Walkies!!

It was Mum's birthday earlier this week, so Other Mum took a few days off work. The weather was sunny and dry (it won't last!) so we decided to take the opportunity to get out and about. Good choice Mum.....I thought for one minute you might decide to go to the pub!!

The most exciting thing is that I had my first "off lead experience" in an open space! Because we don't have dog parks or access to anywhere enclosed (except the tennis courts) Mum wants me to be able to walk off lead in relatively safe places. She took me to the reservoir, took a deep breath and let me go! Just for a few minutes at a time, and I was really good; didn't go nuts or anything!

Far too busy reading wee mail!

There was a lot to catch up on!

Mums decided to take me to the canal, the idea that the tow path is narrow and straight and not many options if I did a runner! Unfortunately our usual place was closed for maintenance and there were too many walkers and cyclists about, so I had to stay on lead, but it was fun and good to be out with both of them.

I do hope no one wants to come through this lock Mum!

Hirst Lock from the bottom

Spring must be here...The geese were building a nest.

The next day, and the weather was still good (if not a tad windy) so we drove to Gargrave in the Yorkshire Dales and walked along the canal there. 

The narrowboat was just about to enter the lock. 

We passed a field where the farmer had been feeding his sheep and they were all hurrying back to their usual field, following each other......like sheep!

It was so windy, poor Mrs Sheep was doing a bit of a Marilyn Monroe with her wool!

Bottoms up! Time for an en-route snack.....

You can't really tell, but I was tied to this gate to stop me blowing away!

All in all it hasn't been a bad week, and tomorrow I am off to see Ganny. As regular readers will know, this is one of my favourite things. The only downside is nice weather + big garden = bath time! I'm half hoping it might be cool and showery!

Hope everyone has a good week and I'll see you when I get back, (quite possibly smelling of tee tree and mint...pffft!) 

Can you help Sally?

The Dogs Trust NEVER destroy a healthy dog

Mum & I have been talking to a nice lady called Sarah who works at The Dogs Trust, Leeds. Sarah is a Supporter Relations Officer and she asked me if I could help one of their doggy residents to find a home by highlighting her case on my blog. Of course, I'm delighted to.

About Sally

Sally is a gorgeous 7 year old black and white Lurcher currently being cared for at The Dogs Trust, Leeds. She came into us as her owners moved to a very built up area with nowhere to exercise Sally properly. They realised she was just not getting the life she deserved.

Sally is a lovely friendly girl  and loves to chill out and watch the world go by. She will be best suited living in a rural area or somewhere with secure facilities as she loves be exercised off lead.

She's a beautiful girl!

Sally is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. She also has basic house training.  She can be rehomed with older children and larger dogs. She is not cat or other small furry friendly.

If you feel you are that special person to give Sally her forever home then please contact Dogs Trust Leeds on 0113 2814920

The Dogs Trust is a great dog welfare charity that Mum has supported for a number of years. This is a little bit about them:

Founded in 1891, Dogs Trust (formerly the National Canine Defence League) is the largest dog welfare charity in the UK. Our mission is to bring about the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.

Here’s what Dogs Trust do in a nutshell…

Each year we care for around 16,000 dogs at our nationwide network of 17 Rehoming Centres. No healthy dog is ever destroyed. We run subsidised neutering campaigns in areas of the UK with the most acute stray dog problems. Our Education Officers give thousands of classroom presentations every year. Free teaching resources are made available to all schools in the UK. Our FREEDOM Project helps pet owners who are fleeing domestic violence by fostering their animals while they start a new life. The HOPE Project gives preventative veterinary care to dogs belonging to homeless people. We advise government on any matters concerning dog ownership. We have established a charity in Ireland that runs a rehoming centre in Dublin. We assist overseas animal welfare charities by training their staff in best practice. Can you or someone you know offer Sally her forever home? Please contact The Dogs Trust Leeds if you can help. Thanks for reading this everyone Deccy x

Still Guilt Trippin' !!

Mum took me on a lovely walk yesterday. I don't want to appear cynical beyond my years, but I think it may have been part of her "For God's sake Declan, in how many more ways do you want me to apologise for leaving you for a mere 5 days?" campaign. The list is endless Mum. Really.

Anyway she took me along a section of the Leeds & Liverpool canal that runs through Hirst Woods in Saltaire, West Yorkshire

Mum says the woods are really popular with dog walkers and at Christmas time they hang cards for each other on a holly bush. 

Oooh hang on I think I can see a squibble...!

We walked through the woods and over the old bridge before heading back along the canal.

I can see that pesky squibble again...!

Well she may owe me, but I don't want to walk THAT far.....

Hirst Lock as it is today......

..... and a picture of the lock painted in the 19th century.
Bradford Museums & Art Galleries

If you look very carefully, I'm sure you can see a handsome greyhound sitting at the top of the lock...... ;-)