Preparing to Launch
Recon
Prior to the WAGS Club launch, a small group of us met regularly to try out various walks. Our misssion was to find walks that were both interesting for people and suitable for dogs. Ali and Tracey did most of the reconnaissance for these walks, while the hot and cold food was organised by Rose and Tracy. We certainly had a good time and a lot of laughs on these exploratory expeditions, and the dogs thoroughly enjoyed it.
Setting up camp
The walks encompassed woodlands, open countryside and downs, and coastal regions. We visited Salisbury Plain, the White Horse at Westbury and some captivating bluebell woods, as well as locations on the south coast, near Bournmouth and Highcliffe.
Stop fooling around and look at the camera.
Most of these hikes took place during the winter months (between September 2007 and April 2008) so raincoats and wellies were essential gear. Of course, the dogs revelled in the mud – the more mud the better, as far as they were concerned.
Salisbury Plain Mudslingfest 2008 - festival of mud.
The bluebell woods were stunning (a perfect place for scientific study if you happen to be into flora and fauna) and we hope to visit these same woods again this summer for walks and picnics.
Finding beaches where dogs were allowed off the lead was not as difficult as we had thought and we had some wonderful days out at the coast.
'Dig for victory' competition - GSDs versus all other breeds.
What fun!
Ali and Trace were great at the recon, taking into account all the pros and cons of each route; such as, the local sheep population, the difficulty factor of each terrain and the effect of our presence (a pack of GSDs) on the locals.
On one particular occasion, they did their recon after dark and were overrun by the British Army on full military exercise mode. “It was brilliant”, says Trace. “We seemed to walk right into the middle of it and felt like we were part of the exercise. There were tanks coming towards us and flashing lights and a helicopter hovering overhead. Wonderful."
WOP WOP WOP
As the summer approaches, we’re looking forward to some pleasant strolls in the countryside and romps along the beach, and to include picnics and b-b-qs. We hope you’ll choose to join us.
In the meantime, Ali and Trace are still out there exploring unknown territory. We’re always on the look-out for new walks. If you have a walking route that’s great for dogs that you would like to share with us, please let us know.
Phoebee carried this 6 foot long stick (I mean, tree branch) for well over an hour, determined to get it back to the car.
She did too!
Give me some of your hotdog...please!
Mud Spa
Bluebell woods
I could practice herding those sheep.
Family group
Bye. See you next time.