It's hard being a puppy

Zorro is not happy. He came home from the vet's minus his manly bits and has since been showing his displeasure. Like most dogs he absolutely hates the buster collar and glares at me as if I'm the evil witch of the west. It seems all his naughty puppy behaviour, which we thought (hoped) we'd conquered, has returned with a vengeance. Jumping, which we have to prevent because of his wound, has intensified, mouthing (mostly me), dismantling his bed, stealing then running off with gloves, scarves and towels and pulling on the lead. Not to mention barking his dissatisfaction at life for stealing his jewels.

We were sort of hoping he might calm down a bit after the procedure, but right now it's as if someone flipped an electric switch and wired him for action.

Happy days!

A little boy's courage

We hear and read about bravery all the time, but it is never more poignant when found in a small child. A friend's nephew is the epitome of everything that is brave and courageous, and at last this lovely little boy gets the chance to have surgery that will change his life. Four year old George Palmer has selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). This amazing little boy was never expected to walk, talk or know who his parents were. The thing was, nobody told George that. Today, he helps feed and dress himself, uses two-three word sentences to communicate, can sit up on his own, crawl and even pull himself up on the sofa.

Now, he has been given the opportunity to fly to the US for surgery at a specialist children's hospital in Missouri, the type of surgery that is not available on the NHS. Of course, this sort of life-changing trip does not come without it's difficulties and George's family need to raise £55,000 to give George the chance of walking unaided for the first time in his short, but amazingly inspiring life.

You can read more about George HERE and HERE and if you can donate even a small amount it will go a huge way to raising the £55,000 needed to send George on the trip that will change his life.

The Joy of the Small Stuff

Blogging at Over the Backyard Fence today about the small things in life that bring pleasure. What's on your list?

Artists and Dancers

Blogging about Pre-Raphaelites and Morris Dancers at Over the Backyard Fence today. Come on and join the conversation.

New Review

Lovely Ananda over at Books to Remember has given Bull at the Gate a fab review. She says: I really enjoyed this book! It's one of those books that will warm your heart and make you believe in magic! Take a look at the whole review - http://books-to-remember.blogspot.com/2012/01/bull-at-gate-tricia-jones.html

UK Author Tricia Jones Talks Bull

Isn't that a great title author S G Rogers gave my guest post over at her blog? I'm talking about Bull at the Gate, in case you're wondering :)

Great Offer on Books for Writers

Six great books available for FREE. Check it out:

http://dailycheapreads.com/2011/11/06/free-now-six-books-on-writing-from-writer%e2%80%99s-digest-books/