The start of a new year – the year that will be mine!!!

Well the end of 2008 is nigh and I must admit it is a year I am glad to say goodbye to. Reminiscing over the past year it has good memories, but unfortunately the bad ones outweigh the good ones by a hundred fold. I believe writing this down will allow me to get the bad ones out of my system and start off the New Year with a clean slate and optimism I thought may never be possible again.

In 2008 my best friend was seriously injured by no fault of his own. In agility he hit a tyre jump and as it wasn’t pegged or fixed it moved, by this time he was through the hole in the tyre, and the tyre and heavy metal frame collapsed on his back. His back legs weren’t moving although he was trying to pull himself up with his front legs. We were over in Melbourne when the incident occurred, far away from home and your “usual” surroundings. A big thank you to everyone at the trial that day who did rush in and help both him and I (as I was the one going into shock).



He was rushed into the vet hospital and was given the best care. He saw a neurological specialist who prepared me for the worst in that he may never walk again. As he is such an energetic and active dog, living a life with paralysis or semi-paralysis would be no joy to him and the unspeakable would have to happen. We returned home to have him strictly rested. I was sleeping on the floor with him as he wasn’t allowed to jump up on any beds, couches, etc. Each day went by and I’d say a prayer for him as we were told we would know by 12 weeks what the state of his condition would be. I cherished every second I had with him, although in the beginning most of that was spent with my head burrowed in my sopping pillow or sitting in a corner with a box of tissues to hand.












Now though by best friend in the whole world is walking again, may be a little funny at times and is pain free for most (although he doesn’t always let on). Samroc to you I want to say how sorry I am for the pain you incurred whilst trying to please me, and I would never ever hurt my wee man in any way. I love you boy and as long as I have my boy by my side I am a happy person. You may now be retired and unable to do the things we used to do, but you’re still my best friend and we have many a great time still to share – luv ya Samroc xxx


Now I’ve got that out of the way I want to focus on the future as we cannot change the past.

I have my best friend Samroc and my special girls Diva and Mini and we are going to have a blast in 2009. This is going to be a great if not fabulous year for us and I was told by someone very special to me that you make your own luck in this world – that is exactly what I am going to do. From the chime of midnight tomorrow night the world will be a different place - I will stop and smell the roses, listen to the birds singing to me so joyful and make sure I wear a smile :-)


I have made up a few New Year resolutions:

1: Stop working as much and spend more time with the fur kids
2: Do more training with the dogs
3: quit smoking – hard one but hey I’ve gotta do it
4: get motivated in agility again and enter more trials
5: do a lot more sheep herding – at least 1ce a week.
6: get fit
7: get a new car
8: be more optimistic

Some I will keep others I will probably sweep under the carpet for a later date, on the whole if I aim towards them and have a fun and prosperous new year then who cares?

This song brings many a good memory to me and as I sing it with a tear in my eye and a smile on my face. I invite you to sing along this very famous Scottish poem, associated with Rabbie Burns:

Auld Lang syne – English Translation = Old times (old long ago)

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days o' auld lang syne ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp !And surely I’ll be mine !
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,For auld lang syne.

Sing CHORUS

We twa hae run about the braes, And pu’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,Sin auld lang syne.

Sing CHORUS

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn, Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’dSin auld lang syne.

Sing CHORUS

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere !And gie's a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught, For auld lang syne.

Sing CHORUS.


Have an awesome Hogmanay and all the best for the new year xxx