The Dog Father & Gang

Wetley Moor, Staffs, UK. 2015 

1 week sit - 4 dogs, 5 chickens.

As we approached the cottage gate we were greeted by 4 noisy noses vying for space to get a look through at the newcomers. Once inside, there was much sniffing, fussing, a bit of grumbling, basically we were given a good old checking out.

We spent an hour with ‘Mum’, learning everyones routines, who sleeps where and in what order food is given out, going through the house to familiarise ourselves with the usual appliances as well as any quirks, such as keys that need a little tweek in the lock to make them work, and also importantly how to lift the lid on the hot tub!

1st big walk took us up onto the moor, all the boys were really good, happy with the wind blowing in their ears, and funny sniffing out scents, once one spotted something they all stuck their noses in the same spot :)

The 5 lovely lady hens, have been quite chatty each morning and are good at taking themselves off to bed of an evening. Poached eggs on toast for breakfast every day …. yum

The putting on of walking boots must be imprinted in all dogs, its the code that says yep’ we are getting ready to go for a walk. However, trying to actually put my boots on in a small kitchen with four dogs all limbering up has been hilarious, they all start stretching, yawning, groaning, and at the same time trying to give me a sneeky quick kiss whilst my head is down tying up laces. They really are a lovely bunch of dogs, always excited to be going out, but always walked calmly & well together.

My friend and her Granddaughter came to visit for a day, it was a great adventure for Kaci. She helped me feed the chickens and collected 3 eggs, she filled up the bird feeders, she walked the dogs through the fairy tunnel, up a big hill and back down again, then the rain caught us out in the middle of the moor, on the way back she jumped & splashed in the biggest puddles so much so that her welly boots had water in them up to her ankles, she had a picnic in the garden, and a 20 minute dip in the hot tub, all the dogs enjoyed her company, she was one tired but happy 4 year old by the end of the day.

The weather kept us indoors quite a bit more than I would have liked, however we still went out for walks, so not only was the getting ready to go out fun, but coming back in, doing the rub down with a couple of towels and 4 dogs was quite a performance, again though all the boys loved the extra attention!!

Im always amazed at their characters, at how you get to see and feel their differences in just a week. Archie the Dog-Father, he was so cool, laid back, but quietly, most definitely the top dog. Then Diesel, manic outside, just wanted to play non stop, but in the house quiet as a mouse!, then the two rescue dogs, Snoopy, a bit of a cheeky chappie, with big brown eyes that floored you!, he never missed any food being prepared in the kitchen, we really had to keep an eye on him, thought we had him sussed until he happily ate a cheese and ham sandwich in the small space of time that I turned my back to make a cup of tea … lol. Lastly there was Tisor, I know you shouldn't have favourites, but!, he was very quiet, a bit timid, sat back and watched the others, didn't seem to know what play time was about, but within a couple of days, he was like my little shadow, and with a bit of encouragement he started to play with a couple of the toys and even chased the ball, he didn't bring it back but hey ho ….

Lucy should be really proud of her animals, they were an absolute pleasure to look after, I already miss them all. xxx