Beautiful Billeston with our Nervous Pup

Today we explored another new area not venturing too far given the warmer temperatures it is really easy for dogs to suffer heat exhaustion which is fatal so we carried plenty of water. We were caught off guard by two barking little dogs but as they were behind a solid gate all we could see were the noses and Gatsby was unpeturbed.

We then came to a field with a black and white donkey, given a few years back we had an experience of a stomping angry donkey in the peak district I did wonder how it would go. Gatsby wasn't bothered in fact he stopped holding his paw up. There was the smallest of thorns which was taken out. When I turned around the donkey was right behind me. I think because I'd given Gatsby a treat he was wondering where his was but was!

Further on we ventured with green grass paths and ewes with their days old lambs, very picturesque. Unfortunately as we got to arable land there was a bird scarer which made Gatsby visibly less relaxed but we kept on going.

We then came upon some beautiful houses and parkland and with the bird scarers behind us Gatsby could relax. So far all gates or doggy gates but alas it seems challenging to find a route with no styles. After some water and a doggy paddle we came upon some horses, three of which followed me and I was told they were friendly. I'm so pleased I've learnt to observe horse body language as I could see they were curious. Although, I could have avoided both the challenging styles and horses, had I see the diversion. The lady was impressed at Gatsby's athleticism in jumping. With a third doggy paddle further on Gatsby was feeling a lot cooler and changed from first to fourth gear and just in time to get back to the car before the peak of the heat.