Furry dog mother

Every dog should have one. The Boxers don't know they have one, but it makes it much easier for us to go away, knowing that the boarding kennels have someone to turn to, if for some reason, the dogs need to leave kennels, or if we are delayed on our return.

My Dad acts as their 'next of kin'. Our will stipulates an allowance for the dogs' upkeep and rehoming, but there is something reassuring about asking a good friend to be their furry dog mother. We hope she is never needed.

What arrangements have you made for your pets while you are away this summer? Do you find it difficult to leave your furry 'babies' at home?

Wish I was there ...

Travel with me

One week in .... Wales!

We spent the last week of Summer 2013 in Wales. Llangennith to be precise. The best beach in Britain. But don't take our word for it. Go, and see for yourselves.

Worms Head

Enjoying the view

Coastal path

Hillend caravan and camping park

Cottages on the hillside

Looking out towards Llangennith Burrows

We've been going to Gower for about 10 years, but this year we took the Boxer dogs with us. It's a long trip, over 4 hours, so we took a break overnight each way in the Travelodge at Leigh Delamere on the M4. Did you know they allow dogs to stay? We booked a family room, and our allocated room was on the ground floor near the entrance so we could easily get in and out for wee breaks. It wasn't luxurious, but it was clean and comfortable and the dogs settled easily.

Feeling refreshed, we continued our car journey into Wales, stopping for a picnic lunch at the services at junction 47, the exit from the M4 onto Gower. Only 45 minutes to our cottage from there.

On arrival at Little Hill End cottage, we were thrilled. It was perfect. Cottagey, with a safe enclosed garden. Full kitchen facilities (just what we needed as our kitchen at home is still unfinished), comfy beds, roll top bath for relaxing. We put the dogs' beds down in the living room and they collapsed, exhausted after the trip.

But, not for long. After a quick cup of tea and a wiggle into our wetsuits, we were off. High tide beckoned. We fixed the dogs' leads to beach spikes and ran into the sea. It was thrilling, such fun. The dogs watched us the whole time, and after our swim, we let the dogs play in the shallow waves. They loved it. Pretty soon, they were happy to paddle in the waves. We kept them on lead though, just in case they got into difficulty. We all slept so well that first night.

The days settled into their own holiday routine. Walk, breakfast, read books, lunch, snooze, swim, walk, supper, telly, bed. Each day dawned bright and blue-skied, warm sunshine. We ventured a bit further from the cottage to nearby beaches at Broughton Bay and Whiteford Sands. The National Trust land at Whiteford Sands Nature Reserve is stunningly beautiful.

We took the dogs to lunch at Fairyhill. We have stayed there a few times as a couple, which was very romantic. We sat on the terrace for lunch. The dogs were well-behaved, and we got lots of admiring glances. The food was delicious.

Facilities in Llangennith are limited. PJ's surf school and wetsuit hire is useful, as is the Kings Head Hotel. Hilllend caravan and camping site is convenient, and the little shop there stocks most things, as well as fresh meat, delicious Welsh lamb chops too.

Footpaths and bridleways criss-cross the area, so you can't get lost. And all paths lead to the dunes and the beach.

This one week holiday felt like a life time away. It was that good. And we all agree.

With thanks to Pam and Rito for showing us the delights of Llangennith.

I'm linking up with Older Mum (In A Muddle) for #One Week - Summer '13.

Photography by Lesley Beeton

(Some of my) favourite places

Postcard photo collage, Lesley Beeton, 2012

You're Beautiful - South Africa

This is absolutely the last mention of our holiday in South Africa, I promise. I met some inspirational people, saw some stunning scenery, and ate mouthwatering food. And now it's time to move on to new adventures, so just one last look at some of the photos from beautiful South Africa.

Photo collage, South Africa, May 2012, Lesley Beeton

You can see a full photo story board here, and read about two educational projects we support here.

Thank you, Cheetahs in my Shoes, for hosting You're Beautiful. Here's the link to this week's post.

You're Beautiful

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You're beautiful - holiday memories

I was going through my photos in search of shots of form and colour for a painting I'm working on. I found these forgotten photos of our holiday earlier in the year. It made me stop and smile, and remember how beautiful the Hawaiian island of Maui is. The holiday was particularly special because it was shared with special people. I hope this isn't a cheat, as these aren't new photos, but I think you'll agree they are beautiful.

Ka'anapali, February 2012, Lesley Beeton

North Shore, Maui, February 2012, Lesley Beeton

From Mama's Fish House, Maui, February 2012, Lesley Beeton

I'm linking up with You're Beautiful at Cheetahs In My shoes.

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To board or not to board?

Today, I went to see another boarding kennel. That makes five, and to be honest, I wasn't hopeful. You see, my 'boys' have never boarded. Granny and Grandpa have always been on hand to house- and dog-sit. But, since Mom passed away earlier this year, we feel that it just wouldn't be fair to Dad to ask him to do it on his own. Besides which, he's not really in to dog walking or exercising in general. He does do loves and cuddles very well, though.

So, off I went, ready to be disappointed yet again. I arrived as a very excited Molly was being collected by her just as excited owner. I sat in my car and watched them be re-united. I felt quite emotional. Molly is a three year old rescue dog. Her owner was very happy to talk to me about his experience of the kennels, and has been a return customer for ten years. Tick one - happy dogs, happy owners.

Then I met Kate, a lovely doggie people person (tick two) - you know what I mean. I was shown around all the kennels and play areas and I asked loads of questions. I watched the other dogs at play and they seemed just fine. Admittedly, it doesn't have the home comforts, but the kennels have underpaw heating and large grass runs (three ticks!).

I think it will be OK.

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