National Search And Rescue Dog Association
Reg. Charity No. 1069110 |
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Little did I realise just how much our life was going to change when I agreed to having a sheep-dog-collie puppy. Now I can't believe that I actually conceded. We sat on a bale of hay in a stable deciding which puppy to take. They all looked alike really all cute, soft, cuddly black and white bundles of fluff. I rather liked the mother, a proud, elegant and affectionate lady who was probably enjoying the rest from her work of rounding sheep on the farm for which she is highly prized.
Outside the handsome father of the pups strutted arrogantly around his kennel, also a working dog though not as reliable as his partner. I should have known that we were in for trouble.
After the third visit Paul decided on his puppy to be - (his partner in crime). He chose a bitch as they were noted for their loyalty and subservience (rather like his wife!!). I was rather worried that she appeared to be rather slow and less aware of us as the other puppies. Paul however interpreted this as independance. Another bad omen!
I was quite excited about our new addition to the family. She was cute and cuddly with perfect symmetrical markings ; until she took a bout of travel sickness on my lap on the way back from the farm! She was beginning to make her mark.
Because she was to be a mountain rescue search dog it seemed appropriate to name her after a mountain, hence she was called Meaghaidh after Crag Meaghaidh in Scotland.
So as not to make her soft she was to live outside in her own kennel. This saved the carpets and furniture from her rasping teeth. Hence this marked the beginning of DIY for the dog and the end of all domestic chores for the house. First a kennel had to be built then a pen so that she could have a run, modify the garden, a travel box for the car and so it went on. Life centred around the dog. We were either tied to staying at home or taking her everywhere with us. Paul and the dog were inseperable she even went to work with him where she was fortunate to walk on Kinder, canoe, climb etc. We even had to take her to the pub with us.
Although she lived outside at night the house began to show evidence of a dog as a corner of the kitchen was taken over by her food and kit for the hill. Her water and food bowls always seemed to be in the way and so did she as she crept into the sitting room at night.