We were asked if we would like to take on 'Millie', a 9-year-old 'Sherry Terrier'. She had previously been rehomed by a couple, but it didn't work out as she didn't get on with their cats. On Sunday, we met them at Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary in Ascot. She originally came from Spain where she had been abandoned/mistreated. It was love at first sight.
We've been approached by Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary about a dog that urgently needs rehoming without having to spend any time in their kennels. After careful discussion, Simon and I have agreed that we'd like to take her on. We're going to Pine Ridge tomorrow afternoon to meet and her and bring her home.
Watch this space...
It's two days since Kaira passed away. The flat seems so empty without her; or any other dog for that matter. I keep expecting her to come up to me for a fuss, or follow Simon around for something to eat.
Will we get another dog? Yes, I think so. It depends on how Simon feels about it. After all, he has to deal with feeding, exercising, etc. Only time will tell.
Here's a revised copy of an article that I wrote a few weeks ago...
Losing a Dog
I lost my loving lively Spanish Jack Russell Terrier, Kaira, not long ago. I was devastated, and to some extent, I still am. However, I wondered how others deal with the loss of such a companion. I decided to research the emotional and practical sides of losing a dog. Here, I write about my findings, in the hope that they will help you deal with your sorrow.
Everyone deals with grief differently. There is no right nor wrong way. It’s important to realise that feeling sad, shocked, sorrowful, and lonely is normal and natural. These reactions show that you’re grieving for a much-loved friend who meant a lot to you. Also, seeking support from those around you is crucial in helping you come to terms with your loss.
Grief isn’t something that you just ‘get over’ as some may suggest while others may suggest that ‘it’s only a dog’ and even if they don’t say it may be thinking that you’ll ‘get over it’. If only it was that simple.
Talking to others who have lost their dog(s) may prove useful. How did they deal with the feelings of grief? You may experience ‘waves’ of emotions, some even good when you recall the good times together. The death of a dog brings about sentiments and sensations that may be difficult to process. These feelings can take weeks, even months and you must be kind to yourself during these times. Expressing these ‘moods’ through tears, rites, rituals, and other personal acts is part of the grieving process. Allowing yourself to ‘work through’ these processes may be difficult but essential. Don’t suppress or ignore them.
Reminiscences and recollections of your dog will help keep them alive in your heart. Remembering the small but significant events is important and there are small steps you can take to ease your pain. And there are some practicalities that you may wish to consider. You may like to look through old photographs, write a tribute or testimonial, or write a letter describing your time together. Remember, your feelings are valid. Give yourself space to express your grief.
As you grieve, you may question your beliefs about your dog and the hereafter. This can be difficult. Those around you may have different views about the afterlife, but you need to find the answers that resonate with you alone. But your bond with your dog was unique and meaningful, and your feelings are valid.
Practical Possibilities.
On a down-to-earth note, there are many heartfelt ways to honour the memory of your dog. A framed paw print is a thoughtful way to remember your dog. Wooden or ceramic plaques can be placed at your dog’s final resting place, or a memorial stone serves as a lasting tribute. You could make a memory box or photograph album and store cherished photographs which is a comforting way to reflect your dog’s life. Planting a ‘memorial garden’ to honour them is a peaceful place to remember your dog. Commissioning artwork or jewellery is a creative way to keep your dog’s memory close. Some choose to honour their dog by having a tattoo, creating a permanent, personal tribute. Marking your dog’s birthday or the anniversary of their passing with a small celebration can help keep their memory alive. Donating to animal shelters or charities in your dog’s name is a wonderful way to honour them. Finally, holding a funeral with readings, music, flowers, and a memorial marker can be a touching farewell.
Cremation
• Individual Cremation: Your dog is cremated alone, and their ashes are returned to you in an urn or casket. The ashes can also be sealed behind a framed photograph or illustration.
• Communal Cremation: This is the choice I made for my little Lottie. Your dog is cremated with other animals, and the ashes are scattered in a communal ‘Garden of Remembrance’.
• If you prefer, you can keep your dog’s ashes or scatter them in a meaningful place.
• Some crematoriums offer the option to attend the cremation, providing a sense of closure.
• For individual cremations, you’ll receive a document that details your dog’s cremation, providing a sense of closure.
Burial
• You can bury your dog as they are or use a coffin. Biodegradable materials like cardboard, willow, or wood are good options. Wooden coffins offer more protection.
• You can mark the grave with a painted stone, cross, or tree to create a lasting memorial.
• You can place sentimental items, like their collar, favourite toy(s), or a letter with them.
• Green Burials in a Dog Cemetery. Your dog is wrapped in a natural covering and buried in a memorial shrub bed, marked with a growing shrub to symbolise the eco-friendly nature of the burial.
The above options allow you to remember your dog in a way that feels most meaningful for you, your family, and your friends. In the end, there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ choice between cremation or burial. Both have their advantages, and the decision depends on what feels most meaningful to you.
Unfortunately, Kaira passed away this afternoon. She never got over her cough. Thankfully, she passed away peacefully in her sleep. Simon and I were privileged to have her, albeit for a short while.
It's the last day of the term for Sloughwriters group. But it's also the last session to be hosted by 'Burnham Working Mens' Club.' We need a new home.
It's 5am and I'm wide awake! I'm having problems with my RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) this morning. 'Restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a common condition of the nervous system that causes an overwhelming irresistible urge to move the legs.'
I took my Ropinirole early this morning. (Ropinirole is a medicine used for conditions that affect how you move. It is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome).
RLS affects me by making my legs (also sometimes my torso) twitch, and move uncontrollably, creating feelings such as receiving electric shocks.
'The main symptom of restless legs syndrome is an overwhelming urge to move your legs.
'It can also cause an unpleasant crawling or creeping sensation in the feet, calves and thighs.
'The sensation is often worse in the evening or at night. Occasionally, the arms are affected, too.'
During the night, it started playing up and I had to sit up, make coffee, and do something to relieve the symptoms.
The NRS social grades are a system of demographic classification used in the United Kingdom. They were originally developed by the National Readership Survey (NRS) to classify readers, but have since been used by many other organisations for wider applications and have become a standard for market research.
A Higher managerial roles, administrative or professional.
B Intermediate managerial roles, administrative or professional.
C1 Supervisory or clerical and junior managerial roles, administrative or professional.
C2 Skilled manual workers.
D Semi-skilled and unskilled manual workers.
E State pensioners, casual and lowest grade workers, unemployed with state benefits only.
PAMCo – Audience Measurement for Publishers is the JIC (Joint Industry Currency) for published media, using approved world-leading methodology.
This is the original text from the book where Desiderata was first published.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
by Max Ehrmann ©1927
It's not really happened before, but I'm of the mind of an ancient penfmith! I love the language of old.
"The quality of mercy is not strained;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
'T is mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown:
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice."
The Merchant of Venice, Act IV, Scene I [The quality of mercy is not strained]
Monday Night was the results evening of the autumn 'Article' competition, December 2024
Cruising the Canal du Midi
My submission wasn't placed. Below are the adjudicators' comments.
"There is a lot of info in this. Which is great. We step from the region to the canal to the boat, to the journey itself and this is a great flow. You lean on LTC Rolt to take us from the port of Agde to Beziers and this is all captivating.
The addition of the passion for the area form the ship’s captain endorses your feelings. And the description of the canal being ‘a linear park’ created by Pierre-Paul Riquet.
Nice, easy writing style that pulls me in and keeps me interested and I really enjoyed it…"
The article itself is in the 'non-fiction' section of my 'DannyDog Pieces' website at www.dannydog.co.uk
BBC Weather uses the meteorological calendar, where winter always begins on 1 December and ends on the last day of February.
Meteorologists use three-month periods to define the seasons. This makes year-on-year comparisons easier. Winter is therefore defined in the northern hemisphere as the three coldest months - December, January, and February.
This afternoon, I've been writing, editing, and submitting my fifth assignment of my course 'Article Writing and Freelance Journalism'.
When does winter start according to the Met Office? Click here.
Where is AGEUK in Berkshire? Click here.
This afternoon/evening I've been listening to Tubular Bells 50th Anniversary Concert in Berlin and listening/watching to Tubular Bells 2 live in Edinburgh Castle.
I hope to be a regular contributor to 'Dogs Monthly Magazine' when it relaunches soon.
34 years of publishing this consumer title we aim to make its views down-to-earth, conservative, educational, practical, and mature. Offering valued advice for all pet owners in a modern, friendly style. Dog’s Monthly is one of the most highly read magazines within the sector with an average monthly readership of 80,000. It is available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, WHSmiths, Pets at Home, Asda, and all good independent newsagents as well as through our digital mediums.
In addition to stands at Crufts, Discover Dogs, and Paws in the Park, Dogs Monthly also has a sizeable online presence and offers readers online articles and digital subscriptions.
I've bought 'The Happy Dog Owner' in paperback and as an audiobook. About to start reading/listening.
Today, I've been studying the latest edition of 'Happiful' magazine, and trying to learn the 'voice' and 'style' etc of it. I hope that my article 'Does your dog make you happy?' will 'fit in'.
Kaira still has her cough, but it's not as bad, or as frequent, as it was. The people from Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary told me that a few other of the dogs that came over in the same consignment had developed similar coughs saying that it was probably caused by coming from the warm climate of Spain into the cold, damp weather over here. They thought that it would only last a few weeks. She's a very independent dog, mainly keeping herself to herself, but occasionally coming to us for a reassuring fuss. She loves her head and ears being stroked. She refuses to go outside after dark!
What is a company profile?
A company profile is a written introduction to a company that tells the reader about its activities, mission, goals, and strengths. Often, a company profile includes the story of the company's founding and describes its products or services.
So, I've got some studying to do!
This is where I grew up. Bontdolgadfan.
"I stand on the simple stone bridge and slide my finger along the edge of carvings of my initials set into the slate slab, the only permanent record of my being here almost sixty years ago. I wonder how much water has flowed under this particular 18th-century bridge since I last played here?"..(Read full piece here)..
I'm working on an article on the charity 'BRAVEHOUND' for 'Dogs Today' magazine.
"BRAVEHOUND’S mission is to help heal the invisible wounds of military veterans with our specially trained assistance dogs.
"BRAVEHOUND provides assistance dogs to veterans who have a clinical diagnosis of a mental health condition such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression and anxiety.
"BRAVEHOUND is committed to the long term welfare of each BRAVEHOUND dog and the veteran they have been partnered with over the dog’s lifetime."
I went out in the car at around 9pm last night and had to sit in it with the engine running in order to defrost it. I really do dislike this cold weather. I'm still recovering from having the titanium rods and screws inserted in my legs. I can only take short, slow, steady steps and am terrified of slipping.
14:55 I thought I'd lost some documents and I've spent the last hour or so trying to find them. Phew! Panic over! They were lurking in the deepest, darkest corners of my laptop. Saved to two clouds now!
I'm listening to a podcast from the National Centre for Writing (part of the University of East Anglia).
The podcast I'm listening to, 'Structuring non-fiction with Ed Parnell (above)' has links to many more podcasts for writing. Click here.
"Ed Parnell is on the pod to talk about his first non-fiction book, Ghostland. He discusses his obsession with structure, how to pitch a non-fiction book and how he switched from fiction to non-fiction."
Other podcasts on non-fiction:
I've placed a request for them from Langley Library. I've never used their service before,so we'll see what happens.
Also today, I've researched, written, edited and submitted Assignment Four.
Watch this space!
The editor of 'Waterways World' rejected my 'Dogs on Narrowboats' article and wrote: "Hi Richard, I’m afraid we’ve done something similar very recently. I’m not adverse to dog-themed content, as it seems quite popular, but I can’t really think of a new angle on it. Bobby"
Not sure that this audio will work, but here goes:
<A HREF="https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-cjkgz-e59861?utm_campaign=embed_player_stop&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=embed_player" TARGET=BLANK > Structuring non-fiction with Ed Parnel </A>
Written a couple of months ago, my article about 'The Cinnamon Trust' will be published in the next edition of 'Dogs Today' magazine. Entitled 'Peace of Mind' this feature (Page 22 Issue 364) covers the extraordinary work of the charity. Be amongst the first to read this article when it goes on my website soon.
I'd like to acknowledge the assistance of Rob Kibble of the Sloughwriters, who stripped out a photograph from the pdf copy of my article 'Ghosts of the Waterways', Check out his websited at The Philosophical Leopard Thanks Rob.
I'd also like to thank Carol Bridge for her kind offer to retype some of my previously published work. Her work is always flawless. Thanks Carol.
THE BOAT gently rocks, water lapping on the hull. It's late and dark. Somewhere nearby an owl gently hoots. Then, in the blackened stillness, the boat starts to rock. A passing boat? An uninvited boarder? Or perhaps one of the hundreds of ghosts, visions or experiences on our waterways?
Maybe you recognise this spectre?. Maybe you know the 'being' you're 'seeing'? A long lost friend or acquaintance perhaps?
I'm looking for stories. Your stories. Real stories. Take me with you. Take me there.
If you have experienced, or know someone who has experienced, a ghost on an inland waterway, I would like to hear from you. Please send me an email at sloughwriter@gmail.com or call/text 0777 466 0557.
A Ghost Story For Christmas http://richardhill.co.uk/ghosts.pdf Canal and Riverboat Magazine, December 1998.
Notes on the above illustration The main photograph was taken under the bridge at Norbury Junction over ten years ago. The figure in the shadows is Simon Hawthorn with his little American Cocker Spaniel Annie. The 'spectre' was compiled of images found on the internet.
I've been studying today - 'Article Writing and Freelance Journalism', I'm on Assignment Three - 'Planning your article'.
"Good
construction happens best because of good planning. A planning technique used
by many article writers is:
1.
To
draft an outline of the article, simply indicating the order in which thoughts,
ideas and information will be presented. Each of these, at this stage, is
placed under a subheading. The subheadings may or may not appear in the final
manuscript; at this stage they are simply there to help construct the article.
2.
To
have a separate sheet of paper, or a separate file card, for each of these
subheadings. We will call these the subject files. On each subject file, set
out the information in greater detail and indicate where you need to find
further information.
3.
When
all the information you need is assembled and recorded on the subject files, it
should then be set out in the form of topics to give yourself a topic list. At this
stage you can rearrange the order of your subject files to make the finished
article as coherent and logical as possible.
4.
At
the end of this exercise, you will have a series of topic lists. You can now
write each topic as a topic sentence and develop the paragraph that follows
from the topic sentence.
In this way,
you have a clear set of objectives as you write. Your writing will be more disciplined,
and you will avoid rambling or straying from the subject."
Some studying (a lot) and writing (a little) today. Also sorting out all my documents, images and files. If I don't do it on a regular basis I get in a terrible muddle. For the rest of the afternoon, into the early evening, I'm going to do some more studying.
