 |
Dougal's Pet Corner
The place for your pet stories and pictures, let me have them |
My Boy |
| Many years ago when we were first married we decided to
get a dog to keep me company as my husband worked away a great deal. Rather than opt for a
'new' dog, we paid a visit to Battersea Dogs Home. There we fell in love with a very
battered ex-racing greyhound. |
 |
|
On the cage it said his name was Henry, so we spent
several minutes calling his name, but he did not even lift his poor dejected head. We
called one of the staff over to ask if we could go into the cage and asked if he had any
problems as he did not answer to his name when called. As it turns out, Henry was the name
of the previous occupant! |
| He was a Brindle Greyhound and we named him Tiger Boy, Boy
for short and what a wonderful companion he was. We do not know how old he was when we
sadly had to have him euthanised, but we do know that with us he was able to spend his
life in warmth and comfort. |
 |
|
He was so very gentle with the children when they arrived
on the scene, no jealousy at all, but he would sit or lay like a sentry, guarding the
pram. |
| When they grew up he allowed them to climb all over him,
hang on his neck and when they wanted to take a nap, they would often do so using him as a
nice warm pillow. Our budgie liked him too and would often take a ride round the
house on his back. The Yarmouth branch of the charity the Retired Greyhound Trust, has
opened a new kennel space in Spixworth on the outskirts of Norwich, the kennels will help
in the on-going quest to find new homes for ex-racing greyhounds. The Retired Greyhound
Trust, a national charity dedicated to re-homing greyhounds at the end of their racing
careers, has branches across the UK. The work of The Retired Greyhound Trust and their
branches is helping to spread the word that greyhounds make wonderful pets, being ideal
for both individuals and families of all ages. Tony Nixon prides himself on matching the
greyhounds he is homing with those seeking a new pet. Greyhounds needs are the same as
other varieties of dogs, they are gentle and adaptable and in terms of exercise will be
happy with two short walks each day. Nation-wide the Retired Greyhound Trust has found
homes for nearly 25,000 dogs - formerly involved in greyhound racing - since its
establishment in 1975. For more information please contact:Tony Nixon - 01603 788386 |
|
| Crested
Starlings! |
Gardens are not normally the haunt of rare birds, but
there is one species that most birdwatchers are always thrilled to see, and which seems to
be found in gardens more often than anywhere else. The species concerned is the Waxwing.
Waxwings are about the size of a stocky Starling, but as well as being more colourful,
they are about the only bird that you're likely to see in a garden that has a conspicuous
crest on its head. As well as this pointed crest, the face pattern is striking, with black
throat and upswept black mask through its eye. Its overall colour is brown and mousy grey,
but the tail is tipped yellow, as are the edges of its wing feathers. In fact, the least
conspicuous thing about it are the waxy-looking red tips to the inner flight feathers that
give the Waxwing its name. These birds breed in northernmost Scandinavia and normally are
only an occasional visitor to our shores. In some years however, when the weather in
Continental Europe is severe and food is scarce, they appear in Britain in good numbers.
Recent snowy weather has forced many Waxwings across the North Sea and as a result, North
Norfolk gardens with the food that Waxwings are after are quite likely to have a visit
from these 'masked' invaders. Berries are what they like, and preferably red ones.
Hawthorn, Crab Apple and Rowan trees are favourite targets, as are Cotoneaster bushes.
Strangely, there is one shrub whose berries are ignored by most garden birds, but which is
a magnet for these hungry hordes: the Guelder Rose. This is actually a Viburnum, not a
rose at all, but its decorative berries are as waxy and attractive as the bird itself, and
a must for gardeners who aspire to attract Bombycilla garrulus, the Waxwing, to their
gardens.
Cley-Spy
|
3 High Street
Sheringham
821212
Sir Alfred Jodrell Barn
Glandford, Holt
740088 |
|
CLEY SPY
MEADE COMPUTER CONTROLLED TELESCOPES, 60MM & 70MM 1/2 PRICE
TILLY SHIRTS - 1/3 OFF
PARAMO OUTDOOR CLOTHING 20%DISCOUNT
HUGE SAVINGS ON BINOCULARS
END OF LINE & EX DEMO ALL REDUCED
SECONDHAND STOCK - 10% OFF |
|
The Beauty Box
Tel: 823487
Have a Deep Cleanse Facial
and receive a free eyelash tint |
Evening Appointments Available
Gift Vouchers for
Mothers Day |
|
 |
|
|