Back with our babies - June 2026

 

Gorgeous sunset

We were delighted to once again in the fantastic company of some long time friends in Cambridgeshire.  We have been housesitting this lurcher family for 10 years and these pups, Jake and Finn are now 11 years old.  They were only 16mths old the first time we sat for them.  So they really have grown up with us too.  They lost their Dad, Max, the week before we arrived which everyone was really sad about.  We made extra effort to jolly everyone along.

Jake and Finn

The boys enjoy two 45min-1hr walk a day rain, hail or shine.

It is so much fun for us all to step out onto the nearby fields and romp around.  We did notice a marked increase in foxes this season, which is lovely to see, and fortunately the boys have grown out of having to chase everything they see.

Jake enjoys a paddle in a pond

And a happy roll

And another roll

Finn says 'Hi'

Frequent treats are a must!

A week into the month long sit we were joined by Frayko, the boys cousin dog whose family were also going on holiday.  Frayko is a Romanian rescue, 10 years old.

We had not met this gorgeous boy before but he slotted in quite beautifully.  He is not quite the advanced walker as the lurchers so he needed to go on much shorter walks around the village and the nearby fields only, so we split the walks between the two of us.   Whoever walked Frayko would often meet up with the others to meander home together.

We were in the middle of the first heatwave here in the UK which required the walk times to be adjusted accordingly to stay out of the hottest temps of the day.

There was lots of gardening to be done.

As well as some clearing up after wind damage.

Rest assured, there was always plenty of time for plenty of R&R.

Brotherly love

Oh, and morning cuddles .....

Sunny Suffolk, Part 2 - May,2026

 

Guinea Fowl

We moved just down the road to hang out with Rodney, Ruby and Rufus in a lovely country home for a lovely young family with three gorgeous hunmn children.

Photo taken within half hour of arrival

We also had horses, guinea pigs, geese, goats and chickens, whose eggs we really enjoyed.

Our mornings were spent enjoying the spring sunshine with a cup of coffee and in the good company of our new furry friends.

Before stepping out onto the fields for a lovely long walk.

Ruby has been in the undergrowth

Rodney strutting his stuff

We encountered lots of wildlife including hares, rabbits and deer.  The dogs enjoyed chasing the rabbits but never went far from us.  It is always such a pleasure to walk well behaved dogs with great recall who bond quickly.

We also thoroughly enjoyed the indoor outdoor flow of this sit, including the BBQ!

And when we weren't outside playing and enjoying the farm, this is how we rolled ....

When the family returned home we spent some time helping to get their pool ready for swimming for the coming summer until it came time to depart for Bury St Edmunds.  We spent a couple of nights with James's parents before departing for our next sit.

Sunny Suffolk, Part 1 - May 2026

Horses in the fields

 Next, we were off to our friend, Jenny's, in Leiston to stay with the gorgeous Gail whilst Jenny enjoyed a week in Norway with friends.  We have been house sitting for Jenny for the last 11 years and Gail is her third of her Border Collies that we have looked after for her.

Walking Gail in the fields and forests is always a pleasure.  She is such an obedient and social girl when out and about.

Resting on our walk

Around the home she is slightly more quirky, it's a Collie thing.  She doesn't enjoy cuddles, even from Jenny and takes herself upstairs until she deems it time to either eat or play. But she will get up on the bed for a good morning pet.

She enjoys the beach as well, especially chasing seagulls.  And she can spot the difference between seagulls and any other varietal of bird from miles off.

James likes the beach too!

On our meaderings around the area we encountered a variety of wild creatures.

We walked the Minsmere trail a couple of times.  It is one of our favourites.

Leiston itself is currently suffering from the activity of  the creation of the Sizewell C Nuclear power station, the third in the area. Most locals are really upset about it. Admittedly, even as a visitor the impact on the community is felt.

More walking fun times .....