One more week of lockdown, another round up of Didcot’s pets. Do you have a favourite?
Archie
Our cover pup is Archie, a nine week old Cockapoo. During lockdown he is definitely keeping us occupied. He is mischievous but very playful and great fun. He’s not allowed out yet until he’s had his vaccinations, which is in another four weeks.
Crash and Cinderella
These are two year old Californian crossed with New Zealand White rabbits and were adopted from a rescue centre at four months old. They were bred in a farm for their meat and fur. Crash and Cinderella are brother and sister and weigh nearly five kg each. They have gentle natures and enjoy free ranging in the garden under supervision.
Jenga
This is Jenga. We love having him around and we’re grateful to him for staying with us when his twin brother rudely decided to go and live elsewhere! Jenga is a food snob and will not eat cheap versions of cat food. He likes to sit in bags and boxes and enjoys a night on the town with other cats from the neighbourhood. They do not understand social distancing and have been having secret poker nights in our shed on a regular basis during lockdown. All attempts at grounding him have been futile.
Darcey
This is Darcey. She’s a red, smooth, short haired, miniature Dachshund from Fleet Meadow. Darcey had major back surgery a few years ago, and made it through like an absolute trooper.
She likes to woof at passers-by, eat dog chews in seconds, hoover up food dropped by her toddler owner, nose bop (nose high five) you to demand attention, and to be worn as a scarf using the back of the sofa as additional support.
Darcey isn’t too keen on the neighbour’s cat, the vet, lawnmowers, horses, healthy dog food, and generally anything else outside of the house that moves.
Rescue piggies
Guinea pigs are very sociable animals. The majority of guinea pigs in this group were rescued or rehomed when their owners could no longer keep them.
We have eighteen altogether, split between nine who live together in a shed, a group of four outside, two pairs plus a stroppy single one indoors! They’re all girls except for two who are neutered males, one with each of the big groups.
They range in age from ten months to six plus years, with an average lifespan of five to seven years. Their main diet is hay but they get very vocal when it’s time for their daily veggies!
Finn
This is four year old Finn. He doesn’t stand still much!
He can get quite anxious of other dogs as he has been attacked a couple of times. This lockdown is ideal as I can walk him and cross the road to avoid others without people staring!
Dexter
Dexter is nearly 16 years old. The vets think he may be a part Maine Coon – although he was the only fluffy, long haired cat of his litter and was supposed to be a short-haired domestic tabby! He’s very affectionate and likes to be stroked, although he prefers to spend all day sleeping. He doesn’t realise he’s nearly 16 and spends most of the night outside doing whatever cats do. He is a very much loved part of our family.
Wilma
This is Wilma, our old timer rabbit. We’ve had her since she was a baby, she’s now ten years and three months old! She’s very doddery with cataracts in both eyes but still loves her carrots!
Minnie
Minnie (also fondly known as Asbo) is a seven year old springer spaniel cross red setter. She is a massive part of our family who makes us use the word NO a lot! She’s Wilma’s fur sister; she’ll chase rabbits but not Wilma!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this latest round up of Didcot’s pets. If anyone else would like to submit one please send a photo (preferably landscape) and three or four sentences about your pet to indidcot@gmail.com.
