Swim, Swim and Swim some more

Any dog owner can relate to this statement:

Regardless of whether the sun is shining or it is tipping down with rain, your dog still needs to be walked.

If you are a dog owner and cannot relate to that statement, you are soooo lucky! Having said that, I admire Flynn's (and Jed's back in his hay day) enthusiasm, endless energy and constant desire to go out and explore and it gives me a reason to get off the sofa and get some fresh air too!

So in actual fact, I wouldn't change having to walk the dog in the sun or rain - I really don't mind at all.

Jed has always loved the water and if he still could, would be bouncing along the shoreline, paddling around in the streams and rivers to his hearts content, all day every day. Unfortunately, these days his arthritis tells him not to.

Flynn on the other hand is a constant bundle of bounce and play. He is a nine month old Collie, with a hint of Kelpie (Australian Sheepdog) thrown in for good measure (and that extra bit of energy) too. He has grown into a very handsome young man (though is still a very close second to Jedipins).

Last night I became a very proud Mum as Flynn lifted his paws of the stones and swam, swam and swam some more in the river during our evening stroll down the country lanes. He has been teasing for a while now and I have been egging him on for ages to take the next step and last night was the night. He was loving the water over his back, as he became more confident he was actually lunging himself off the bank creating a massive plop and swimming around in circles.

I did have a slight problem when it was time to go for tea.


Flynn wasn't really fussed for his beef chunks in gravy and country casserole biscuits last night, the very enjoyable swimming lessons took presidence!

Dog Friendly Holiday to Porthgain with 15% off!

Tir Deri in Porthgain is a dog friendly bungalow located just outside the popular harbour village of Porthgain.

*Throughout July and August 2012, Tir Deri is offering a sizzling 15% discount of full week bookings*

Sleeping 5 people and welcoming two (well behaved) dogs, Tir Deri is a lovely home from home, comfortably furnished throughout and boasts a large lawn to the front of the property, which is an ideal space for dogs to play, though the lawn is not enclosed.

Porthgain is situated along the rugged North Pembrokeshire coastline in between the City of St Davids and Goodwick. It is pretty place with a thriving community spirit, just what you need when taking a much needed holiday to Pembrokeshire with your beloved dogs.

You could pretty much park your car up on your arrival and spend your whole dog friendly holiday simply exploring Porthgain and the surrounding area on foot. After all, your dogs will be more than welcoming of the walking!

From Porthgain there is ample opportunity to explore the scenic Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, the endless views are amazing and the coastline around here is very dramatic, Aberieddy is a lovely beach and well worth the visit.

The mention of beaches has suddenly sparked me to think about Traethllyfn Beach, which is a marvel that can also be accessed from the Coastal Path between Porthgain and Aberieddy. You will definitely want to take your camera to take pictures of this beautiful bay.

An alternative experience for you and your dogs to enjoy during your dog friendly holiday to Pembrokeshire are the Wildlife Boat Trips that during high season depart St Justinians (near St Davids) on a daily basis. Naturally well behaved dogs are welcomed aboard and can enjoy the journey out at sea just as much as the humans!

For further information in relation to Tir Deri in Porthgain, availability and booking, please contact a member of the reservations team on 01437 765765.

West Grove Barns welcome your dogs!

Sometimes finding the right property to welcome your family and dogs can be a frustrating task!

The four properties at West Grove Barns welcome dogs with open arms and are set in a terrific rural location on the outskirts of the peaceful village of Hundleton.

The tranquil setting that surrounds you from each of the dog friendly properties Ash, Beech, Rowan and Oak, is very relaxing and you are only a few minutes walk from the Cleddau Estuary and foreshore. All of the beautifully converted cottages have fantastic views across the waterway, their own patio area and are a quality home from home to ensure your dog friendly holiday to Pembrokeshire is pawfect!

There are many dog friendly places to visit within a short drive from your holiday base in Hundleton, a picturesque, circular walk around the prominent Pembroke Castle and Millpond, the wildlife enthusiast will enjoy the 3 mile walk around the beautiful Bosherston Lily Ponds and onto the golden beach of Broad Haven South. West Angle Bay is a haven for dogs to play on all year round, along with the stunning expanse of beach at Freshwater West, which has famously featured in both the final Harry Potter film and the epic Robin Hood movie starring Russell Crowe.

By booking a dog friendly property at West Grove Barns by 1st June 2012, you will receive a 10% early booking discount off week bookings for a holiday in 2012.

A warm, dog friendly welcome awaits your whole family at West Grove Barns, come and see for yourself!

Pembrokeshire Pooches on Patrol at Olympics!

Pembrokeshire sniffer dogs are something spectacular!

A dog handler and his explosive-detection dog teams have been asked to work before, during and after the Olympic and Paralympic games in London, showing off their superb sniffing skills.

I am always amazed by a dog's intelligence and it is fantastic to see them in action.  Every dog I see being used to sniff out all sorts like explosives, drugs, cash and people is fantastic and they are always so happy and enthusiastic, with their tails wagging ten to the dozen, being out and about making their trainer proud.

It must be a joy to work with such incredible animals every day, I'm very jealous!

Well done to you Pembrokeshire pooches and I am sure you that will work hard out on patrol at the Olympic games!

Granston House, Near Abermawr

If you are looking for a dog friendly property that is cosy, has superb countryside views, close to the Pembrokeshire Coastal path and all year round dog friendly beaches then Granston House is the property for you!

Granston House is situated near Abermawr and is a cosy, family cottage sleeping four people and one dog and has a rear lawned garden for all to enjoy during your stay.

Just by mentioning the word 'dog', you begin to imagine beautiful walks and sandy beaches.

Granston House is if but a mile away from both Abermawr and Aberbach beaches which welcome dogs to enjoy their sands and sea all year round, as well as offering access to join the stunning coastal path with it's amazing scenery and endless rambles along the coastline.

Fishguard Harbour is a lovely stretch to enjoy a stroll during an afternoon, the views out to sea are beautiful, especially when you have a beautiful blue sky.

Granston House may just be the dog friendly property that you are looking for this year, so please do get in touch to check out availability and details on 01437 772742.

The Granary in Trecwn

If you are looking to give your dogs a fantastic holiday to remember, then staying at dog friendly barn conversion The Granary is the very simple solution.

The Granary enjoys an 80 acre working farm setting with an abundance of footpaths to explore and keep you and your dogs busy during your dog friendly holiday to Pembrokeshire.

Sleeping two The Granary makes for a cosy escape from the real world, where you can admire the rolling countryside and views out towards Mathry and the City of St Davids.

You will not want to miss a trip less than 5 miles away to the Preseli Mountains and the enchanting Gwaun Valley. The wonderful walks you will discover here will have you walking for miles!

If your dogs are a fan of the sea and sand, there are the welcoming coves of Abermawr, Aberbach and Abercastle for them to enjoy, the harbour at Fishguard boasts a nice walk along the front with fantastic views out to sea too.

If you feel that The Granary is your perfect property call 01437 765765 to check availability.

Flynn is Fine!

I do apologise for not letting you know sooner, that following last Tuesday's castrate and chip Flynn is 100%, absolutely, perfectly FINE!

In all honesty, I expected to come home to a poorly puppy with sore stitches looking sad and feeling very sorry for himself. I couldn't have anticipated anything more wrong.

I arrived home from work to be greeted by Flynn jumping all over me, tail wagging and ball in mouth rearing to go out and play. He was as happy and energetic as always. What a relief.

Having been nil by mouth since 6 o'clock the previous evening, Flynn was starving and demolished his tea in no time. Part of me did expect to see it again at some point during the evening, but my perfect puppy proved me wrong again.

We spent the whole of Tuesday evening playing ball, having cuddles and watching TV.

Phew!