Do you walk your dog when it's raining?

I came into work this morning and what a great surprise. It was gloomy, grey and raining. The clouds looking like they were ready to let rip a massive quantity of rain drops, I suppose you could compare them to a pregnant lady waiting to drop. Oh joy!

The state of the weather then sparked my thoughts to the following topic, 'How many people actually still take their dog for a walk even if it was raining?'

Now I'm not talking drizzle (that's the name of my cat too),or light, misty rain, I mean absolutely tipping it down, soaking wet rain where you only have to step onto your doorstep and your hair look as though you have just jumped out of the shower. My dog, the gorgeous Jed only has to hear it raining and think, 'Great, that's my walk out of the window this morning!'

But when you think about it, your cat is the mostly likely domestic pet to hide inside out of the rain because they don't like water.

Dogs, given half a chance bound out of the door, roll in the grass and shake as the tiptoe back into the kitchen pleased with themselves that you now have to chase them around in circles to wipe their paws so they don't get mud on the cream carpets! You can tell I'm talking from experience can't you?!

But Jed knows the drill. Out he trots for a wee and a breath of fresh air, door opens and in he treads and stands like a very good, well trained boy as I wipe him over with his doggie towel. Not likely! Jed gets as far as the door opening and rockets straight into the living room, where he knows that mum has just that second put the hoover away. Typical , but he does make me giggle. As he has got older his character just gets funnier and funnier. He is one wise fella!

I think he is teaching my little cat a few tricks too...

Enter Drizzle. A fairly small, slight pussycat with patterns of grey, brown and black all over, with a dove white belly and pricked ears. Drizzle, such a pretty, friendly fur ball, gracefully parading around her home ready to spot the next sucker munching on something tasty. Of course, Jed has beaten her to it and has already claimed the prime seat in the house awaiting any falling crumbs for him to lap up. Well, so he believes, until...

Drizzle. This little madam isn't fazed by Jed's presence as she has figured out that as she is so small she can afford to launch herself onto the chair and sit on the lap of her victim, getting closer than the spotty nosed pooch. But somehow Jed's pitiful, sorry eyes always wins the choccie biscuit!

Honestly, in the mornings I am lucky if I get to munch half of my piece of toast because I am surrounded by the zoo! But our home would be lost without them, they carry such a respected presence.

Freshwater West Beach, Pembrokeshire

I always find that taking my pooch for a trip down the beach during the Winter months is so much more enjoyable than battling with the crowds during the height of the Summer season. Of course I have no objection whatsoever with the many people that visit Pembrokeshire in the Summer it's just that you can find your dog will never get any peace.

My dog will always manage to find the man with the camera trying to take a 'beach' shot of his little children in the sea. In swoops Jed ball in mouth, tail wagging, ears pricked and a spring in his step as he bounds into the sea. Cue glare from Dad.

But that just wouldn't happen in the Winter. I know it does sound like I may be stating the obvious here, but the only other people you will come across, are other lovely people wanting some peace and quiet to let their dogs run wild along the sand and splashing in the sea and the occasional surfer dude, but they just please themselves.

I recently took Jed down to his favourite beach, Freshwater West and it was as unspoilt and as refreshing as ever. Freshwater West is a fantastic beach to visit all year round for dogs, as it carries no horrible restrictions and has a long stretch of golden sand, plenty of sand dunes, rock pools and a clean sea for a doggie dip. If you are coming to Pembrokeshire with Coastal, then I would most certainly recommend this beach to visit. For me, having a water-loving dog at home allows me to venture to the beach everyday if I liked and knew that my dog would be absolutely delighted to accompany me.

There is nothing like wrapping up cosy warm as you feel the brisk air manage to catch only your face as you gently stroll across soft sand, splashing your wellies in the sea and watching your four legged friend have the time of his life.

A dog is for life, not just for Christmas

I thought that it would be quite appropriate today to turn our attention to the slogan 'A dog is for life not just for Christmas.'

This slogan has more truth and honesty in 9 words than a glitzy magazine has from cover to cover. The UK's National Canine Defence League really excelled themselves when they introduced this back in 1978 as it is widely quoted and respected. Widely quoted yes, but respected? I am not so sure...

I think people are still forgetting that cute little puppies get bigger, grow more hair and mature into a handsome dog, and with the dog's maturity the love and attention from their owners begins to fade. The little puppy that their children craved when they were little has suddenly become 'not so cute' and 'not so wanted'.

It is such a shame, I love my dog just as much, if not more now that he has matured than ever before, and right from a puppy he has remained a permanent fixture, loved and cared for, our family pet.

But when you think about it, that may be one of the top 3 excuses for pets becoming abandoned, but it certainly isn't all of them. The dog ruins and bites the furniture, the dog isn't good with children, we have moved flat and there are no pets allowed. Must I continue?

I am not saying that in some cases there aren't genuine reasons for people that may no longer be able to home their pet, it's just that excuses are casually thrown around at the expectation that 'good' people like Dog's Trust will come along and pick up the pieces, It's just not fair. All I can say at this point, is thank god for people like Dog's Trust!

I really don't want to seem as though I am having a rant before the festive season, but I think it is about time that people truly took notice of flipping good slogans like 'A dog is for life, not just for Christmas' and have the confidence to shout it from the rooftops.

So, if you do find yourself being greeted with an excited wee and fluffy ears wrapped in a little pink bow this Christmas, look after your pooch, they will be your best friend, most loyal companion and beach buddy all year round.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Do Dogs Look Like Their Owners?

Have you ever wondered whether the never-ending conundrum, 'do dogs look like their owners' have any sort back bone? I have, and so has my colleague Sarah W.
Back in March when we both attending Crufts on behalf of The Woof Guide team, as you can imagine we were surrounded by large quantities of various breeds of dogs from British Bulldogs to Great Dane's and their owners. After four days of being surrounded by all shapes and sizes, we drew up the following conclusion, IT IS MOST DEFINITELY TRUE! Dogs do look like their owners.
I thought that I would do a little bit of research on the topic today and to see whether we had any support on the matter, and I was very surprised to discover how many stories and studies supported the diagnosis, including a study investigated by the yanks who make it 'official'- dogs do look like their owners.
But hold on a second, surely like myself, if you have a dog with a bit of a mixture a 'mongrel' if you will, such as my pooch Jed (collie cross springer spaniel), when I took him home as a pup I didn't really know what he would end up looking like. So how does that work?
Well it doesn't. In that respect the theory could be described as 'going to the dogs' so to speak, but when people select a purebred dog they are certainly 'barking up the right tree'.

As I cannot really compare myself to Jed, I thought I would show you all a picture of the very, highly attractive breed that Sarah W believes most resembles myself, a Curly Coated Retriever...

I chose an image of a puppy due to it's high rated 'cute' factor!

As for Sarah, I'm thinking an Irish Setter...?

Obviously I do appreciate that you may or not know what Sarah or myself for that matter look like to offer an opinion!

I am beginning to think that I may try this game at home over Christmas at some point, you know keep the family mood lightened and laughter rife!

Well, on that note I think I best stop there whilst I still have a job, as before you know it I will have teamed each member of the office with a random breed of dog and bound to end up offending some body (not intentionally of course) along the way!

Let's Go Walkies!

I would like to turn your attention to another of our fantastic dog friendly properties located North of the County in Newport.

I recently popped into Ol y Don to have a look around before their Christmas bookings set in, and today I thought that the property deserved a mention, as I felt it to be an ideal, dog friendly property with many desired amenities on it's doorstep, and simply perfect for your pooch during your stay with us in Pembrokeshire.

Ol y Don is ideal for many dog personalities, whether they enjoy playing in the garden chasing butterflies, taking a refreshing dip in the water or taking a stroll around the local town in the evenings.

To the rear of the property beyond the immediate garden (also dog friendly), your dog can enjoy exploring 1.5 acres of green grass, all enclosed and safe to play. By taking a short walk to the left of the property you will be led to the sheltered, dog friendly Newport Parrog, with the alternative dog friendly Newport Sands only a short distance away.

Within the historic town of Newport you will spot dog friendly pub and restaurant The Castle Hotel who boast a varied and ever changing menu during the year. Just up the road and well worth a visit is popular Fronlas Cafe, they welcome your dog all year round and serve delightful home cooked meals. Newport town is only a 5 minute walk from your property.

If you feel that your pooch deserves an energetic break away in the coming months at dog friendly Ol y Don, then please view further details of the property on the website, by taking a quick look through our featured cottage on the home page.

For dog's with plenty of energy!

This week I would like to draw your attention to another of our dog friendly properties located Llanllawddog, near Carmarthen which I think is just perfect for those many pooches that have a lot of energy to burn! So, if at home you have a bouncing boxer or a crazy collie, then please read on and see if Nantglas is just the property you have been looking for...

Nantglas, is set within the owners’ 35 acres of farm and parkland, situated in the bottom of a valley on the edge of the extensive Brechfa forest, with its myriad of footpaths to explore it is an ideal location for lovely walks with your dog.

At the property, sliding doors open onto a paved patio with steps up to the large, enclosed and lawned garden ideal for your pooch to play ball, chase his tail and if he is anything like my dog, chase bumble bees and wasps round and round in circles until he is dizzy!

As I appreciate that making sure you have places you are able to walk your dog nearby is probably one of the most important things on your check list, I will expand slightly on walking your dog in the Brechfa Forest, which is located around 20 minutes away from Nantglas.

Along most of the trails your pooch is more than welcome to join you as the majority are open access, just so long as they are kept under control at all times during your exploration.

As an example of what is on offfer:

Abergorlech is a delightful trail requiring moderate ability, and follows the River Gorlech along forestry roads before crossing a small bridge on to a footpath and climbing up hill through mature mixed broad leaf and coniferous woodland.

The walk has both short and long distance routes, which are complemented by an ever-changing woodland environment. The picnic area is the trails starting point and is also an ideal place in which to leave your car.

The trail is 2 miles long, and would take you around 1 1/2 hours to complete.

Just a quick little note to state the obvious, please make sure that suitable footwear is worn as the trails can become slippery in adverse weather conditions! So in other words, please leave your heels behind ladies!

If you feel that your four legged friend has been good this year and deserves a little break away, and would like further information on Nantglas, then you can either view the property details on our featured cottage on the homepage, or give a member of our Coastal team a call on 01437 765 765 and they will be more than happy to assist you.

And the best part about your dog being able to getaway for a break with us, is that you are able to pack your suitcase and come along too!

Meet Puzzle Butler...

During the Summer, Puzzle Butler packed his doggie bag for his fortnight stay in Iris Cottage, St Dogmaels with Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire.

In receiving a letter from Puzzle himself, I am delighted to share his story and photo snaps with you all, of his experiences during his stay with us in Pembrokeshire.

Puzzle Wrote:

Dear Coastal Cottages,

Hello everyone, Puzzle (dog ambassadress) here!

I've just returned home from another fantastic holiday in St Dogmaels. I've been on lots of lovely walks. My favourite place is Poppit Sands, but I could also go on the beaches at Cwm-yr-Eglwys and Pwllgwaelod. My owners took me to the top of Dinas Head - I walked really well on my lead - no pulling, even though I could have run up much quicker than them!

We had beautiful weather, except for a couple of days, but luckily "The White Hart" in St. Dogmaels lets me sit inside. I was made to feel really welcome there and got given snacks while my owners had their dinner (very nice too, so they tell me). I can't wait to go on holiday again.

My owners said because I behaved so well, and worked so hard as an ambassadress, they'll take me next year!

Love Puzzle Butler xx

I have displayed Iris Cottage as my Featured Cottage on the home page of The Woof Guide, so if you would like further details in regards to full property details, then please do take five minutes and take a look!