Had an awful shock this morning!

As normal I was awake fairly early and lay in bed enjoying the birdsong. The day was sunny and promised to be a good cruising day. By about 7ish I got up to put the kettle on and let Jade out. Normally Jade is up and ready before I have even got dressed but not this morning. So for once I was the one waiting for Jade. I called her and then realised something was terribly wrong. Jade tried to get up and collapsed. She tried again and made a dash for the back of the boat staggering all the way. I shouted for Ian to help me get her off the boat but he sleeps in the buff and had no time to don any clothes!!! Poor man was opening back doors, trying to calm Jade who was by now panting frantically and shaking, while I grabbed the doggie plank and between us helped her off the boat. If anyone had been coming down the towpath they would have had one hell of an eye full. Anyway no sooner had Jade staggered off the boat then she squatted, wobbling all the time and had a huge wee. Then she tried to walk towards the hedge and that was when she collapsed again. She lost control of her bowels and was extremely distressed. Ian had by now made himself more respectable and with his help got her back on board. First thing we did was try to make her comfortable. I had this horrible feeling that she may have had a stroke so phoned our daughter Christine, who is a veterinary nurse, for advice. She also thought it could be a stroke but there could be a number of reasons for Jade to collapse. She mentioned middle ear infection also back problems ( of which we know Jade has ) and suggested trying to find a vet near by to take her to. Easier said then done. Looking on the web the nearest vets to us was at Greenford, 5 mile along the canal. So by 7.45am we were on our way. By 8am Jade was up and walking almost normally. So we stopped by Perivale wood to try and walk Jade and access the situation. I couldn't believe the difference in her. Not only did she jump off the boat but trotted along by my side quite happily. The vet was put on hold for the time being and I must say throughout the day she appeared to be improving. I still don't know why she collapsed but both of us are going to keep a good eye on her from now on.

Jade early evening.

So today we made it all the way back to Bulls Bridge. The moorings by Tesco were completly free and after coming through the junction we reversed back and claimed our spot. Within an hour all the moorings had gone. Glad we arrived when we did!

Kensal Green where we moored last night. Row upon row of continues moorers.

No way will C&RT ever be able to check this boats license.

Wembley

Stoat made an appearance when I was walking Jade at Perivale Wood

Dock by Tesco Moorings

Bulls bridge Junction

And finally:-