Well the van turned into a bit of a nightmare for me and has now after a vast amount of money I didn't have spent on it been sold and gone to pastures new. I am now the proud owner of a Land Rover 90 which all the dogs seem to love just as much and I love more...

Yes I hate to admit it.. but it did happen. I lost a dog. And not one of mine! But before I continue she was found safe and well on the same day! I won't mention names as the owner knows exactly who I'm talking about... its not the first time this little cherub has gone on an extended walk, she did it the first time I met her out on a walk with her owner and was reassured that she'd find us and she did. Over a period of several months now she's kept me on my toes but never had quite the determination that occurred on this day. It was a deer, only a small one. And to make matters worse I actually saw it before her but she managed to slip my grip and ...go....and...go and...gone. I had four other dogs with me and they all came back when I whistled but "her" oh no.. what had i to offer over the free running and excitement of chasing a deer? Well to cut a long..long..story short, after several helpers, her owner and 5 hours of walking the fields of Souldern, Tusmore & Pimlico Farm she appeared like she'd been waiting a lifetime for us to catch up! Not fluttered at all. Unlike me who burst into tears at the sheer relief.. two days later and after a good laugh and a joke she's back on strict recall training and a long lead. I am not going through all that again..

It has been a busy week - first of all I adopted a dog that was looking for a home rather quickly as its owners circumstances had changed and the dog was having to spend long hours alone.. It was rather an impulsive decision but one that my husband has come to expect from me! (Thanks for your love, patience & understanding Roger) Bruno as he was called was a huge chocolate Labrador who was all male! He was nearly two years old and full of the joys of spring. Jake was extremely patient with Bruno despite the fact that he appeared to rather "like" Jake and wouldn't leave him alone. I had got someone in mind and after a couple of phone calls managed to get the two together and as I predicted it was love at first sight..He is now a happy dog with a great friend called Turnip - a 7 year old Labrador living the life in Hampshire.. I am looking to say goodbye to my first customer "Baz" at the end of this week because his owners are moving to London... I will be really sad to see him go..he was a real gent at 12 years old and I watched his spark return as he ran and played with the other dogs and took a great pride in his "fatherly" role of looking after young Maddie. I will miss him loads - and may even plan a "dog-nap" before the weeks out!! I had a beautiful Retriever for a sleepover on Friday and he had so much fun he's booked in again! Things are moving along nicely and its really nice to get people booking there dogs in months in advance because they are obviously happy. New Hutches arrived this week for the rabbit rush..and are up and ready for customers..Mine have trialled one for them and seem very happy - result. Well have to update my photo's and take my four-legged friends for their evening stroll.. Thanks for coming and please feel free to comment..

Well its been a while since I last wrote, but that's due to the vast amount of time and effort that I have been putting into my business - The Bank I have to say have been no help at all and I am beginning to wonder if they really like to support small businesses at all with out trying to tie them up in loads of dept! That's my main moan of the week! Well actually my only moan as the rest of my week has been full of dogs living it up in the countryside with me. I took several of them to Trow Pools a new walk for most of them - and one that proved very popular! One who shall remain nameless (but who's "mum" will know who she is...) disappeared on a scent for exactly 12 minutes!! Not particularly worrying as I had been forewarned that she liked to do this..and has previously done it to me! But it seemed an eternity and was very cold! Lot's of people appear to be booking their Easter breaks and I am filling up quickly with home visits and Boarding - so a word of advice - enquire well in advance! The other thing that I what to add - A Huge thanks to all the girls at Creature Comforts on the Launton Road, who I am very grateful to for their support and recommendations. I highly recommend their services also - a friendly knowledgeable bunch they are.... Thanks.

After careful consideration and lot's of nagging, I travelled to Ashford in Kent yesterday and brought a van for my growing business... My husband has been very patient, but no longer wants the dogs..ours and everyone else's travelling in his Range Rover!! He will still allow small caged animals he informs me.. if it's really necessary..(he does of course not mean it - he is always helping out!) Harry our rat decided to make an appearance last night whilst I was sorting out some paperwork..which was quite a surprise for me and the dog's here, who were quietly sleeping.. he was fine, had just spent a while working out an escape route so he could come and check out my blog!! All are safe and secure again - and we can sleep in our beds!! Well I have to get organised for a busy day tomorrow... Catch up soon...