It’s been a very busy but rewarding show season, with both Margo and Peggy – who has made a wonderful return to the ring as a veteran – enjoying some fantastic wins over the summer.
Autumn and winter will be a little quieter for us. While I do love showing and will still be attending a few events, many of the winter shows are quite a distance away, and the very early mornings, paired with the demands of my emergency services role, mean I’ll be sitting out most of the colder months this year.
Instead, I’m planning to dedicate more time to another of my favourite pastimes – exploring Dartmoor and getting creative with my big camera. I feel so lucky to live where I do; Dartmoor really is my happy place. With 368 square miles of wild beauty to enjoy, we’re never short of new places to discover.
Yesterday, Elsie and I were joined by our friend Emma and one of her Dalmatians for a walk around Hound Tor and Bonehill Rocks. We had such a fabulous time, and I think both dogs relished the chance to have some individual attention away from their usual packs.
I’ve always believed that breaking up the pack for solo or smaller group walks is really valuable. It allows me to give each dog that special 1:1 time – not only to strengthen our bond, but also to really focus on their needs, training, and enjoyment.
So while the show season winds down, I’m looking forward to a different kind of adventure this autumn and winter – less about the spotlight of the ring, and more about quiet moments on the moor with the dogs I love.
