Happy Star Wars Day

Yes it’s actually a thing Star Wars Day

April started in a scramble, but it ended up behaving far better than expected. We managed to slot in three sits during the cancellation window, each one with lovely dogs in great locations.

First was a quick wander around Royal Wootton Bassett before heading to Compton Bassett to meet Teddie, the sweetest little Lakeland Terrier who happily powered through miles of countryside with us.

A couple of free days before our next sit gave us the opportunity to pop in on family. A planned visit to see Annette’s father in his new care home took us northbound, and a lovely couple of days in Sheffield meant we could also catch up with young Mark for a few cold beers.

Ken and Wolfie took the Gaddesby middle slot and instantly became a two‑dog sitcom: Wolfie playing the seasoned elder with “seen it all” patience, and puppy‑Ken ricocheting around him like a toddler who’s just discovered legs. Wolfie provided the wisdom; Ken provided the chaos. Perfect balance, questionable sanity.

Then we headed to Faringdon for Shadow, a huge Black Lab puppy with enough enthusiasm to power a small village. The Oxfordshire countryside was calm; Shadow was anything but.

With things back on track, we returned to Stratford-upon-Avon for a new sit on the edge of town. Winnie, the Tibetan Terrier, split her time between gentle strolls through the historic streets and trotting straight onto the Welcombe Hills from the garden gate.

We’re finishing the month in Freshford, a picture‑perfect village in the Avon valley, with Arlo — a two‑year‑old Cocker Spaniel who treats the river Frome like his personal racetrack. Off‑lead zoomies are his speciality, and tiring him out is our ongoing challenge.

April may have started in chaos, but it settled into a run of great dogs, great walks, and beautiful countryside.