Chariots of The Dogs

The internet is littered with theories that ancient civilizations didn’t build wonders such as the pyramids all by themselves – that they had a little “outside” help. Beanie and Biggles can now report that these theories are correct, and that the other-worldly entity who provided this aid is called “Fergus”.

It all started yesterday morning when our intrepid adventurers discovered this huge construction in their garden:

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I’m sure you’ll agree that its resemblance to the Mayan pyramids is undeniable, yet this 8th Wonder of The World was definitely built by the Fergus entity. We know this because he came along yesterday afternoon to put some extra steps on the back to make it easier for Biggles to reach the top.

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Biggles spies a route to the summit of the pyramid. Beanie of course just plain jumped up there –  it’s not that much higher than the kitchen table, and she jumps onto that all the time!

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The mysterious Fergus entity surveys his amazing work

You see Biggles is very good at jumping and grabbing things off table tops and shelves, but he hasn’t yet worked out how to jump on to things. Beanie on the other hand has the complementary special ability; she can jump onto just about anything, but she can’t do the jump-and-grab motion that Biggles is so very, very good at. If our Beagles ever manage to mind-meld and share their superpowers we’re in big trouble, that’s for sure.

Anyway, I digress – back to the Great Pyramid of Irvine! It’s a got a round bit you can run through, a small cave that you can crawl into and hide in, and of course the aforementioned steps that lead up to the summit.

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It’s early days but initial indications (e.g. squabbling over who gets to sit on top or inhabit the “cave”) are that the pyramid is going to be a very popular addition to our garden.

Mummy Can’t Dance

It was Beanie’s turn for heelwork to music on Monday night and she wasn’t impressed by my performance! Paul and Biggly boy came along to spectate and take pictures (and woof).

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This wasn’t a dance move – just Beanie helping herself to treats!

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Walking tall

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Leg Weaving

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And a little video clip:

HWTM Beanie

Lure Coursing – First Session of 2010

The long awaited first lure coursing session of 2010 took place today. Beanie and Biggles new pal Bundy was there along with old pals Cuillen and Jamie. It was a beautiful sunny day – albeit very cold!

Cuillen and Biggles were first to race. Cuillin got off to a good start:

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but lost interest after the first corner. Biggles took a short cut then romped over the finish line with Magic the poodle (who joined the race in the final straight) hot on his heels:

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Cuillin should be in the race, and Magic shouldn’t!

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But Biggles doesn’t care! His cheating ways have put him in the lead!

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Bundy was next. She drew against a very fast whippet in her first race but she did very well:

Bundy Lure Coursing 31-01-2010

Finally it was Beanie’s turn. She too was drawn against a whippet. She ran her heart out:

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cut a couple of corners and managed a dramatic neck and neck finish:

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But was pipped at the post. So all the Beagles were knocked out in the first round. We’d thought that Biggles was through but the judges awarded the race to Cuillin – no doubt because of Biggles’ shameless cheating!

We finished up with a couple of races with all the Beagles and Cuillin. In the first one Beanie took off after the lure while Biggles took a direct route to the half way point with Bundy hot on his heels. Beanie managed to catch them up despite the fact that Biggles only ran half the course, but our little boy slipped up a gear and managed to hold off his big sister to win the race.

Lure Coursing Fun Run 31-01-2010

In the next race the lineup was the same:

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Cuillin was released slightly ahead of the others and this time he followed the lure almost half way around the course!

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Biggles took his cheating a stage further and ran directly to the home straight to wait for the lure:

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What’s wrong with this picture?
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So Biggles wins his third race of the day…in his own unique way!

You can see the full set of photos from this lure coursing session on Flickr – click here.