Miss Meita is a gorgeous dog. In fact it’s been a while since a dog has stolen my heart the way she has. Oh, I love all dogs – they are my favourite animal, but Meita is special – almost as special as my Old Rexy.

But, she is mischievous! And maybe a bit naughty! I can never stay angry for long, but it’s best she doesn’t know that.

One thing I can’t stand is a dog chasing chooks. It’s too reminiscent of a fox killing chooks for my liking. I have been known to belt a dog with a (dead) chook if they have killed one – the dog rarely does it again, not that it’s helpful to the poor bird that has already passed away. It doesn’t hurt the dog, of course (or the chook!), but it usually scares the hell out of the dog, which is why that method works.

Meita has been chasing chooks.

Meita and the chooks

Not good.

Or helpful.

And the best away to upset the Missus of the house.

Hayden caught her last weekend and called for me to help him stop her. I smacked her, told her NO and put her back in the cage.

We let her out the next day and the same thing happened – this time the chook flew into the rosemary bush with Meita just inches behind her. Once again a good solid smack and back in the cage.

Now my little Meita, who is very intelligent, has worked out quickly that she shouldn’t chase the chooks and so far (crossed fingers, touch wood and all of that) she hasn’t again.

But we’ll see…

Life is cruel at times and farming is no different. Our old dog Rex is pretty much had it. Arthritis is in his elbows and his hearing isn’t what it used to be… or maybe it’s just selective and we haven’t worked it out! And as much as we love him and will miss his ability, it’s time he retired completely.

So, it’s time for the changing of the guard. This little bloke is ‘Hoggart’. He’s a six week old Kelpie and will be Anthony’s side kick for every day of his working life, starting tomorrow. He’ll start off in the front of the ute and when he’s big enough to wear a collar, he’ll be tied in the back so he can’t fall off. Our other dogs have been introduced and don’t think he’s much at all – just a little thing that jumps around their feet. Don’t worry Law and Digit, he’ll grow!

As for my poor little dog, Rocket, he’s in the wars! Last week he was sick from his needles and this week he developed a huge abscess on his neck. Our wonderful vets ‘The Swan’s’ had to put him under a general and cut him open to drain it. He’s a bit sore and sleepy from the surgery today, but he’ll be up about with no problems, tomorrow and then the drain can come out in three days time.

Here we at Easter already – where has this year flown?

I was trying to take a photo of these eggs to help wish you all a happy Easter, but Rocket was intrigued by the smell and wouldn’t get out of the way! So from Rocket and the rest of the McDonald crew, we wish you a ‘Happy Easter’!

Enjoy what ever you are doing for this four-day break. We’ve seen countless four-wheel drives, camper vans and caravans, loaded up to the hilt with camping gear and fishing rods, heading past our front gate to the beach! Think all the good fishing spots might be taken for the next few days!

Please take it steady on the roads and be safe.

This is Rocket our Jack Russell. He’s usually the kids ‘play thing’ but since they were at school and I was sitting in a tractor by myself, carting hay, he became my tractor buddy today!

Full of mischief at the best of times, he tried many a balancing act to try and get out of the tractor while I was re-fuelling, but to no avail. High up away from the big tyres and any sheep he might be induced to chase, was the best spot for him.

Funnily enough, he really wasn’t that interested in listening to my musings while we were chugging along. He contented himself to curl up on the bed I made for him and snore, while his chauffeur made sure the gears didn’t grind or hit too many bumps that might wake the sleeping!