The Walks

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.