There are many dog toys out there in this world. The thing is even if they look cute and all, they might not be very durable. They might last for some types of dogs, but forget about them if you have a terrier.

Now I have even tried toys that claimed to be extremely durable and had Rottweilers on the picture, yet little 5 month old Border Terrier Yogi (the tester in this) managed to “kill it” in a few hours. Chewed a corner of the bone shaped toy that was covered in a densly woven nylon material, looked sturdy enough, but no match for little strong terrier jaws.

I have long given up to buy just any odd toy. The only ones worth buying as Yogi not only loves them but they are also pretty durable are:

1) The classic Kong 

The most ultimate dog toy, there is no way it can be killed. Yogi is only really interested if it’s stuffed with lovely treats and the special Kong Peanut Butter stuffing paste, but when it is he goes bananas until it’s all empty, he has developed a clever technique whereby he picks it up and throws it on the floor a couple of times until something falls out, if it doesn’t work on the carpet he will move into the kitchen or onto the terrace where there are hard surfaces. I also think that they look really cool.

2) The Kong Wubba (with squeek)

Yes another Kong toy, you might see I am an advocate for them, as they seem to be the only company that manages to produce durable toys that even a terrier can enjoy. This is like a Kong but looks a bit like a squid. Yogi bites into the tassles at the end and thows it about and then runs about squeeking it bouncing up and down. He carries it around and drops it on our feet when he wants a game.

3) flexible rubber ball

4) Plush Doughnut with squeek

This is a cheap and cheerful toy. The image is of one similar to one of Yogi’s first ever toys. The squeek died at some point and he is on his third, but not because he managed to shred it ever.

4) Rope knot ball

He loves to get his teeth into this but unlike the ropes with the knots on the ends, he can’t pull the strings out and eat them.

5) Rubber knot ball with bell and rope

He loves this, thows it about like a little crazy guy.

I bought some other things with good intentions, such as another Kong toy, the Wobbler

He initially needed some assistance in getting the concept of kicking the Wobbler so that a treat inside could fall out though the little hole. Well, he got it very quickly. I got it so he would have something to keep him entertained while alone at home, but Yogi, you see is a very impatient dog and he gets so wound up and frustrated that he can’t just get all the treats at once he starts squeeling and howling in the most bizarre fashion, so I have to watch him while playing with it and take it away when he gets aggitated, as I don’t want him to end up mad. Well he is mad, but you know what I mean…
Anyway, all dogs are different, so it will suit other dogs better.
To conclude, freely after Forrest Gump: Dog toys are like a box of chocolate, you never know what you’re gonna get.
Happy playing!
Bisa

One of my favourite things is shopping, I find it very relaxing. If I get stressed I go shopping, I can spend hours browsing, just looking at things.

I generally prefer to be in an actual shop but online will do if that’s not available or I don’t feel like leaving the house.

Anyway, there are some items I’ve found over time which are brilliant and I thought I share them here.

1) Crocs – I love them, I have too many to count, lots of different styles are available now, I especially recommend the Jaunt Wellies (http://tinyurl.com/39lql9o), they were my last purchase and are already a staple in my “shoerobe” as I am always on walks with little Yogi. I have my eye one another different style but that would just be naughty: http://www.crocs.co.uk/crocs-surrey/11070,en_GB,pd.html?cid=060&cgid=women-footwear.

2) Philips Imageo candle lights: http://tinyurl.com/36vmdsa, they are great, they give lovely ambient light, flicker gently like candles, no cables not nasty plastic, no batteries, induction charged on a station, last 24 hours, brilliant. Their guide light (http://tinyurl.com/38hvfbs) is on the way, which should sort our issue with not having a light switch to the corridor  by the bedroom door. Got my parents the table lights of the same range, and they love them too.

3) My nude patent Shilo heels from LK Bennett (http://www.lkbennett.com/shoes/courts/29766TAUPE). Yes they were expensive, but boy are they comfortable and gorgeous and go with anything and I just love them. They have the same shoe now in snake skin, but I couldn’t afford that, but I found a similar snake skin pair in the LKB sale recently for half price (http://www.lkbennett.com/shoes/courts/30431TAN). Result. I am too old to wear uncomfortable heels.

That’s the top three I can think off.

I probably post the best dog toys next, so watch this space, esp. if you have a terrier, as they destroy most toys within minutes, days or max. a week.

Bisa

This is a collection of some of my favourite shots. I enjoy taking photographs, predominantly of plants, landscapes, interesting items and of course Yogi.

I am not claiming to be a photographer, I am very much an amateur, I don’t know much about exposure and lighting and all those technical terms. I just love it when I spot a pattern and can capture it, when I see a beautiful scene and manage to reflect it, and if I get Yogi to sit still for long enough to get a clear pic of him. I usually post photos on flickr.com, but thought I share a collection here.

On our Cornwall holiday we’ve joined the National Trust on the last day at Lizard Point.

We have plenty of National Trust sites around where we live in Cambridge, so it seemed worthwhile.

Today was another grand day out at Wimpole Hall. We did a 2 hour walk across the beautiful meadows and through the woodland.

After yesterday’s dog training class, Yogi deserved a nice long walk with lots to sniff. And I could do with some fresh air to blow those cobwebs out of my head.

I love taking pictures of tree eyes, they are really magical, well I think so. Judge yourself, here are some I’ve taken today.

It was a glorious day, finished off with lunch at the tea rooms. Cottage Pie. We then bought some Wimpole Home Farm meat and headed back home.

Yogi and I immediately collapsed into little heaps in bed for a snooze which was to last some hours. He is now once again snoozing on the sofa while we are zapping through the channels and have some drinks.

Nice Saturday! Just what the doctor ordered

Bisa