… and then there are PIGS.
The little pigs look so big and chubby until you put them next to Sheila the Big Pig. Then the Little Pigs look like little pigs again.
If you have a moment and want to see Sheila off for a walk – there is a very short instagram video screening on my instagram page. The blogs little instant sister: cecilia_thekitchensgarden.
Alex stood at the gate and stared out at the field yesterday and in the end I gave in and let her have a couple of hours out in the big field. There is no grass yet but it was a good walk for them.
Txiki. 
Of course this is a NoNo. I will have to keep them off the grass or they will nibble at all the young shoots and we will never get any good growth. But it was just for a few hours. And they were so happy.
BooBoo had to stay on the chain and watch yesterday – his limp was pretty bad. He has good days and bad days and this was one of his bad days.
He does not mind being tethered unless someone starts throwing a stick for TonTon then he REALLY minds. But since he was a pup he has been trained that being clipped on the chain is a good thing – he gets lots of praise when he is on there and he can still watch me.
I hope you have a lovely day.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
61 responses to “There are Pigs …”
Boo’s pic and your words remind me that we are fortunate that our Diesel-Dog appears to have been chain trained by his previous people. He knows when he’s chained it’s because for a short while [in our case] he has to wait… no chewing, digging or following. It saves him from himself. And it doesn’t stop him expressing his opinion via the odd bark..
I hope with time & restraint Boo’s condition with improve. Much as they’d be immediately [ish] effective the brace or operation then crating sounds almost like the cure is worse. Because of the lesson from Boo, where I can, I try to limit, practically, jumping down off things & extremes but Diesel like Boo is an active working breed and loves running, games and acrobatic feats ☺
Yes, I agree, if he were a couch potato dog like my sons in Wellington but Boo HATES to be left to sleep in the corner when we are off doing something. he simply has to be wherever I am even in the house – he is too old to train to a crate now. But something must be done – almost time for another vet visit anyway.. c
From what you said, Cecilia, I understand the brace would work just fine for him–as an alternative to surgery and crating. With the brace he’d be free to walk about. Right? And it would give his leg time to heal. How many hundreds of dollars?
I have looked at this site – http://www.mypetsbrace.com/home – but I cannot find a price – they have to be custom made for the dog with Vet assistance – so it really is done properly. I am still researching it though . c
Heal without needing surgery, right?
My vet did say that a brace would stabilise the area so the surrounding tissue could grow around the damaged tendon. but it appears that once the rope like tendon itself is torn it cannot heal.
OMG I just I think figured out for the first time how to access Instagram. I am surprised to see how Tonton sticks with Sheila like he doesn’t want her to move one single bit–and she couldn’t care less–totally ignores him. Very funny!
It must be a real treat to see them move about after reading about them for so long. You can keep your account private on Instagram if you like. c
Well, there is ‘geography’ and ‘geography’! We have had ‘click and collect’ shopping from even the smallest supermarket [and many other stores] for years and years. Since you do not have the time nor enjoy ‘doing the aisles’ yourself, I am SO glad you now have the opportunity!! Someone further up said they wanted to check all what they bought: well, I have bought first on phone/fax and then on line for some 15+ years and the shops, wanting your continuing custom, give you stuff of a quality that does not even show on the shelves. And the longest use-by dates!!!! I remember one omission [quickly rectified] but no low quality food ever, ever, ever!! Just about to put my own list in 🙂 !!
When we were kids in NZ it was someones job once a week to call in the grocery list – then Dad would pick it up after work. In fact, here , the tiny store in the next town will deliver things (free) to anyone who cannot get to the shop. It is not a service as such more a community understanding. They just would and do. Do you remember the boys on bicycles with those huge baskets in the front. Yes it is a very old fashioned idea and I am very happy to see it return out here. And my first pick up certainly had the freshest of produce – no argument there.. c
‘Course I remember . . . When we first arrived in Australia it took awhile to get used to the daily bread and the daily milk and the daily ice blocks for the ice chests at the door and the fruit/vegetable guy once a week 🙂 ! It made for a very relaxed living style and a lot of street ‘gossip’ we may not have liked but later somehow missed . . . smiles Celi 🙂 !
Makes me miss my English childhood; the milkman delivered to the door, the bakery had a delivery van that wafted wonderful smells of fresh hot bread and buns three times a week, the little grocer a mile away would deliver your order, and include things they knew you liked without being asked if they were in season. Things are less personal now, and I regret it…
The picture of Boo smiling on his tether : another lesson for the rest of us who live with animals in our homes — train early, through praise and rewards. If only we could learn!
J > Good training for the dog!
I am growing more fascinated by pigs thanks to you and your postings.
Txiki has a great do! And yes, they look on miniature pigs next to Sheila! Good boy Boo 😃