Great Garden Dog Watch ...

I spent an hour this morning doing the RSPB Great Garden Bird Watch survey - of course many of the usual visitors failed to turn up - I may have another bash tomorrow! Naughty, I know, but I'm sure I'm not alone.

The garden gold crest turned up on the feeders - my bird class chap seemed quite surprised, the first time I showed him a photo of the gold crest at the bird feeders - but he's on them pretty well daily - and tried all of them out.

When I was called back (5 or 6 years ago) for a second mammogram - and was told 'Yes', I did have breast cancer and was quickly whisked into a side room to have a scan - I lay there sobbing and sobbing, imagining I would be dead by the end of the week - and my biggest regret was that I'd never had a little dog.

The time has come! I was browsing rehoming centres online last night - and found the ideal dog - elderly, quiet, calm, house trained, good on a lead - and cute.  I've emailed and left a phone message, but I'm not too hopeful as he's in Essex.

I also need a dog who wouldn't need to spend all day in the garden - just a couple of visits to have a wee (in an area which I'd need to fence off to be dog proof)  and a couple of walks a day (which will do me a lot of good) - and would spend the rest of the day snoozing!

I went to a local rescue centre and explained that I needed a quiet elderly dog - and they all looked delighted and said I had to meet Henry. Well - he was nice enough. I took him for a little walk and picked him up and stroked him - but he didn't really 'do it' for me. I felt awful as I was told his owner had died and he'd been in a house, all alone from September until last week, with the neighbours going in once a day to feed him. He was in filthy conditions - yet still seems very calm and gentle. But I just couldn't imagine him being 'our dog'.

I've registered at another local place who know what I'm looking for as well.

Meanwhile I found another little dog I like the look of - but am being warned he could be a HUGE expense as he has a skin condition - on the other hand he's very old so won't go on for decades - here he is. He's also far away, but I expect they'll be so amazed someone wants to rehome him that they won't mind.

However - I haven't made any decision - nor do I know if either place would approve me - so I must take my time until I find the right doggy for me.

I'm pretty sure the foxes will be ok with a dog being around - there's plenty of barking in nearby gardens and the foxes never flinch and are still around. And the elderly dog I hope to rehome won't be out there for hours on end.