Dodging Bullets

Dodging bullets; we’ll come back to that later…

2026 is shaping up to be another wonderfully busy year for us. Not only are we sitting all over the UK again, but I also turn 60 this year — though really, it’s only a number.

We began the year near Stratford-upon-Avon, looking after Josh and Oscar, a pair of sweet, ageing Cocker spaniels whose gentle pace set the tone for a peaceful start to January. Between their naps and cuddles, we hopped on the train to explore the town, wandering through Shakespeare’s streets and soaking up the winter charm. Some of our favourite moments were the quiet walks along the canal, watching the water ripple under soft grey skies while the boys trotted contentedly beside us.

The next stop was a small village just outside Ashby‑de‑la‑Zouch, where a lively young Cocker spaniel named Saffie greeted us with the kind of full‑body enthusiasm only spaniels truly master. We settled into a large period property that had been cleverly — and somewhat intriguingly — updated into a modern, computer‑controlled home. It had that faintly sci‑fi feeling of a place that might, at any moment, decide to dim the lights of its own accord or offer unsolicited commentary on my tea‑making technique.

Finishing off the month, we headed back to Wiltshire and the small village of Netheravon for a sit with Otter and Impi — a classic countryside duo of Cocker Spaniel and Labrador, both happiest when tearing through fields, collecting mud, and finding every possible puddle. This time, though, we had to be especially mindful: Netheravon sits within the boundary of Salisbury Plain, right beside the military firing ranges, so checking for red flags became part of the daily routine.

Fortunately, the boys were completely unfazed by the distant gunfire and rumbling activity. Even on our final day, when the army seemed to be in full training mode, they trotted along without a care in the world. Despite the noise and the occasional thud echoing across the plain, everything turned out just fine — two content dogs, a lot of mud, and another memorable countryside adventure.