December 2010
Edited by Tina & Dennis Homes
In 1967 The Beatles released their iconic album Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. This really started the trend of concept albums as opposed to just a selection of songs. The other groundbreaking thing about this album was the album sleeve designed by Peter Blake featuring the band dressed in uniforms surrounded by loads of famous faces including Oscar Wilde, Mae West, Marlon Brando and Ghandi. This cover became a great talking point and changed the way that album sleeves were created. A twelve inch square piece of card could be much more that just a protective cover for a vinyl record; it could become a creation in its own right, and thus a whole new era of artistically inspired album covers emerged. One of the first album sleeves to become a bench mark for creative design was the cover for Donovan’s Sunshine Superman which took the design of an album sleeve to a whole new level and inspired a great many other artists. The artwork for this cover was by Sheena McCall, who would later go on to produce the sleeve for Donovan’s Mellow Yellow album and artwork for television programmes and major concerts. Throughout the nineteen seventies and into the early eighties there were some truly classic album cover designs, many of which owe much to the standard set by artists such as Sheena. Sadly when compact discs took over from twelve inch long playing records the artistry in the cover designs seemed to diminish as the CD covers were much smaller and did not lend themselves to dramatic design. And now in the age of downloads this medium has all but vanished.
Sheena was born in 1948 and studied art in Paris and St Martin’s School of Art in London. She is also the aunt of TV celebrity Davina McCall. After illustrating two books Sheena began to accept animal portrait commissions, which led to the successful limited edition print to commemorate the Deerhound Club of Great Britain’s centenary in 1986. She lived in Bourn in Cambridgeshire, a country girl at heart with a passion for dogs and horses. She judged Deerhounds at Champion show level and was thrilled to be invited to judge them at Crufts in 2013. Bourn is only a small village but it is home to two seasoned Cavalier exhibitors. Virginia Barwell of Charlottetown Cavaliers lives there as does Sue Richmond. Sue got to know Sheena quite well as they often walked their dogs together in the meadows around Bourn and she was thrilled when Sheena asked her if she could portray her tricolour Cavalier William, (Triple Dash of Charlottetown). In 2006 The Kennel Club invited her to submit some of her work at their Christmas Art Fair and she included a lovely head portrait of William in crayon which was one of four dog portraits that went to the Art Fair. Worried that the portrait of William might be sold, Sue commissioned a second portrait. The first portrait did not sell so Sue now has two quite different portraits of him.
In March this year Sheena was admitted to hospital. For a number of years she had been suffering with arthritis and with drug treatment for another brief illness affected her immune system and she died in June. Sadly she never did get to judge at Crufts. Most of her dog portraits were commissioned by their owners and rarely come up for sale. Sue Richmond found another cavalier portrait by Sheena for sale on the internet the night before her funeral, a portrait of two blenheims, signed and dated 1981. It now has pride of place along with the two of William in her home. A lasting legacy of days walking her dogs together with a quiet gifted lady that had a unique gift of bringing out the soul of each individual animal she portrayed.
WINTER WALKS
A winter walk can be quite exhilarating, but when the weather gets very cold there are a few precautions that you should take when out walking your dog. Always keep the dog on a lead at all times; he should not be left to run wild. You need to keep the walks fairly short and you should walk fairly quickly as you don't want to keep them out for too long.
Leave collars and identifying tags on your dog at all times. Your dog could get loose and run off long enough to suffer frostbite or hypothermia. You don’t want your dog lost on a cold winter night or in a winter blizzard. They can get frostbite on their ears just as humans can. You could put a coat on your dogs.
Watch out for road salt and antifreeze while walking your dog in the winter. Check that salt isn’t stuck in their paws. And watch out for ice, you don’t want either of you falling down. Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is an enticement to dogs because it is sweet tasting, but it is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, it can be lethal. Rock salt, used to melt ice on roads and pavements, may irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your dog's feet after a walk. Wipe their paws and legs well removing all snow and salt. Towel or blow-dry your dog if it gets wet from rain or snow.
Watch for your dog limping or holding up a paw. It may have salt stuck in its paw or its paw may be too cold. Wipe their paws and legs well removing all snow and salt. Towel or blow–dry your dog if it gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean its paws as this helps to avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking. Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured.
Make sure your own shoes are suitable! This probably goes without saying, but you should make sure that your footwear is suitable for walking on icy streets. Firm footing is a must in the snow regardless, but even more so when you're walking your dog. Should they pull the last thing you want is to fall flat on your behind because your shoes don’t have adequate grip!
While most dogs are hardy creatures and tolerant of cold weather, never keep your dog out for too long when the weather is extreme. Sub zero temperatures with a wind-chill factor can be as dangerous for dogs as they are for humans. Small dogs especially are prone to frostbite, and remember that frigid air can be damaging to a dogs lungs.
A winter walk can be quite exhilarating, but when the weather gets very cold there are a few precautions that you should take when out walking your dog. Always keep the dog on a lead at all times; he should not be left to run wild. You need to keep the walks fairly short and you should walk fairly quickly as you don't want to keep them out for too long.
Leave collars and identifying tags on your dog at all times. Your dog could get loose and run off long enough to suffer frostbite or hypothermia. You don’t want your dog lost on a cold winter night or in a winter blizzard. They can get frostbite on their ears just as humans can. You could put a coat on your dogs.
Watch out for road salt and antifreeze while walking your dog in the winter. Check that salt isn’t stuck in their paws. And watch out for ice, you don’t want either of you falling down. Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is an enticement to dogs because it is sweet tasting, but it is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, it can be lethal. Rock salt, used to melt ice on roads and pavements, may irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your dog's feet after a walk. Wipe their paws and legs well removing all snow and salt. Towel or blow-dry your dog if it gets wet from rain or snow.
Watch for your dog limping or holding up a paw. It may have salt stuck in its paw or its paw may be too cold. Wipe their paws and legs well removing all snow and salt. Towel or blow–dry your dog if it gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean its paws as this helps to avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking. Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured.
Make sure your own shoes are suitable! This probably goes without saying, but you should make sure that your footwear is suitable for walking on icy streets. Firm footing is a must in the snow regardless, but even more so when you're walking your dog. Should they pull the last thing you want is to fall flat on your behind because your shoes don’t have adequate grip!
While most dogs are hardy creatures and tolerant of cold weather, never keep your dog out for too long when the weather is extreme. Sub zero temperatures with a wind-chill factor can be as dangerous for dogs as they are for humans. Small dogs especially are prone to frostbite, and remember that frigid air can be damaging to a dogs lungs.
CHRISTMAS COOKIES FOR DOGS
If you are thinking about giving your dog a treat this Christmas, here is the perfect gift! Fill his Christmas stocking with homemade Christmas cookies for dogs!
INGREDIENTS — You will need the following ingredients to make the dog Christmas cookies: 1/2 cup cornmeal (which is sometimes marketed as maize flour or polenta), 6 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2/3 cup water or broth (chicken, beef or even OXO gravy), 2 cups of whole wheat flour, and red or green food colouring (optional).
MIX THE INGREDIENTS — Mix the cornmeal and the whole wheat flour then add the oil and water (or broth). You can also add some food colouring if you want red or green bones (you can split the dough and make both colours). Mix the mush with your hands. If it’s too wet, add some more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water (or broth). Do not be overly concerned about getting it just right. As long as you can roll it out then that’s fine.
CUT AND BAKE THE DOG CHRISTMAS COOKIES — Roll out the dough with a rolling pin on a floured board then cut into shapes. These could be holly shapes or Christmas tree shapes or whatever takes your fancy. Place them on a baking tray lined with wax paper and bake at 180 degrees C (350 degrees F) or gas mark 4 for about 30 to 35 minutes (over cooked is better than undercooked). Remove from the oven and let cool. Store in plastic bags and give to dogs for Christmas!
If you are thinking about giving your dog a treat this Christmas, here is the perfect gift! Fill his Christmas stocking with homemade Christmas cookies for dogs!
INGREDIENTS — You will need the following ingredients to make the dog Christmas cookies: 1/2 cup cornmeal (which is sometimes marketed as maize flour or polenta), 6 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2/3 cup water or broth (chicken, beef or even OXO gravy), 2 cups of whole wheat flour, and red or green food colouring (optional).
MIX THE INGREDIENTS — Mix the cornmeal and the whole wheat flour then add the oil and water (or broth). You can also add some food colouring if you want red or green bones (you can split the dough and make both colours). Mix the mush with your hands. If it’s too wet, add some more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water (or broth). Do not be overly concerned about getting it just right. As long as you can roll it out then that’s fine.
CUT AND BAKE THE DOG CHRISTMAS COOKIES — Roll out the dough with a rolling pin on a floured board then cut into shapes. These could be holly shapes or Christmas tree shapes or whatever takes your fancy. Place them on a baking tray lined with wax paper and bake at 180 degrees C (350 degrees F) or gas mark 4 for about 30 to 35 minutes (over cooked is better than undercooked). Remove from the oven and let cool. Store in plastic bags and give to dogs for Christmas!
CHRISTMAS YOU TUBES
To get you into the seasonal mood, here are three delightful doggy videos.
http://www.flixxy.com/dogs-christmas-tree-decoration.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwiUyvhePBo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2LmlidHdoQ
To get you into the seasonal mood, here are three delightful doggy videos.
http://www.flixxy.com/dogs-christmas-tree-decoration.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwiUyvhePBo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2LmlidHdoQ
A CHRISTMAS PRESENT WITH A DIFFERENCE
Purina PetCare and Canine Partners have a novel idea for a Christmas present for an animal lover – a PUPPY! No, it’s not what you think! They are suggesting that people ‘Adopt a Puppy’ as a Christmas gift to be trained as an assistance dog. For £1 per week the scheme helps to train a support an assistance dog as an aide and companion for someone with disabilities and a canine partner can surely prove a life changing experience for a disabled person. ‘Owners’ receive a Puppy Pack with a photo, personal certificate, cuddly toy plus regular updates on the puppy’s progress. For further info go to www.caninepartners.org.uk/adoptapuppy
Purina PetCare and Canine Partners have a novel idea for a Christmas present for an animal lover – a PUPPY! No, it’s not what you think! They are suggesting that people ‘Adopt a Puppy’ as a Christmas gift to be trained as an assistance dog. For £1 per week the scheme helps to train a support an assistance dog as an aide and companion for someone with disabilities and a canine partner can surely prove a life changing experience for a disabled person. ‘Owners’ receive a Puppy Pack with a photo, personal certificate, cuddly toy plus regular updates on the puppy’s progress. For further info go to www.caninepartners.org.uk/adoptapuppy
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the first day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
The fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the second day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the third day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Five chewed-up stockings
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Ten Christmas cards I should have sent
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the eleventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eleven unwrapped presents
Ten Christmas cards I should have sent
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
A dozen puppy kisses And I forgot about the other eleven days.
On the first day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
The fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the second day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the third day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Five chewed-up stockings
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Ten Christmas cards I should have sent
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the eleventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eleven unwrapped presents
Ten Christmas cards I should have sent
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four crunched up window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two broken Christmas lights
And the fairy that was on the Christmas tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
A dozen puppy kisses And I forgot about the other eleven days.
Author Unknown
A DOG’S PRAYER
Now I lay me down to sleep,
The king-size bed is soft and deep.
I sleep right in the centre groove
My human being can hardly move!
I’ve trapped her legs, she’s tucked in tight,
And here is where I pass the night.
No one disturbs me or dares intrude
Till morning comes and “I want food!”
I sneak up slowly to begin
my nibbles on my human’s chin.
She wakes up quickly,
I have sharp teeth,
I’m a puppy, don't you see?
For the morning’s here
and it’s time to play.
I always seem to get my way.
So thank you Lord for giving me
This human person that I see.
The one who hugs and holds me tight,
And shares her bed with me at night!
Now I lay me down to sleep,
The king-size bed is soft and deep.
I sleep right in the centre groove
My human being can hardly move!
I’ve trapped her legs, she’s tucked in tight,
And here is where I pass the night.
No one disturbs me or dares intrude
Till morning comes and “I want food!”
I sneak up slowly to begin
my nibbles on my human’s chin.
She wakes up quickly,
I have sharp teeth,
I’m a puppy, don't you see?
For the morning’s here
and it’s time to play.
I always seem to get my way.
So thank you Lord for giving me
This human person that I see.
The one who hugs and holds me tight,
And shares her bed with me at night!
SEASONAL PHOTOS
Below are two photos taken by Lucy Dawson from Suffolk showing just how much Cavaliers enjoy frolicking in the snow.
The following four photographs are from Philippa Biddle of Hearthfriend Cavaliers, Norfolk. The Cavalier snowman is superb, and don’t you just love the cute puppy in its Santa’s costume.
The two cuties below are owned by Nadine Schiefner of Royal Romance Cavaliers from Germany. They are most certainly waiting for their Christmas present.
“Do You Know She’s Got MY Cracker!”
And these are two of our own Leogem dogs.
This is Daisy who is owned by Sinead from County Cork. Having taken a holiday in France, Sinead unpacked all the wine she had brought back and neatly packed it away. Daisy obviously thought that it would make a super bed and a safe haven where she could get a little peace and quite away from Holly her younger and rather exuberant kennel mate. It could also be said that Daisy is guarding the drink for Christmas!
May the wonder that is Christmas
touch the child within your heart
touch the child within your heart
Merry Christmas to you all
from
Dennis and Tina
from
Dennis and Tina
If you have any questions about owning a Cavalier then click on the envelope to email Dennis and Tina who will only be too pleased to try and help you.
However please remember that we are not Vets or Lawyers so questions on these topics should be addressed to the professionals for advice.
Questions and answers that are of interest to other owners may be published on this page.
The Cavalier Club is not responsible for external website content.
However please remember that we are not Vets or Lawyers so questions on these topics should be addressed to the professionals for advice.
Questions and answers that are of interest to other owners may be published on this page.
The Cavalier Club is not responsible for external website content.
Material Copyright © 2010 The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club