Shih Tzu in flight My Shih Tzu Oscar just after he picked up the ball I threw for him! Most dogs have a strong fetch instinct but Oscar’s was hidden away until we discovered it earlier this year. Now he loves the phrase "where’s the ball Oscar?"

My Happy Baby Little baby Adam passed another major milestone in his life yesterday. Last night he slept in his own room for the first time! He slept soundly until about 3am, woke and made a bit of fuss until he fell asleep again until about 6am when he was happy enough to kick about…

Crossing the Finish Line Three girls run past the “Finish” line after the Blarney half marathon on Sunday. It was a funny place to put that sign as it was well behind the actual finish line. Guess they didn’t have any poles to stick it up on ..

Running to the finish line Running in the scorching heat on Waterloo Road near the end of the Blarney half marathon. The man with the red flag Directing traffic on Waterloo Road. Handing out the medals Finishing the race in that searing heat is quite an accomplishment. Everyone received a medal at the finish. Well…

People of the Blarney Half Marathon This couple posed for me as they walked along the Waterloo Road. I’d venture to say he probably ran the half marathon in less than 90 minutes. People of the Blarney Half Marathon We chatted for a few minutes near the finish line while runners streamed past. He finished…

After the Blarney Half Marathon Four runners who took part in today’s half-marathon in Blarney rest after their ordeal. They were too out of breath to talk but kindly consented to having their photo taken. More photos to come tomorrow!

Shih Tzu and the Ball Shih Tzu dogs love to play ball! We only found this out after a dog trainer came to the house and “ruffled his fur” a bit and in the process Oscar became a lot more relaxed. Now he adores playing ball and even one mention of, “where’s the ball?” and…

The groomed Shih Tzu Our pet Shih Tzu, Oscar, has been suffering under the unusual August weather. It’s actually quite warm, and his long coat is more useful for colder weather. So this morning we had him groomed and doesn’t he look cute?

BBQ at the Waterloo Inn Jimmy and Paul served the bbq to hungry parents, kids and everyone else at the charity bbq in the Waterloo Inn today. They spent over an hour dealing with flames and hot food at the end of a blisteringly hot day and really deserved the round of applause afterwards. Well…

Beware the giant duck! If you come down to Blarney today you should watch out for the giant ducks, and if you sit on a bench look behind you, there’s a good chance a tree is reading over your shoulder. Don’t get me started on the dastardly Parking signs! Yes, walking around Blarney can be…

The dog and his bone Oscar, our pet Shih Tzu, pictured with a bone shaped biscuit treat. Actually he doesn’t like them much. He prefers Markies, but they’re bought now so he’ll finish them! 🙂

Eye of the Shih Tzu This is Oscar, our Shih Tzu. He has been a part of our family for just over a year now and he’s very devoted to my wife Jacinta. He loves playing with me too, but I know who he’d save from a sinking ship! We were worried what would happen…