Tangent: Trick or Treat

At this time of year when ghosts and witches are abundant, I would like to write about something serious, which is so prevalent in our communities today.

Child abuse.

I painted this very quickly in an attempt to show the guile of many adults in their shoddy dealings with children (often their own.)

They censure them with one hand while enticing them with the other.

We always talk to our kids about 'stranger danger', but nowadays it's the very hand that feeds them that wields the pain and horrors.

Happy Halloween,

Please protect the children!
IF: Trick or Treat

Tangent: A tribute

First bath, 3 months old, (2001).

I looked down at Snuffles lying contentedly at my feet, after stumbling on Bernie's site and tears came to my eyes. There are so many selfless people in this world, and she is one of them.

They say: 'a dog is not just for Christmas, but for life'. So many people, well meaning as they might be, get a dog- either it's foist on them, or they are feeling sentimental, or accept it in a very weak moment, without realising all that this huge responsibility entails. Soon enough, this little bundle of fur has wreaked havoc in their lives causing arguments, hysteria, regret and downright anger.

These dogs, just like out children, don't ask to be born, nor can they choose the home they are in or the people who care for them. They say 'it's a dog's life' and ( as in Snuffs case) that means 'heaven, but in many of Bernie's dos' cases it means HELL.

Please take a moment to read her blog and perhaps to contribute something to a worthy cause. She is definitely on my list of charities from now on and I shall be sending any old doggie things accumulated over the years to her.

Please help.

Bernie, I honour you.

Twenty-eight: Find out more

about the other dogs in my life.

I have four important charities that I sponsor. Cancer research, Leukaemia, Guide Dogs and Cuddles ( knitting/crocheting for premature and stillborn babies.)


I sponsor a puppy each year to be trained as a guide dog. An inital photo and description including their character and likes/dislikes is sent to me. So the journey begins. I get regular photos and updates of their progress and feel very proud when they 'qualify'. They move from trainer to trainer for each phase, starting at 6 weeks old, and, lastly, I am introduced to their new blind owner, who also gets fully trained for weeks in handling his/her new pet.


Let me introduce them:







Zita: Born 2004, German Shepherd, confident, cheeky, inquisitive, friendly, loves sleeping.
















Panda: Born October 2005, Labrador/Retriever, wilful, feisty, fearless, loves food.
















Duggie: Born february 2007, Golden retriever/Labrador, very playful, loves cuddles.





I'd really like to find out how Zita and Panda are getting on in their new lives and even to meet them, as they feel like my own dogs. Probably an impossibiltiy, understandably.