Author Archive
Christmas is on its way!
Another year has whizzed by and so I am just getting the doggy advent calendar ready for my canine guests. As usual there are all the lovely toys, treats and gifts around for our pets but what they really love, as ever, are our time, love and as many cold, wet walks as we can bear!
Dogs like a cuddle
Although there is the whole of the New Forest nearby to visit, dogs do like getting back to their home comforts, don't they? After they are dry, had a drink and a snack, it is especially nice as the weather changes to have a dog sitting next to you (if they're allowed on the sofa, that is!) for a cuddle and a nap. Of course, some of them do snore quite loudly, but that's the joy of living with dogs!
Welly boots or shoes?
As usual our English weather is keeping us all on our toes. Just as I think the dog walk is going to be a wet and muddy marathon, the sun shines and vice versa! Of course, dogs don't mind what's happening as long as they can have a good sniff and run about with a drink and a treat afterwards!
Dogs in West Quay, Southampton
I think I'm late to have discovered that the West Quay Shopping Centre in Southampton now allows doggy visitors. So I took a trip there last week with two little dogs who were very curious about where we were, but very happy to stop at Waterstones for coffee when they knew that treats were involved!
Autumn rolls around again
The recent heatwave has made the trees drop some of their leaves, acorns and berries early so that the main tree can survive. The result is that it's still sunny but looks like autumn; one day dogs need their raincoats, the next they need suncream on their ears, very confusing! The dogs don't seem to mind because most of them seem to enjoy playing and kicking through the leaves.
Saving water
In the midst of the hot summer days, it's lovely to find that some streams and rivers in the New Forest are still flowing. Even dogs who aren't keen swimmers like to dip their paws in to cool down. I recommend the Ober Water Walk between Brockenhurst and Rhinefield, because a large part of it is in the shade and the river is beautifully clear.
Dogs helping to recycle
I recently had a parcel delivered with an incredible amount of cardboard and paper packaging. A few little treats scattered amongst it made a brilliant game for the dog who was staying with me. Needless to say, there was a lot of noise, excitement and rubbish everywhere, but at least the packaging was useful for something else!
Summer’s here again
We may have passed the longest day, but the summer's really only just getting going. Luckily there are lots of shady walks to choose from in this area so that dogs don't need to get hot....or me! My latest treat for dogs is to freeze cooked sausages to make a sort of sausage lollipop. The only downside is that they never last long once a dog gets a hold of them!
Exbury Gardens
I'm giving a shout out to Exbury Gardens, the very dog friendly home of the Rothschild family in the New Forest. The paths and tracks give dogs lots of opportunities for sniffing and on-lead exploring around the trees and plants, as well as near the Beaulieu River. They're also welcome in the cafes and on the steam train and most dogs aren't bothered by the sound of the train whistle! A really lovely place to visit.
Longer spring days
It might be chilly at the moment but it's lovely to have the longer days now. Although dogs don't seem to mind if it's dark or light, they do seem to be a bit more perky at this time of year which makes walks more fun!
My charges
I offer an affordable dog boarding service, and will give you a discounted rate for entrusting more than one dog to my care. 1st dog per day: £20 day care/£25 holiday ...
