Feeling Famous On Today's Walk...

Today was a bit of a special day. It was Mr GundogandGirl's birthday so, with snacks in our rucksacks and Storm by our side, we headed off to one of our very favourite places...

Not too far from our mundane little corner of Berkshire is the gorgeous Hambleden valley. This picture perfect slice of England is just outside of Henley but seems to be miles from anywhere and it's TV location heaven. Hambleden itself and Turville, another village a little further up the valley, will both have you saying 'Oh, isn't this where they filmed...' and they're great places to walk.

Today, we started in Turville itself, parking alongside the village green and oh my goodness, they we were parked right next to the Vicar of Dibley's cottage...

But, let's not linger in Turville right now because we have a brisk eight and a half miles ahead of us. Climbing out of Turville and up the slopes that surround it, we were soon walking across open fields and through wooded copses. Red Kites fill the valley skies and they swooped and soared with the gliders that were out, spiraling in the clouds, enjoying the thermals rising off the hills. This is beautiful countryside and the best bit was, save for the ewes and lambs sunning themselves in the fields, we had it all to ourselves.

Not sure if the wellies were lost but they were just left in a hedge!

We zig-zagged down the hill into the tiny hamlet of Skirmett. Immaculately manicured cottages sit alongside the road and the village noticeboard advertises the forthcoming 'mixed doubles' tournament. The pub sits right in the centre of everything, keeping a watchful eye on all-comers and goes by the name of The Frog (yes, that's Skirmett's Frog!). Luckily, we were still to early to call in otherwise there would have been every chance we wouldn't have got going again, staying in the garden, watching the world wander by.

Through Skirmett and we turned onto The Chiltern Way and followed it all the way along the valley floor to Hambleden. The Hamble Brook was crystal clear today, fed by the water oozing from the chalk slopes around it and Storm was very keen to dip a toe (or indeed her whole body) in the cooling water. Crossing the last field before Hambleden itself, we passed a bona-fide yummy mummy (wearing a silk top of enviable styling) walking with her Boden-tastic daughter. "Look Mummy, a big dog. Ooooh, it's a shiny dog." cooed the little girl. Storm trotted smugly past like someone who has, finally, been truly appreciated.

In Hambleden, we sat on a bench outside the church and nibbled our snacks (well, devoured is probably more accurate) and decided that this is somewhere we would all like to live. Storm was most taken with the brook and the fields, Mr GandG and I just loved the village, the cottages, the village store-cum-teashop and everything really. Hambleden is also quite the location scout's favourite and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Witches, Nanny McPhee, Sleepy Hollow and 101 Dalmations have all been filmed here along with Midsomer Murders and the brilliant Band Of Brothers. With me happily dreaming of the delectable Damian Lewis in uniform, we explored a little before heading onwards...

Another climb out of Hambleden had us heading back towards Turville through woods alive with pheasants. Time after time, they ran across the path in front of us like school children playing chicken by the road. Storm was quite happy to see them as you can probably imagine.

Eventually we popped out of the hedgerows back in Skirmett and took a slightly different path back to Turville. Here, crossing Hamble Brook again, Storm finally got the chance to leap into the water and she splashed about happily for a while with the happy look of a toddler in the surf.

Back in Turville, while Mr GandG sat in the boot of the car with Storm, dangling his legs while munching our final apple, I had a little mooch around the village. The church (not really called St Barnabas as in Dibley!) has such a serene air about it. Not for this church the unkempt and unloved look of a graveyard left to run wild. No, the lucky souls buried here are well looked after.

Something you probably don't know about me is that I'm a bit of a military history buff and, thanks to my RAF pilot Grandfather, the Royal Air Force in World War II is, should I ever be on MasterMind, going to be my specialist subject. So, it was inevitable that this gravestone would catch my eye...

I sat for a few moments on my heels in front of this plot, thinking about the 19 year old Sgt Hazell and wondering about his life and death. I'm happy he returned to this beautiful place and I'm so so pleased that he's obviously not been forgotten. Next time I return, I'll bring something for this boy.

Turville, aside from being home to the fabulous Geraldine Grainger (oh Dawn French, you are fabulous) has also had starring roles in Goodnight Mr Tom, The Avengers, Foyle's War and Midsomer Murders. Up on the hill above is Cobstone Mill, or, as you might know it, the home of Dick Van Dyke's mad inventor in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Toot Sweet anyone?!

Our little star-studded walk in the countryside was so enjoyable. We didn't get rained on, we had lots to look at, hills to climb and fields to cross. It was a perfect walk with a perfect backdrop. If you get the chance to walk here, you really should, it's marvellous. But now, if you'll excuse me, I must go and swoon over houses for sale in Hambleden...

Separation Anxiety...

Storm and I are both suffering from a little bit of separation anxiety today, even thought we're both right next to each other.

You see, Storm loves her Boy and the Boy loves Storm. The Boy is an eleven year old animal magnet. He adores dogs and dogs, without exception, adore him. He is a natural.

But this weekend, the Boy has gone to his Dad and Storm and I are missing him terribly. I can't tell whether Storm senses that I'm not right or that she just misses the Boy or if it's both but she's a little down today.

She hasn't left my side, she's being incredibly loving to me but seems a little flat with everyone else. She's not sure where he's gone but she's sure she's feeling his absence.

For the nights before the Boy leaves, he sleeps with a towel that then gets put in Storm's crate and she snuffles it and sleeps on it and never ever tries to mouth or chew it. She's had a good sniff around his bedroom today, just in case he was playing hide and seek with her but no, he's not here.

How do changes like this affect dogs I wonder? One moment the Boy is there and then he's gone. And then he comes back. She'll be thrilled to see him and they'll cuddle up together but how does it feel to them? Add in my little slump when he goes and she's got lots of emotions to cope with. Storm, despite her rather harsh name, is a total softie. So am I. So is the Boy. That's why we've all got a little Separation Anxiety today.

My view as I type...

Walks Of Discovery...

I've loved walking for years - I've walked various endurance events and crazy multi-marathon challenges over the last years so one of the things I'm really enjoying about having Storm is the opportunity, nay absolute need, to go walking every day.

You all know what it's like when you've got a dog - rain, shine, warm or cold, you're out walking with your four-legged friend. And it's great. You notice the changing of the seasons, you watch the trees becoming greener every day, you check your watch when it's all of a sudden lighter on the evening walk that it was the previous week and you're outside, outside and being active.

There's also something quite wonderful about discovering places - we live quite close to Reading University and have been walking around the campus on quite a few occasions. Other than knowing it was there, I've never really been on the site and I have to say, it's a great place to walk. Lakes, woods, paths, trees and lots of other dogs and walkers to meet and chat to.

It's funny that it takes a dog to open your eyes to the beauty that's right on your doorstep. Maybe it's because they see the best in everything and everyone all the time and this is just Appreciative Osmosis!

A Walk In Pictures...

So here's today's walk with Storm, in photos (and yes, she managed to find some of the remaining huge puddles to leap in!)

Dear Grant, Thank You...

Grant - The Legend

Dear Grant,

This is a letter to say a huge thank you to you, you special, wonderful beautiful boy.

We still all miss you very much but I wanted to tell you of something amazing that you've done for me, even though you're not here anymore.

I know you spent so much time at the vets, Addison's Disease wasn't much fun was it, but while you were at the vet, your courage, your gentleness and your fighting spirit won you lots of friends. When Emily put you to sleep, she cried too and even now, a few years on, you're still her special boy.

When Emily found out I was looking for a dog, she thought of you and remembered how well we'd looked after you (well, that was more Mum than me wasn't it to be honest) and she knew that any dog that went to our family would be well looked after. So she spoke to one of her veterinary nurses who also remembered you and she told her friend who needed to re-home one of her dogs.

And that's how we got Storm.

So, when I took Storm to see Emily, she was so happy for us and really, my darling Grantley, it's all because of you. Too ill to continue being a Guide Dog but too special to give in, you were a real gentleman and you touched everyone.

I wish you could see Storm, she's fabulous and we love her.

Thank you Grant,
YouGirl xxx

Bouncing Back & Perfect Perspective...

Today has been, in football commentary cliche style, a game of two halves.

This morning, Storm and I had our session with the lovely Sarah Miles and after our week of practice, I hoped the improvement would be noticeable. Storm, wouldn't you just know it, had other ideas.

She was so excited to be back at the training ground that she just went a little crazy. She ran around, she didn't wait and she just didn't do herself justice. That said, we did our first marked retrieves today and that felt fantastic. I've never sent a dog to retrieve before and that feeling when I'm down next to Storm and she locks onto the dummy but waits for my command to go is wonderful. Yes, her deliveries back to me aren't perfect but now Sarah has figured out what Storm had been taught before I got her, we're heading in the right direction. I still really enjoyed myself and seeing Sarah work one of her dogs was wonderful.

Then, this afternoon we went out for a walk around one of our favourite stomping grounds, Reading University. There are always plenty of dogs here and now Storm's over her season, these encounters are much less stressful and I feel less like an Edwardian chaperone and more like a dog-walker.

We met someone we knew and as soon as I stopped, Storm sat down. The little dogs jumped around and certainly made their presence felt. I stood chatting for a little while Storm just chilled out waiting for me.

"My goodness," said my dog-owning friend "She's amazingly well behaved."

I looked down at Storm, she looked up at me and I smiled. Yes, on the gundog front we've got loads to learn but as a pet, she's beyond perfect.

And anyway, life would be deadly dull if you had nothing to aim at and nothing to work for. It's all about perspective.

A Weekend Of Dog Days...

So this was a weekend of dog days. The sun was shining, it feels like Spring is really just around the corner and my days had a real canine slant.

I loved it.

This pic here makes me smile. Storm and I have been doing our homework for Sarah Miles like the diligent students we are. Recalls, waits, we've worked hard this week. Sarah has wanted me to practice moving to Storm's side and holding her in position and we've been doing that with more success ad the week's gone on. And it's the look on Storm's face that gets me every time. Her eyes lock onto mine, she waits and watches until I smile and praise. It's fabulous.

Today, I went to an event run by Pets In Practise all about dog behaviour theory in the 'real world'. It was brilliantly hosted by Kris Glover who was friendly, knowledgeable and great company for a thoroughly entertaining day. It was really through provoking and incredibly interesting. I think I've got lots to learn and I have a shopping list of books to get through!

I'm typing this now from my corner of the sofa with Storm sprawled out next to me. She's sleeping, twitching and re-living her weekend too. I think these dog days meet with her approval!

Don't Worry, Be Happy...

'I think I might have got something stuck in my teeth'

Before we got Storm, I worried. I worried that I would be simply too selfish to have a dog.

Would I really be able to give up my odd precious lay-in to make sure the dog was let out? Would I remember the drops, tablets, capsules, eggs and other things on Storm's list of requirements? Would the kids get on with her? Would the daily walks become onerous? Would she interfere with my work and my life? Would she demand a lot of time and effort

Seven weeks on from Storm's arrival into my life, I realised this week that those worries are just simply non-issues. Yes, I'm always up by 6.45am now, yes, I've got more wet in the last few weeks on walks than I would like, yes, there's a lot to remember. But my goodness, how dogs reward you for that really negligible amount of work.

When we walk in the rain, we're in it together and when we get home and she curls up next to me, I know she's happy and content and that makes me happy and content too. When I'm up early in the morning, she leans against me to be rubbed and is happy to see me. She makes my heart sing when we practice the moves that Sarah has given us for this week's 'homework' and we both improve every time. She's opened my eyes to the countryside and has made me renew my interest in rural ways. She keeps me company when I'm writing, she reminds me to take a break every now and again. When my son goes to spend some time with his Dad, we share in missing him but we still have each other and welcoming him home again is made more special watching Storm's happiness at his arrival.

Yes, there's 'work' attached to having a dog but you are repaid for your effort a hundred times over every day. Storm has made me a better person so remind me, what was I worried about?

We've Come A Long Way Baby...

Today, it hit me just how far Storm and I have come in the last few weeks. School might not be back in session quite yet but hurrah, there's cricket coaching this week so this morning, Storm and I dutifully  headed out on the school run.

Now, the last time we tried this, Storm was pulling on her lead, weaving about in front of me when we walked, sniffing at everything en-route and would get obsessed with pigeons, squirrels and anything else chaseable. I know, this is relatively small potatoes when it comes to dog behaviour problems but it was annoying and it made walks less than fun.

Less than two weeks on and my goodness, how things have changed. Storm's lead is loose, she trots happily at my side, she leaves everything (well, 99% of the time!) and she's just a joy to walk with. It's amazing. I partly credit a couple of books ('The Pet Gundog' and 'Total Recall' for you book worms) for the change and our session with Sarah Miles which seems to have done big things for my relationship with Storm.

And it's not just me that sees it. I also took Storm to my Mum's today and we went out for a walk with her two retired Guide Dogs. The difference was huge - and Storm loved being out with dog friends!

We also practiced our moves in the garden today and it was fabulous. On the recall, Storm no longer runs past me but stops and sits right in front. She waits, she turns, she let me get down the full length of the garden (about 120ft) while she waited for my signal to come. She walked to heel without the lead and she hunted out little pieces of apple I'd hidden. I barely had to talk to Storm, hand signals and facial expressions were enough. My partner was amazed and Storm was so pleased with herself.

The dog I have now is just a bit fabulous and we've come a long way baby. But there's still a long way to go...

Open Your Heart...

I'm writing this post with a huge smile on my face - today, Storm and I had our first training session with the rather fabulous Sarah Miles and it was just amazing.

Now, as you might know, I've not had Storm long, just six weeks and for almost four of those weeks, she's been in season and on the lead to avoid any unplanned amorous encounters. So I've not worked with her that much and I wasn't sure how she'd react to the sudden freedom in a place that is, frankly, dog heaven.

I shouldn't have doubted my girl, she behaved very well indeed. Within minutes, Sarah had us turning, walking, staying, releasing and recalling across open ground. Later in the session, Storm was leaping across fences, hunting out treats and coming back to me on my whistle from deep in the woods. She was brilliant. I still have a lot to learn but I loved every minute.

Sarah's approach was just wonderful - lots of praise, simple instructions (for Storm and for me!) and plenty of little breaks to stop us from being too overworked. Sarah really was everything I hoped she would be and I can't wait to work with her more over the coming months.

But it was Storm who blew me away. Seeing her in that environment was absolutely fantastic. She looked alive, she looked relaxed and, most importantly to me, she was enjoying herself. She had come home and I'd taken her there. It was almost magical.

Since we've been home this afternoon, she's not left my side and I'm seeing her, and our lives together, in a new light. Who knows what we might be able to achieve together given practice and patience? I remember seeing the inspiring Allen Parton of Hounds For Heroes on TV saying in response to the comment 'I wish I could have a dog as amazing as yours' that actually anyone could and "... all you need to do is open your heart to see what they're capable of." Well, I had that moment today. An amazing, emotional, heart-opening moment.

Thank you Sarah - we'll be doing our homework and we'll see you next week...

...if Storm's recovered by then...

Gundog & Boy...

I know, I know - the blog is 'Gundog & Girl', not 'Gundog & Boy' but I've just been flicking through the photos on my phone and this one just gets me every time. This is a pic from a couple of weeks ago - my little boy (well, my not-so-little-anymore boy) from home from school ill and Storm became Nurse Storm, looking after him and keeping him company. Not asking for anything but giving him everything. The Boy is an animal magnet it's true but there's something about the serenity of this image that just gets me every time. Hope you like it too...

A Diary Of Dog Days

Today was a lovely day and, in a small and seemingly insignificant way, historic.

You see, in my family, there's a diary that's been filled in for more than seventy years. My Gran started it when she was nursing in India during World War II and dates of dances, qualifications, parties and proposals are all recorded. Yes, it would seem my Gran was proposed to quite frequently. Bet it was the uniform!

It records the date she met my Grandad, when she accepted his proposal (he must have been special) and all the other important dates in their life together.

When she died, my Mum took over the diary-writing duties. My first day at school, my exam results, my first time on TV, the birth of my son, everything's there.

Today, I got to write my first diary entry. My Mum, I hasten to add, is still well and walking her dogs but she wanted me to write this entry. And here's what I wrote on the page for 27th February...

"2013 - Storm, an 11 month old black Labrador Retriever, came home"

Because it seems that the diary records more than just births, marriages and hot dates in wartime. It's also full of dogs. Every four-legged arrival is noted as is, most touchingly, every departure. My Gran records the day in 1941 when she "laid Tiny to rest" and over the years, many more dog related moments are recorded, carefully and lovingly. Dogs, it seems, are an integral part of my family history, part of my DNA.

No wonder I feel complete now I've got a dog by my side.

A Wet Walk

Well, today's plan for a monster walk wasn't, as it turns out, a very good one. On May 11th, I'm doing the 60k Just Walk It Challenge across the South Downs to raise money for the wonderful Hounds For Heroes so I thought that today we'd head out into the Pang Valley for a longer walk but we were foiled by hail and thunder but mostly by a soggy, hopeless map.

Anyway, Storm had a wonderful time. After three weeks of very restrained walking whilst she was in season for the first (and only!) time, today was much more fun. Lots to sniff, lots to explore, undergrowth to crash through and, best of all in Storm's eyes, huge puddles to leap into.

For me, seeing her enjoying herself was wonderful but Bucklebury Common was a real experience today too. I can't be sure whether it was the menacing weather, the stillness of the trees or the bright wetness of the colours but it was beautiful in a very other-worldly way. I've also never seen lichen dripping from trees in the way it was today.

So, even though the walk didn't go entirely to plan, the outing we had was actually better than I hoped. And now, being home post wash-down (Storm) and shower (me) with the rain still crashing down outside makes me feel very content. Or that might be the cake, who knows.

First Training Session Ahead...

I've been reading Pippa Mattinson's excellent book 'Total Recall' and so went for a little nosey around Pippa's website. Like Storm following a scent, that led me neatly to The Gundog Club.

Whilst I didn't buy Storm to 'work' as a gundog, there's simply no denying it's in her genes so harnessing her built in abilities for training seems like a good idea to me. Training has always appealed too as a bonding exercise and I'd like Storm to be well mannered and well behaved wherever we go. But, I know that I'm no expert and I certainly need more training than Storm does. And if we end up out with the guns or not, we'll both be better trained.

So, I had a hunt around on The Gundog Club site and their list of trainers and got in touch with the one nearest me, Sarah Miles. And hurrah, I feel already that I've found my ideal trainer! Sarah replied to my mail quickly and has been so friendly and helpful, it's wonderful. She also has a Labrador from the same breeder as Storm and has given me lots of information in a flurry of e-mail. I'm so happy to have got in contact with Sarah.

Anyway, the upshot of all this is that Storm and I are off for our first session with Sarah on Monday and I can't wait.

Welcome To Gundog & Girl...

Welcome to Gundog & Girl - this blog is going to be the story of my journey with Storm over the coming weeks, months and years.

Storm bounced into my life six weeks ago now and already, I can't imagine my house or heart without her.

She's just a year old now, a pedigree Labrador Retriever with generations of Field Trial Champions behind her on her pedigree. She might look black but actually she's a coca-cola colour - she looks black but when the light bounces off her coat, you realise she's actually very dark brown in places. She's funny, smart, beautiful and gentle. She's everything I ever wanted in a dog.

As for me, well, I've never owned a pedigree Labrador Retriever. I've been around dogs ever since I was born but at 36, I've got my first very own dog. I know some things but I'm still learning lots and this will be a record, a chart, a story of everything.

As I type this welcome note, Storm is laying beside me, eyes shut after two long walks today, huge feet resting, breathing slowly. We've had a good day together.

So, what can you expect from this blog? Well, Storm and I have our first session with a trainer on Monday and I can guarantee I'm more nervous than Storm who will, no doubt, enjoy getting back to her working dog roots. We have holidays booked, walking in the Lake District and I'm keen to try The Kennel Club's Good Citizen Dog Scheme too. My dream is PAT dog status but we'll see what Storm thinks about all of that.

Anyway, I'll say goodbye for now. Storm would say goodbye too I'm sure but she's too busy snoring.