Roller's Philosophical Friday: New Beginnings

Dearest Muleteers!  Spring may be on the way, it's official!  I have started to shed my coat, a process which takes at least 6 months so I need to start early.  FH is starting to see us in actual daylight during the week as she just leaves as the sun is rising and is home before the fall of night - this means she can see my ponificent self much more clearly :-)

Although I am happy to see Spring just around the corner... mmmm yummy spring grass.... I am a little sad because Winter is my favourite season and I shall have to say good-bye, FH reckons we'll have more of the white stuff before my coat is finally shed though, I really hope so!  Alas it got me thinking that with every end there is a new beginning... a simple saying that sheds much light and is always worth considering when things are challenging!

From the end spring new beginnings.

Pliny the Elder

Feeding Time at The Mule Zoo

What's a Mini got to do to get some service round here?  Honestly dinner time here is chaotic!  FH calls it feeding time at the mule zoo.... hmmm charming... we are not common beasts like lions and elephants you know?  The problem here is that like all good restaurants everyone wants to eat at the same time.  Unfortunately here the Maitre D is not very good at crowd control!  I decided some feedback was in order so here's my review of the 'The Mule Restaurant'

When one of us spots FH entering the yard at roughly the right time we all gallop down full speed ahead.  Some of us are better at queueing than others, there is a hierarchy here that must be obeyed.  

Dragon is often first in to the yard, she has longer legs for running to the restaurant than us minis and is definitely greedy.  She pulls her greedy face at FH and squawks.  

Enter my handsomeness who must restore order.... honestly I'm supposed to be a customer, not staff!

I pull my angry ears at Dragon so that she knows I am first to get my starter (yummy vit supplement)

I do have to ensure that I also use my 'I love you' ears for FH as I don't want her to not love me or feed me.... even though I am the customer! 

Roller stays outside the restaurant and stares in through the glass at all the lucky diners, he will wait his turn though as he says some of the other diners have bad manners.

Just when the Maitre D (FH..) is nearly ready to seat us an interloper emerges and barges right on in to the restaurant blocking the path of the Maitre D, some diners think they are worthy of special treatment and always have the look of the cat that got the cream?

Finally we are all seated and given our tasty meals! Roller needs to be quick as it seems naughty Catanian has her eyes on his dinner, I'm not sure that mule vits are good for cats?

Once the vits and mins are dispensed with it's time for the main course, yummy haylage!  I have stuffed my mouth with ample quantities so that Roller doesn't notice it....

Oh no!  The other diner has noticed my spectacular dinner and is trying to help themselves!

Hmmm Roller if you're last at the restaurant you will sometimes get the worst table, sometimes this can even mean that you have to eat facing the wall??!! Ooops...

Dragon is also a 'stuff it all in as fast as you can' kind of girl, her table manners are pretty atrocious, it's a good job we didn't go for spaghetti on our first date, I thought she was sophisticated back then!

Would you believe it!  Dragon has decided that she likes the look of the 'All You Can Eat Buffet' next door?!  Oops it would appear that Dragon has actually inserted herself in to the restaurant kitchen... the chef is gonna be mad at her....

Alas when all the goodies have been exhausted from the menu it's time for the healthy option for dessert...

FH we did not say we wanted to eat at the Health Food Restaurant with it's fibre rich and low sugar dessert menu....uggh :-(

We give this restaurant a 5/10 - lacking in service, the clientele are decidedly pushy, the dessert menu leaves a lot to be desired and the Maitre D is pretty useless ;-) Eat well my friends!

New Kid On The Block

Dearest Muskehounds…. There is a new kid on the block in our house!  Can you believe what happened, there I was having a lovely middle aged snooze when I heard a commotion coming from outside.  The humans had been out for quite a while (a great excuse for some peace and quiet), I thought they’d gone shopping… hmmm well they had… it would appear they have bought me a new playmate!  Can you believe it?  Me a puppy sitter…. Oh dear.  I have a good history of puppy sitting with my human at work but at home?? Surely not?

So I went out to investigate and look what I found!  Apparently he’s called Milo, I shall call him New Kid On The Block; his legs are very long and I am little suspicious of the size of those whopping paws, I think he may be more of a challenge than my previous puppy charges who were spaniels and collies?  FH says he’s got all kinds on long dogs in him, a bit like a patchwork quilt…. Bedlington, Greyhound, Deerhound, Whippet… but alas not Labradorian… we’ll make him in to one, apparently he likes chasing balls which means he’s half way there.

As the senior dog I decided I should show him the ropes immediately, they say with puppy training you should start out as you mean to go on.

NKOTB found a small log to play with, hmmm nah.

That’s a stick

This is a log!

Follow me NKOTB and I’ll show you where the action’s at when it comes to wood to chew!

I think he was quite impressed….

Now for indoors, this is my bed, yes I know I’m very handsome but we are posing for the camera so geroff my face!

I’ve noticed that you’ve tea leafed (thieved!) my Doris Donkey away, I’m watching you…

Doris needs to be treated with the utmost respect NKOTB!

Hmm these puppies really do take liberties, while you’re asleep I’ll just have Doris back thank you, now then MH can you please ensure that the NKOTB stays away from Doris?

Perfect! Peace and quiet!  It’s asleep, I’ve worn it out, yay!  It seems to have decided that it would like to stay a little while longer, my puppy sitting skills may need honing.

Would you believe it?  He stayed all night!  He cried a little and I just deployed my ear flaps and gave him the withering ‘Master Dog’ look to make him shush, he told me he was missing his Mum and family, we had to have a manly chat, I told him he would like it here, it is certainly an interesting place to live!  The humans are errrmmm characterful and softies most of the time and there are some great places to run around… he went back to sleep and had some puppy dreams so I think he's alright.

When morning finally arrived we had some puppy fun and then a little snoozing!  It’s such a hard life..

And then he stole Doris again!  Hmmmm

Would you believe it?  He now thinks my bed is big enough for both of us?  Well I never!  Oh well guess I can share for a little while… he has my big den for nightimes and his own bed but no he wants mine! In the day I guess we can share until he grows in to those paws!! 

I'm keeping Doris firmly under my head though... don't tell anyone but the man hug is quite nice!

I promise to keep you updated on my progress training NKOTB…. It may be fun!  The Muleteers will be back soon after this canine interruption, woofs and wags!  The PSL and NKOTB xx

p.s. Apparently FH has ordered two new Doris Donkeys… there are some advantages to a new puppy J

Roller's Philosophical Friday: Conscience

Dearest Muleteers, my pony conscience is crystal clear, I am a pony with no clouds hanging over me and no impending doom of judgement.  Apparently we animals aren't the only ones with clear consciences but when I read some of the tales in the pony times I do wonder about some humans?  It would seem that when it comes to right or wrong things are not always clear in the world of humans, this I don't really understand...  The sun rises and sets just as there is right and wrong and I reckon most people really do know the difference between right or wrong, surely?

We Muleteers have a very simple moral code to follow, make sure you can sleep at night and that you treat others as you wish to be treated yourself.  When time passes we Muleteers are not sure if and how we will be judged but the judgement of today and tomorrow is also important.... I have heard it called conscience.  Once again a great leader and very wise man has summed things up perfectly.

There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience.  It supercedes all other courts.
Mahatma Gandhi.

Have a weekend full of rights and as few wrongs as possible :-) xxx

Granny's Birthday!

Dearest Granny, today it is your birthday!  We tried to go to the shop to buy you a card, can you believe it mules, ponies, dogs and cats are not allowed in?!  This seems very ridiculous :-(  We wagged our tails, waved our ears and miaowed but to no avail, it would seem that Muleteers and Co cannot buy a card for their Granny Human.

Oh well GH we will have to send you neighbrays, whinnies, miaows and woofs through the blogosphere.  Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, if you get any carrots, bones or salmon for your birthday will you please share?  We are always willing to share in birthday fun, especially of the edible variety (FH says no birthday cake though.... boring!)

Sending our Granny Human lots of love from 'Her Darlings' xxxx

Finally.... Back to Work!

Mule ears.. the original radar!

Finally!  A weekend with no rain, no snow and no ice.  Back to work, thank goodness! Oh Muleteers I had nearly given up hope of ever wearing my finest cowmule gear again, the weather has not been helping my need for speed.

Yesterday dawned and the sun peeked out from behind a cloud, FH finally made an appearance and muttered something about getting out quick before we met the hunt.... hmmm I could show them a thing or two about hunting, wonder if the hounds would like to feel what it's like to be chased by a mule with mulificent dog defenders?? Not really our thing so best get out before they all arrive with their posh coats and noisy canines.

FH and I went off on our little expedition, we spent lots of time refining FH's communication, I am so clever, she now knows to ask me to stop with the tiniest lift of her hands and then I can turn with a shift of her weight and a lift of one hand, when she concentrates it all comes together.  We met some of the local riders who were having a few problems, *sigh* I really am not a monster and it really is not necessary to communicate this untruth to your short ears.... I stood quietly while they bustled past making a right old racket!  Onwards and upwards, a nice trot to the top of the hill to look at the view!  It was so nice to be out :-)

Slightly puffed by this hill, time for a breather!

Back home and I was a very happy mule, I am never happier than when I've done something.  After a brush down and a snack FH got my rug out and threw it on...this is a good sign as normally it only goes on when I'm working the next day (stops me from experiencing the full mud pack experience!)
I benevolently watched my mini friends eat to their hearts content, I was happy to snooze in the sun and dream of more adventures....

This morning dawned and my cow mule attire was brought out again (FH has even cleaned it, she must be feeling ill??), apparently Smiley Human is coming to take me out while FH does the chores... excellent I get to work and miss out on stable duties!

This mule's ready to ride!

Smiley Human climbed on board and then FH made me do something called 'standing still' practice.... yawn!  Apparently I need to apply myself more to standing when someone gets on board, for some reason stepping off at high speed is not encouraged?  Anyway I stood rock still watching the flappy washing in the neighbours garden and was a perfect muletta :-)

Standing still = boring, but necessary!

Oh ok!  Now I see why I'm standing still :-) Here comes my boypony Salty!  He really is my hero but don't tell him because I like to pretend that I'm in charge and know best (being a woman) but really I do like going out with him as he is so brave and handsome.  Somehow I've forgotten how to stand still, he really does need to see my moves.... anyway seeya FH I'm off with my mates!

Mule Hero!

A lovely ride was had by all, I had much fun showing off to Salty, he really is delicious!  Would you believe it Muleteers, while I was out those naughty minis took the opportunity to escape and steal all the nice green grass, they really are always getting up to no good!

Have a lovely week muleteers and let's hope that next weekend brings sunshine again, I am planning the next best way to impress my boypony.... I really must persuade FH about that pink hoof paint and bridle I've got my eye on... seeya!

Introducing... The Pocket Sized Labrador!

Woofs and Wags Muskehounds!  The mules have taken pity on me as I am house and lead bound after my little accident.... oops.... I am now 3.8 legged and well on the way to recovery.  I have been so bored that those long ears have allowed me to steal a blogging spot!  Maybe this blog should be called Dogtanian and The Three Muskehounds like the original inspiration?  So as I'm the longest standing member of the clan I guess I should introduce myself, I hope you'll forgive the fact that I am not an equine.....

Name: Murph, also known as the Pocket Sized Labrador

Age:  7 1/2 years going on 6 months.....

Breeding: Labrador Retriever of the gun dog type

Size:  Pocket Sized!  I wasn't fed very well as a puppy before I found my mistress so I didn't grow, I am a very petite labrador which means I can comfortably sit on your lap or the sofa, you'll never notice me, honest.

Coat Colour: Black with a few salt and pepper marks to show how distinguished I am, if you'd lived with FH most of your life you'd be grey too... just ask MH, hehe!

How did you come to be a Muleteer Muskehound?  In a galaxy far away (I try not to remember) I was an unwanted labradorian.  My old humans got me as a puppy and kept me locked in a room all day long on my own and then beat me when they came home because I had been bad (I was teething and had to chew something!).  I never walked anywhere and didn't know what the world was except for shouting and the four walls I lived in.  One day when I'd nearly given up a kind man came and carried me away, he looked after me while he set about finding me a new home, would you believe he knew FH!  A very unsuspecting FH got more than she bargained for in her first dog - me!  We had to learn lots together, I had no idea how to travel in a car, how to walk on a lead, how to socialise with humans or dogs, how to wag my tail... you know I don't think I knew how to live.  With time I found my wag and found out life was brilliant, I stopped dipping my head away from hands and started forcing my head in to hands :-)  After a while FH even found me my old friend Indy and MH, it was nice to have some boys around!  I still don't trust many people but those I do trust I love fiercely, although I don't mind sharing the humans with The Muleteers they are not allowed in the house - woof!

Favourite Pastimes: Chasing my ball, giving the 'hungry eyes' to my Granny and sneaking on the sofa with FH when no one's looking ;-)

Favourite Food: Everything! I will eat anything except for polo mints, they are the work of the devil.  I have been known to eat garlic, whole chillies, a whole bag of flour (I turned myself white, the mixture of drool and flour was very sticky...MH was not impressed), the majority of a sack of dog food, FH's coat pockets when she leaves treats in them and anything else that's left in sight.....  I have gotten in to a little bit of trouble with my eating habits in the past, my finest moment (not) was the consumption of enough grapes to kill a St Bernard (I picked them delicately off the vine), two avocados and a kiwi fruit in one sitting, the vets were staggered, I however, was fine :-)

Favourite Drink: River water ingested whilst swimming for my ball. 

Favourite Car: I DO NOT like cars.... when I first arrived with FH many doggy years ago I was very traumatised about life.  One of the worst things for me was going in the car.  I was sick every time, FH had to do months and months of training with me, we ate our dinner in the car, we played in the car, we went to the park in the car, all to no avail...FH needed to take out shares in car upholstery shampoo.  The secret to my tolerance of cars now?  CHEESE!  That's right folks FH used to drive down the road chucking cheese to me in the back of the car to take my mind off feeling sick and trick me in to thinking cars were nice.  Guess it worked ok, I will tolerate cars now and we don't need the upholstery shampoo anymore but my favourite car is one that is not moving!

Favourite Movie: Lassie Come Home - Classic!

Favourite Music: Anything that MH plays, his music taste is more sedate than FH's, hers is too loud, it's no wonder I need flappy ears is it?

GH...supplier of banned substances!

Favourite Book: What's a book? Can I eat it?

Favourite Words:  W.A.L.K.  the humans think I don't know what this means, gosh they're really stupid if they can't spell!

Favourite Person: Granny Human for supplying banned food substances like sausage rolls, bits of her meals and providing ample cuddles and sympathy, Granny also allows me on the sofa, throws my ball and calls me her darling a lot :-)  I do love my FH and MH too but nothing beats the naughtiness of a Granny!

Unique Talent: Wagging so hard that I regularly knock things over including myself.  I can also 'speak' on command and sing.  The humans taught me this to stop me from barking at things... I have simply widened my vocal repertoire :-)

Guilty Pleasure: Lying on the sofa in MH's place when he's not around and placing my head in FH's lap for cuddles and attention.  In our house we all pretend this doesn't happen, dogs don't go on the furniture.... ermmm no one told me.

Least Favourite Thing: The V.E.T. or the car... I'm also a little uncertain about new people I don't know.

Favourite Vice: FOOD!  I'm an eating machine, well I am a labrador?

Favourite Clothing: My Argentinian Polo dog collar, I show that Dragon mule who has the nicest bridle leather in this house.  Apart from that I need no clothes I am invincible!

Favourite Possession: Doris Donkey my favourite toy.  Doris needs to be paraded and presented to the humans when they return from work, she is my very favourite toy at the moment, I show her this by carrying her around and drooling on her.

Alternative Career:  Chief Crunchy Biscuit Tester

Describe Yourself in Three Words: Loyal, Starving, Obsessive

Favourite Quote:

This would make the world a better place :-)

In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semi-human.  The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog.
Edward Hoagland

Your Perfect Day: 

Wake up slowly, no need to tax yourself too much...

Eat breakfast and then become turbo charged

Hopefully it will be a Granny Day, I know Granny's car when she arrives and cry and woof until she hurries up and brings me chews and strokes!

Time for walk number one, this must include ample time with my ball, 

I would like to swim after it..

And then I can soak the humans and hear them laugh!

Then it's time for a little rest and some crunchy biscuits

Next W.A.L.K number two, this should involve some Moorland exploration with the humans

Time for a snooze now...

Finally after some dinner it's time for evening funny five minutes with Doris Donkey

Night night must be time for sleep now, I am an eating and sleeping machine :-)

Wags and woofs to you all, thank you for letting me get my paws on a blog post :-)