G’day, it’s Me and Mister C!

Hiya! Well, good news for all of us (eagerly awaiting) parents, the new term is just about to start and most children go back to school today (NSW public school) and others (year eight to ten) back on Wednesday. I managed to run around last week and organise Mister C’s book-pack equipment and other items like new school shoes that he needed, the girls were organised and I picked up their book packs and Widy’s new white shirts (for senior years – year eleven to twelve); I can happily write, they are all set to start (hopefully!). Widy is looking forward to being a grown-up year eleven student this year, Flossy is going into year eight (no longer the newbie of the school now) and Mister C is heading into big year four (wow!). I can’t really remember the last day I have had no children (or Husband working as required- in Canberra) home; it will be a bit of fresh air (no offence family- I still love you!) to have some much need space right now (particularly with the house flood damage issues still ongoing and time needed to get our next book underway). What are you going to do with the kids not home for the remainder of the week?!

Of course, with the ongoing Covid outbreaks, Husband and I (and the kids as well) were naturally a bit nervous about the girls and Mister C returning back to school in the midst of the next Omicron outbreak. I diligently picked up the RAT (Rapid Antigen Test) test packs provided by the NSW Education department (thank-you); working in Aged Care, this RAT testing is not a new thing in our household; as I have been doing my own RAT tests prior to going to work for numerous weeks now (not fun- but necessary to keep our dear residents safe). I showed the girls and helped Mister C how to do the test (of course I will help Mister C do each week); it was straight forward and needs to be conducted twice per week, until the Omicron issues plateau out through the term (hope so). I have to add, it is somewhat confusing (at times) with the ever-changing regulations and restrictions being updated through from the Department of Health (and Ageing); however, we are managing to keep up to speed with it all (thanks Husband), along with the regular informative notifications that are now coming through from both the public high and primary schools (we can only hope for a smooth run through this term for all children).

Wonderful news, Mister C and Me are proud to (finally) announce, we have officially adopted two best friend doggies! Quite amazingly, I had just found and searched the (informative) ‘Pet Rescue’ website one evening (a few weeks back now), when I found the image and description of the two sweet doggies together. I was up late illustrating (as usual) and decided to email the agency early that next morning. I received notification of my interest and excitingly, the dogs were still available (our fingers were all crossed!). I then spoke with the rescue manager that same day (great huh?), who was able to arrange a meeting with the current carer of the doggies, for the next day in Sydney (thanks so much). I took both Flossy and Mister C with me up to Sydney for the day (only getting lost twice- wow!), Husband still in the ACT, Flossy was a great help navigating ‘Google Maps’ (at times upside down) on my phone! I have to write, the process fell perfectly into place (it was meant to be); the following week (last week), the rescue carers brought the two doggies down to us from Sydney (thank-you so very much!), so we could begin our two-week home trial.

So, we welcome (and introduce) ‘Rhetti’ and ‘Niki’ into our family! We are now feeling very complete with these two sweet and happy boys (see blog cover image). We have had a week to get to know the doggies and for them to get to know us, along with our home environment and current routines (is a lot of work- but SO worth it!). ‘Rhetti’ is six years young and a mix of Chihuahua and Blue Heeler (cattle dog) also known as a Chi-Heeler (so cute right?). ‘Rhetti’ is small like a Chihuahua, but more confident and with pointed larger ears and nose (snout); he is delightful with a beautiful temperament. According to the internet (so good!), ‘a Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix is the offspring of a male Chihuahua and a female Blue Heeler or Australian cattle dog. Also known as the Chi-Heeler, this hybrid combines the characteristics of Chihuahuas and Blue Heelers in an exciting and random way’ https://dogleashpro.com/chihuahua/blue-heeler-chihuahua-mix/#:~:text=A%20Blue%20Heeler ‘Niki’ is also a mix breed (we believe) of Jack Russel terrier and Dachshund (very cute too); just turning nine (in November last year), he is an older boy, a bit slower and set in some of his ways. He is very timid, but very sweet and walks on a lead quite well. It may take several weeks for him to fully learn to use the doggy door in the laundry yet! As I refer to below, he had a little nip at Mister C, but it is forgiven and he has not done that again, anyway, even so, the boys are best friends and love hanging out together…

Here’s another Word from Mister C (just because I can) …

Husband had not yet met our two new doggie friends and was due home after being away for a few days (like most weeks). We introduced Husband to the doggies and the evening went well, Husband was patient and kind (thanks love!). I had to go to work the following day, leaving the girls (competently) both in charge of the doggie’s care and meals etc. I asked Husband and Mister C to give the doggies some space and I that would help with the them when I got home. Flossy informed me that ‘Niki’ was a bit off and most likely had a pain in his belly (perhaps constipated?). Unfortunately, Husband did not heed my advice and didn’t read the warning signs that ‘Niki’ wasn’t himself, while also give the doggie space (it had only been two days since they had arrived). ‘Niki’ did sadly snap at both Mister C and Husband (nearly biting their hands). Husband freaked out a bit and made a few unnecessary comments, leading to him to go stay at his Ma’s place to cool off for the weekend (it worked best that way). Anyway, I did work out that ‘Niki’ had a belly ache and had been constipated, going to the ‘toilet’ (outside) three times later the next day, he felt much better and was nearly back to his old self again (yay). I had a phone call with the carer later in the week (thanks) and she had not seen any snappiness from ‘Niki’ at all, which was reassuring.

Mister C was sad that Dad had been grumpy with me and quietly whispered in my ear later that day, “Dad was naughty, Mummy; he didn’t listen to you about ‘Niki’. I should have listened too and left ‘Niki’ alone as well- sorry, Mummy! I am going to punish Dad when he gets home; I think I will play with that really loud plastic tube that Dad hates so much, right up to his ear for at least an hour, and then that will be a big enough punishment for him!” When Husband got home a few days later, he had made friends again with ‘Niki’ and Mister C too. I asked Husband what he did to make-up with Mister C and he said, “I brought him lots of ‘Doritos’, biscuits and a few choc frogs (like a Mister C slave) and then things were all good again between us!” … 😉

A Word from Mister C…

Our best friend dogs were due to arrive at our place with their carers from Sydney, we had just adopted the two new sweet doggies and were starting a two-week home trial. I mentioned to Mister C (and the girls) that our new doggies would be arriving at our place mid-afternoon; Mister C sighed and said, “Oh, Mummy, I really can’t wait that long! That’s so many hours away to wait for more new doggie hugs!” I smiled and replied, “I know, my son. It won’t be too long now; it can be hard to wait to meet our new doggies again soon.” Mister C then said, “It’s like waiting for Santa to arrive – the anticipation is just too much for me!” Both giggled…🐕🐕

Stay tuned…

For lots more zanier stories from Mister C and the family, while we get to know our new best friend doggies as they settle into our home. I busily continue to illustrate the images for our fifth book and look forward to the upcoming Book Fest event at our local wonderful library in April, where we can launch our next book… Thanks for reading our blogs each week, it means so very much to us and we hope to have many more blogs to continue to read this New Year. If there are any ideas or changes you would like to see on the site, please let us know as well (change is always good I say!) … Hugs from a tired Mister C, worn out from his first day back to school…