Formby to Ainsdale, The Star of Hope and Christmas 2019

2020 has arrived and we’ve had a good start to the year.  A whopping three hour dog training class yesterday saw our first ever go at man trailing.  I think Marley got the idea, finding the hiding person twice and of course now regarding her as his latest treat dispenser!

Friday saw a return to Formby for a fabulous walk, pretty much all off lead, up to the wreck of the Star of Hope at Ainsdale and back. It was probably Marley’s longest off lead walk to date so he was shattered for the rest of the day.

Thursday was a trip out to lunch at the Watermill at Ings. It’s a great dog friendly pub.  Marley behaved pretty well other than 10 seconds of wanting to play with another dog and it’s 2 foot high companion. Other than when kids are looking at him or running past he’s pretty good at settling in pubs now.

Other highlights of the season were some off lead time with the twins. Can’t say they were too impressed with his contribution to their indoor cricket matches but he joined in Christmas Day present opening without total carnage, before it did all become too much and he had some time out in the car.  The adults only meal a few days later was rather calmer!

The build up to Christmas was less enjoyable with Marley picking up a rather nasty stomach bug. No idea how he caught it, but it followed a snowy but rather muddy trip to Tockholes. After a few days he had a trip to the vets, some probiotics and special food, which did the trick. Sadly it meant he missed a weeks training classes and a day out, but we were relieved it cleared up almost as quickly as it came on.