Let's face off!

Did you know I'm on Facebook and you can follow me there too! So come find me at https://www.facebook.com/finnegan.otterhound 

There's a blog for that ...

Since I last posted we have added ...

Huw the Bedlington Terrier,
Aubrey Beardsley the Pyrenean Sheepdog, and
Bulldog Drummond and Kitty Pryde (my kitties)

And I have been documenting my adventures on my Facebook page

And so so much more ...

Anyway, I have been reflecting on the here and now of social media and the there and then of blogs, and I decided in the interests of the fullness of time, I needed to get back to my blogging roots.

If it's good enough for Paulo Coelho, it's good enough for me!

My Tweet has been louder then my Blog

I realise I've been quite delinquent in my posting. I've been tweeting though, so please follow me @TheHoundReport for all my news. Now that I'm almost 3 (26 October for those sending pressies, ha ha!) I have such a bumper social life!

Do Dogs Tweet?



On the lookout for more news

I know, I've been terrible - the more news I have the less time I get to tell you about it. But I am now making a concerted effort.

A human friend suggested to me that I should should tweet instead of blog, as I can ramble stream-of-consciousness style as and when the wisdom comes to me. But I've heard that people tweet things like "I've got out of the shower with no makeup" and "I've had a cup of coffee and it was nice." Now if that's the level of news to which we are all aspiring these days, then perhaps I really will just go back to incessant barking.

Anyway, since I haven't barked since February, here is a bullet-point list:

• Second in Postgraduate Dog at Crufts! (and I had to beat someone to win that!)
• Fun at the Otterhound Club Open Show 
• Pub dinner at our local Duke of Cambridge organic pub (5 Finnegan paws!!!)
• Modelling in Islington (now this one is worth some detail ...)



Nigel Barker, ANTM



I was on my way to Regent's Canal at the end of our street with Leo and the humans as we were setting off for a big adventure (walking along the canal all the way to Victoria Park! about 3 miles!). Anyway, we came across a fashion shoot and the photographer, noticing my boyish good looks, asked if I could model in the shoot. Well, I don't spend hours and hours watching the "Next Top Model" franchise for nothing. I was brilliant ... moved slightly, posed, turned my head, posed, gazed at my model, posed, winked at the photographer, posed. Just like Nigel Barker (at right) always says, keep moving but give your photographer enough time to catch your poses. Really, I think I'm onto something here. Anyway, the shoot was for Patricia Nicolas, a famous designer (and she blogs as well), and I am hoping she will be the one that years from now is credited with my "discovery" ... when I'm being profiled years from now in E! True Hollywood Story for my rock-band lifestyle. I like modelling more than showing. Showing involves standing behind another dog's bottom. Usually something I fancy, but as none of the others in my classes are ever girls, it is really disconcerting now I've discovered my mojo. Maybe that's a good suggestion for the next spin-off for the NTM franchise - Britain and Ireland's Next Top Canine Model!



Make me a supermodel ...



Anyhow, after my fashion shoot (that's me on the left), we made our way to Victoria Park, meeting lots of new dogs along the way, including an American Cocker Spaniel (she was lush!) and some of the lucky dogs that live on the canal boats. One was running back and forth along the roof while they let out the locks. He kept barking excitedly at me on the bank, but I couldn't really join him. We also had a chance to road test the fabulous Rosewood No-Spill Portabowl for water along the way (and for our lunch in the pub) - you can even carry water in it (it has a drawstring). I recommend it to everyone. And I don't get any commission or free bowls! That's just a genuine good impression. Even I couldn't knock it over in the pub! It's the first time we've had water in a pub that didn't need a mop afterwards.

So after a walk through the park we went to the fabulous Crown, which is very dog-friendly (there was a little dog running around in the pub, and she was a very pretty raven-haired minx). They even have dog bowls behind the bar (although I had my fabulous Portabowl). And they made us feel so welcome, Leo and I loved it. Only problem is there are no photos, because the human forgot her phone (think it was on purpose as she gets so many emails).

Anyway, will be in touch again soon! I mean it! But I am still not sure about this tweeting business ...

All quiet on the North London front

Well, I have been very quiet I know, but it's not for lack of excitement. Let's see ... I went to the Battersea Reunion Day in September (with Leo the Bedlington Terrier, who is of course a Battersea alum - here he is on the right in his fancy dress), I went to Discover Dogs at Earls Court in November (where I starred on the Otterhound Stand again), it snowed in London in December and we played in the snow in Islington Green, and I went shoe shopping in a shoe shop! As a picture says a thousand words, I think I will just show you the pictures.

A couple of highlights though. I got a little bit bus sick on the Number 19, and the bus driver was not very gracious about it. He was driving like a crazy person, so it's no wonder my Battersea Reunion treats "reunited" in my mouth and on the floor of the bus. My entourage was very swift with the baby wipes, alcohol spray and paper towels. But nevertheless, there was quite a to do about it. So Number 19 buses are off my list. But here I am (on the left) on the bus in my Battersea Reunion tag, about a mile before the "incident".

But I had a totally different experience coming home from Discover Dogs at Earls Court. I went for my first tube ride on the way (without incident!) and then on the way home, so many people piled on at South Kensington that we decided to get off (in case my lunch came up). But it was so crowded, Leo couldn't get off as well. So they went on to Knightsbridge. Now, as we all know, Leo can be carried on the escalator. Not so for me as I am now rather big (just over 40kg!). To our dismay, however, one had to take an escalator to the emergency stairs. We used the help phone to see where the emergency stairs were, and they directed us to an escalator! Alas, we were stuck. But not to worry, the wonderful man at South Kensington tube said, "Wait right there, I will be there to help you." And within minutes, he had stopped the escalators! And we ran up, with an audience of seemingly hundreds waiting for the escalator to re-start. The South Kensington tube man then helped us to the stairs so we could leave. He was so lovely! So South Kensington tube gets 5 Finnegan stamps!

Valerie's in Bloomsbury were also very accommodating the other weekend when we had lunch there after shopping in Fopp in Gower St (5 stamps!). 3.5 stamps for Valerie's (because obviously we can't eat inside ... otherwise would be 5)

Finally, I have also been shopping at Spice shoes in Islington. I even had my photo taken in the shoe store by some fans who work there. Here I am on the right, posing for photos. They were so lovely to me. And of course, we left with some lovely new shoes (not for me though). Another 5 stamps for sure!

Leo and I have also started a new venture together - Dogs at Law - for lawyers and their dogs. We are hoping to plan lots of exciting social events so I hope we will see some of you soon.

Finally, a thought for the day. I have heard that the stupider you are the more energy you have. That worries me a little, as I am always full of beans and Leo is always exhausted. Although that could just mean I am surrounded by brilliance. I am sure that is it.

Crufts Bound for this Seaside Hound!

It's been a very exhausting but very exciting few weeks. Last weekend, I went to my first show! It was a Championship Show, so lots of Otterhounds were there, and I saw my mother, Charisma, and my sister, Florin, for the first time since I was 8 weeks old. Here I am posing with my pretty sister (she is the cute little blonde one on the right). And you can probably just see mum sleeping in the background.

I have to come clean, I didn't win, but I did qualify for Crufts. So I will be there with bells on. But my sister won best puppy and my mother, most exciting of all, won best Otterhound of all. So I am very pleased.

I think I have a little bit to learn about show ring etiquette (I do not see the point of standing up when there is perfectly soft grass to lie down on) but I was praised very highly for my good manners (judges get enormously personal when they introduce themselves to you) and for trotting out very nicely. Best of all, Leo was entered "not for competition" and got his name in the catalogue as well and also got a bench to sit in right beside me!

Here we are in our benches. Leo was wearing his cheer squad t-shirt (a picture of me, with "Finnegan for Champion" underneath!). In fact, all my friends wore t-shirts (it was a lot of fun really).

It was really exciting having our own benches. Leo got a lot of visitors (because they knew he was there from the catalogue, and everybody loves Leo!). I knew he was popular but I had no idea he had so many fans!

And Leo got to meet my little sister Florin (he's never met her before) and he was also reunited with one of his biggest Otterhound fans, Morse. Morse has quite a crush on Leo. Morse will be going to Crufts too!

Anyway, I have to get lots of practice in for Crufts, so I am going to try and get to a few shows between now and then, even though it has taken us all at least a week to get over it.

But in the meantime, I have had yet another exciting weekend this weekend. We all went to Brighton! We stayed in a wonderful dog-friendly guesthouse, called Avalon. Leo has been there before, but this was my first ime (and my first time at the sea!). I really loved it and immediately assumed my role as guardian. Someone checked in at midnight! Which I thought was quite unthinkable so I bayed at them (from my room of course). I did the same thing at the hens when they came back late (not actually chickens, just strange women with a variety of outfits comprised of pink feathers, who did seem to keep the hours that are opposite to hens, which is quite ironic). But no-one seemed to mind. And I had a lovely time at breakfast, chatting to my new friends and rolling around on the rug with Leo. We were even offered sausages by Brian as he cooked breakfast, but as I am watching my figure for Crufts, and as a man told Leo he was chubby yesterday (here's Leo poking fun at that social injustice while shopping!), we both politely declined. Being in the public eye we have to watch our appearance. Maybe next time!

Anyway, on the first day we went to a cafe called Metrodeco. It is supremely dog-friendly. It has a furniture showroom downstairs (lots of Art Deco things I'm told), and a cafe upstairs, which is where we were. There was even a bed in the corner for Leo! Here he is enjoying some toast in the furry bed.

Apparently the cakes are marvellous (although Leo and I stuck to doggy treats and a bit of toast). In particular, the reports were quite outstanding for the Bakewell tarts, so much so there was a repeat episode the following day (but more on that later ...). So it is an undeniable 5 Finnegan stamps for the outstandingly dog-friendly Metrodeco.

Anyway, on Saturday at Metrodeco we met a Jack Russell (who barked at me a lot), and another little dog, and a black lady dog, and then a little Chihuahua which I thought was simply inexplicably tiny.

He smelt like a dog, and yet his head seemed no bigger than my paw. So I lay down to play with him. Here I am playing with my new toy dog (there's more to that expression than I originally appreciated). 

Anyway, eventually I could get the grown-ups away from the reportedly delicious coffee and cakes, and we went for a spot of shopping and sightseeing.

We met a lady who was tidying up the street with a lovely broom (I love brooms!) so we stopped to chat to her so I could sniff the broom. And she chatted to us and asked what I was. She was very nice indeed.

We then we to Paw Paw UK (a pet boutique!) and Leo got lots of lovely presents (and we both got some tasty treats!). He also tried on a dinner suit and walked outside the shop to a group of ladies and did a little pirouette to lots of oohs and aahs. He is really quite a showman (I will keep a note of that in my mental preparation for Crufts ...). I got a bandanna which says "01". We asked if there was one with "02" as Leo is "01", but the man said they didn't make an "02" as they probably wouldn't sell many of those. To be fair, that probably is quite right. So I stuck with "01" (it will be aspirational! for Crufts!), and we left with all our lovely new things, and a promise to catch up again at Discover Dogs at Earls Court in November (Paw Paw UK will be there). Here I am enjoying the lush surrounds of the pet boutique.

Then we went to look at the beautiful Brighton Pavilion.

There was a wedding going on (I was told this was quite usual for the Pavilion).

The gardens were beautiful, full of flowers and smells. Leo didn't go to the Pavilion last time he was in Brighton, so he was quite keen to visit as well.

Dogs are allowed in (to the Pavilion, not sure about the wedding ... although I've seen better outfits on Leo), but not on the grass. So here we are enjoying the surrounds from the safety of the pathway.

Afterwards, we did a bit more shopping, but most importantly, we came across another doggy mecca, "Doggy Fashion" and we got some yummy treats, a floating toy for the sea, and some new dog bowls. One is a Crown and the other is a Court Jester hat. They are great, and best of all, so heavy I will stop scattering my food everywhere each time something distracts me in a middle of a snack. There was also a very lovely little miniature Schnauzer lady in there (I think you can see her doing some modelling on the Doggy Fashion website). She didn't like me at first, but it didn't take me long to work the Finnegan charm on her. Leo wasn't interested, there were open bags of doggy treats everywhere so he had other things on his mind.

After our shopping we went back to the hotel and got changed and packed a few things for the beach. This was very exciting, my first seaside!

We all went in the water, but everyone was quite a bit braver than I was. It was ok paddling, until the waves came in. They roar a little and they splash as well. So I really wasn't sure it was such a good idea.

And the water was quite astonishingly cold! Web feet and waterproof coat aside, it all seemed at best ill-advised and at worst the kind of craziness I have come to expect!

But one thing I did notice was that when the waves went out, they also came back in again. This turned out to be very handy indeed, as not once did I have to pursue the floating sea toy when it went out, because it always came back! The perfect game, all from the shore and with very little energy expended. I am growing up to be quite the practical-minded problem-solver.

The grown-ups did lots of swimming (but I promised not to document that!), but here's proof that I did at least a little bit of paddling.

And then it was time to enjoy the scenery (paddling is tiring!). And combined with the hard work of walking on all those pebbles, we were all ready for a snooze afterwards, in the fresh Brighton sea air.

Here we are lying on the beach in the sunshine, drying our curls and soaking up the Brighton vibe.

Afterwards, we wandered along the parade and looked at all the various bits and pieces, and meeting lots of new dogs. And lots and lots of seagulls. I just love things that can fly.

The next stop of importance was to be the Brighton Pier. This is world famous and I couldn't wait to see it up close. But when we got there it was "no dogs allowed". Brighton overall is very dog-friendly (cars stop for you to cross the street!), but this made me a bit sad. I was packing bags, surely I could have had a little visit? Anyway, here I am at the doorway to the forbidden city. 

I probably won't be allowed to go to Somerset House to watch the outdoor movies either, but I think I will still ask!

Anyway, we were all very salty and tired after our swims and adventures, so we went back to shower and change again and find somewhere yummy to eat. On the way, we heard a lady saying to her friend, "is that an Otterhound?" As we got closer she stopped to ask us and we said yes. She said she was very pleased to see one, and of course I was proud as punch.

We then went to a place called "Tin Drum" for dinner. We were allowed inside and we sat in a really nice booth with loads of space for Leo and me. We were both exhausted, so we slept rather soundly after our snacks.

Apparently the food was good, but not as good as Somerset Coffee House and the Marquess Tavern, but on dog-friendliness alone it was just great! The space was fantastic, the staff kept coming over to say hi and give me cuddles, and we could really stretch out in style. 

So from me, the Tin Drum gets 5 Finnegan stamps!

It was the perfect way to relax after such an exciting day.

Leo and I were quite exhausted and ready to sleep away the evening. Although I did make sure I woke to pass some barking judgments on the unruly hens.

Sunday, our last day in Brighton, we enjoyed breakfast at the Avalon. Here we are blurry with play! It's such a fun place (even if we declined the sausages!).

Then we went for another spot of fun on the beach. We went back to our favourite stretch of the dog beach, making our way over the millions and millions of pebbles (who put them all there? where is the sand?). 

When we got there I met a very fetching little redhead terrier who was quite a dynamo with a ball in the sea. I didn't dare venture in after her, but I was certainly not averse to admiring  her handiwork from the shoreline.

She was so incredibly fast, but I worked out if I stood still in the middle of her route, she would have to go past me at least twice a run.

Leo was also very brave today and paddled by himself! Without even waiting for enticement! He is such a star.

The redhead stayed for quite a while playing, chasing her ball and running so fast, so I spent quite a lot of time running around with her (or at least, watching her run fast).

And here I am having a go at impressing the little redhead with my seaside machismo.

Eventually she had to go, but we stayed and played some more before heading off to our new favourite cafe, Metrodeco, for some lunch.

Well, it was full of doggies, of all sizes - all lying around waiting for the naked bike ride (before you ask, we left before they cycled past, but I'm too young for such things ...). Here are some of my new friends!

We then had time for a final view of the sea before saying goodbye to Brian at the Avalon and heading off home to London.

I was very tired, and slept and snored most of the way, and was very pleased to hit my beanbag in front of the tele that night. But I have to say, I had a woderful time by the seaside and can't wait to go back.

Oh what a wonderful time we had, the day we went to Brighton!

Girls! Girls! Girls!

Today I went to see my vet, Steve. I'm not sick, just getting a check-up and getting weighed. I love my vet. I haven't seen him since I was 8 weeks old because I kept accidentally going in on the day he's not there. So I checked and now I know his days and ask for him especially. Steve was very pleased with how much I'd grown, and said I was very handsome and I have a lovely personality. Mostly people very rarely have both, so I am very pleased to hear this. And I am now 34.5kg! After I weighed myself, Leo (who was with me for moral support) jumped on the scales (he is so clever he weighs himself for Steve) and he is now 13.4kg (so he's lost a bit of holiday weight running away from me). Steve was so impressed we both got treats. And lots of hugs and scratches. I love my vet.

Afterwards, we went to the park. We walked down the street, my happy slobber flying in the beautiful summer breeze (it's quite a spectacular display when I shake my head). There were a lot of dogs there, including an Elkhound I last saw when I was quite little, called Brodie. I am now taller than Brodie! I also met a Newfoundland (he was taller than I am !) and played with a beautiful Miniature Schnauzer (quite a gorgeous little girl), a Golden Labrador (she was really so very pretty) and a little Spaniel (she was also very pretty and positively coquettish) and a very captivating white German Shepherd (she too was rather nice) ... I think I have discovered girls. Or they have discovered me ...

Here I am running with my new platinum blonde friend. We were so fast!

And here I am in an action shot - look at my ears! They are straight up in the air like my girlfriend's! No strings involved!

And then, completely unexpectedly, my German friend happened across us as he was walking into the office (remember, the one whose glasses I like to steal). So we chatted away and played. I didn't try to remove his glasses today, however. 

I also came across a Border Collie playing fetch ... although it was a very unfamiliar version of the game. The man threw the ball, the Border Collie ran to get it, and then stood there waiting for the man to catch up and fetch it. I thought to myself they had the game a bit wrong, so I decided I would fetch the ball and take it back to the man. Oddly enough, he seemed completely unfamiliar with this version of the game, and his utterly humourless Border Collie kept telling me off. So once again, I was retrieved. Really, someone should tell them how "fetch" is supposed to work if they want to avoid future misunderstandings with other dogs in the park.

Afterwards we all went for coffee and croissants at one of my favourite cafes. I could lie in the sun and watch all the dogs walk past and get the occasional pat from a new admirer. I do like these warm summer days!