This little family is causing a bit of nuisance of itself today.
Semi-feral mum we rehomed gave birth to kittens a while ago. Unfortunately over the last couple of days she’s decided she quite fancies living in the straw shed next to the field and the kittens have duly followed mum.
They will be seen at times around the parking area and long grass. We are aware of them. We’ve been trying to encourage her to bring them back down to the main buildings but have given in and fed them up here this morning.
Mum (Tibby) has been spayed this week, hence her wound. The kittens will be trapped and spayed in due course.
Please be mindful of them and sorry for any extra un-expecting enrichment they provide for your dogs. Our own dog keeps watching for them at the gate too 😅
Here’s a snippet of video, taken by Rob, of his new rescue dog called Coco. It was their first visit to the field and the first time Rob had seen Coco off lead since adopting her.
Pure joy! THIS is why we put the field in, so dogs like Coco can enjoy freedom safely. ❤️🐾🐕
Thanks for sharing Rob Mills
I am getting a lot of phone calls and messages from people disappointed that the dog field is closed. Some expressing their disappointing in varying levels of angst.
I’m sorry. We want the field to be open too, but surely you have all seen waterlogged parkways etc. we are not immune here, sadly.
This footage was taken at the highest part of the farm, in a usually dry field. The amount of rainfall we’ve had for months now is not insignificant. It’s been a huge event for every part of the country. Frost heave from the -8 weather, has further exasperated the issues of water logging. The water table is extremely high.
When we open the field, we are at full occupancy. Sometimes we see 6-7 people with 1 dog too during a visit. 10-15 appointments a day, depending on the split of 25/55 mins bookings. The footfall in the field is huge. 20-30 dogs and at least double that in people.
The field looks amazing from a distance, but even I haven’t been in it to check it. There’s just no point yet. The signs around the rest of the farm are that it’s far too wet to open here.
Thankfully many of you have informed me you’ve found alternative dog fields that are naturally on drier land. Cheshire being flat does help there. We have natural run off from Alsagers bank, all the way down to us here.
Rest assured, we aren’t just being over precious about it. The field will very quickly descend into a mud bath and that is neither safe or hygienic for your doggies. Safety is a primary concern, along with protecting your enjoyment. A mud bath now will not be a nice grassy spot to visit in the drier months either.
As soon as we can open, we will. I hope that’s soon but the forecast needs to play ball. One or two dry days isn’t going to do the job.
Thank you to those of you who understand. We appreciate your kindness and patience during this difficult time.
To those who shout down the phone and swear at me for being precious, or the fact it’s costing you
