was purchased by Fred and his brother Mathieson in 1896, one of the first settlers in the Perth Hills.

The land was cleared and a cottage and vineyard built.

The oak tree was planted in 1886 along with an orchard and ornamental trees.

In 1965 Fred's daughter Elfreda Devenish donated the property to the people of western Australia and the forests Department transformed it into Fred Jacoby Park, part of the Beelu National Park.

The dogs went everywhere with me and how exciting it must have been to smell a million new smells along the way

However, one of the highlights for both the dogs and myself, was the trips to the dog beach at Hilary's

The dogs have a fortnightly wash, which puts the fear of dread in them -= but it's all fine when they get a treat at the end! and they smell divine!

I'm going to miss waking up, pinned down, to sloppy morning kisses!

Life wasn't just about the dogs, Arthur Is a beautiful Russian Blue cat,

who is so loving and affectionate, followed me on my rounds to feed the animals, and snuggled down under the duvet cover at night, like a slithering snake!

However, he is a cat, and showed off by catching his first mouse the week I arrived!

I rescued it and put it back in the hay where they live.

The morning and evening rounds including feeding and cleaning out the chickens, including Fred the cockerel

feeding and checking the paddock where Rosie and James lived. Rosie is a very well love cow

and James is a very timid Alpaca

with the use of the Quad to clear up the paddocks.

and then there's the fish in the pond and feeding the birds - flamin' Galah's!

and so, on the last day, Yvonne and I took some time out to enjoy Mandoon Vineyard as the sun set