Walkies & other stuff

A birthday is always time to reflect, or is that just me?

I've lived in the Canaries for 20 years. I was in hospitality, and when I returned to the UK I was pretty broken.

I took on a pub where i was treated appallingly by the brewery and the locals, I lost money and a bit of my confidence.

I moved back to my parents' and started a fresh chapter. I rebuilt.

It wasn't easy. I'd had a stroke and piled on the weight, but thanks to a total stranger, I joined the gym and lost the weight. Due to living abroad for all those years, I was totally out of the loop, and because I'd worked for myself, putting myself back into the workforce in my 50's was difficult.

Hence, I decided to put my love into animals. I can't have a dog of my own, so it made sense to look after other people's.

And this is part of why I do what I do.

Ignore the broken bones and the disastrous outcome. I get to travel the country and cast my eyes upon scenes and surroundings like this.

As you can see, the culprits are present in the video.

The first couple of nights were rough. Trying to get comfortable is top of the list. Heavy medication messes with your dreams, flashbacks hitting the floor weren't pleasant either.

Washing is difficult. I was lucky to be able to afford to go to the hair salon because doing it myself, wasn't an option.

Naturally the whole dynamics changed around my work diary. I cancelled all of December bookings, something that wasn't received well by some.

Both dogs suddenly reared up and then set off for the sheep. Sadly, their strength and acceleration pulled me to the ground. I hit the floor, face first, and I immediately realised there was blood and my glasses were in bits on the floor.

Thankfully, I'd not let go of the dogs and they'd decided they were in big shit and had ceased their adventure.

A painful and traumatic walk home, and I'm sorry to admit, I swore at Wott & Botty for most of it.

Wott & Botty remembered me and made sure I was welcomed, licked, nipped affectionately, and given grace to enjoy a cup of tea.

The owner left the next morning and for the next few days we settled into our routine. I'd pre-ordered my shopping because the nearest supermarket was 5 miles away. I mean, have you ever hit Deliveroo and JustEat and nothing comes up or no deliveries available? That is how remote this place is. The walk alone to a main road is 20 mins long.

This house is almost, off grid. Solar panels and water from a waterfall kind of remote.

Which is all very well until disaster strikes.

And disaster struck.

Last time, I came from South to North, but this time was different as I was travelling through Shrewsbury.

The other difference this time was I was travelling late at night. Earlier that day I'd been in Frodsham with Leo and Tilly. Their owner was involved in panto so, as a favour, I'd gone to keep them company.

Just look! He looks like a baby Womble! What I will add is that being with Biscuit is like spending the week with a tornado on steroids. He tears about for as long as he can physically manage, and he walks, on the lead, like a demented Morris Dancer.

I have to pick him up and carry him during 9 out of 10 walks, and I quickly discovered he likes socks.

I adore snuggling with Biscuit. He's a Jackapoo so no moulting.

Leo had acquired a sister.

Tilly

She was so small but even at such a young age it was quite clear that she had bags of attitude.

It's not my favourite time of year, and I'm pleased to say I wasn't in charge of any pets. The whole episode upsets me, never mind animals.