Birthday Girl...

Ella's first birthday was on 29th and we went for a 4-mile walk through Rothamsted Park and across the countryside bridleways and the Nickey Line (disused railway line). We had heavy icy rain and very muddy underfoot but we loved it. She was a true hound and could have gone on longer, bless. The afternoon was home chilling in front of TV with the Sunday papers and hot cup tea. Card by Edward.

Ella has Campylobacter

Finally, after 2 months, have a diagnosis. Ella has Campylobacter and is about to start a 10 day course of antibiotics. She also has a hormone imbalance which is being treated separately. All being well she will be back to full health within a month. The infection could easily have come from boiled chicken which I use to add to her meals, but just as easily from foraging when we are out walking, as we'll never know. This past week of blood, stool and urine sample sent off to the labs got to the bottom if it and the news is better than was expected.

Therfield Heath, Hertfordshire

Now at 11months old, this Saturday we had a sunny 3 mile Autumn walk over Therfield Heath on the outskirts of Royston, Herts. I took a heavy fall walking uphill on uneven ground, landed on my right shoulder and was on the ground for a couple of minutes to get my breath back and assess the immense pain. It's taken until end November to fully recover and was a wake up call about taking more care over rough ground far away from others!

Chasing sheep...

Early morning Autumn walk on the Hatfield Estate in heavy rain.... Ella comes across a field of sheep and decides to join them for a run around.... not good, estate worker came across her and rightly was not amused!