We've had some lovely long weekends during May thanks to Easter, May Day and the royal wedding, and we've made the most of it, getting out and about with our dogs. Thinking back over May they've had some very different experiences. We've all climbed to the top of the Stiperstones, where the air is clear and the view breath-taking, but we've also gone underground. When we visited the Snailbeach Mine, I had no idea they would be so dog friendly, but they assured us that as long as the dogs were happy, they were welcome to accompany us into the mine.
So off we set - Buddy and Star trotting along beside us, as we bent nearly double at times in an effort to avoid hitting out heads on the very low ceilings of the tunnels. Once underground, the dogs stood patiently as we listened to a talk about the history of the mine, and they both even had a nosy peer down the old mine shaft.
We always make sure they don't get over heated when we're out and about - not that there are many days in the UK that this is too much of an issue, but they do like to have a paddle when they get the chance - and they loved the river we found near Dolanog when we went to have a look at the waterfall there.
I was surprised that they were allowed to accompany us to a day at Eyton race course, but they came with us - although they didn't show too much interest in the horses, even when we ventured down and stood right at the side of the course to see the horses romp past. Now that was a warm day so we used a large golfing umbrella to provide them with some shade.
Our dogs may be well socialised but neither of them had ever encountered a mammoth before. So when we spotted one I couldn't resist getting them to pose with it. Finding venues where our dogs are as welcome as we are makes a day out extra special - and we return to dog friendly places we discover time and again. And I think Buddy and Star enjoy their adventures too - and we'll all miss the long weekends that May brought us.
Take care,
Julie xx