A Tale of Two Badgers

I believe in the existence of badgers. I've seen the entrances to their setts, I've heard them snarl at Ziggy when he went down their tunnels, I know they live in the woods, I suspect that in the past they were scratching at the doors of the hen house and I've even seen dead ones on the road. But I've never seen a live one and I still haven't.

Last night Hannah came rushing into the house, Chico in her arms.

Where are the dogs? Are the cats here?

What panicked her? Just outside our house, halfway between the back door and the entrance to the hen run two badgers were fighting. Hannah was scared that one of the animals might have been one of our pets. But no, two badgers fighting. Bert saw them both run across the yard then scoot off in different directions. All our pets were fine. Cleo was outside, as was Judy. Judy, being stone deaf, heard nothing but Cleo was excited and set off in pursuit of the badgers. 

I was so jealous. I've never seen a living badger and now Chico has and he is only eleven weeks old.

Chico is Hannah's puppy. This is his sixth day living here and he is well settled. Nothing fazes him, not even fighting badgers. But wait until he meets the pigs!

A Bit Of A Setback

 Don't panic! It's only my knitting project.

This is where I was on Sunday. It was reasonable to hope that I could complete it before next weekend.

And this is where I am tonight. I went wrong. I probably could have fixed it if I had the patience but instead said 'fuckit' and ripped it back. I will reassemble and knit on tomorrow.

But what cheered me up was this picture that Declan sent.

Our girl is the one in the turquoise collar. We humans are very excited to welcome her sometime after Easter. 

Then Laura sent this picture. 

Bert still hasn't chosen her name. We expect an announcement on Thursday.

Bert Chooses A Puppy

 

Since we've been together Bert and I have had nine dogs , of which six were strays or rescue dogs, one inherited from an elderly uncle and two (our current pair) that came as puppies from unplanned litters.

Apart from Roy, who belonged to Bert's Uncle Paddy and Bonnie who was christened by Pearlie (I liked her choice) all of our dogs were named by me. Surely it is time to give Bert a go?

So, when we decided we'd have one of  Tilly's accidental litter (9 puppies!) I thought Bert should choose and name it. Today he did the choosing bit, tomorrow she is to be named and in seven weeks or so we will bring her home.

I thought Bert would be indecisive but when the little brown girl was in his arms it seems he fell in love.

I said,

Do you want to look at some of the others?

He looked at the one in his lap and said,

But I like this one.

He didn't say but looked as if he might be thinking,

Don't take her away from me!

Swisser chose a pup too.

The Old and the Young

 

Spot the odd one out

It seems such a short time since Judy and the pigs were new. All of them reach their teens this summer, which is old for dogs and pigs. Jess is coming eleven so she's not so far behind them while Fred, the oldest of all will soon be fifteen.  Nellybert are feeling a bit creaky too but at least we have Pippin, young and lively and doing well despite her awful accident.

Now, it might be a crazy idea but Pippin won't be the baba of the house for much longer as Nellybert are getting a PUPPY! The pigs won't care, Judy will be stoical, Fred will be mildly put out, Jess will hate it and Pippin? Pippin will be thrilled. Somebody new to play with.