Friday 3 April 2009

the tale of how cricket came to be......

firstly thank you all for your lovely messages to the wee lad and his totally besotted mama..... xx




and so the tale begins......


we took in two male whippets - one called pax and the other zulu....
all was going well and the girls were as pleased as punch to have new playmates....
the boys became badger and george......
then talulla came in to season.....
the boys suddenly pricked up their velvety whippet ears and realised what being a boy was all about.....
we very carefully counted the days and watched talulla's reactions to the boys - waiting for her fertile time.....
the plan for this time was to keep the boys away - far, far away - no pups were planned for at all.....
as an added precaution talulla always had a pair of trusty pants on her bee-hind......
remember those pink polka dot pants?
at this point she was still horrified by the very idea of personal relations with boys, and gave them a nasty nip if they got to close - a girl has to protect her reputation.......

suddenly and very unexpectedly my dear old grandpa died....
i had a meltdown and stephen suddenly had to take over the care of all animals, the house build, all whilst trying to console me and arrange my journey home.....
it was whilst this was all going on that a crafty lad spotted his moment and made his move.....
no doubt he literally charmed the pants off of talulla.....
actually they managed to complete the act with polka dot pants still in place....
we found them tied and knew that it was all too late.....

the very next day talulla was taken down to the vets and given two injections which would ensure that no puppies
i repeat - no puppies
would develop
the injections are pretty much 99%
turns out talulla and her beau fall in to the 1% catergory.......

so we move on a few months and talulla starts her usual pattern of enduring a phantom pregnancy (so we thought).....
swollen nipples, a little off with the others, increased appetite......
we thought nothing of it as we had seen this after all her previous seasons.....
i did indeed, as the person who left a comment but no name pointed out - call her lazy and a tad plump ........
for this i feel terrible but what can you do?
lots of extra nice food has been purchased :)

move on to thursday morning and talulla joins us all on our usual morning walk around the fields, greeting the ponies and sheep, eating the lovely fresh rabbit poo....... just the usual start to the day
we come in - stephen goes off to the post office and i start to prepare breakfast for the hounds.....
talulla refuses to eat and hot foots it in to ghillies bed - a stinky pile that the mcdog drags all manner of horrid things in to, rolls about, scratches it up, snores, farts - you get the picture - a total teenage boys pit!

she starts to cry, goes very pale, shakes and generally scares me half to death.....
i hot foot it along to the vets - i remember nothing of the 20 minute drive except the feeling of panic that i was about to lose my girl...
stopped at the traffic light i look down and see a dark pool under talulla - i place my hand to it and expect to see blood - it felt like slow motion....
the fluid is clear and it is at this point, sitting together in the car, that i realise she is in labour....
my heartbeat slows down, the panic subsides and i know all i have to do is trust mother nature....




one pup was born whilst stephen and i watched
our vet was there and she was wonderful

this one single pup that had nestled so secretly inside his mama.....
only the two of them knowing he was there
a very special bond.......




and the father of the pup?
the only chap that it could have been as we had been so observant - and he was after all caught in the act......

guilty as charged


badger

shown above dancing merrily with bean x

and in answer to the question ...

cricket is here to stay
of course he is
we are just so, so grateful that he was the only one as both stephen and i would not be able to part with any.... this is the reason that we have always agreed on no puppies!

t x

37 comments:

Kitty said...

Awww, what a lovely story. What a sly dog that Badger is ... maybe he has a 'thing' for polka dot pants? ;-) x

Anonymous said...

If it's any comfort to you, you're not the first to have it happen and you won't be the last. In our case, it was the cats. They were pretty young still and we thought that if we had the boy neutered straight away, nothing would happen. Eleven kittens later we found out that we had been about two days late with the neutering.
Cricket is a lovely addition to the family, though.

Anonymous said...

Please spay or neuter your animals.

Pipany said...

Tell Anonymous to get lost!!!!! Doesn't even have the nerve to put a name to the comment...ha!

Ahem, sorry Tracy but I get sick of these people who comment yet don't own up to having an opinion.

Cricket is gorgeous and I am almost blubbing at the lovely story. Have fun xx

Tracy x said...

anonymous.....
please do come forward and introduce yourself - i fully appreciate all opinions...
as for neutering my animals?
if and when i feel it is right to do so i will - i do not need anyone telling me what is best for my animals.
if i could not afford to offer any of my animals the absolute best of everything then i would not have them.
i believe that there is far too many litters of pups born each year - too many dogs without good homes - our ONE pup was a mistake - a mating that we did NOT plan - but please do realise that a male dog should not be castrated at such a young age as our dogs are. - if you took the time to read our situation we did what we see as the correct outcome for an unplanned mating - our bitch was taken to our vets and given the correct injections to STOP the pregnancy - the injection failed and that is not something we could forsee.
please do come forward with your opinions and back them up with the large amount of knowledge that you no doubt have ...
but do be prepared because i will verbally rip your head off
or are you too chicken????
people like you make me sick - you know NOTHING about my situation - leave mindless comments and yet remain anonymous??

in order to leave my blog the nice friendly place that it is i will be placing a filter and delayed comments on - but whoever you are please feel free to to explain why i should spay and neuter my animals when they are not old enough - why i should steal there childhood from them by doing this -
i do hope that you know what you are talking about when it comes to dogs because i do...

looking forward to your response

Vintage to Victorian said...

Hi Tracy

What a chapter, and what a gorgeous Cricket!

Sue x

tam said...

Awww what a sweet love story-thats what it is after all!
The polka dot pants had me laughing I must admit!
Criket is adorable and will be such a fun adition to the family!~Smiles~Tam!

Love Honor Disobey said...

Leave a man in charge and all hell breaks loose!

What a lovely story...like a miracle baby...coming into the world against all odds. He is so adorable and new and soft...aaawwww! It's strange how he came out brown when mamma is grey and dad is black and white.

I can't wait to see more postings, documenting his growing up...weeeeeeee....how exciting! x

Alexandra said...

Cricket is so gorgeous Tracy xx

Anonymous said...

Oh my, Tracy, I have only just caught up with this - how magical! And I am so happy for you that it is ONE pup not ten! One that both you and T can dote on... he will be such a treasure.
How totally extraordinary, with all the precautions taken... Will not rely on pants, polka dot or otherwise, with my dogs after this warning!
Enjoy your lovely dogs,
xx Elspeth

lynn said...

what a glorious story have you ever thought about a chidrens book? cricket is so special and so loved and tallulah what can i say she is a true champion and will make the most amazing mama..lynnie

lynn said...

horrified at the annoymous comment it only goes to show the coward they really are!!!!lynnie

Anonymous said...

Hello Tracy my name is Annette . I found your blog about 2 years ago and have enjoyed reading about your life. There are few blogs I follow, you see my time is limited because I work long hours and read your posts late at night after I get home. But yours has been a joy, I love your willingness to share about your animals and home. I find it is almost like visiting a dear friend. That is why I remembered the post about the button. I think sometimes it so strange how sometimes we cannnot see something, in hindsight, that was there all along. I have never left a post until last night, yes I am the anonymous that left the button post, but only to jog your memory and not to criticize you in anyway. Maybe just tease just a little, to say ..See there it was! I am glad Tululla got the extra nice food ;) and that Cricket is doing well.
When I finally got home tonight and was able to come check on your blog hoping to hear more news about the new arrival, I was very surprised about the awful developments. I would like to assure you that I am not the anonymous that left the post about spaying. And I can see that anyone might presume that we are one in the same, and that is distressing. I would never tell anyone how to raise their animals and am glad that you have stuck up for your beliefs.
I can also see that posting as an anonymous is a mistake, for someone else can use that to cause all kinds of mischief. I will always identify myself in future. I am truly sorry that you have been caused distress.

RubyTwoShoes said...

Hi Tracy,
How lovely...I read the first story about Cricket and was intrigued as to how he came to be...I LOVED reading your latest post.
I always enjoy your Blog so much..I have laughed and cried and felt empathy and jealousy...
Your animals are so well loved and treasured...your life sounds amazing and I will keep reading with much interest and joy.
Give Cricket and Tallulah a kiss on their velvety noses from me...and a special hug for McDog (he is my fave!!).
Love from New Zealand,
Mxx

Libby said...

Thank you for enlightning us! A lovely tale. I always love happy endings!!!

DriveAway said...

well done my girl,you take after your nana,she hated cowards too. and i know what grandad would have said ,but he was to much of a gentle soul to say it in front of his favorite grandchild.!
stick to you beliefs and what you know is right!
love from proud Mummy.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

April said...

Tallula is obviously a very proud and devoted mum and Cricket is adorable (such a cute name!)

Tracey, I am a huge admirer of you and way you seem to be able to cope with every animal that comes your way, not to mention your wonderful house.

Please don't let anonymous cowards spoil this delightful time for you - I really hate it when people sit in judgement of others lifestyles.

Neutering is personal decision and not for everyone. I am a strong believer in fate and little Cricket was obviously meant to come into your lives at this time.

Please keep giving us lots of photos of all your gorgeous dogs and especially Cricket as he grows up!

Give them all a cuddle from me ;-)

April xx

The Odd Bird said...

Oh my goodness... this is so wonderful. That little one was just meant to be. Adorable, adorable. Here's a video on Youtube that I thought you might enjoy... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2FX9rviEhw

Sara said...

this is so wonderful! Obviously he was just meant to be a part of your brood. Such a lovely story... made my heart feel all warm and fuzzy :)

mollycupcakes said...

Tracy,
I think that who ever left that sickening comment can only hide behind Anonymous because they don't have the first idea of what they are talking about.
People like that make me so mad, how dare they judge you like that. Have they even read any of your blog, or just seen what they wanted to see. Argh! who ever you are please do introduce yourself because i think there is a few of us bloging ladies that have a some things to say.
Leave Tracy and her beautiful animals alone, She's got more knowledge in her little finger about how to raise animals than you have in your hole body.

Well that feels better lol
Congratulations Talulla and Badger and welcome to a fabulous and wonderful life Criket.
Many hugs Tracy,
Catherine x

prettyshabby said...

oh T ! bless! a gorgeous little surprise whippie... now this is how we ended up with five cats ..one little mischevious night out and two extra kitties appeared (and they are still here 11 years later..like you,I'm a responsible owner and would never part with them..)
It's been lovely catching up with all your news, now I cant wait for the lambs to arrive! xx

Phyllis said...

Not to offend, but I agree with Anonymous and my name is Phyllis. The only sure way to guarantee no puppies is to spay.

I'm glad she only had the one baby and know it's in a good home.

Willow said...

What a special little gift for Tallulah - I love the idea of a children's book about this story - jut think of the illustrations you could do! Blessings to mama & her little Cricket.

Willow xx

Fabric Nation said...

That is such a lovely story and sweet cricket is going to have so much love! I think those naughty dogs saw you needed a little extra love when you were having such a sad time and cricket is a lovely outcome!

blueberry hill said...

Bless!!!! How fab...it was just meant to be.
Enjoy!
Annie xxx

mollycupcakes said...

Dear tracy,
I did leave you a long and supportive message last night but this silly computer of mine seems to have eaten it.
I just wanted to say a very big congratulations to Talulla and Badger.
And welcome to the wonderful world of Seahouse life to Criket.

Take no noitce of that Anonyous muppet, some people just don't know what they're talking about. And that person really knows nothing about you and how amazing you are.
Big hugs,
Catherine x

Tracy x said...

sweet catherine x
i did get your message but i have put the comment moderation option on and have been a little slow in accepting messages....
i will email you later for a chat x
t x

Tracy x said...

phyllis
thank you for your comment.
can i just make a few points....
i have been fortunate enough to have worked in the veterinary world and could write down each stage of the operation "to spay"
i have seen first hand the results of neutering too early, the trauma that the bitches body goes through with this surgery and the effect physically and emotionally afterwards.
it is classed as a "routine operation" but it is a very difficult operation for a bitch to adjust to afterwards...
with my knowledge of this first hand, my training, my work with the RSPCA and my knowledge of my animals i WILL neuter my animals when i know that they are ready physically and emotionally.
i am fully aware of the problems with too many homeless animals - i have been there when unwanted dogs have been put down just because there is no room for them....
i have seen the horrific side of breeding believe me....

this mating was a mistake and we took the option to not let it continue for the very reason of too many dogs without homes...
the result of one puppy is good but we would never have let any of the litter go -
i do wonder if i would have been critisised as much if i was merrily breeding my dogs and selling the pups for profit?

you have not offended me in any way but perhaps in the future if you have nothing positive to say then gather all the facts before you leave anything negative or just say nothing at all...

Samantha said...

Hi Tracy,
Knickers to anonymous! These things do happen (says she who rehomed a pregnant Siamese cat).

Beautiful story and Cricket is lucky to have a home with you both.

x

Katie twinkles said...

Oh, there was me thinking it would be George owing to the colour x I don't know anything about dogs much but I am just trying to do the maths. If the injection worked one per cent does that mean there could have been a hundred puppies..perish the thought?!

I think the pink pants were a bit of a come-on :-))What Fun x maybe whippety blue ones next time x

Jane said...

Little Cricket is so cute and obviously meant to be despite all the odds. anonymous seems to just be repeating what they've heard on the TV campaigns which is not appropriate for your blog. I know i'm not a regular commenter but i do read your blog each week and I love seeing your beautiful animals and reading how you care for them. I giggled at the tale of the polka dot pants but I do hope that little cricket grows up to be as strong and beautiful as the rest of the "gang" Jane

Anonymous said...

What an absolutely wonderful story. He is just gorgeous as are his parents.

N Miles said...

Just thought I'd chuck my oar in! To be fair to Phyllis I don't think she was criticising you, just saying that the only sure way to have no puppies is to spay/neuter. You are evidently a responsible and caring pet owner and will no doubt do what you think is the best for your animals at the appropriate time.

Unfortunately I think it comes with the blog territory that you get a few readers who don't agree with all your actions and feel the need to comment.

Love your blog btw. Can we have some more piccies of sea house?

Tracy x said...

welcome nome x
i have taken no offence from the comment left by phyliss - i just feel that if you have nothing positive to say why leave a negative comment?
she was rather stating the obvious which there is no need to do.
the post was a celebration of new life - a wonderful mistake - why taint the happy occasion?
phyliss is entitled to her opinion, as are we all, but is it not polite and good manners to just keep your opinion to yourself if you have nothing nice to say?

as for sea house?????
i have been painting like a crazy woman and will take a few snaps later - my parents are due to stay in less than a month so the frantic task of making our building site a home has began :)

glad you visited
t x

acrossthepond said...

Ahh... such a lovely story and tainted by such negativity. Why do people think they have the right to rain on your parade? You have done MORE than your fair share of helping animals and this wee little only child is yours to take care of. It is not like you are farming him off to some one else or making money from him. Bless it's little cotton socks. The photos are adorable. What a joy to have in your life? Good luck.

Cat said...

That was a beautiful story and a lovely baby to add some fun to the household. Please breathe in some puppy breath for me. They smell so sweet.

Cat said...

Anonymous please crawl back in your hole you coward. If you can't leave a name then you aren't deserving of an opinion!