Brothers Water - Miles Without Stiles

After another checkup at Vet Vision in Penrith a short walk was in order so I decided to check out one of the Miles Without Stiles walks. Given these are intended to be accessible for most, with (clearly) no stiles and good solid paths, they are pretty much ideal for a short walk with a dog who is still finding his way or less mobile.

We parked at the Cow Bridge car park and followed a good path down to the shore where the dog had a little paddle, on the flexi lead of course. It's in these unfamiliar surroundings that I get the best sense  of how good or bad his sight is. He can follow a path well but his near sight is poor, so he fails to spot rocks jutting out of the water for example. The same challenge applies to rough paths, where he doesn't pick up small obstacles.  Sometimes it's as if he loses me visually if there is a lot in the background behind or beside me, but he soon picks me up. I feel fine with him off lead in a big wide park field but not in this kind of environment.

As far as walks go it's lovely, with fine views up towards Kirkstone and across the water. Once we reached the farm we were joined by an aging farm border collie, who seemed to enjoy hiding behind various objects before jumping out and barking at us. I was a bit uncomfortable with this but to be fair I think he was just toying with us and it was his patch!

Back again to Penrith in three weeks time as the pressure is high (29) in his right eye, which also has a bit of a scratch that needs to heal. Back on more drops, which is a disappointment, but of course worth it to reduce any risk of longer term issues. Fingers crossed all will be fine.

I'll certainly look for another Miles Without Stiles walk for our next visit.

Soaked on Jeffrey Hill

After the trials of the past few months I thought we'd have a stroll on Jeffrey Hill this afternoon. There were plenty of dogs on leads signs around, and even more sheep!  Sadly the heavens opened pretty much as soon as we left the car.  What in the past had been a gentle stroll up to the trig was tortuous in the rain, and sodden underfoot, so quickly defeated we just mooched around a while getting drenched, before heading back to the car and a blast of the heater on full.  If anything, a lesson that even the gentlest walk can be tough in certain circumstances, and I think I'll now stick to the park in the rain!

Gregson Lane Dog Training Club has now closed

After many years Gregson Lane Dog Training Club has now closed.  Thank you to all the wonderful people and their dogs who have attended over the years, and to the volunteers that made it happen. It was the place that we took our pup 11 years ago, and never left.

If you are looking for alternatives I suggest asking your vet, fellow dog owners or the various local Facebook groups that exist. The Chorley area has a particularly good one if you search for it.