"Hindquarters: Seen from behind, legs straight and not too close together. When standing free, obtuse angles are formed between the dog`s upper thigh and the hip bone, the upper thigh and the lower thigh and the metatarsal."

So far the theory (FCI Standard http://www.adrk.de/5_standard_e.htm ). But due to her extreme height Clare developed bow-legs. Seen from behind she looks like an old cowboy who spent his whole life sitting on a horse. Together with her temperament those crooked legs are a disaster. Since a couple of weeks she needs medication. She started to lame on the right hind leg but improved with 'Metacam'. Last Sunday we went for a walk and in no time she escaped chasing an animal (Oh wonder! No pain at all!). When she finally returned she was exhausted but okay. After a short rest she wanted to get up but couldn't put weight on her left leg (and struggled with her right leg as well). If she hasn't already - someday she will suffer from ruptures of the cruciate ligaments. Now I have a 22-month-old dog who moves like a 15-year-old one. No bicycle rides, no playing with Miss Piggy. I bought some fish oil/ glucosamine capsules and also administer (enteric coated) aspirin tablets to fight the inflammation in the knees. Too much pain relief ('Metacam') is counterproductive - she is too energetic when she is without pain and the weakened joints are strained again ("complacency makes you reckless" or so). Unfortunately the warranty has expired and I'm not able to exchange her for a new one .

Only two weeks to go until my house will arrive and the driveway is a mess. It can be used as moto cross track but not for the heavy truck. I just sent an email to the earthmover. Hopefully he will come with a solution. I see already the dollars rolling.

In the shed an obviously giant rat chewed through a bucket of maize.

The stray tom cat 'Mr Verner' opened the bag with dog food (that I forget outside).

And Clare managed to destroy the cover of her sleeping place.

'I'm innocent!' She seems to say.

A new gunnysack for $ 5.-. (Please admire my suture technique!)