Update for pals! - My Visit to the Specialist!! 28.05.13

Just a quick update for all my pals!!!

As you know I have had poorly skin since I arrived here 3 years ago and my humans felt very sad because at times I am in so much distress that they did raid their piggy banks and arranged for me to see a specialist in this field.

Waiting for my appointment hasn't been the easiest of 5 weeks due to having gone cold turkey on the steroids that I have been dependant on for the past 3 years!. But can I Just say *drum roll* by doing this I have lost over 1.2kg in steroid body weight! Lots more to go but it could take up to 1 year for all the steroids to get out of my body! #onthewaytobeslimgim



So by Monday I was really fed up and ready to make the journey so hopefully I could be made better!


It was a big day for me yesterday Merseyside we got up very early to travel to Merseyside.

After 3 hours travelling we arrived, and I was stressed, barking and woofing dogs, purring cats, and squeaking ferrets making noise just put me on edge even more.

We went in to see the specialist, who seemed nice and asked lots of questions. What I eat, where I sleep, what meds I've had, and about hundred other questions. The specialist had owned a BT so I was in good hands. She knew I was friendly and examined me on the table. She lit up my tummy and peered at tiny things invading my skin. I had my ears looked at and some fur pulled out that was just about hanging onto me. She explained how I would have some samples taken from the deep layers of my skin and how they would be cut up and shipped out to places to be looked at and pondered over. I would be shaved and they didn't think they would be able to do the allergy test as I have had so many steroids in my system that my skin may not react to the test properly but she would try. I would have to be sleep through it all because i would need stitches. But that suits me, could do with a rest.

I was collected at 5 ish and then they told me and my humans what was wrong with me. I am allergic to a spectrum of things that are unfortunately distributed over the year. That means, allergens are effecting me most of the year. I have a bad skin infection that I have had now for 3 years, and my skin is in a bad way all over and deep inside my body. It is suspected that the bugs in my system are a 'super bug'. This means they have special powers to resist antibacterial medication. So to combat this I have a special shampoo every day that will kill the bugs, while a decent dose of antibiotics at the correct dose should prevent any more bugs from forming and over a period of time clear the deep down infection away. When I'm clear of the infection they can then treat my allergies hopefully with a special vaccine made specially for me to combat the specific things I'm allergic too.

Before I left the specialist rubbed some soothing oat spray on me to keep my skin cool and my humans can apply this whenever I need soothing. I also have some tablets to help me (and my humans) get some sleep so I can get break from the damage caused to my skin from scratching and chewing it all the time.

My war wounds! I have a few of these here and there on my body! but thankfully no cone of shame was given!! phew!!






The allergy testing spots!



Glad to be travelling home after my day!


Resting today!


Thank you to all my pals for supporting us and all the lovely tweets and messages sorry if we didn't respond personally we was a bit all over the place yesterday!

Lots of love
Gimli xx
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Secret Mission!

Well howdy furs!!

It's been a while since I last blogged and thought it was about time I got my paw into action and wrote a little ditty!

It's been a rough month or so with my allergies, those pesky unknown microscopic microbe things have been invading my system. I've tried nibbling them off, or using the abrasive properties of the carpet to scrape them away - but they are just to persistent.

Some kind twitter pals have suggested some wonderful remedies to alleviate the bothersome symptoms. So while you may be eating your porridge and drinking your red tea, I'll be bathing my tummy in it to draw out those blighters and give my skin a break from their chomping.

I have also been aided by another supplement of biscuits supplied by the Little Barker Bakery. Though technically my appointment is one of very esteemed deputy tester to the boss Darcey! This is work rather than pleasure, but I have had immeasurable job satisfaction from their new offerings, which when hearing about my skin problems they very kindly put on their thinking caps and came up with some treats that could have a positive benefits for me.

I love this job!!



Enclosed in the little box that the Postie pushed through my letter box was 2 packets of biscuits cut into lovely bones, stars and heart shapes and a lovely letter:






Now being boss - Darcey did the first taste test and liked the tomato ones best, and I have to agree they are nomtastic!!! I was sad when I had eaten them all up! but given time, the Cranberry ones did take me more and more by surprise, and I found myself wanting more and more!

You have done it again Darcey and your staff at The Little Barker Bakery these new biscuits are fabulous!!

Now you may be thinking can I try some of these tasty nomtastic biscuits? Well the answer is yes, and the Tasty Tomato ones are currently available to buy so check them out at:

www.thelittlebarker.co.uk





Can me and my humans just thank all those that have supported us offering a wealth of information over the past few months your support has been a great source of comfort on difficult days!

Off to a specialist in 4 weeks, and on Tuesday I will be steroid free for the first time in 3 years so hopefully pot belly free soon too!! BOL!!

TTFN

Lots of love
Gimli
x

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Apprentice Taste Tester

What is this? a Twitter job advert for an Easter Nom Taste Apprentice for 'Darcy' Chief Taster for Little Barker Bakery



What with my health problems and being on steroids I get very hungry indeed so an excuse to eat more in the name of research how can my humans who are failing to keep me trim refuse! BOL!!

So I put in my Twitter application and crossed my paws!





A little while later I got some excellent news! I had been chosen by Darcy! *spin spin spin* #woof










I waited by the door in anticipation! and low and behold the stagecoach rolled up with my delivery! *hooray*

I wasted no time in opening my little cardboard box and look what was inside!

Lovely biscuits all for me to taste in the name of research! I was going to enjoy this!








I tucked in!!



My first taste testing mission:

On first inspection the biscuits where presented very well, wrapped in cellphone to keep them fresh. The biscuits where in several easter themed designs. On closer inspection the biscuits had a rich deep brown colour - not at all wishy washy. The biscuits where crisply cut and retained a detailed surface pattern. Yummy!

Taking them out of there shines packet the biscuit feel crisp and smell good.

Now the important part - taste test!

Upon biting they feel very satisfying, producing an audible crunch - nice and fresh. They had a good use by date too.

As for the taste all I can say it the biscuits are all gone and I'm sat by the door waiting for another little package! Come on humans please order me some more?

I highly recommend these my pal 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ gold rating!

Get yours and lots more lovely noms from www.thelittlebarker.co.uk

Darcy is also on twitter #BTposse members and will happily talk about her superb noms and all things nommy which she is currently baking up with the help of her humans @thelittlebarker

Got to go now pals off to order some more @thelittlebarkernoms

Lots of love

Gimli xx


Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

My first adventure! and Fun in the snow!

Now I was settled in my new home it was time to have a holiday. The destination was the Lake District, just outside Keswick where they make pencils. Driving to the campsite was spectacular - tall hills, mountains, and tors passed the view I had from the boot. We arrived at Castlerigg campsite and set up are camp in a pod. It's a large wooden kennel for people and animals. It has electricity to power a heater and lights. It's a luxury form of camping for humans that aren't as hardy as us terriers. They had a blow up bed, and I had my cage. The humans didn't know how I would cope in a strange place, but I settled right in and slept much better than they did- which I still find ironic.

We had some wonderful days out in Keswick. They have some amazing attractions - such as the Dog and Gun pub. This pub is very welcoming to dogs. They sell a special assortments of dog biscuits behind the bar. So when humans order food I can have something off the menu too. My humans went one step further and fetched me a sausage from a nearby chip shop. That pub trip was amazing, and when we walked past the pub last year I was so adamant that we where going in again that we eventually did do. And yes, I got my biscuits and sausage again. Such good times!

Not far from the pub is the incredible George Fisher shop. Not only is it multilevel bliss for outdoor human clothing, but also the staff made such a fuss of me they stopped work and came to stroke me. Biscuits would have be good, but stroking was nice.

We didn't go to the pencil factory in the end - not something the humans would have got away with it it had been a Dentistick factory!

On this holiday we also went to St Bees. The humans had had many nice trips to the beach at Robin Hoods Bay and where always fascinated by the famous walk from St Bee's to Robin Hoods Bay. So while in the area we popped into St Bees. Maybe it was the horizontal rain and dense mist, but the place seemed to lack something. We walked up a large hill and got so wet that going in the sea would have achieve the same effect. This dampened the human spirits. There was not large coffee shop chain present so we had some substitute in a squat rectangular building that didn't seem to have an adequate number of paint layers. So we left there somewhat deflated, cold, wet, and without proper sustenance.

I slept in my cage the first night, but then as I was so relaxed I was allowed out of the cage, so I made myself comfortable on the humans air-bed and sleeping bags. I really think sleeping bags are the way to go for terrier comfort on holiday. So now I have my own which I love. The Humans liked having me close, and I like to borrow there surplus body heat. Actually I felt very safe and happy!

There was a day trip to Grassmere that is worth mentioning. Its a lovely place where incredible gingerbread is sold. But thats not the source of interest of this day trip. We parked in the a school yard - which operated as a car park out of term time. We then walked down to the lake, where the humans looked at very large maps and nodded and pointed. The where lots of things to smell on this walk around the lake. Lots and lots of things. The 3 hour walk however took a little longer than expected. After 6 hours the humans were getting worried that we wouldn't be back in time to get the car out of the car park. There was still lots to smell though. We had to catch the bus back when we got to the main road, otherwise we would never have made it. The guide book severely underestimated the walking time when accompanied with a terrier. It was a lovely day though!




Next Week... we move to Coniston Water where I'm poorly and get no more sausage and make a visit to a TV vet.....




A snow day Monday 21st January 2013

Well today my humans got an extra day off work and we had some fun in the snow!

We made a new member for the posse!




Went sledging in the garden!


Watch the bins!!


One of my humans in a silly hat!


Played ball!





Let me in I want a biscuit please!



Thank you to @ClaptonTerrier and @maria7scruff for last weeks excellent hat choice!




Watch this space on the 25th for the next hat! *taps nose*


See you next week pals
Love Gimli x

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Update 2

When I was searching for a new owner I had a letter of recommendation. It details my life and passes on the critical information needed to fully meet all my needs. For such a complex and demanding Terrier as myself you will perhaps judge this to be an inadequate letter - you could make this assumption from its length alone – as any Dog worth their bone would require several pages of small print. I’m not very happy about this letter as it does not really have the depth needed to communicate my character, needs, or history.I would also like to appeal against the slanderous remark about being nervous around children, because I'm extremely tolerant and good with them. I play very well with children and even let them play with my tennis ball.

If you read it then do so with the knowledge that everything turned out very well and I am now happy. It has been a struggle at times though, especially with my skin troubles - as this was simply not documented. It mentions nothing about me needing medication, steroids or copious trips to the vet.

It’s important to read with an open mind and form judgements about why and how things were put on paper and set in motion. If people form sensible opinions on these matters It may save other brave dogs from enduring this. I often wonder if a lack of emotion in the letter is because my previous owners had a limited emotional range or a lack of penmanship skills – or both or combination thereof. Maybe it was too emotionally difficult to express themselves, so they opted for a denial and banality.

Anyhow, get a nice cup of Earl Gray and have a read.

(you may need to click on the picture to enlarge)





Well done to @borderpup for suggesting a jesters hat. Here I am wearing one.





Keep your suggestions of headwear coming in! My latest hat venture is one inspired from the Victorian futurist Steampunk genre.




Take care for now pals

Love Gimli x

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Dog blog introduction!

Hi welcome to my blog. Here I will be sharing my current undertakings, thoughts and musings. About hats, food, my past, and more hats and the odd scarf!

I want to start off by introducing myself wearing some different hats. I do like hats and i am hoping to wear lots by the end of the year.




My cartoon alter ego is also helping me out with my hat wearing ruminations.


I will also be hoping to make some guides for some of the trickier things in life.




Like all good films and books (two other of my passions in life) I will start at the beginning!




It all began in May 2010 and I had very little in the way of processions just an old rubber chicken that I still have to this day. I lived on a farm for 3 weeks after my second home broke down (don't know why!) I was sort of in-between homes and resting up with a few other dogs in some kennels beside an old farmhouse. The accommodation was not to be recommended – cold hard floors and sub-standard kibble. But it was here that I met my new owners, who took me out for a test walk. Of course I behaved very well and turned on all the charm as they seemed keen and stable people. Outdoor shoes looked appropriate for dog ownership and their lack of dog walking skills meant they will be easy for me to train.

So fate had been cruel and kind. I had endured the past, but now looked forward to the future with my new owners. Leaving the farm with its heady smells of rape seed and horse poop - I jumped into the boot of the car and we set off. I love travelling in cars - very relaxing, so I was pleased it was a long trip. Further away the better, if im going to have a new life I might as well go somewhere far away. I had time to savour the freshly prepared cage and bedding, and felt lulled by chatter about me. The humans seemed excited and nervous, I’d probably be able to settle them by keeping my head on this nice bedding and relaxing into it.

On arriving my new home I was shown to my sleeping quarters. My own room under the stairs. Not like Harry potter – all furnished nice with a new bed and cage. Nice and safe.
When my new owners had their mealtimes I went to the cage, and had my food afterwards. I had seen the Creaser Milan DVD lying around and knew they where going for the pack leader status. As they get to know each other I’m sure we will build up trust and I’ll be eating my food with them – then eating their food! As a border terrier I am good manipulating humans. My new owners seem nice, so I’m sure they will give me all a I need, and all I want!

They took me for a walk and gave me the same horrible supplied kibble. Now I’d got a nice home with my own garden I would make a stand on the food and not eat it. My new owners seamed nice, and concerned for my wellbeing by using pheromone diffusers and suchlike to help me relax from the shock of moving. Actually it wasn’t such a shock – more of a relief after the concrete floor and cold nights. The other dogs barked and made it hard to get a good night’s rest. Back to the food – so the refusal to eat spurned a game of buy and try. Food did improve – and eventually you will see what I ended up with.

I went to a vets and they put a chip inside me – not an oven chip or freshly cooked wedge of potato in goose fat – but a micro chip. I guess at looking at things long term I felt happy that this showed long term commitment to keeping me. While edible chips are tasty they are just transient trans fat comfort. I also developed an itch. This is nothing new – but my new owners where a bit suppressed about it. The vet explained it was atopica – a unhelpfully generic term of my skin problems. If I could talk I would have advised to get the insurance sorted out before mentioning this to the vet. As skin can be costly and I didn’t want to be a burden on them. I will be explaining about my skin in more detail in later blogs.

Well that's it furs for my first tasty dog blog - watch this space!!

Thanks for taking time to read me bloggy! BOL!

See you soon pals!

Gimli x

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad