Wood for the Rayburn

[Spotty-ewe]

This is my dog Murray who was my faithful friend and companion when I was sole teacher on a small Scottish island. I used to collect driftwood for the Rayburn and Murray would always want to help and carry a branch home for me. No wee sticks for him, they were boring, he insisted on something a bit more challenging. I had 4 cats at that time too because the schoolhouse was plagued with rats when I first moved there so I spread the word I was looking for a neutered cat and ended up with 4 of them. There were Mavro and Shadow (sisters) both black from Ayr, Misty a beautiful pure white cat from one of the other islands, and Captain a black and white cat from Glasgow. I named them all because they each had been abandoned and sent to me by various friends. Murray adored them all and Mavro and Shadow who were very young at the time adored him from the very beginning but Misty and Captain grew to love him too.

I have another photo of Murray in snow (a rarity on that island) at the front of the schoolhouse which I’ll perhaps post nearer to Christmas.

Hoping you enjoy seeing Murray with his ‘stick’.

[PMRpro]

Hmmmm - hope he never needed to get through a narrow gate on the way home ...

[Spotty-ewe in reply to PMRpro]

He did! 😆 But he only hurt himself once and learned to turn his head sideways so it would go through without hurting himself. He also learned to avoid cutting people off at the knees with his branches, again turning sideways. It was a painful learning curve for all of us!😂😂

[Spanielmadlady]

Love it good old Murray........millie is the opposite....when we collect wood on the beach for the woodburner she takes it out of the bag and runs off with it .if we are cutting up anything that's too big she again will run off with it when it falls to the floor.marley just likes to pee on the dumpy bags 🙄🙄 all great memories xx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Spanielmadlady]

😂😂 I can just visualise it! Marley claiming it all as his own and Millie saying “No, this bit is mine and you aren’t having it!”? 🤣🤣 All great memories indeed. 👍🏻👍🏻

[CecilyParsley]

Oh I love Murray and your story Spotty. What a wonderful companion he must have been and such a huge loss to you. You have such fabulous memories of your fur family which are priceless. I really look forward to seeing another photo of the handsome Murray. What a gorgeous boy 😍xxx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to CecilyParsley]

Thank you Cecily. Yes, he was a fabulous companion always willing to go a walk and explore the island. Some of the cats used too join us too but after a certain distance they would start crying to go home again🤦‍♀️, so I tried to sneak off with Murray when the cats were sleeping.😉 I still miss him although I don’t think I’d have the energy for him nowadays ! 😆 I’ll just live on the memories of how we used to be. 🥰 Love to you and your boys.🤗😘

[CecilyParsley in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Aww he just sounds wonderful. I love my boys and get so anxious that they will not live forever. I treasure them each day they are such a blessing. I used to love walking with my dogs but now it is impossible. I intend to get back on the treadmill as soon as I can to build myself up to a walk again. The memories of cliff top rambles, long beach walks and rainy day s splashing in puddles keep me going though. Much love to you too xxx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to CecilyParsley]

Lovely memories Cecily, and if you see their paws twitching as they sleep they are no doubt remembering those lovely walks too! 😉 🤗😘x

[CecilyParsley in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Yes that is a wonderful thought Spotty. Thank you my friend you are always so kind xxx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to CecilyParsley]

🤗😘🙏🏻xx

[Oshgosh]

M dg like big sticks. I used to have the bruises on my legs to prove it !

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Oshgosh]

😂😂 I know the feeling Oshgosh! Murray was the same until he realised we were angry with him for cutting us off at the knees and then he went sideways as he’d learned to do with gates. But sometimes when he forgot he swung round and still clipped us! 😂

[Oshgosh in reply to Spotty-ewe]

As I was younger and my health problems hadn’t really merged,it as the a problem.If it happened now I’d probably cry !

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Oshgosh]

😂😂 Very true.

[honeybug]

Awwwww Spotty how absolutely precious this pic and Murray is. What a beautiful memory to recall over and over ♥️🤗💋

Thank you for sharing hun.

Luv ya bunches. EJ ♥️🙏

[Spotty-ewe in reply to honeybug]

I’m so pleased you liked seeing my boy EJ. He was such a special boy which is why I didn’t want another after I lost him. I hope you are keeping safe and well as you can be.🙏🏻

Luv and hugs back to you EJ 💝🤗x

[honeybug in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Oh Spotty I surely can relate to your sentiments about that. I too have gone through this myself. Never again.

It’s a blessing to have those precious pics to help keep the visual memories alive.

Keeping safe as can be sweetie.

Praying for you/everyone to be safe too.

Luv you much. EJ ♥️🙏🕊

[Spotty-ewe in reply to honeybug]

Thanks for your empathy and understanding EJ. When you have bonded in such a special way with a pet it tears you apart when you lose them doesn’t it, and you know another will never be the same. But photos and memories help them live on with us. 🥰Thanks for your prayers EJ. You and everyone here are in mine too.

🙏🏻💝🤗😘xx

[honeybug in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Oh sweetie you have expressed my very feelings perfectly. Soooo blessed to have the privilege of those precious little lives so full of energy fun friendship unconditional love and faithfulness. What a treasured relationship as strong as humans irreplaceable.

I will celebrate those beloved years and also grieve the loss until my last heartbeat.

Thanks again for sharing those precious pics hun.

Luv you bunches sweetie.

EJ ♥️🙏🕊🥰

[Spotty-ewe in reply to honeybug]

Let’s celebrate together the lives of those who loved us and who we have loved and lost. 🥂💕😇🙏🏻🐈‍⬛🐕🦜. Always in our hearts. ❣️Have a happy Christmas EJ 🎄🎅🏼 Love and hugs 🤗😘xx

[honeybug in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Thank you much sweetie. We’ll do just that. ♥️💔🐩🐾🐾🐾

EJ 🥰🤗🙏

[stiff19]

😍😍 lovely to see Murray , lovely memories and photos bring it all back don’t they 👍 my old boy would ignore the sticks and be off into that water in the background 😂😂Thankyou for sharing your precious boy and memories 🙏😘🤗x

[Spotty-ewe]

😂😂 Isn’t it funny how they are all so different? Unlike your boy, Murray hated the water and the only way you could get him to go in was to throw a stick (not as big as the one in the picture!) into the water and shout fetch and he’d run in after it. Otherwise, no chance. Glad you enjoyed seeing Murray Stiff, and I hope we’ll see more of your lovely boy before long. 💝🤗😘x

[Spanielmadlady in reply to Spotty-ewe]

And here's me shouting.... come out of there!.... which is abit silly really as they are both deaf now but I still do it. My 2 are in swimming regardless of weather...last time millie went swimming she ended up on sofa rest with cold water tail ....but you cant tell em.....literally ! 🙉🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️ xxx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Spanielmadlady]

😂😂 It is just instinctive to shout isn’t it. Sorry to her they are both deaf now, but Murray pretended to be sometimes! 🤣🤣 Give Millie and Marley a cuddle from me. 🤗🤗😘😘xx

[Spanielmadlady in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Theyve both been guilty of that in the past but now it's just old age...I still talk to them ......they dont argue back 😆...I will weve just come on off the beach...their fleeces are stuck up with sand 🙂 x

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Spanielmadlady]

I remember the sand well. I used to put an old cover in Murray’s bed because when he dried out completely there was loads of sand in his bed (and on the floor!) so it was easy to shake the cover outside to get rid of the sand.👍🏻 Not so easy from the carpet if he strayed from his bed and stretched out in front of the Rayburn to dry. 😂😂 Wiping him down with a wet cloth and toweling him never got rid of the sand. He had to dry out first and then it would just fall off him - everywhere. 😂😂 🤗😘x

[stiff19]

They really are spotty all unique 😍😍😍 hes sounds like a lovely character 😍 and the pic shows it 👍 my old boy is just that , getting on and I know he won’t be around forever so enjoy making our happy memories , he loves Xmas and opening his presents, it makes our Xmas morning 🙌🏻I watched a Disney channel film today ‘Togo’ about a dog 👍 ahh it was a lovely film , this evening watching another ‘call of the wild’ 2020 so far it’s good too 👍😂😘🤗❤️X

[Spotty-ewe in reply to stiff19]

Yes, he was a lovely character, and I know your old boy is too.😘 Sadly they can’t be with us forever but the time we do have with them is precious and a privilege. Our lives would be lacking so much without them. Haha, it must be fun watching your boy opening his Christmas pressies! Murray had to be greatly encouraged and even helped - I think he was afraid he was being naughty tearing open paper parcels. 😂😂‘Togo’ sounds a good film - we’ll have to look out for it. The ‘Call of the Wild’ sounds familiar so not sure if we’ve seen that one. Is it about a dog too? Enjoy your evening Stiff. 🤗😘x

[stiff19 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

He knows when he don’t get his advent it’s pressie time 😂😂 his pressies are under the tree now , he sometimes nudges them with his toy or goes sit next to the tree and I say no not yet. He knows Xmas morning, I say go on then 😂😂 you have to watch him though, he had a play with what he opens them after a while looks for another , he’s opened one of mine and one of my daughters 😂😂 he defo don’t need help 😂😂😂😂The call of the wild is a new 2920 film with Harrison Ford 👍🙌🏻 You too spotty have a good evening 😘🤗x

[Spanielmadlady in reply to stiff19]

My 2 keep are sniffing under the tree....I havent caught them at it but baubles on the floor and pine needles behind their ears I'd say was good evidence 😆

[stiff19 in reply to Spanielmadlady]

😂😂 I’d say 👍 it’s funny isn’t it , I love it they’re like excited kids 😂 only once did he ever open one , but he didn’t eat the dental chews just unwrapped them 😂 now he’s waiting patiently. You have two, so can be led by the other 😂😂😂 xx

[Spanielmadlady in reply to stiff19]

They dont bother with them just like to sniff but after 11 years I guess theyve cottoned on there is a new ball under there somewhere 😅.I should buy balls really I'm supposed to be reducing the amount millie ( a hyperactive springer) is running but it wouldnt be Christmas without the excitement of a new ball x

[stiff19 in reply to Spanielmadlady]

my boy is arthritic and suffers some after activity but you ty stopping him swimming and running 😍😂 we just try to moderate, medicate and massage 👍👍🙏x

[Spanielmadlady in reply to stiff19]

Yes so has millie..... she has arthritis in her front feet and is losing the muscle tone in her back legs.i give her cod liver oil as well as devils claw and serrapeptase but not at the same time as they need a break from the devils claw so I alternate them.her new fleece from santa paws has a zip in so I can get it on easier 👍.shes ran like a lunatic after the ball on the sands today so she might have her "I'm not walking" head on tomorrow 🙄 xxx

[stiff19 in reply to Spanielmadlady]

I also give him liquid cod liver oil and you move or joint aid . He loves a massage and warm wheat bag.Millie sounds like jag, he’s like a pup at the beach , swims for ages and runs on sand , but he does pay for it, but seems to be worth it to him 😍 he then puts his not today head on too 🙏🐶xx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to stiff19]

I bet he enjoys all the attention after his activity 😉 and no doubt the activity keeps him from seizing up. 👍🏻👍🏻 I know that feeling! 😂

[stiff19 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Yes he’s not the cuddliest dog in the world, especially with other people but when he’s poorly or achey then he can’t get enough.😍 he loves to be near you , under your feet 😂😂

[Spotty-ewe in reply to stiff19]

What a clever boy!👏🏻👏🏻 And he doesn’t mind whose pressies he opens! 😂😂 Good for him! Thanks for explaining the Call of the Wild - I haven’t seen it but hubby has and really enjoyed it. 👍🏻👍🏻

[stiff19 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

👍👍🙌🏻X

[stiff19 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

😂😂😂 he’s not fussed, so long as he can open a pressie, last year he opened one of mine and was trotting around with a lovely wrendake mug I was given, before I promptly took it back 😂😂There you go then, a good movie to watch 👍🙌🏻 Im sure hubby wouldn’t mind watching it again 👍xx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to stiff19]

😂😂 Naughty Jag, 🤣🤣 Yes I’ll have to see if we can get hold of that movie. 👍🏻👍🏻

[stiff19 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Yes do 👍 sorry for delay, everytime I click on. Otificstions it asks me to sign in even immediately after I just have 🤷‍♀️🤔xx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to stiff19]

I’ve been getting that problem too. There must be a glitch which I hope gets sorted. 🤞 Thanks Stiff. Take care. 🤗😘💝xx

[stiff19 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Hope so I feel ignorant I’ve missed many replies and unable to respond as can’t keep signing in 🤷‍♀️👍🤗❤️X

[Krazykat26 in reply to stiff19]

The same thing keeps happening to me stiff..have to keep signing in n it keeps throwing me off again!! 🤷🌈😽😽Xx

[stiff19 in reply to Krazykat26]

🤷‍♀️ I’ve not had this happen before, I hope it gets sorted ,I’m glad you said that you’re experiencing it too as I was looking to try and sort but obviously nothing in my settings alone as happening to others 🤔xx🤗

[Krazykat26 in reply to stiff19]

Me neither..at first I thought I'd done something stupid but no it just keeps doing it!! I'm not that cyber savvy anyway so I'm glad I'm not the only one..well not glad as such but relieved that it's not something I've done n must be a glitch on the site 🌈😽😽xx

[stiff19 in reply to Krazykat26]

No I thought that it might be me too 😂 I also am not cyber savvy but thinks it’s out of our hands. If I get a notification through email ( only a few coming through) then I can answer but otherwise I’m just blocked out , yes must be a glitch 🤷‍♀️😘🤗xx

[Horsewhisper in reply to stiff19]

I’ll look out for these films Stiff - great for the Christmas holidays - thanks for the tip! 🐶🐾🤗😘🤗

[stiff19 in reply to Horsewhisper]

👍🙌🏻 With animal loving family I’m sure you’ll enjoy 👌🙌🏻😂🐶😘🤗xx

[KayHimm]

What a gorgeous photo! Murray is proud of his stick!

[Spotty-ewe in reply to KayHimm]

He certainly was Kay. 👍🏻 The bigger the better as far as he was concerned. 😂😂. Take care. 🤗😘x

[Horsewhisper]

What a gorgeous pic of your lovely Murray! He looks so pleased at finding such a big stick, knowing that it is plenty of fuel to keep you warm Spotty! Clever dog! Wonderful memories for you to treasure. Thanks for posting 🐶 ❤️🌟🤗😘🤗

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Horsewhisper]

He was always excited when he found and carried a large stick/small branch. 😂 And I was grateful for the extra firewood. 👍🏻So pleased you enjoyed seeing Murray Horsewhisper. 🤗😘xx

[svfarmer]

Oh what a brilliant picture- such lovely memories for you - it gave me a smile 😊- I hope all your cats got rid of your rat 🐀 problem xx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to svfarmer]

Thank you SV.🥰 He had the most wonderfully soft fur too which he occasionally loved to roughen up with the smelliest of things he could find to roll in! 😝 Yes, the cats got rid of the rats in no time at all, but then they turned their attention to the rabbits and birds which wasn’t good! 🤦‍♀️😫Cuddles for Mira and Bea. 🤗😘x

[svfarmer in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Oh dear no that’s not good 😌- Thankyou have just given them your cuddles, we’ve just cut their nails, and eyebrows with the help of a lot of treats 😂❤️

[Spotty-ewe in reply to svfarmer]

😂😂 Bribery definitley helps for such jobs. Thanks for giving the cuddles.🥰 👍🏻x

[Spotty-ewe]

Murray must have heard that too because he always chose his own! 😂😂 That must have been rewarding as well as enjoyable boarding retired guide dogs. 👍🏻👍🏻

[BonnyB]

So lovely, looking forward to seeing your Christmas photo X

[Spotty-ewe in reply to BonnyB]

Thank you Bonny. 🤗😘x

[toni-m-235]

What Island was it, I lived on Orkney for 9 years, my Dad lived on Eday and Graemsay, beautiful islands but very barren in the winter...

[Spotty-ewe in reply to toni-m-235]

Hi Toni - Orkney is lovely too but this island is off the west coast. To keep my anonymity on the forum I’ll not say which. As you say they can be bleak and cut off during the winter months but nowhere nicer during the summer. 👍🏻👍🏻

[toni-m-235 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

One of my dogs is from Stornoway, she is a collie cross wolfdog and quite beautiful!

[Spotty-ewe in reply to toni-m-235]

You must post her Toni. We’d all love to see her.😍 She sounds lovely. Take care. 🤗😘

[toni-m-235 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

I would but, I can't see any option on my mobile to post a picture, maybe I need to be on a pc, I'll try later on my laptop.

😀

[Spotty-ewe in reply to toni-m-235]

That would be good Toni. 👍🏻

[toni-m-235 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Nope....on my laptop now and still I see nowhere to add photo's...never mind!

😀

[baba in reply to toni-m-235]

You can add a picture when you write a new post. Not possible on an existing thread.

[toni-m-235 in reply to baba]

Ah, I see, I did wonder why I was getting no link to add photos, thank you for clearing that up for me!

👍😀

[Spotty-ewe in reply to toni-m-235]

You’d probably have to do a post Toni, and then it offers you the option of adding a photo to your post. I hope you try again.

[Spotty-ewe]

That is a problem with these conditions isn’t it? We’ll have to be content to be armchair travellers these days 😉 and there are some good videos on-line of many of the islands. 👍🏻 🤗😘x