The Walks

I was promised a nature reserve.

Mom and Dad parked by Blewbury Village Hall, clipped on my lead, and we set off towards Blewbury Nature Reserve. I was already imagining all the exciting smells waiting for me. Nature reserves are full of plants, wildlife, and all sorts of wonderful places to investigate. I was practically bouncing with excitement.

Then we reached the entrance. There it was. "No Dogs Allowed."

...

Excuse me? A nature reserve where dogs aren't allowed to enjoy nature? The injustice.

I looked at the sign. The sign looked back at me. I considered lodging a formal complaint, but before I could, Mom did what she does best. She studied the map for about five seconds, confidently announced, "Follow me," and marched off in a completely different direction. Excellent.

If Plan A wasn't happening, we'd simply invent Plan B.

Instead of visiting the nature reserve, we decided to walk all the way from Blewbury to Upton — about two miles each way. Now that's an adventure.

Most of the walk followed one long footpath, which meant my humans didn't spend the entire time stopping to check their phones or maps. Instead, they devoted their full attention to me, which I thought was exactly how a countryside walk should be.

As we wandered along, my humans kept commenting on how dry all the fields looked. The grain was only about ankle height. Apparently this is "not good." Personally, I thought it looked perfectly acceptable. I'm beginning to suspect Mom and Dad have watched far too much Clarkson's Farm. They seem to have become armchair farmers overnight.

Much of the path was shaded by trees, with little patches of sunshine peeking through the leaves and a gentle breeze keeping everything cool. Honestly, I don't think you could design a better walking day.

Then something very strange happened. Across the fields came the sound of lots of humans making noise. At first I thought perhaps they were all howling together, which seemed like a wonderful idea. But the sounds kept changing. Sometimes there were drums, sometimes guitars, and occasionally what sounded like lots of humans shouting all at once. Very confusing.

My humans explained it was probably a sound check for the Truck Music Festival. I still don't really understand why humans need loudspeakers when they could simply bark.

Far more interesting than the mysterious music, however, were the cows. There were cows everywhere. Big cows. Little cows. Brown cows. Black-and-white cows. They all looked incredibly friendly, and I was absolutely certain they would enjoy playing with me if only my humans would let me introduce myself. Sadly, they disagreed. Spoilsports.

After about forty-five minutes we arrived in Upton and took a little break near the village hall. We watched children playing while some teenagers kicked footballs around.

From where I was sitting, the object of the game appeared to be missing the goal as often as possible. They were exceptionally talented.

Eventually Mom reminded us that the café back in Blewbury would be closing soon. Suddenly this became a very important mission. Because there was one thing waiting for me that made the entire walk worthwhile. Doggy ice cream.

We picked up the pace for the return journey, and I was more than happy to oblige. We made it back to the farm shop with just enough time to spare. Mom bought me my well-earned doggy ice cream, and I demolished it before we'd even driven out of the car park.

Nature reserve or not, I'd call that a very successful adventure.

Hi, it's Toby reporting again from the Lake District. After yesterday's big adventure, I wasn't sure how today's walk could possibly compete.

We started in the lovely village of Grasmere and set off to walk all the way around the lake. The first section led through woodland, and it was gloriously muddy. Not just ordinary muddy but proper squelchy, swampy, sink-right-down muddy.

Usually I'm the one making a mess, but today Mom and Dad both sank almost ankle-deep into the mud while trying to cross one particularly boggy section. Meanwhile, I skipped across with much more grace than either of them. It was very satisfying to watch.

As we reached the lakeshore, the weather decided to change. Rain. Why? I have never understood why the sky occasionally decides to throw water directly onto perfectly innocent dogs.

As soon as the rain started, I felt my usual rain zoomies coming on. I dashed about, hoping that running very quickly might somehow stop me from getting wet. I'm sad to report that it did not.

Thankfully, this walk was much gentler than yesterday's. The path simply wound its way around the entire lake, which meant there were plenty of opportunities to meet new people and lots of fellow dogs out enjoying the scenery.

Many of my new dog friends happily splashed into the lake for a swim. Absolutely not. You couldn't pay me to jump into that water. Getting wet accidentally in the rain was bad enough. Getting wet on purpose? That seems like a terrible idea.

Although this walk wasn't quite as adventurous as yesterday's, it was still absolutely beautiful. Everywhere I looked there were gorgeous views across the lake to the surrounding fells. Mom stopped several times to admire the scenery. I mostly admired the interesting smells hidden in the undergrowth.

When we finally reached the car, I climbed into my bed without hesitation and was asleep almost immediately while the humans wandered off into Grasmere for a look around.

It's been a busy few days. I've climbed hills, discovered a dead rabbit, explored forests, met lots of new friends, inspected countless interesting smells, and squeezed in far fewer naps than I usually prefer.

The Lake District has been brilliant but I have to admit, I'll be very happy to sleep in my own bed tonight.

Hi, Toby here. This weekend was extra exciting because we went on holiday!

The humans packed up the car and we drove all the way to the Lake District. It was a very long journey, so we stopped overnight in Lancaster. Dad kept telling Mom funny stories from his university days there. He seemed to find them very entertaining. Personally, after spending hours in the car, I was far more interested in finding somewhere comfortable for a nap.

By the next morning, though, I was fully recharged and ready for an adventure.

We started our walk from the middle of Windermere, and I quickly discovered that the route went almost entirely uphill. Brilliant! I absolutely love charging up steep hills. I bounded off ahead while both humans slowly puffed along behind me. Honestly, I don't know why they make it look so difficult.

Halfway up, Mom crouched down with her camera to take a picture of Dad and me climbing towards her. I really don't understand why humans are so obsessed with photographs when there are so many interesting smells to investigate.

Just beside the path was a particularly promising bush. I stuck my head in for a quick sniff... and emerged triumphantly carrying a wonderfully stiff, dead rabbit. What a find!

Dad's response was, "Jesus Christ!" Before I could proudly parade my discovery, he grabbed my lead and dragged me away from my magnificent prize. I tried my hardest to go back for it, but apparently dead rabbits aren't considered acceptable holiday souvenirs. I still think he made the wrong decision.

Eventually we reached the summit of Orrest Head, where there were fantastic views across Lake Windermere. Even better, there were lots of other dogs enjoying the view too, so I made sure to say hello to as many as possible.

After a well-earned break, we headed down the other side of the hill through farmland. Now this was my kind of place.

There were sheep to inspect, cows to admire, and — best of all — a seemingly endless buffet of fascinating countryside smells. My humans kept describing me as "difficult to manage," but I simply felt it was my responsibility to investigate every single pile of evidence left behind by the local residents.

Eventually we entered some lovely woodland, which, as everyone knows, is where the very best smells live. The path became wonderfully muddy, giving me plenty of opportunities to explore every little side trail. By the time we emerged, my paws were delightfully filthy.

The walk eventually brought us back into Windermere, where I curled up under a café table for a well-deserved nap while Mom and Dad enjoyed a snack.

Not a bad first day in the Lake District, although I do still think about that rabbit from time to time.

Toby here. I've decided there are some things in life that are simply unfair. Number one on the list? My car harness. The moment Mom picks it up, I know exactly what's about to happen. An adventure! That's the good part. The bad part is I have to squeeze into those pinchy, tight straps first. I complain every single time, but somehow they always end up on me anyway. I suppose it's a reasonable trade if it means I get to discover somewhere new.

This week I recognised the drive almost immediately. The dog park! I could hardly contain myself. I let out a few excited whines, wagged my tail at maximum speed, and may have even produced a couple of enthusiastic smell toots. We were definitely going to the dog park.

Except... we drove straight past it. Excuse me?! Where on earth were we going?

It turned out Mom had an even better idea. We arrived at Jarn Mound on Boar's Hill, right along the Ridgeway. She told me it's looked after by the Oxford Preservation Trust, which means the humans do a very good job of keeping it beautiful for important explorers like me.

The walk began beneath a lovely shady canopy of trees, which was very welcome because I'm still not the biggest fan of warm weather. The paths were carpeted with pine needles, and let me tell you — they were holding on to an incredible collection of smells. Every few steps I found something new to investigate. I became so busy sniffing that I nearly forgot we were supposed to be walking anywhere at all.

Then, just when I thought things couldn't get any better... I found more redwood trees! At this point I'm beginning to think I've been appointed the official Guardian Dog of the Redwoods of Oxfordshire. Someone has to check on them regularly, after all, and I'm more than happy to volunteer my services.

Eventually the woodland opened into sweeping grassland filled with tall grasses dancing in the breeze. Butterflies floated past, grasshoppers bounced away from my paws, and the whole place buzzed and chirped with the sounds of summer. It felt completely different from the forest we'd just left behind.

And then we looked out across the landscape. In the distance I could see Oxford with its famous dreaming spires rising above the trees. Mom stopped for a while to enjoy the view. I stopped because there was an especially interesting smell in the grass nearby. We all appreciate scenery in our own way.

I really liked this walk. Woodland, redwoods, open meadows, wildlife, brilliant views, and endless things to sniff — it had a little bit of everything. Nice find, Mom. I think this one deserves another visit.

Hi, it's Lola here.

A lovely surprise today - I went out in the car with two of my favourite humans, and we went to the pub for a meal together (I had chicken in barbeque sauce with chips, and my humans shared some too ...) before a lovely walk.

We headed for the river, firstly along a tree-lined path with great smells, with me in the lead, guiding my humans to a lovely waterside path.  I decided to take responsibility for checking out all the gaps through the bushes to the water's edge.  This was great fun, as I could also run out of the gaps really fast and surprise my humans!  I got a bit of a surprise too, when I met a human sitting on a stool dangling a long stick into the river (very strange!).

There were reeds, pretty blue flowers and lots of places to sniff, and two very large birds flew over us.  My humans said one was a heron.  I thought of my doggie friends back home, who would have loved to see such a big, graceful bird.  The other bird was even bigger and quite noisy.  My humans told me it was a Chinook. I think a whole flock of those would be quite something!

We also saw two humans floating along the river, standing up on large skateboards.  I think they must've accidentally skateboarded onto the river - I hope they got out before drifting too far.  I bounded along the path to show them the best way to travel.

See you again soon for more adventures ....

Lola  x

Hi, Toby here. It's been a very difficult week. Apparently humans called it a "heatwave." I just called it exhausting. I don't know how some dogs manage in the heat, but I certainly don't. Even chasing a ball for five minutes felt like far too much work, so most of my week was spent snoozing in the coolest spot I could find while my humans kept telling me I was a "good boy" for staying inside.

Luckily, it finally cooled down enough for another adventure! This week's walk was in Sutton Courtenay. Dad came along too, but only for the ending because he had very important work to do. He spends time down there checking the water for a local environmental group. I think he's trying to save the world, which seems like a pretty big job. Mom and I decided we'd leave him to it and go exploring instead.

Not long after we started, we came to a stream where lots of families were splashing about in the water. Dad told us he'd been testing that very stream for the last two years and said he definitely wouldn't be swimming in it because of all the bacteria. Well... I'm pleased to report I wasn't tempted in the slightest. Everyone knows I don't like swimming anyway, so they were welcome to it!

The rest of the walk was absolutely beautiful. We wandered through huge fields of golden grain that stretched as far as I could see. The stalks were so tall they almost swallowed me up. I could just about poke my head over the top. Everything glowed a lovely amber colour in the early evening sunshine, and there was a gentle breeze that made the whole field ripple like waves.

Of course, the best part was what I couldn't see... but could definitely smell. There were exciting scents everywhere! Other dogs had clearly been here before me. I caught the smell of horses, and I'm fairly certain there were muntjac deer hiding somewhere nearby too. Every few steps brought a whole new mystery to investigate. I did my best detective work, nose firmly to the ground. 

After spending so much of the week cooped up inside, it felt wonderful to be back out exploring the countryside again. I may not be built for hot weather, but give me a cool summer evening, a golden field full of interesting smells, and an adventure with my humans, and I'm one very happy dog. 

Howdy, Toby here! It's been a while as both my humans were busy with this thing called work. I do not like work as it just involves them sitting in a chair and staring at a glowing box. And most importantly, not play with ME! Apparently, they were doing very important things but I do not know what could be more important than taking me on fun, smelly adventures. 

Well, FINALLY, after three whole weeks we went on another new walk. This one started at a place called Proof Social Bakehouse in Kennington, and wow, what a discovery! My humans were very excited about “artisan pastries” (whatever those are), but I was far more interested in exploring the very important surroundings… namely the industrial car park. Let me tell you, the garbage bins there? Absolutely top-tier. So many fascinating smells, all layered like one of those pastries my humans kept talking about.

After they finished their snacks (rude that I didn’t get one), we set off north toward the River Thames. The path we followed was long and straight — a proper mission — running alongside a train track. Every so often, a train would come thundering past. SO LOUD. I stayed brave, of course, but I kept a close eye on those speeding metal beasts just in case.

The path itself was excellent. Tall grass on either side, trees reaching up high, and smells… oh, the smells. Buried smells, drifting smells, mysterious “who-was-here-before-me” smells. I did my best to investigate every single one. It’s important work and I am dutiful in my job just like my humans.

Eventually, we found a route that led us right toward the river — jackpot! Along the way, I made loads of new friends. Other dogs (some playful, some dignified), families, and plenty of humans who looked like they definitely wanted to say hello to me. I tried to greet everyone, naturally. It’s only polite.

When we reached the Thames, there were boats everywhere. Big ones, small ones, and some extremely fancy floating palaces. I may have attempted to hop aboard one or two (purely out of curiosity), but my humans said no. Again! They can be very strict about my maritime ambitions.

All in all, it was a brilliant day: perfect weather, endless tall grass for sniffing and zooming, exciting noises, plenty of new friends, and most importantly, time with my favourite humans.

HELLO. Toby here again reporting live from Wales, where I continued my mission to explore absolutely everything possible.

This walk happened while we were staying in Newgale on our Welsh holiday with my mom, grandma, and my human auntie from America. We decided to walk from our Airbnb down to the sea by joining part of the famous Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

The walk started VERY atmospheric. Everything was foggy and misty and mysterious. The air smelled damp and wild and full of adventure. I was extremely excited to investigate every single thing along the route.

Unfortunately there was one small issue. Grandma walks VERY differently from mom. Usually mom allows me to travel in my preferred style: long lead, maximum sniffing, frequent zigzags, checking every bush individually, and occasional dramatic standing poses while I stare into the distance like a wilderness dog. But grandma apparently believes walking should involve moving “efficiently” and “directly.”

No stopping. No inspecting. No intense sniff investigations. Honestly shocking behaviour.

Every time I tried to pause and do important environmental research, grandma would keep walking. I kept looking back at mom like: ARE YOU SEEING THIS?? HELP?? But then mom said maybe I could walk a bit better on the lead sometimes. I still do not fully understand what they meant because personally I think I walk beautifully.

After about twenty minutes, the path finally broke through the fog and suddenly — THERE WAS THE SEA. WOW!

Huge waves. Giant cliffs. Endless grey water stretching forever. We scampered down towards the sand and rocks as quickly as the humans would allow.

Mom checked carefully to make sure nobody else was around because the beach was tucked away in a little cove with no easy exit. And then…

THE LEAD CAME OFF. FREEDOM!

I absolutely launched myself across the beach like a tiny furry rocket. I ran giant figure eights in the sand, leapt off rocks, dug enormous holes, and investigated all sorts of fascinating beach creatures and smells. There were approximately one million excellent things to sniff.

Eventually all my very important beach work made me thirsty, so I trotted over to the giant water source conveniently located nearby for a drink.

DISGUSTING. Why is sea water so salty?? Who designed that?? Completely unacceptable.

Still, I had an AMAZING time and I already want to go back. Running on the beach may actually be one of my favourite things in the entire world. Especially the digging part.

HELLO, YES, HI. Toby here. WALK SIXTEEN!!! And this one was HUGE. Literally. We climbed Pen y Fan – the tallest mountain in South Wales. Eight hundred and eighty-six metres high, apparently. I don’t know what metres are, but it means VERY UP.

This was an EXTRA special walk because my mom’s family came to visit from the United States, which meant for an entire week I was the centre of attention at all times. Honestly? Best week of my life. So many pets. So many compliments. Multiple humans available for cuddling simultaneously. I would strongly support them visiting again immediately.

Anyway – THE MOUNTAIN.

The air was cold and crisp and full of Important Welsh Smells. The views were enormous. Giant rolling hills everywhere. My humans kept stopping to stare dramatically into the distance while I was busy doing actual mountain exploration.

There were SHEEP. So many sheep. Big sheep. Little sheep. Tiny fluffy lambs hopping around like squeaky clouds. I wanted to say hello to EVERY SINGLE ONE.

Sometimes the little sheep looked curious about me. I would approach politely (very quickly and enthusiastically) but then the big sheep would march over and escort their tiny sheep children away from me. Very rude honestly. I was simply trying to introduce myself.

The humans were EXTREMELY slow going uphill. I personally could have sprinted to the top in about twelve seconds, but apparently we had to climb “steadily” and “pace ourselves.” I kept looking back like: HELLO?? ARE YOU COMING??

After about an hour, we reached the summit and WOW. I became King Dog of the World. We could see for miles and miles across the mountains of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. My ears flapped majestically in the wind. I stood proudly on the top like a heroic explorer dog who had conquered Wales.

Fun fact from the humans: Pen y Fan has been important for hundreds of years and Roman soldiers once marched through these mountains long before dogs perfected modern hiking techniques.

Going down the mountain was MUCH better because finally everyone moved at an acceptable speed. We absolutely SHOT down the path. My humans kept saying “careful!” while I expertly bounced over rocks and zoomed through the hills like a mountain professional.

10/10 walk. Mountains. Sheep. Attention. Excellent air. Would conquer again immediately.

Hi, Toby here again! Today’s adventure was to North Leigh Roman Villa, and I have to say – it was a very fine walk indeed.

First things first: no cone. My wound is healing nicely, which meant I was finally released back into full dog mode. Freedom! I could sniff, leap, zoom, and bounce on and off fallen logs as much as I liked. I took full advantage.

Right from getting out of the car, we entered a wooded area, and wow – what a smell. The air was thick with wild garlic. Very strange. Very strong. I was convinced that garlic only existed in the kitchen, discovered through careful (and professional) investigations at home. Finding it growing outside was both fascinating and deeply confusing.

Leaving the woods, we stepped into an enormous field of buttercups. Yellow. Everywhere. As far as my eyes could see. Humans seemed impressed. I approved.

Then we arrived at the villa itself. Clearly, a very important human used to live here. The place was full of old rocks, which caused much ooo‑ing and ahh‑ing from the people. Personally, I thought the smells were far more impressive than the stones.

Apparently, this was once one of the largest Roman villas in Britain. In its heyday (early 4th century, no less), it had three bath suites, at least nineteen mosaic floors, and eleven rooms with underfloor heating. Luxury! Today, you can still see the old courtyard layout and a restoration of a mosaic floor. I did not step on it. I am a professional.

Once the historical rock‑viewing was complete, we headed back into the woods – my favourite part. More sniffing. More roots. More fallen trees. The garlic smell made a reappearance, but I remained focused and unconfused. There were also plenty of muddy banks and little hills, perfect for zooming up and down at high speed. My human struggled a bit to keep up and avoid slipping. Skills issue, if you ask me.

Hi, Toby here! Apologies it has been so long since my last update, but I have had a very big development since our last walk. A very interesting lump has appeared on my front leg. The vet said it was benign and that it would go away on its own, but honestly… how was I meant to ignore it?! So I licked. And licked. And licked some more. Now it is infected and I’m on antibiotics to make it less icky and stinky. Most importantly, I’m wearing a cone so big I look like the Pixar lamp. I’m a bit of a sad boy now.

Anyway, this is my first proper big family walk since 1st April. The cone came too, obviously. We are currently inseparable.

As soon as we arrived, a nice lady in the car park started cooing at my big cone and gave me a lovely treat. The cone may get in the way of my licking, but it does come with many more treats from new friends!

Not all dogs want to say hello to my giant plastic satellite dish now, which makes me sad because I love saying hello and sniffing new friends’ butts. Also, it messes with my vision. Earlier that day I was absolutely certain a hot air balloon was attacking the countryside and I tried to sprint all the way home!

Anyway, now we’re at the Farmoor Reservoir. New place! New smells! Maybe even one million of them! And with my cone, I can really lock on to a scent. It’s like sniffing in surround sound.

Also with my cone, I have discovered Batting Ram Mode. When the zoomies hit, my cone lets me plough through long grass, low obstacles, and sometimes people. I am basically medieval siege equipment now.

Farmoor is full of conservation zones to protect birds, wildlife, and important habitats. Some areas are carefully managed or restricted, especially near the water, so nature can do its thing without too much interference from enthusiastic sniffers like me.

We did the countryside loop, which is four miles of glorious fields, peaceful scenery, birds everywhere, sheep to stare at, and endless things to sniff. Sadly, I wasn’t allowed near the reservoir itself because it’s for assistance dogs only (rude), but honestly… I still got all the smells, so I’m calling it a win.

Hello, Lola here!

This was a solo walk – well not exactly solo. I did have my humans with me!

This was very exciting and involved boats, sandwiches, a lock and honking geese!

We came to this place as my main human wanted to see the snake's-head fritillaries but guess what, we were too early. No point in turning back, I added. Let’s go!

First obstacle, cattle grid. My human almost broke her ankle but with my usual grace and poise, I crossed this effortlessly! Then into some lovely open fields. Yay I said – let me off the lead. I would like to run and then say hi to everyone especially those on the boats!

Anyhow, it is a ‘nature reserve’ and so I had to stay on my lead and harness. Never mind, it was still fun.

Full marks to me for not getting on any boats! I don’t ‘do’ swimming so that was fine and we all (including me) sat on a bench and ate sandwiches.

I give this walk 8/10 – 2 marks deducted for not being allowed off lead or being allowed on boats but actually, it is an exceptionally beautiful place and very close to Oxford city centre.

Until next time!

x Lola

Hello everyone, Toby here, reporting on a very important milestone in my walking career: our first group walk. Not just any group walk either, but a Good Friday adventure starting from St Mary’s Church in Cholsey, which, apparently, is a very famous place because Agatha Christie is buried there.

The humans were deeply moved. The dogs… less so.

The Sobell Squad Assembles! This was the debut outing for the Sobell dogs as a full team. In attendance were:

• Me (Toby) – large and in charge

• Lola – fast, beautiful, and actually in charge

• Twinkle, also known as Twinks – small but determined

• Lils – even smaller and extremely precious

Lola and I had met once before on a playdate and I was thrilled to see her again. I like to think of myself as a bit of a runner, but I should warn you now — Lola is something else entirely. Twinks and Lola are both chihuahua mixes, which means they may be small, but do not lack personality.

We set off from St Mary’s Church, once all the leads were untangled (this took longer than anyone expected). One of our first stops was Agatha Christie’s grave. The humans found this extremely exciting. We dogs sniffed politely and waited for them to finish being emotional about books while wondering when the walk would actually start.

Soon we were off across a large open field, which was excellent news because there were many smells requiring immediate attention. Lola and I were keen to charge ahead and begin our important athletic displays, but unfortunately we had to keep stopping to wait for Lils and Twinks to catch up.

To be fair, the walk was about an hour long, which is a big ask when you’re powered by tiny legs.

We also weren’t allowed to run free just yet because of the nearby GWR mainline, which the humans kept mentioning in their serious voices. Safety first, apparently.

After a lot of starting and stopping, we finally reached a large enclosed field. Harnesses came off. FREEDOM!

This was my moment. I immediately set out to impress the lovely Lola with my sprinting abilities. I gave it everything I had. Unfortunately, Lola responded by casually activating what I can only assume is elite athlete mode and absolutely FLEW.

Sensing that I was not going to win this one, I made a tactical decision to lie down in the grass and pretend I didn’t care. Very convincing. Very dignified.

Lola, meanwhile, continued to demonstrate her incredible speed to the admiration of everyone present.

Twinks and Lils had clearly arrived at the walk with big plans, but by this point they were understandably worn out. Sweet little Twinks was soon shivering slightly and fell asleep tucked safely inside her human’s jacket, which looked extremely cosy.

Lils, on the other hand, decided walking was no longer on the agenda and insisted on travelling in her human chariot across the field like the queen she is.

Throughout the walk, all of us proudly wore our Sobell House bandanas, so every dog we met could see that we were on a mission — raising money for the hospice and being very good dogs while doing so.

It was a special walk: new friends, old friends, open fields, and just a little competitive disappointment on my part.

We’re already looking forward to our next joint adventure!

Toby, Lola, Lils, and Twinks x

Well, it’s Lola again. This was Lils’ first time in this field, but I come here quite a bit. Crowmarsh is just outside Wallingford.

So this walk was after another visit for Lils to the vets. I just went along for the ride and of course because I am top dog in my house. Being top dog gives me special privileges such as priority over everything. Need I say more….

Anyhow, we went to one of my fav fields and here I run like the wind. My human says this field is fine for me to run loose as it is no way near the river. I don’t like swimming but I do like boats especially when I can get on one. Mainly it is because I like it when there is cooking on boats…… yum! Don’t worry I don’t need an invite. I shall just invite myself …. Anyhow, I ran and Lils sort of trotted along.

As you can see from the photos Lils has a problem. Basically, she has been eating everyone’s dinners and her harness no longer fits! I thought this was hysterical!

Her human said it is because the harness has shrunk in the wash. (We all know the actual truth though!)

Anyhow then we went to a pub as I have decided that I am going to be a pub dog from now on! I was very good in the pub and laid by my owner’s feet. No begging for food from me because I am the top dog and I do not beg!

After the pub, my human started rabbiting on about an event at Howbery Park in Crowmarsh Gifford. It was a re-enactment event in aid of charity. We decided to pay a little visit.

Lils, her human and a chap in a WWII uniform all started to chat about all sorts. I switched off because I could see a boy dog in the distance. He was a young GSD and I told my human that I wanted to chat with him. He was dragging his human along which I loved! I started jumping about on my lead. Yes, a game. My favourite as I love GSD’s. Anyhow, I sort of ran, on my lead, with my human in tow to the boy dog!

‘He-ll-o’ I said in my best voice. He was rather gorgeous – just my type! We had a barky exchange and then I thought, no, he is too young for me and I said, off you go, no thanks!

The boy dog dragged his human (it was funny!) the opposite way to us and we went down to the river to see a ‘Pill Box’. Lils was very excited and had instructed her human to pick her up so that they could go in. I had a sniff at the door and thought, nah, not for me.

My human and I instead went to check out the river and a boat. It was fun! Lots of sniffs and more (boring) flowers. After the ‘PillBox’ we went to look at the outside of the manor and then I got back into my car. I like my car as I have the whole back seat to loll all over. I slept all the way home, had my dinner and went to bed – exhausting!

Lils isn’t saying much to me as she wants to write her own blog post for these walks. I reckon she will be talking about being carried around and basically eating her owner’s pub meal… I think she is a bit of a Princess but then again, maybe I should start asking my human to carry me around. Now that would be funny!

Until next time!

Hello friends, it’s ME, Toby, back with another excellent walk to report! Today’s adventure took me to the Court Hill Centre in Wantage and let me tell you — it was a GOOD ONE.

The weather was beautiful and sunny, which is my absolute favourite for sniffing, exploring, and generally being my magnificent self.

Before we even properly began the walk, I felt it was important — no, ESSENTIAL— to leave my mark. I found a lovely patch of daffodils and added my contribution. Apparently this was “naughty,” but I think the other dogs will want to know!

Not long after that, we came across something extremely interesting — the remains of a DEER! My nose lit up like a Christmas tree. I tried to investigate, but I was not allowed. Something about it being “gross” and “Toby, absolutely not.” Humans are NO FUN sometimes.

The walk took us through some cosy woodsy bits, full of earthy smells and crunchy acorn shells under my paws. Then it opened out into wide, breezy fields, which are perfect for taking in a million SMELLS.

Soon we wandered around the perimeter of Segsbury Camp, an Iron Age hill fort. I felt VERY heroic and ancient, like perhaps I was once a great dog warrior guarding the land.

After all that exploring, we went back to the tearoom at the Court Hill Centre, where I was rewarded for my hard work with a doggy ICE CREAM. Cold, creamy, delicious, and entirely deserved.

Lots to sniff. Many places to pee. Would rate 10/10.

It's Lola again!

This walk was fabulous as I was out on my own with my humans. I told my main human by putting my front paws on her shoulder that I was happy to be out and that it was fine to let me off for a big run. She started laughing again. My human thought otherwise. Could this be because when she has let me off lead before on another route on this walk, I tried to get on someone’s canal boat!

 Anyhow, I persisted and eventually, I was let off the lead. I ran like the wind and jumped and smiled. I am a very fast runner. When I went to dog agility (a story for another day!), I was one of the fastest dogs there! I am built for speed and after a good run, I am ready to relax again. Normally on my own sofa but often, the car will do!

There were deer in the distance but I was so busy doing my loop runs that I didn’t even notice! Lots of sniffs, logs, jumps, squirms on this walk as well as something called daffodils. I don’t care for daffodils but my human says that they are very pretty.

Anyhow, after my walk, I went to a pet shop. I thought about the doggy pick-n-mix in the shop but I was very well mannered and didn’t eat any! I had a good sniff of some of the other bits-n-bobs in the shop and we left with some Peanut Butter Crunchy biscuits. (I didn’t get a chance to eat any as the Bookends scoffed the lot. (I am keeping stum as to how they got them but it was very clever and they outwitted our human!)

Anyhow, signing off until my next Squirm.

Luv,

x The Worm (Lola)

Hi, Lola here! This is a 25-hectare wood situated in Headington.

This was a great walk with my best friend, Amina. To start with, I jumped into her van, and we said a big hello! I have known Amina for over 7 years, and we have great fun together!

I like wearing my yellow harness as it doesn’t stop me from jumping. When I am very happy, I jump and put my front paws on my human’s shoulders. It always makes her laugh!

Anyhow, Amina and I started our walk, around some roads and back through the woods through Peppercorn Avenue where we saw some other doggy friends! Loads of sniffs and logs and jumping and fun!

Amina and I walked really nicely, and we caught up with all the smells of the wood. Creatures we see in the woods include squirrels, deer, foxes and lots of birds. I am not interested in birds but my human says that there are woodpeckers, blackbirds, robins and at least one Jay.

I smiled when I got back home. My smile is infectious! I said cheerio to Amina and her human. I had my tea, fell asleep and dreamt of the woods all night!

Until next time! TTFN.

x Lola 

HELLO — Lils reporting for my first walk of the challenge! 

Well, what a Day! 

I normally go walking with Lola but today was something a bit different! My humans took me the VEE - E- TEE's in Cholsey. 

I was a very brave soldier. A syringe about half my size and afterwards, I was offered a treat! 

Normally, I will do anything for a treat. Treat eating is my thing, but I very politely said, the very cheek of it, not on your nelly — Everyone was most surprised! 

Anyhow, after the injection, we went for a trot around Cholsey Recreation Park. It is in Station Road and is a lovely big space with a playground, skate park and a football pitch. 

I was off the lead and trotted along quite the thing. I was wearing my blue harness, which I love. It matches one of my human’s coats and that is why he bought it for me! 

Anyhow, it was a bit chilly. I sniffed around and did a little bit of jogging. (Not too much, just enough to gain my appetite back for my next treat.) 

I am not sure about wet grass, and I have to lift my paws in a certain way to walk. It is funny because sometimes my humans think I have a sore paw and then my favourite human carries me – haha – It is my best trick ever! 

Anyhow, back to my story. 

After a bit of time, (it felt like I had walked around 10 miles by this point), I ran up to one of my humans and pawed them. He knows that this means that I need a carry, so I did the rest of my walk being carried like the Queen I am.  

The humans had exercise and I didn’t have that much — hee hee! As I often say, why have a dog and bark yourself!  

We got home and I had a nice sleep on the way. I had my tea, did some barking and fell asleep! 

And that was my solo walk. Phew, exhausting!   

Love 

Lils 

HELLO YES HI. Toby here. This was WALK SIX and it was a big one. A National Trust day out! I did not know what that meant, but when we arrived, I knew it meant EXCITEMENT.

The moment my paws hit the ground, I said: NEW PLACE!! NEW SMELLS!! NEW FRIENDS?? I pulled VERY responsibly (not responsibly) because there was so much to investigate immediately.

My humans brought something new: an extendable leash. A magical rope that let me zoom up to FIVE WHOLE METRES away. FIVE!! I could sniff a bush over there while they were still walking slowly over here. Incredible technology. Highly recommend.

We started exploring the grounds and I was BUSY. Busy sniffing. Busy zig-zagging. Busy being an explorer. I was basically on a crucial mission of national importance.

Then we reached The Big House. Mom got very excited and said something about “Pride & Prejudice” and “Netherfield Park” and “Oh my gosh look at the windows!” I do not know who Pride is. I do not know what Prejudice tastes like. I do not care. I cared about SMELLS!

We did a full 3-mile loop around the grounds. There was MUD. SO MUCH MUD. Mud on the paths. Mud in sneaky puddles. Mud trying to touch my paws. Normally I am anti-mud. But today? Today I was too excited to be dramatic. I pranced right through it like a brave muddy warrior.

At the end of our great adventure… DOGGY ICE CREAM. Cold. Delicious. Perfect. I licked the bowl clean. Then checked it again just in case more appeared.

Basildon Park: 12/10. Muddy. Sniffy. Stretchy‑leashy. Ice‑creamy.

HI YES HELLO. Toby again. Walk FIVE! Peep O Day Lane! This walk is basically a long parade… featuring ME.

It’s a cycle path, which means there are many cyclists who zoom past. I try to say hello but they are very fast. I respect their speed.

There are also walkers, and sometimes they have dogs too! I want to greet everyone but my human says I can come on a little too strongly sometimes. How can I help it though when there are so many potential friends right there??

Sometimes there are cows in a nearby field. Cows are enormous. Giant sniffer-beasts. I get as close as I’m allowed and say hello politely (with snorts and full body wag). They stare at me. I stare back. It is a respectful exchange.

We make a loop by turning onto Stonehill Lane. This part is EXTRA exciting because we pass by a riding school. Horses! Ponies! Chickens! So many creatures! These horses are even taller than the horse-dogs we saw at Walk Two. Chickens are small but speedy. I love them all.

The whole walk is about staying alert, greeting everyone, and pulling just a little (a lot) because there is ALWAYS something happening.

Walk Five complete. I remain the most enthusiastic participant in this challenge.

HELLO AGAIN. Toby here, reporting from WALK FOUR which was in a Very Special Place: grandpawrents’ village. The Grandpawrents adore me. They say things like “oh he’s such a good boy” even when I have just tried to zoom through their kitchen.

Inkberrow is a tiny village full of fields and old buildings and approximately one million new smells. I did a lot of sniffing. I am a professional.

On this walk we passed a VERY old church — St Peter’s. My human said it is from the 13th century. That is older than all my toys combined! Outside the church were two sheep. One white. One black. We stared at each other. It was intense. I think I won but the sheep did not confirm.

Then we visited a place called the Millennium Green. Very grassy. Very sniffable. Also: MOORHENS. A whole family! They were tiny and fast and extremely interesting. I watched them closely. They pretended not to be impressed by me.

The countryside walk was long and beautiful and full of adventure. Also full of pats from the grandpawrents who told me I am “such a handsome boy.” I wagged so hard I nearly fell over.

Walk Four complete. 10/10.

HELLO. It is me again, Toby. This was WALK THREE. A classic. One of my favourites.

We started from my house (MY territory). I was extremely zoomy because I had already done one walk but that is obviously not enough for a Strong Young Athlete like myself. Anyway — we set off toward town, which is FULL of exciting things like birds and smells and people who always say, “Oh what a handsome boy!” (Correct.)

The Thames was looking very river-y. Lots of ducks. Geese too — the big honky ones who pretend to be brave. I said hello politely by trotting towards them at full speed. They flew away though. I wonder why.

There were pigeons. SO many pigeons. They do not appreciate my friendship either. I try to greet them every time and they always scream and take off. Very dramatic birds.

Then we reached one of the best places in the entire world: The Dog Spot. A café just for ME (probably). They give me a puppycino. I love puppycinos. I love them so much I wag my entire back half. My humans say I get “way too excited,” but I disagree. There is no such thing as too excited.

In town I met MANY PEOPLE. They all smiled at me. Some gave me pets. I offered my whole body for additional pets. I pulled a bit. Maybe a lot. But there was so much to see! So much happening! So many potential new friends!

It was a perfect walk: smells, birds, treats, and my fans (the public).

Walk Three complete. Let’s do this one again!

 HELLO. Toby here. This was WALK TWO. Very important. Very official. I took it seriously. Mostly.

We went to Cothill. It was sunny but cold — the kind of air that makes you want to zoom. So I zoomed! Then I sniffed. Then I zoomed again.

The walk was about 2.5 miles, which is apparently “enough.” I disagree.

First important thing: SMELLS. So many. Other dogs (at least seven, maybe one million). Fox. Possibly ancient swamp creature. I needed to check all of them. Thoroughly. My human kept saying, “Toby, come on.” I was coming on. Just… diagonally.

Second important thing: MUD. Everywhere. Deep. Sneaky. Wet. I do not like wet feet. I tried to step only on the dry bits. There were not many dry bits.

HORSES. We saw horses. Very tall dogs. They stared at me. I stared at them. I wanted a closer look but my human said no — very disappointing.

It was a brisk winter afternoon and the sun made everything bright and exciting and full of Important Information. I may have pulled slightly. I may have tried to follow three Extremely Urgent scent trails. I regret nothing.

Walk TWO complete. 48 to go. I am ready!

HELLO!! Toby reporting for WALK ONE. Very exciting. Very foresty. Very sniffy.

We went to Bagley Wood in Kennington — a HUGE ancient woodland. Five hundred and fifty acres!! I don’t know what acres are, but it means big, and big means MANY SMELLS. I approved immediately.

The moment we arrived, I said: TREES!! BRUSH!! NATURE!! I launched into my duties: rooting around, sniffing under logs, shoving my nose into leaves, investigating all Important Forest Happenings. There were so many things to inspect that my tail couldn’t keep up.

But then — HOLD ON. We discovered something incredible: REDWOODS. Real redwoods! Like the giant ones from San Francisco (I have never been, but I am certain I would enjoy the smells). They were tall and impressive and made me feel like a very small but very mighty explorer. My humans were shocked. I sniffed them carefully to confirm their redwoodiness. Verified.

Bagley Wood is owned by something called St John’s College, which I assume is a pack of humans who love trees (good taste). The forest felt ancient and peaceful and full of secret dog knowledge.

I ran. I zig‑zagged. I rooted in brush piles like a professional woodland detective. I discovered approximately nine thousand sticks.

It was a perfect January adventure: quiet, magical, and packed with the BEST smells.
Walk One complete. I am an expert forest dog now.