Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to Austin, a new member of the Roberts’ household.
Like Toby, Austin is a Cardigan Welsh Corgi. He’s just over five months old and has been living with us for almost a week. That explains why I’ve been so quiet in the blogging world recently. He’s settled in nicely and has enjoyed exploring the house and trying to get Toby to play at least 12 hours a day! Here they are having some fun running around.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are one of two dog breeds known as Welsh Corgis. The other one is the more famous Pembrokeshire Corgi, which is a favourite of The Royal Family in The UK. Unfortunately, Corgis are on the vulnerable breeds list in the UK, which is such a shame given that they are an extremely loyal breed.
Austin spends most of his day playing, chasing the birds in the garden, emptying Toby’s toy basket, exploring, going for walks, and sleeping. He enjoys cuddles, likes his food, and enjoys a walk on the beach. He’s not tried dipping his paws in the sea yet because it’s always been low tide when we’ve visited. We’ve already started training him. He sits on command, comes back when called (95% of the time), knows his name, and has only had one minor accident in the house, which should have been done in the garden.
He’s not, as yet, shown any signs of wanting to write, but I understand from Toby that he has asked to be shown how the keyboard on my desk works. He can often be found sleeping under my desk while listening to the sound of me tapping away at the keyboard (which seems to send him to sleep).
Toby and Austin get on very well, although Toby will tell him off if it’s nap time when Austin thinks it’s playtime. Austin follows Toby around like a shadow and has already got into the habit of waking us up with a bark (or two) at 06:30. Being ‘morning people’ that doesn’t bother us at all.
I’m sure you’ll be hearing more about Austin on Hugh’s Views And News. And, who knows, maybe he’ll write a post or two?
Please feel free to leave Austin a comment. He’d love to hear from you.
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I’m impressed(p) that you cause your dogs so well trained, Hugh! A little(a) pie-eyed and slapdash but I beloved them!
Thank you. When it comes to who is the boss, I think they both know who it is. 😀
So cute! 🙂
He says ‘Thank you.’ 😀
Loved you video of them playing. Such a unique breed of dog. Those rabbit ears are so cute. Lovely post, Hugh. ❤
Thanks so much, Olga. They are really getting on so well together. Everday is a play day. 😀
I love that your coffee table is Corgi-sized! Fab dogs.
Thanks, Emma. Yes, it’s a perfect size for them to run around.
And nick your biscuits from???
Fortunately, Toby has learned not to do that, and Austin is still a little small to jump up. However, he’s already learning what the word ‘No’ means. 😀
I’m impressed that you have your dogs so well trained, Hugh!
Trained, yes. However, Corgis are quite known for being stubborn. Still, have to show them who is the boss, Emma. 😀
Oh, Austin, you are so sweet! Happy to meet you. Wish I could give you a great big hug! 😘🤗
I’m sending you some doggy virtual hugs, Ms Janice. Woof! 🐾 🐶
A little wet and sloppy but I love them! LOL!
Austin is gorgeous, as is Toby. It is sad that there aren’t more of that breed around these days.
Thank you, Sarah. Even here in Wales, the Corgi is a breed that we do not see very much. Even people don’t recognise the breed much anymore. I guess it’s all a sign of the times.
I love him and I’m sure he’ll give Toby a run for his money. I hope he’ll take to writing too. My love to all of you. 🙂
Thanks, Olga. No signs of any writing yet, but I’m sure it’s in the pipeline for Austin. 😀
Much love to you.
xx
How lovely to have a companion for Toby and a puppy to keep you young. I love everything about them but the sharp pitch of the puppy bark. Our neighbor has a puppy with that kind of bark and if I’m outside, it can be painful for the ears. They don’t seem to notice lucky people. it’s so nice that they get on so well and Toby will teach Austin the ropes soon enough. They can be so entertaining. Congrats on the new family member. 🙂
Thank you. Austin does have a sharp pitch bark, but Toby’s puppy bark turned into a deep bark as he got older. I suppose it’s like their voice breaking just as it does with teenage boys. I can remember my voice breaking and never being able to hit any high pitch notes again.
Have a great weekend.
How sweet! Congratulations, Hugh & John. And welcome, Austin; it looks like you’re fitting in remarkably well. (And, Hugh, he’s adorable; thank you and John for being such great pet-parents and for Toby’s acceptance, too. As someone who worked at a dog shelter, I can say with confidence that the world needs more people like you guys!) Take care, all.
Thanks, Leigh. Austin has settled in so well. He’s already getting into Toby’s daily routine, so we know who the boss is. 😀
Awwwwww he’s gorgeous! Glad that he’s settling in well – he has no idea how lucky he is! Looking forward to seeing more of him!
Thanks, Suzie. He’s certainly made his mark. Every time we take him out for walks, we get surrounded by lots of smiling faces. He’s a bit nervous of strangers but loves running up and down the beach with Toby and the other dogs. He’s certainly keeping us on our toes.
I hope at some point I will get the chance to give him a cuddle – bring him to the next Bash!
I think he’d cause more chaos than Sacha being told that the venue was cancelling the night before the next bash, 😂
Both are darling dogs and it’s lovely they get along so well together. It seems Austin fits right into your household. 🙂 — Suzanne
Thank you, Suzanne. Yes, he’s settled in so well over the 9 days we have had him. Both dogs get on really well. Austin looks up to Toby as his big brother, so copies most of what he does.
What a handsome boy he is! Congrats on your new addition! Lucky dog!
Thanks, Noelle. 💕
Congrats on the new addition to your family. I love the ears, and it’s so cute to see Toby and Austin chasing each other around the table, tails wagging. Happy pups. 😀
Thanks, Diana. The ears are usually the first thing most people want to stroke. 😀
They look like they want to hear every word you have to say. 🙂
Austin you are gorgeous. Just look at those lovely ears. And you’ll be at the Narberth Book Fair?x
I will indeed, Ms Judith. I’m looking forward to my weekend in Narberth with Toby and my new owners. The hotel has already been booked. 😀
xx
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
Thank you so much for the reblog.
I am quite a believer that fate takes a hand in life for after Austins experience first time leaving home he most certainly as now fallen on his feet with you both and Toby. Homes like these are what every breeder seeks and these photos are a joy to see. Both brother and sister Frazer Nash and Riley Lynx both send send lots of licks.
Peter, thank you so much for allowing us to rehome Austin. We feel in love with him as soon as we saw him. He’s such a lovely dog and seems to follow Toby everywhere. He’s already getting into Toby’s routine and is enjoying every moment. He’s brought a lot of joy and happiness with him and is really settling in very well. The week may have gone quickly but he’s already become very loyal and is fitting into family life here in Wales. He’s made some new friends with other local dogs who we see every day when out walking and loves to chase them along the beach while they chase a ball. We’ll keep you posted on his progress and I’ll keep posting updates on the blog.
Best wishes,
Hugh
He’s gorgeous, Hugh. I hadn’t realised Corgis are on the vulnerable breeds list. Is that because fashions in the dog world change and fewer people wanted them? Many years ago, a friend had a Pembrokeshire Corgi who was such a character. She and the cat worked as a team – cat on the kitchen counter knocking bread rolls, and anything else she could find, down to the grateful Corgi below.
Thanks, Mary. Yes, I understand that other dogs have become more fashionable. Corgis do shed their hair quite a lot, and it seems that these days many people want dogs that do not shed their hair everywhere. I think it’s all part of having a dog in having to get the vacuum cleaner out every day to pick up the dog hair. We don’t allow Toby on any of the furniture (and the same will apply to Austin), so guests won’t get covered in dog hair when they visit (unless they prefer sitting on the floor). We’ve trained Toby not to jump up at people and will do the same with Austin, although at the moment he’s rather nervous of people he hasn’t met before.
Great story about the corgi and cat team. Corgis are known for being quick learners. Thanks for sharing the story with us.
How nice to meet Austin, that’s a wonderful coat he has. I’m sure he#s a great friend to Toby but might also be competition on the writing front.
Hugs all round.
I think you could be right about the writing, David. Austin is rather fond of his coat. Unlike Toby, he doesn’t seem to mind me grooming it for him.
Sending hugs from all of us.
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Hugh Roberts has welcomed a new addition to the family with Austin a Cardigan Welsh Corgi and a companion for the other author in the family Toby.. some lovely photos of this cutie.
I think my comments have gone to Spam? Have tried twice.
No, they’ve come through, Suz. All comments go into moderation on my blog, so have to be approved by me first before they appear. I prefer to do this as I’ve had one or two not very nice comments (aimed at other bloggers) left by readers who have commented before.
No worries Hugh, I totally understand that as I have moderation on my comments. Usually, they appear as needing moderation, on your site they disappeared 🙂 Sorry for the number of messages!
No problem at all. 😀
OMG too cute. They look like twins, although I’m thinking Toby is a wee bit older. Nice to have a new muse hanging around your keyboard though. 🙂 ❤
A few people have said they look like twins, Debby. Toby will be six in October, so Austin is giving him the run around at the moment. It’s great to see them getting on so well, though. They seem to be like big brother and little brother, although Austin certainly knows who the top dog in the house is.
xx
Lol, well it’s good that Toby has let Austin know who is king, but it’s so wonderful for the two of them to have a playmate. My sister always had 2 dogs at a time, of many varieties. They all loved one another and when one of them has passed away through the years, the one left behind seemed to have gone into a depression and that’s why she always got another dog which seemed to cheer the lone wolf back up. 🙂 xx
That’s the same idea as we had when we deiced to get another dog, Debby. We were not sure if Toby wanted company, but it seems he does. He loves chasing Austin up and down the beach and the two get on so well (now that Austin has learned who the boss is). Keeps John and me on our toes as well.
xx
That’s wonderful Hugh. And good exercise too. 🙂 xx
Austin is adorable! Nice that Toby will have company.
Thank you. Yes, Toby is enjoying having the company, even if he’s not able to nap as much. 😀
welcome Austin! What a cutie!!! 🙂
Thank you very much.
Hi Austin! You are one handsome pup!! I’m sure you’ve given Toby a run for his money (sounds like my house with 40-pound puppy Brodie chasing 13-pound middle-ager Aero)! Keeping Hugh busy, huh? You’re adorable! So Hugh, in all seriousness, please make sure all his shots are up-to-date and be diligent about where he goes outside your yard. I’m sure you saw on FB (or not) that my pup Brodie tested postitive for the parvovirus yesterday, even with all the proper vaccinations. Parvo is deadly to puppies and your Austin is still young yet. Poor Brodie is in the animal hospital ICU hooked up to IVs and waiting out the virus. He has a good prognosis but I’m still a mess. The older they get the more immune they become with every year they get their boosters. Give your pooches some special hugs from me today OK?
I’m so sorry to hear the news about Brodie, Terri. I’m no longer on Facebook, so this was the first I heard about it. We’ve everything crossed that he’ll make a quick and full recovery.
We’ve already had Austin checked out and he’s had all his vaccinations, and like Toby will visit the vet twice a year for booster vaccinations and check-ups, etc.
We’re all sending you lots of hugs and please keep us updated on Brodie’s progress.
xx
Thanks, Hugh! I may try to share a post about parvo soon. The office manager at our vet’s said she’s never seen a dog get parvo after vaccines, although she had heard the various strains are resistent. She’s reaching out to the pharmaceutical company, they may reimburse us for expenses ($3500 low estimate!!). Thank you for kind word and hug those wonderful pooches hard…hope I’m not repeating myself 😑
I’ve been reading up on it, Terri. I didn’t know very much about it, and we’ve also talked to our vet about it. Toby has always been up to date with his vaccines, but it’s frightening to hear that the strains are now getting resistant. I hope things are looking much better today. We’re all thinking about you and Brodie. Hugs from us.
xx
Another doggie! That is amazing and happy news, Hugh. Austin seems to be a smart one! It is incredible how well he listens already. Beware, Toby, you will not get a moment of rest anymore. A doggy alarm set at 6:30am is better than at 6am, I always say!
lol, although this morning he was little earlier at 5:41, but it was a call of nature call which we really praised him for. Then, he headed straight back to bed.
Thanks, Liesbet. You’ll, no doubt, be hearing lots more from Austin.
How marvelous for a Monday, Hugh — a friend for Toby. Austin is adorable. This post really made me smile. Huge hugs to you and tummy rubs to the doggies.
Thank you, Teagan. Austin is very pleased to hear that he brightened up your day. As for tummy rubs, he can’t get enough of them.
Hugs to you.