Well, I'll tell ya, I've never seen anyting like it; it was billed as the White Lodge April Walk, turned out to be a giant dog swap so it did.

Yesterday was shades of last week with the weather; when we left Northampton it was warm and sunny, so me and the boys were dead excited as we were in the car to go out - usually a good sign dat is. I taught it was one of the walks as we had all the gear, and sure enough we headed north - into the frozen wastes of deepest Leicestershire. 10°C it was at home, 3°C at Burrough Hill, with a wicked wind at the time as well.


In the Car Park

As everyone turned up we had a chat and a sniff, and it was fantastic to see my mate Blue Jack looking so happy. I remember helping him last year 'coz he wasn't so confident; but I tink I might have some competition for the cheekiest chap so I will.


Scruffy Dog of the Day (that's a complement - honest)

So anyways, when we're all assembled we sets off. Claire wants a dog, and she wants Troy; for some reason she is in love with the big lummock. Only trouble is dat Troy always wants to get where he's going so 'e does, even if he doesn't know where dat is!! And Claire decides he's too much for her poorly knee, so guess who gets handed over next 'coz dey walk nicley - dat's right - yours truely. Only trouble now is dat Claire doesn't realise I like to stop and wee every now and den, like every five or six yards - well, what else is a walk for if not to tell the others you were dere? Mum's on poo patrol, and Dad sets off with the rest of the lads - Troy wanting to get where he's going, Kai trying to keep up, and Monty clinging to daddy (he's not so big when he's not at home).


Dad being led by Troy - With Squiggs behind

On the walls of the old fort it was rather bracing. Winnie and Noah Squiggs had some fab jumpers on. We had our coats, but they looked really nice and warm - might have to pester the peeps 'til we get some of dose.


Winnie & Noah Squiggs

Den we gets to the furthest point of the hill and we all stops for a good look round, and dis is were the dog swap really gets goin'. Wendy wants a pic of us all and gives mum her dogs. Dat's fine, and it is rather grand to see so many of us all together.


The Gang

But den Claire decides dat she's going straight back and abandons me - just like dat - hands me over to a complete stranger, and me mam decides dat she's going with Claire and Wendy's dogs; just what you need for an ego boost - abandoned on a cold Iron Age fort. As it turns out the lady I went with was a very nice lady, and she took me for the rest of the walk. Here she is (dat's my tail in the bottom of the pic - I wasn't really dat upset).


On the Way Back

But will you look at dat sky here? A few moments later it was white with hail.


Before the Storm

And the humans think it's fun; are dey mad?? Any self respecing hound isn't goin' to walk around in the wind and snow; no - dey are goin' to be curled up an a comfy bed in front of the fire so dey are. Well, when we got back we did the next best ting and curled up in dad's car.


In the Car

Have to say dat dis is always the best bit of the walks; you get lots of cuddles from people, and lots of treats.

So anyways, despite the shite weather it was great to see everyone; lots of old friends and some new ones. And it sounds like The Beastly Beasts and The Squiggs are getting together for a walk at Salcey Forest; we can't wait.

Love and licks,
Jack