Winter Sunshine

Cloudless skies, warm sun on bare skin and sand between our toes as we take our daily walk along the beach to feast on the various culinary delights on offer during our 5 mile morning saunter past countless bars, restaurants and cafés. After a very busy and mostly fun packed 2024 we enjoyed our small slice of winter sun to help us recharge for the year ahead.

2025 is already getting booked up with holidays and dog sits and we are delighted to have a number of completely new mutts to look after this year. We do love resitting for people as we get to bond more and more with their dogs but we are equally excited about meeting new people and their dogs and exploring new places during our walks.

It may sound like we spend most of our time just looking after other people’s dogs while they are on holiday, so in this month’s post I wanted to highlight some of the finer details regarding our new vocation. Full-time dog sitting isn’t for everyone, it is demanding, sometimes stressful and challenging but always rewarding, not all dogs are pampered pooches and some are particularly difficult to work with.

We spent Christmas and New Year caring for Frankie & Jasper in Derby. Jasper the Foxhound suffers from Canine Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) as a result of treatment on the farm where he was kept. He was rescued by the RSPCA who prosecuted the farmer and his son – you can read the distressing details here. Jasper is doing much better now; he is a very loving and sweet dog but still very much traumatised by his past.

On the flip side we have also met some fantastic dogs and their owners, many of whom have become good friends and keep us updated on doggie birthdays. Here is Sherlock, a 52kg Giant Schnauzer who recently turned 7 years old in January – sweet!

The remainder of February we are in Woodstock, Wootton to be precise and although last month I said nothing of note happens here we have already taken trips into the local village and the short 5 minute drive into Woodstock centre. We are planning plenty of walks around Blenheim Palace grounds with the boys and some trips to other interesting local villages we spotted on our route in.

Let’s hope the weather stays dry and relatively settled, however we have recently purchased new wellington boots to help us navigate the muddy fields so we should be fine.