After being bullied, tormented and belittled by the boss from hell, he eventually got his own way by getting rid of me. I've not been unemployed since 1996. Looking for a job has been totally soul destroying, I've never had to put so much effort into trying to find a job. It's now been six months and still no job in sight. The redundancy money is shrinking fast.......my sanity is waining!
In order to keep my sanity I decided to bring in another dog (remember what I said about losing my sanity?) so yes I now have three Gordon Setters. Total insanity!!!
Brodie came into my life a week after my redundancy cheque was cashed. He
cost me a staggering 700GBP (my first Gordon cost 200GBP!) and has been a drain on my resources ever since, energy and patience ever since :) . On the plus side he's kept me engaged i
n life, kept me happy, created a project and has made me laugh so many times I cant remember.Brodie, otherwise known as Kilnrae Kemerton Crusader at Billingham is now taller than Harvey and Bailey, is the most arrogant Gordon I've ever had and apa
rt from his rather odd shaped tail I think he may make quite a good show dog. He's certainly a challenge, very strong willed as well as physically strong. He's only just made his show debut and won best puppy with point number one towards his JW as well as beating other dogs a lot older than him. We'll see. All I ask is that I have some fun with him and his show career isn't cut short as quickly as Harvey's.On the down side, Bailey is now pretty much completely blind. No sooner did I suspect that his sight was faltering than the Late-Onset PRA scare started - and yes he has it so had to be withdrawn from stud and who knows what this means for my line - will Harvey go blind? To see this once proud dog lose his dignity and confidence is very sad. One day I know I'll have to make a decision but not quite yet - he still enjoys life and until his quality of life is questioned he will still play have his place in the armchair.
Harvey has at last left behind his fear of people and seems so much more laid back - although if a dog decides to take a pop he will still have a go - true Scotsman! He is now very grey but apart form that he is still a very handsome man. I took him to just two shows this year and in one he won 2nd in a wonderful PG class. He performed like a pro - what a shame he never quite made it.
We had the worse snow I think I've seen in my life in February. A good foot or two with drifts. Wood Street was totally cut off - even with a 4x4 we couldnt get out of the village.
....and the hottest heat wave we've had in years. It lasted for about a week and nearly killed me. It actually reached 30 degrees which isnt fun when you have no air con!
We saw the first black (although I would argue is also half white) US President in Obama - I know he may still be in the honeymoon period but I like him, his intelligence and manner.
2009 saw the worst recession in living memory. Hopefully Gordon Brown will be out of a job in a few months time - I blame him totally - the bloke's a complete and utter idiot! Alan and I had no proper holiday this year. We went to New York in the Spring for a long weekend but apart from that we've not done anything - how I miss California. Some may say I've been 'on holiday' for six months but to them I say you try bringing up a Gordon Setter Puppy and call it a holiday? It's certainly not been easy, he's a challenge and along with trying to find a job I can honestly say that its NOT been the 'easiest' year!
Roll on 2010, it's got to be better, hasnt it......easier? Maybe.....I am full of hope, as I always am at this time of year - Happy New Year to one and all. Things, as the song goes can only get better :)
